Tour overview
The Pallay Punchu Full-Day Tour is our full-day excursion from Cusco to Pallay Punchu Mountain (also called Pallay Poncho or Apu T'aqllo), in the district of Layo, Canas province, at about 4,791 m a.s.l. This mountain, which became known during the pandemic, stands out for its sharp summits, pronounced ridges, and color bands that recall an Andean poncho, and from its summit you look out over Langui-Layo lake. We pick you up before dawn in Cusco, have breakfast on the way, travel through Sicuani to Layo along the lake, and, from the trailhead, walk one and a half to two hours to the summit. After enjoying the landscape we descend, have lunch at a local restaurant, and return to Cusco at nightfall. We include tourist transport, a professional guide, breakfast, lunch, trekking poles, a first-aid kit, and oxygen for emergencies.
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Best time to travel Approx. April to October (dry season)
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Maximum altitude 4,791 m a.s.l. (Pallay Punchu summit)
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Physical difficulty Moderate; ~5 km of climbing; altitude
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Minimum number of passengers 2 adults
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Maximum number of passengers 10 adults
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Booking lead time 1 day in advance
Overview
- Approx. 4:00 – 4:30 a.m. – Pickup in Cusco: we collect you at your hotel and travel south through the South Valley.
- Approx. 6:00 a.m. – Breakfast on the way: breakfast in Cusipata after about two hours on the road.
- Morning – Sicuani, Langui-Layo lake, and Layo: drive through Marangaí and Sicuani, then the turnoff to Layo along the lake.
- Approx. 9:00 – 9:30 a.m. – Start of the walk: from about 4,500 m a.s.l., a safety talk from our guide.
- Climb: approx. 5 km, 1 h 30 min to 2 h, moderate difficulty.
- Approx. 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon – Summit of Pallay Punchu: 4,791 m a.s.l., viewpoints, and a view of Langui-Layo lake.
- Midday – Descent: back the same trail to our transport.
- Afternoon – Lunch: lunch at a local restaurant on the way back.
- Approx. 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. – Arrival in Cusco: the service ends in the city center.
Itinerary
Approx. 4:00 – 4:30 a.m. – Pickup in Cusco and breakfast on the way
We start very early: we pick you up at your hotel in Cusco between about 4:00 and 4:30 a.m. (we confirm the exact time the day before) and travel in our tourist transport toward the south of the region along the South Valley route, among Andean landscapes, traditional communities, and fields with llamas and alpacas.
After about two hours on the road we reach the town of Cusipata, where we stop for a nourishing breakfast and to recover energy before the walk.
Morning – Sicuani, Langui-Layo lake, and Layo
After breakfast we continue toward Marangaí and Sicuani, and there we take the turnoff that leads to the district of Layo, in Canas province. Along the way we skirt Langui-Layo lake, one of the largest lakes in southern Cusco, surrounded by mountains and high Andean communities.
We reach the trailhead, at about 4,500 m a.s.l., around 9:00 – 9:30 a.m. Before we start, our guide gives safety instructions and recommendations for the climb.
Approx. 9:30 a.m. – Walk to Pallay Punchu Mountain
We start a gradual climb of about 5 km, which usually takes between one and a half and two hours depending on your pace and how you adapt to the altitude. The trail crosses ichu grasslands and rock formations, with alpacas along the way and panoramic views of Langui-Layo lake. The difficulty is moderate; if you prefer, in Layo you can hire a horse with community members, although the last stretch, about 15 minutes before the viewpoint, is always on foot.
When we reach the summit, at 4,791 m a.s.l., Pallay Punchu appears in front of us. Its name refers to the designs of the Andean poncho: sharp summits and bands of pink, purple, ocher, reddish, green, and white, due to the presence and oxidation of different minerals in the rock. We have about an hour to walk the viewpoints, hear our guide explain the geological formation of the place, take photographs, and look at Langui-Layo lake from above. The sasawi also grows on this mountain, a medicinal plant used for generations in the area to treat respiratory illnesses.
Midday – Descent and lunch
After enjoying the landscape we start down the same trail to the point where our transport is waiting.
We then go to a local restaurant on the way back, where we enjoy an Andean lunch to recover after the walk.
Afternoon – Return to Cusco
After lunch we start the return drive toward the city of Cusco, traveling again through the landscapes of the south of the region.
We reach Cusco at about 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., where we end the service in the city center.
Recommendations
General
- Wear comfortable trekking shoes or sneakers with good traction.
- Dress in comfortable layers: mornings are freezing, middays are sunny, and the wind is strong.
- Protect yourself from the sun with a hat or cap, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
- In the rainy season bring waterproof clothing or a rain poncho.
- Carry a small backpack with water, snacks, your personal medication, and cash for the entrance fee, the horse (if you want one), and personal expenses.
- Cell signal can be irregular in the area.
- If you have heart or respiratory problems, high blood pressure, or you are pregnant, tell our agency before you book.
Acclimatization
- The summit is at about 4,791 m a.s.l.: we recommend spending at least 1 or 2 days acclimatizing in Cusco before the tour; the body usually adapts better to altitude after 2 or 3 days.
- Walk slowly and do not push your body too hard.
- Stay hydrated (2 to 3 liters of water a day).
- Prefer light meals based on fruit, vegetables, and Andean grains, and avoid very spicy or fatty food.
- Coca leaf is a traditional option for easing the symptoms of altitude sickness.
- Our guide carries a first-aid kit and oxygen for emergencies.
Inclusions
Included
- Pickup from your hotel in Cusco.
- Tourist transport out and back.
- Professional guide (Spanish / English).
- Trekking poles.
- First-aid kit and oxygen for emergencies.
- Breakfast on the way.
- Lunch at a local restaurant.
Not included
- Entrance ticket to Pallay Punchu Mountain.
- Horse rental (optional).
- Dinner.
- Additional drinks and meals not mentioned.
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, snacks).
- Tips.
- Travel insurance.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Pallay Punchu?
In the district of Layo, Canas province, Cusco region, near Langui-Layo lake and more than 190 km from the city of Cusco. You will also see it written as Pallay Poncho, Pallay Puncho, or Apu T'aqllo.
How high do we go?
The summit reaches about 4,791 m a.s.l. The walk starts at about 4,500 m a.s.l.
How hard is the walk?
It is moderate: about 5 km of gradual climbing, one and a half to two hours up, with steep sections in places. Altitude is the main demand, so good fitness and being acclimatized are recommended.
Can you ride a horse to the top?
Yes. In Layo you can hire a horse led by a community member (extra cost), but the last stretch of about 15 minutes to the viewpoint is on foot.
How long is the tour?
It is a full day: we leave between 4:00 and 4:30 a.m. and return to Cusco at about 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. The drive out to Layo takes about three and a half to four hours.
What is the best time to go?
The dry season, roughly April to October, with sunny days and clear skies. In the rainy season rain, mist, and sometimes hail are common and can limit the views. The tour operates year-round.
