What is the Pallay Punchu Trek of the Apu T’acllo and where is it located?
The Rainbow Mountain or Vinicunca is located in Peru, in the Cusco region, province of Sicuani in the town of Layo.
This mountain is a natural formation that shows the whim of nature through kilometers of terrain that are changing its color by the richness in minerals and is from the viewpoint of Pallay Punchu, from where you have a spectacular view of the entire Andes Mountains with its whimsical colors that resemble the Rainbow Mountains.
What is the difference between Pallay Puncho Mountain and Vinicunca Colored Mountain?
Pallay Puncho Mountain and Vinicunca Colored Mountain (also known as Rainbow Mountain or Vinicunca Mountain) are two distinct natural destinations in the Cusco region of Peru, each with unique characteristics:
Pallay Puncho Mountain:
- Altitude: About 4,800 meters above sea level.
- Location: It is located in the province of Quispicanchi, near Cusco.
- Attractions: It offers panoramic views of impressive Andean landscapes, with snow-capped peaks and unspoiled nature. It is less known and visited compared to Vinicunca.
- Access: Access may require hiking or organized excursions from Cusco, with a degree of difficulty depending on the route chosen.
Vinicunca Mountain of Colors:
- Altitude: About 5,200 meters above sea level.
- Location: It is located in the region of Cusco, in the province of Canchis.
- Attractions: Known for its impressive bands of colors ranging from turquoise to red and gold. It is a geological phenomenon caused by the exposure of minerals in the mountains.
- Access: It has gained popularity in recent years and is accessible through hikes from the town of Pitumarca or organized tours from Cusco. The hike up to Vinicunca is challenging due to the altitude and steep slope.
In summary, Pallay Puncho stands out for its panoramic views and trekking experience in a less crowded environment, while Vinicunca is famous for its unique colors and is more visited, with an additional physical challenge due to its altitude and steep terrain. Both mountains offer breathtaking natural experiences for adventurers exploring the Cusco region.
What is the Pallay Punchu Trek of the Apu T’acllo and where is it located?
The Rainbow Mountain or Vinicunca is located in Peru, in the Cusco region, province of Sicuani in the town of Layo.
This mountain is a natural formation that shows the whim of nature through kilometers of terrain that are changing their coloring by the richness in minerals and is from the viewpoint of Pallay Punchu, from where you have a spectacular view of the entire Andes Mountains with its whimsical colors that resemble the Rainbow Mountains.
How high is Pallay Punchu?
The maximum altitude point is 4790 meters above sea level; however the route starts from the city of Cusco, passing through towns like Layo and Sicuani until reaching the starting point of the hike called more lakes at 4500 meters above sea level, from where we will ascend to the viewpoint at an altitude of 5000 meters above sea level.
What is the distance and travel time from Cusco Pallay Punchu?
The Rainbow Mountain is located 162 km from the city of Cusco and it takes approximately 10 hours to reach this place between the trip by car and on foot without counting the stops for food and rest.
Who can do it? Are there Pallay Punchu horses?
The degree of difficulty of this route is intermediate – easy, so it is recommended for people with an optimal physical condition, since the advance could be a little tiring for people who are not accustomed to these high altitude hikes. However you can rent a horse in the same town of Layo with the villagers who offer this service only for people who can not walk or are not willing to do it for three hours.
You should keep in mind that the horse is guided by a rider and will leave about 15 minutes from the viewpoint of Pallay Punchu so if or if you will have to walk this stretch.
What months of the year and time of the year are the best to visit the Pallay Punchu Trek?
The tour leaves every day of the year, being the dry season the most recommended between the months of April to November, however the rest of the months even with the presence of rain and hail (sometimes) offers a view that can only be appreciated with this weather that can be overcome with a rain poncho and good trekking shoes.
