Pallay Punchu
Rainbow Mountain

At Vidal Expeditions, we try to make the booking system as easy as possible for you. Once you decide to do some of our day tours, we will send you a booking form where you need to complete all the required details that we need to book your tickets. We also need a previous deposit of 50% of the price per person. As soon as you pay it, we immediately book a spot for this tour. Once we are done with it, we will send you your invoice and a confirmation form that all the booking processes have been satisfactorily set up.

This is the ultimate day tour in Cusco. Pallay Punchu Mountains is the third Rainbow Mountain in Cusco, discovered during the COVID-19 pandemic, and nowadays is adventurers with its awe-inspiring landscapes and one of the top destinations for many visitors. It offers incredible views of the high mountains surrounding imposing lakes and abundant wild fauna.

This iconic mountain is located on the southern side of Cusco by following the main route between Cusco and Puno, near Sicuani district. You can also get there from Arequipa, but it takes a long drive.

Pallay Punchu Mountain is standing at 4,600 m (15,100 feet) above sea level, and the hike starts at 4,480 m (14,69 feet).

Well, the hike is not bad; it only takes 30 minutes to reach the peak, but it will depend on your physical condition. Of course, you need a few days in Cusco to acclimate to the altitude.

Usually it takes 3 hours of driving, but this will depend on which route is taking us. We take the closest one and get to the bottom of Pallay Puncho Mountain, which makes the hike shorter.

As we mentioned above, Pallay Punchu Mountain was discovered during the last pandemic, and not many people go there, so it is still well preserved, the flora and fauna are well cared for, there are not many regulations yet, and the hike is easier than other Rainbow Mountains.

Altitude sickness is a very common problem in Cusco. To avoid it, it is quite complicated if it is your first time over 3,000 meters. What you can do to avoid serious problems is to take it easy, especially on the first days. We recommend resting as much as you can; walking a little will help you to adjust the altitude; and drinking more water than you usually do will bring you more benefit from the altitude. Our guide will always carry an oxygen tank, and they are well trained to attend to any emergency that may occur during your Pallay Punchu tour.

May to October are the best times of the year to visit this iconic Pallay Punchu mountain. During this period, Cusco has a dry season and rain is rare, so you will have more chance to enjoy the different landscaspas that offer breathtaking views during this tour. November to April is the rainy season in Cusco, and some days could be heavy rains with no chance to enjoy this tour.

The cost of this tour will depend on which travel company you choose. Our price for the full-day tour is $80 USD, and it includes pick-up, transportation, a tour guide, meals (breakfast and lunch), entrance fees, a walking sting, an oxygen tank, and drop-off.

Pallay Punchu is a day tour from Cusco, it is mostly adventure and hiking tour which allows you to see diidfent landscapes, Pallay Punchu offers nature enthusiasts countless opportunities for exploration and adventure. The region boasts pristine hiking trails that wind through verdant valleys and lead to hidden waterfalls and crystal-clear lakes. Visitors can also witness diverse wildlife species such as Andean condors soaring across the sky or spot unique flora like orchids endemic to the area.

Pallay Punchu's creation occurred approximately 250 million years ago. Sand, dirt, and various mineral types pile in layers during the development of the Earth's crust, each collapsing under its own weight. These sediments were ruptured by the collision of the Nazca and South American tectonic plates, creating mountain ranges, hills, and slopes..