Pallay Punchu Tour - Happy Gringo Tours
Start planning your Inca Trail 2026 adventure with Happy Gringo Tours. Reserve your spot today!
Start planning your Inca Trail 2026 adventure with Happy Gringo Tours. Reserve your spot today!

Pallay Punchu Tour

0
From$120 USD
From$120 USD
×

Select your travel details

Save To Wish List

Adding item to wishlist requires an account

18
Why Book With Us?
  • No-hassle best price guarantee
  • Customer care available 24/7
  • Hand-picked Tours & Activities
  • Free Travel Insureance
Happy Gringo
Get a Question?

Get in touch using the form below, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Pallay Punchu Mountain Tour

Pallay Punchu Tour, The Hidden Rainbow Mountain of Cusco

Discover one of Cusco’s most impressive and least-visited natural wonders on the Pallay Punchu Tour, a full-day adventure that takes you deep into the Peruvian Andes. Known as the “Sharp Andes” or “Andean Poncho”, Pallay Punchu stands out for its dramatic ridges, vibrant mineral colors, and breathtaking mountain scenery—far from the crowds of traditional routes.

This tour is perfect for travelers looking for a unique alternative to Rainbow Mountain, offering stunning panoramic views, high-altitude landscapes, and an authentic connection with Andean nature. The hike is moderate and rewarding, passing through remote communities, wide open valleys, and viewpoints that showcase the raw beauty of the Andes.

With Happy Gringo Tours, you’ll enjoy a well-organized experience, professional guiding, and carefully planned logistics to ensure a safe, comfortable, and memorable journey. If you’re searching for an off-the-beaten-path adventure and unforgettable photo opportunities, the Pallay Punchu Tour is a must-do during your time in Cusco.

TOUR INCLUSIONS

What’s Included?

Permits & Entrance Fees

  • Entrance ticket to Pallay Punchu Mountain

Professional Guiding & Safety

  • Experienced official tour guide (English & Spanish speaking)
    Throughout the hike, your guide will share insights about local culture, landscapes, and history while ensuring your safety and comfort for a worry-free experience.

Medical Assistance

  • First Aid Kit & Oxygen
    Our guides are trained in first aid and carry a complete medical kit to handle common situations such as altitude sickness, minor injuries, or traveler discomfort. In case of emergency, we will organize evacuation and assistance as quickly as possible.

Extra Comfort Items

  • Rain poncho

  • Backpack cover
    We pay attention to the small details that make your hike more comfortable in changing mountain conditions.

24/7 Customer Support

  • Round-the-clock assistance before and during your tour for smooth communication and preparation.

Meals & Snacks

  • Breakfast and buffet-style lunch

  • Snacks and water during the hike (local fruits, cookies, chocolate, candies, etc.)

  • Reusable cloth snack bag (one per person) to reduce plastic waste and protect the environment.

Transportation

  • Round-trip transportation from Cusco
    Hotel pick-up in Cusco and drop-off at your hotel after the tour.

What’s Not Included?

  • Personal hiking clothing and gear

  • Travel insurance

  • Tips for staff (optional but appreciated as recognition for excellent service)

Additional Costs Beyond Our Control

  • Expenses caused by unforeseen events such as landslides, extreme weather, health emergencies, itinerary changes for safety reasons, strikes, political situations, force majeure, or changes in government regulations.

Please note that we secure permits, transportation, staff, and logistics in advance, paying suppliers ahead of time to ensure a smooth operation. For this reason, any extra costs resulting from unexpected situations must be covered by the traveler. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Pallay Punchu Rainbow Mountain 1 Day Tour from Cusco Itinerary

Day 1Cusco – Cusipata – Marangani – Pallay Punchu

Highlight of the Day: Walk along the sharp, dramatic ridges of Pallay Punchu, where surreal landscapes and intense natural colors create one of the most striking mountain views in the Peruvian Andes.

This 1-day Pallay Punchu Excursion takes you to what is often called the third Rainbow Mountain of Peru, a breathtaking alternative to Vinicunca. Unlike crowded routes, Pallay Punchu offers a raw, remote, and visually powerful experience, featuring razor-sharp formations and vibrant mineral tones that resemble a giant Andean poncho stretching across the mountains.

Perfect for travelers seeking unique scenery, fewer crowds, and unforgettable panoramic views, this tour combines high-altitude adventure with comfort, professional guiding, and carefully planned logistics—an exclusive experience curated by Happy Gringo Tours.


