Discover a magical corner of the Peruvian Andes! In this blog, you will immerse yourself in the fascinating natural wonder of Pallay Punchu, the new rainbow mountain just a few hours from Cusco, Peru. Imagine a mountain wrapped in a vibrant Andean poncho, ready to dazzle you with colors that seem to come straight from a painting. Learn everything you need to know about this place and be amazed by the unique beauty that this treasure holds.
With this new destination, we now have three colored mountains in Cusco: Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, Palccoyo Mountain, and Pallay Punchu Mountain (which is the focus of this blog). Let’s get started!
- The World of Pallay
- What does Pallay Punchu mean?
- How was the mountain formed?
- When was the mountain discovered?
- Location and Altitude
- Layo, a must-visit tourist destination
- How to get to Pallay Punchu?
- The traill
- Weather
- Which is better? Pallay Punchu vs. Vinicunca Mountain
- What to bring to the Rainbow Mountain?
- Recommendations:
- Colors, Culture, and Adventure in the Highlands of Cusco
The World of Pallay
If you’ve been to Cusco, you’ll remember that Andean clothing is handwoven and adorned with different geometric drawings. Some of these symbols are quite abstract, while others depict people or animals. Those drawings, icons, pictograms, motifs, or designs that adorn Andean clothing are known in Quechua as “pallay.” Pallay also expresses fundamental concepts of Andean philosophy such as ayni (reciprocity) or yanantin (complementarity), among others.
What does Pallay Punchu mean?
Pallay Punchu in Quechua, the official language of the Incas, translates to “adorned poncho.” This mountain bears that name because its spectacular landscape appears to be wrapped in a colorful Andean poncho full of symbols and details. It’s as if nature had woven a work of art in the heights of the Peruvian Andes.
How was the mountain formed?
The formation of Pallay Punchu takes us back around 250 million years. During the formation of the Earth’s crust, different types of minerals, soil, and sand accumulate in layers, each falling under its weight. The collision of the South American and Nazca tectonic plates caused the rupture of these sediments, forming mountain ranges, hills, and slopes.
When was the mountain discovered?
In April 2020, during the COVID-19 quarantine, Pallay Punchu wasn’t just discovered; it went viral! It all started when Tony Ccalta went up the Pallay Poncho hill to gather Sasawi medicinal plants for his parents. Enchanted by the beauty of the place, he decided to capture the moment and shared photos and videos on his social media, quickly becoming viral.
Beyond being an impressive location, Sasawi, a local medicinal plant, has long been used in the area to treat respiratory illnesses. So, beyond its charm, Pallay Punchu has also become a haven for the well-being of the local community.
Location and Altitude
The Pallay Punchu mountain, also known as Pallay Poncho, is located in the Layo district, Canas province, south of Cusco. Regarding its altitude, it reaches 4,700 meters above sea level (approximately 15,419 feet). This location in the highlands of the Andes provides a stunning environment near the Langui Lagoon, in an area of high mountains and snow-capped peaks, offering visitors a unique experience to marvel at the natural beauty of the region.
Layo, a must-visit tourist destination
Layo is practically an untouched destination for international tourism. It is located on the shores of the impressive Langui-Layo Lagoon, and the people there have proudly preserved their traditions for millennia. It stands out for its incredible landscapes and delicious gastronomy, as it is a livestock and agricultural district. You can enjoy the delicious guinea pig meat, a trout ceviche, or a creamy cheese while observing the immensity of the lake waters.
Extra Tip // In Layo, you can stay in community hotels and experience authentic cultural immersion while contributing to the economic growth of local families. These accommodations are private, comfortable, and very pleasant. Take the opportunity to make new friends and immerse yourself in the warmth of Andean culture.
How to get to Pallay Punchu?
Here, we’ll explain the two ways to reach Pallay Punchu, so you can choose the one that best suits your travel style:
On your own:
1. Start your journey by leaving Cusco and taking transportation towards Sicuani.
2. Once there, look for transportation to Layo, the town near Pallay Punchu.
3. Upon arrival, gather information about the route and embark on the walk to the mountain viewpoint, which will take approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Note // Remember that this option is riskier, and complications may arise during the excursion.
