Itinerary
Discover what awaits you in the PALLAY PUNCHU MOUNTAIN TOUR – 1 DAY
day 1
PALLAY PUNCHU
The mountain that looks like a woven poncho.
A short hike to Pallay Punchu, with its colored stripes and sharp ridges, in a corner of southern Cusco far less crowded than Vinicunca.
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Pickup and breakfast in Cusipata
By tourist transport, very early · Cusco → Cusipata
We pick you up very early at your hotel in Cusco and drive towards Cusipata as the first rays of sun light up the Andean landscape. There we have a hot breakfast buffet.
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Drive to Marangani
By tourist transport, approx. 2 hours · Cusipata → Marangani → Trailhead
We continue to the village of Marangani and, along a stretch of dirt road, reach the start of the hike.
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Climb to Pallay Punchu
On foot, uphill, 40 minutes to 1 hour · Trailhead → Pallay Punchu
We climb surrounded by mountains, fresh air and Andean calm, far from the noise of the city.
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Pallay Punchu Mountain Highlight
Time for photos at the viewpoints · Summit of Pallay Punchu
Before us stands Pallay Punchu, the colorful mountain with sharp peaks. Its reddish, green and ochre tones form geometric shapes reminiscent of a giant Andean textile. We will have time to breathe deeply, take photos and enjoy the place.
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Descent and lunch in Cusipata
On foot and by tourist transport · Pallay Punchu → Marangani → Cusipata
We hike down to Marangani, where our transport takes us back to Cusipata for a buffet lunch.
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Return to Cusco
By tourist transport, in the afternoon · Cusipata → Cusco
We drive back to Cusco, arriving in the afternoon.
Day details
- Hike: 1 to 2 hours round trip, including time at the viewpoints
- Difficulty: Easy; the challenge is the altitude
- Maximum altitude: Approx. 4,730 m / 15,518 ft (Pallay Punchu)
- Meals: Breakfast and buffet lunch
The colored stripes of Pallay Punchu with a short hike and no crowds. Want to see the most famous one too? Discover the Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca Tour 1 Day.
What is this day like? check our photos
Includes
Guide, assistance and safety
- Professional bilingual guide.
- Trekking poles.
- First aid kit.
- Oxygen tank: In the vehicle and during the hike.
Transport
- Pickup from your hotel in Cusco.
- Tourist transport: Round trip.
Meals
- Breakfast buffet in Cusipata.
- Buffet lunch in Cusipata.
Not include
Entrance fee
- Pallay Punchu entrance fee.
Other
- Extra drinks and meals not mentioned.
- Travel insurance.
- Personal expenses.
Prices PALLAY PUNCHU MOUNTAIN TOUR – 1 DAY
Rates per person
Traveling soon? We recommend booking early to secure your date, but we have daily departures and, depending on the date, you can also book just a few days ahead. Ask us about availability.
Need accommodation in Cusco?
Our team will help you find the best option for your stay.
Packaging list
- Documents and money: Passport or ID, and money for shopping and extra expenses.
- Layered clothing: Warm clothes and a jacket (the weather changes and it is windy), gloves, a warm hat, comfortable trekking clothes and a rain poncho.
- Footwear: Suitable walking shoes.
- Sun protection: Cap for sun and cold, and sunscreen.
- Small backpack: With water, camera and snacks.
Recomendations
- Acclimatize first: Spend at least one day in Cusco before the tour so the altitude change is less abrupt and to prevent altitude sickness. When you reach your hotel, rest a little before you start sightseeing. Some travelers take altitude sickness pills.
- Walk calmly: The climb is short, but it is above 4,700 m. Stay hydrated and go at your own pace.
- No vertigo: The final slope is steep; keep this in mind if you suffer from vertigo.
- On foot only: There is no horse rental on this route.
- No toilets on the trail: Facilities are only available in Marangani, at the start, and at the meal stops.
- Best time to go: The dry season, from April to October, has more stable weather and clearer views.
- No signal: Let your family know you may be out of contact for several hours.
F.A.Qs
How difficult is the hike?