Tour at a Glance

  • Meals
    Breakfast, buffet lunch & snacks
  • Difficulty
    Moderate
  • Walking Distance
    3 km / 1.86 miles
  • Walking Time
    Approximately 1–2 hours
  • Starting Elevation
    4,570 m / 14,993 ft
  • Minimum Elevation
    3,300 m / 10,827 ft
  • Maximum Altitude (Pallay Punchu)
    4,730 m / 15,518 ft

WHAT TO BRING FOR PALLAY PUNCHU MOUNTAIN PERU TOUR

Essentials

  • Valid passport

  • Extra cash (recommended in Peruvian soles)

  • Personal medication, if needed

  • Reusable water bottle or CamelBak

  • High-factor sunscreen (SPF 70+ recommended)

Clothing

  • Hiking boots or trekking shoes (preferably waterproof)

  • Trekking pants

  • Trekking socks

  • Thermal pants (for cold conditions)

  • Warm jacket

  • Waterproof jacket

  • Raincoat or rain poncho

  • Waterproof or wool gloves

  • Sun hat to protect face and neck

  • Wool hat or beanie for cold weather

  • Neck gaiter or buff

  • Sunglasses with UV protection

Equipment

  • Medium-size trekking backpack (15–25 liters)

Recommended

  • Camera or phone with charger

  • Power bank

ADDITIONAL INFO FOR PALLAY PUNCHU MOUNTAIN DAY TRIP

We want your journey in Peru to be smooth, safe, and unforgettable. Below you’ll find essential information to help you prepare for your tour and understand how our services operate. Please read this section carefully, as it answers the most common questions from our travelers.


Briefing / Informative Meeting

All tour briefings take place at 5:00 p.m., one day before the tour departure, either at our office in Cusco or directly at your hotel. The meeting lasts approximately 30–45 minutes and covers important details about the itinerary, safety, and logistics.
If you are unable to attend, you must coordinate an alternative time with us in advance via email or phone.


Luggage Storage

Yes, we offer free luggage storage during your tour. You may leave your main luggage at our office or at your hotel—both options are safe and convenient.
We recommend storing valuables such as passports, credit cards, and cash in your hotel safe. For added security, ask for a receipt if your hotel provides one.


Pick-Up Information

Please note the following important details regarding hotel pick-up:

  • Pick-ups are available within Cusco city limits

  • Staying in the historic center is highly recommended for easier access

  • Your exact pick-up time will be confirmed the day before the tour

  • Due to traffic and city conditions, pick-up times may vary by 30–45 minutes

Cusco is an ancient city with narrow streets and steep access roads. Some hotels and Airbnbs may not be reachable by vehicle. For this reason, we strongly recommend choosing accommodation with good vehicle access.


Group Tours

Group tours bring together travelers of different ages and fitness levels. By joining a shared tour, you agree that each participant may walk at their own pace.
In some cases, minor itinerary adjustments may be requested by the group. Any changes will be evaluated and decided by the tour guide, always prioritizing safety and group consensus.


Strikes & Social Demonstrations

Strikes and demonstrations can occur in Peru and may affect transportation routes. If this happens, we will do our best to keep your tour running as planned, even if adjustments such as earlier departures are required.
In rare cases, tours may be delayed or canceled. Our operations team will coordinate all changes directly with you. Your safety is always our top priority.


Lost Items

Please keep track of your personal belongings at all times. Once you leave our vehicle, restaurant, or rest stop, be sure to take everything with you. Happy Gringo Tours is not responsible for lost items during the tour.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is there a student discount?

Unfortunately, student discounts are not available for this tour.


May I change my departure date?

Yes, changes are possible as long as you notify us at least 48 hours in advance. All date changes are subject to availability.


Do I need to bring my original passport to the Pallay Punchu Mountain tour?

Bringing your passport is not mandatory. However, if you would like to receive a souvenir stamp at Pallay Punchu, you should bring it with you.
The passport stamp costs 2 Peruvian soles.


Can I stay in the Sacred Valley for my Pallay Punchu Mountain trip?

Group tours depart exclusively from Cusco, so staying in the Sacred Valley is not compatible with shared service.
If you are staying in the Sacred Valley, we can arrange a private service with an additional USD 30 transport upgrade.


How do I book the Pallay Punchu Mountain 1-Day Trek with Happy Gringo Tours?

To book your Pallay Punchu Mountain Tour, simply:

  1. Click the BOOK NOW button

  2. Select your preferred departure date

  3. Fill in the personal information for each participant

  4. Pay the USD 25 deposit per person

Once we receive your deposit, we will send you a booking confirmation along with a form requesting the following details:

  • Full name of each participant

  • Hotel name in Cusco

  • Contact phone number

  • Dietary restrictions (vegetarian, etc.)


What about the outstanding balance?

The remaining balance can be paid using the following options:

  • Cash (USD or Peruvian soles): payable 1 day before the tour

  • PayPal: at least 7 days before the tour (7% service fee applies)

  • Credit card (Visa only): (5% service fee applies)

Please let us know in advance which payment method you prefer.
Cash payments must be completed one day prior to departure.

Short Inca Trail 2 days Photos

OUR REVIEWS

Each review from our users is important to continue growing and offering the best service to each of our clients. Our priority will always be that you enjoy your trip to the fullest while our professional team works to fulfill it.