Pallay Punchu in Layo, All you need to know hike 2025

Pallay Puncho, New Rainbow Mountain

The Pallay Punchu Mountain, or Pallay Poncho in Layo, or Apu T’akllo Apacheta, located in the Layo district in Cusco, is the new tourist attraction of Cusco as of 2020. Cusco would add its third mountain of colors—an Unmissable place you should know.

Location and altitude of Pallay Poncho

Pallay Punchu mountain is located at about 4,700 m.a.s.l. in the Layo district of Canas Province, Cusco. The journey from the city of Cusco takes approximately 3 hours.

Weather in Pallay Poncho

The climate, as in the entire Andes, is quite variable. The atmosphere is quite similar to that of Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca). You may experience a lot of cold and strong winds.

It is very sunny during the day, and in the afternoons, there is a lot of cold wind—a wind that burns and a single one that does not seem to heat anything.

The best time to go to the Pallay Poncho

The best time to get to know this place is during the dry season in Cusco. Between May and October

Why is the Pallay Poncho Mountain a new tourist attraction in Cusco?

Also known as Pallay Punchu del Apu Tákllo Apacheta differs from Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain because it has sharper mountains. You can also appreciate the largest lagoon in Cusco (Langui), which makes it a unique and incredible place.

How do you get to Pallay Poncho Mountain?

Like any destination in Cusco, this is far from the city, a few hours away; the best way to get there is on our Pallay Poncho tour. From Canas town: The distance is 5.3 km, and from there, it is a walk of 02 hours to about 04 hours, depending on your physical condition.

Since it is a new tourist destination, there has been little influx of travelers, so it is better to hire our corresponding tour.

Recommendations for the hike

Acclimatization: 02 to 03 days in the city of Cusco
Good physical condition to reach the top of the mountain of Pallay Punchu.
Trekking pole.
Bring and wear sunglasses with UV protection, a hat or cap, and strong sunscreen.
Wear hiking shoes.
Light, warm clothing, such as gloves, scarves, chullos, etc
Carry water and drink constantly; you need to be hydrated.