Pallay Poncho Rainbow Mountain or Pallay Punchu of Apu T’akllo Apacheta Mountain is the newest tourist attraction site in Cusco. It is part of the list of places for travelers to visit in 2021. Don’t miss the chance to hike the third Rainbow Mountain of Cusco! In this blog, we will share more information about this gift of nature.
Location and altitude of Pallay Poncho Rainbow Mountain
Pallay Punchu Mountain is located in the district of Layo, province of Canas, Cusco at an altitude of 4700 m.a.s.l. It takes 3 hours approximately to get there from Cusco.
Climate of Pallay Poncho Rainbow Mountain
Since Pallay Punchu Mountain is located in the region of Cusco, it has two distinct seasons: dry and rainy. Dry season is from May to October and rainy season is from November to April. Something special about the place is that the weather is cold and windy in the mornings while it is dry and sunny in the afternoons.
Best time to visit Pallay Poncho Rainbow Mountain
The best season to visit Pallay Punchu Mountain is during the dry season, from May to October, since there is less rain and the roads are safer. You should bring warm clothes.
Pallay Poncho Rainbow Mountain, the newest tourist attraction site of Cusco
The people of the surrounding areas also known Pallay Punchu Mountain as Pallay Punchu of Apu Tákllo Apacheta. One of the things that stands out the most are the jagged peaks of the mountain. This is the third Rainbow Mountain that has been recently discovered. It is really worth to visit the mountain while staying in one of the most beautiful cities of the world, Cusco.
It owes its existence to the geological formation which contributes to its variety of colors such us red, brown, marron, magenta and some others. Not only the colors make this a beautiful spot, but also the impressive view you get there. It is next to “Langui” Lagoon!
How to get Pallay Poncho Rainbow Mountain?
Compared to Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain and Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain, it is easier to get to Pallay Punchu Rainbow Mountain. You need to take the transportation from Cusco to Layo, Canas.
We will travel a total distance of 5,3 km approximately. Once in Layo, we will start the hike up to the mountain. It will take from 3 to 4 hours to get to the top. If you are in good health condition, it can be less time. Please note that it is important to acclimatize to the altitude in Cusco before doing any challenging hike.
What is the composition of Pallay Poncho Rainbow Mountain?
- Pink or fuchsia: a mixture of red clay, mudstones (mud), and sand.
- Off-white: sandstone or quartz sand and limestone.
- Purple or lavender: composed of marl (a mixture of clay and calcium carbonate) to which silicates are added.
- Red: argillites and clays.
- Green: it would contain ferromagnesian clays (a mixture of iron and magnesium) and copper oxide.
- Yellowish-brown, mustard or golden: these would be limonites, calcareous sandstones rich in sulfide minerals (combined with sulfur).
Iron oxides can also be added to all these color mixtures, which are also present in the reddish color of the stripes. This is how all these combinations of minerals also form different colors between darker and lighter that can be distinguished in the mountain, so we can describe the presence of more than 12 color tones and all thanks to these factors of time and climate.
Recommendations to visit Pallay Poncho Rainbow Mountain
- It is important to be acclimatized between 1 to 2 days so as not to have altitude sickness during your visit.
- Due to the temperature and climate of the place, it is recommended to bring: wear suitable clothing and shoes for the walk (warm clothing), trekking sticks, sunscreen. cap, sunglasses and gloves.
- Bring a Poncho in case of rain.
- Also, bring snacks, camera, documents and extra money.
Peru has many incredible places to discover. With many years working at the travel industry, Auri Travel is happy to help with your travel plans to Machu Picchu and other places around the country. Come and enjoy your Peruvian Adventure with us!