It is technically easy, but the altitude, over 4,700 m (15,420 ft), makes it more demanding. The final slope requires not suffering from vertigo and being well acclimatized in Cusco.
How do I know if this tour is right for me?
It is ideal if you are looking for an authentic Andean experience, away from the crowds and with unique scenery, and if you enjoy hiking at altitude and landscape photography with basic to moderate fitness. You don’t need to be an expert hiker, but you do need to be well acclimatized in Cusco.
Why is it called Pallay Punchu?
In Quechua it means “woven poncho” or “decorated poncho”, because its sharp slopes and colored stripes resemble the design of an Andean poncho. It combines two words: pallay (to weave, embroider or create designs) and punchu (poncho).
Why is it called “the new rainbow mountain”?
Because of its recent popularity, as it went viral during the pandemic, and because of the minerals that give it its colors. It is a spectacular alternative, with an easier hike than the classic Vinicunca.
Is the hike suitable for most people?
Yes, if you have basic fitness and have acclimatized in Cusco. The climb only takes 40 minutes to 1 hour; the challenge is the altitude, close to 4,730 m (15,518 ft), not the technique.
Can I get altitude sickness?
Yes. As the route is at high altitude, you may feel symptoms such as a headache, fatigue or dizziness. We recommend acclimatizing well in Cusco, staying hydrated and walking calmly.
Is it suitable for older people or people with medical conditions?
Yes, if they have good mobility and, when needed, medical clearance. For more comfort we recommend the private service, which lets you go at your own pace and take breaks.
Can I rent a horse?
No. For safety reasons and because of the steep final section, the route is done on foot only. We recommend acclimatizing beforehand to enjoy the hike more.
Do you carry oxygen?
Yes. We carry an oxygen tank for emergencies, and our guides are trained in first aid.
When is the best time to go?
The dry season, from April to October, when the weather is more stable and the mountain is clearer.
How far is it from Cusco?
About 190 km (118 miles) south of Cusco, around 4 hours by road: first to Cusipata, then about 2 hours to Marangani and, finally, a stretch of dirt road to the trailhead.
What clothes should I bring?
Dress in layers, as the weather is cold and changeable: a warm jacket, gloves, a warm hat, comfortable trekking clothes, suitable shoes and a rain poncho.
How long is the hike?
The climb takes 40 minutes to 1 hour, depending on your pace and fitness, and the descent is faster. In total, the round trip takes 1 to 2 hours, including time at the viewpoints.
Are there toilets on the route?
No. The route has no tourist infrastructure: there are no toilets or stalls along the trail. Basic facilities are only available in Marangani, at the start, and at the meal stops.
What if the weather is bad?
Safety comes first. If conditions are unsafe or visibility is very poor, the guide may adjust the timing, shorten the hike or change the plan.
What if I feel unwell?
Our team assists you right away. All our guides are trained in first aid and assess each case to, if needed, get you safely back to the starting point.
Is there phone signal or internet?
Very little or none along most of the route. We recommend telling your family you may be out of contact for several hours.
How does the booking process work?
1. Availability check: Write to us at info@sakuraexpedition.com or on WhatsApp at +51 941 411 418 to check your dates. We will send you a booking form that each participant must complete.
2. Traveler details: To manage the booking we need, exactly as shown in the passport, full name, gender, passport number, date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy) and nationality.
3. Guarantee: We ask for a guarantee per person to secure your space. We recommend booking early, especially on holidays and in high season.
4. Final confirmation: Once the booking is confirmed, you will receive the official invoice and your place will be 100 % guaranteed.
Can I cancel or change the date?
Yes, up to 48 hours before departure. In that case an administrative fee applies, which is deducted from the total amount as appropriate.
Why choose Sakura Expedition?
We are a 100 % local Peruvian company, specialized in adventure and cultural tourism in Cusco and Peru. Our team of certified guides and operations staff works to give you unique, safe, high-quality experiences.
We stand out for responsible and sustainable tourism, respect for local communities and personalized service. With our tourism quality certification, we take care of every detail, from planning to the very last moment of the tour.
Do you have more questions?
Message us on WhatsApp at +51 941 411 418 or email info@sakuraexpedition.com.