Pallay Punchu Tour:
1. Research and choose a reliable travel agency in Cusco.
2. At Salkantay Trekking, we offer a one-day excursion to Pallay Punchu, ensuring details such as duration, itinerary, and included services.
3. Transportation from Cusco to Layo and a guide to accompany you during the walk will be provided.
4. Enjoy a worry-free and well-organized experience.
The traill
- You’ll have to walk at a high altitude and ascend for about 45 minutes to the viewpoint.
- Afterward, get ready to feel like you’re flying over the surface of another planet.
- The edges of Pallay Poncho—cream, magenta, brown—extend towards the steep mountain slope in mind-blowing patterns.
- Take some time to understand what it means to contemplate these pyramids patiently sculpted by Mother Earth, or Pachamama, for millions of years.
On one side, you’ll observe the fullness and dark waters of the immense Langui-Layo Lagoon.
On the other side, you’ll see mysterious and sharp mountains amidst valleys of red earth. Open your arms as if you were an Andean condor, feel the cold wind of the Cusco highlands, and let your mind fly away.
Important data:
- Location: Layo District
- Maximum height: 4,700 masl / 15,419 ft
- Walking time: 2 hours
- Activity level: Moderate
- Distance: 3 km / 1.8 mi
Weather
Here’s a bit more information about the two different seasons in Cusco and how you should prepare for them:
Rainy season:
Between November and March, the Cusco region experiences rain, which can bring fog, hail, or even snow. Some days offer better conditions; with fewer tourists, you’ll witness more vibrant and saturated mountain colors, adding a touch of magic to your experience.
Dry season:
Between April and October, you’ll enjoy the dry season. This means clearer skies and improved visibility. Trails tend to be drier and more stable, offering more predictable and favorable weather conditions for exploring mountains.
So, what is the best time to visit Pallay Punchu? It will depend on your personal preferences. Whichever you choose, you’ll be able to fully enjoy this natural wonder.
Which is better? Pallay Punchu vs. Vinicunca Mountain
Both mountains offer colorful landscapes and unique experiences, but the choice will depend on your personal preferences and fitness level:
| Appearance | Pallay Punchu | Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) |
| Altitude | 4,700 masl | 5,200 masl |
| Hiking Time (round trip) | Approximately 2 hours | Approximately 4 hours |
| Difficulty level | Moderate | More demanding |
| Accessibility | More accessible and suitable for various ages | May require more physical effort and time |
| Altitude sickness | Lower risk of altitude sickness | Higher altitude, higher risk of altitude sickness |
| Number of visitors | Few | Quite a few |
| Need for a horse? | No | Yes (optional) |
| Overall experience | Ideal for a less strenuous experience | For those seeking a challenging hike |
The Verdict
If you prefer a shorter and more accessible hike, Pallay Punchu is a great choice. If you’re up for a challenging, high-altitude trek to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views, Vinicunca is your adventure.
What to bring to the Rainbow Mountain?
To ensure you’re prepared for the excursion to Pallay Punchu’s Rainbow Mountain, here’s a list of essential items to bring:
- Layered clothing
- Waterproof jacket
- Hiking boots
- Water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Camera
- Toilet paper
- Small backpack
- Hat or cap
- Gloves
- Hiking poles
- Cash
- Snacks
- Rain poncho
- Identification document
Recommendations:
- Dedicate at least 2 days to explore the city of Cusco before your hike. This will give you time to acclimate to the altitude and face the cool weather awaiting you in Pallay Punchu.
- Carry some extra soles in your pocket just in case. You never know when you might find something special to buy, or if your cravings for local snacks will increase during the excursion.
- Before heading to the mountain, make sure to use the restroom facilities. Note that you won’t find it along the way.
Colors, Culture, and Adventure in the Highlands of Cusco
Don’t forget to carry the essence of Pallay Punchu with you and share your own stories from this magical corner with the world! Whether solo, with friends, or family, each visit to this rainbow mountain promises a unique connection with the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Peruvian Andes.
Pallay Punchu will leave an indelible mark on your memory. Dare to explore, marvel, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Are you ready to explore the new Mountain of Colors in Cusco?
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