TourismCusco

Tours & experiences

Pallay Poncho Rainbow Mountain Full-Day Tour

About this experience

Pallay Poncho rainbow mountain full-day tour.

Pallay Punchu mountain day tour. Explore Cusco’s third rainbow mountain and Raqchi archaeological site on a full-day Tour departing from Cusco.

This new natural wonder was recently discovered in the Andes of Cusco (Peru). Its name means ‘Andean poncho’ in Quechua, due to the colorful formations reminiscent of traditional Andean textiles, and from 4,790 m /15,715 ft, it offers breathtaking views of the Andes and the Cusco highlands.

At a glance

  • Duration: 14 hr

Choose your tour option

Select a date and travellers to compare current prices and departure times.

Group tour
Shared tour: With this option, you can join one of our existing groups. Each group will have at least 15 members.
Pickup included
Private Family Tour
Private Exclusive family tour: Family or friends tours.
Pickup included

Plan your experience

Time on the tour14 hr
Getting therePickup offeredSee pickup details
Guide languagesEnglish (live guide), Spanish (live guide)

Set aside 14 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.

Compare the available options before choosing: their itinerary, inclusions and pickup arrangements can differ. Check the price for your date and whole group.

Before you go

  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Local guides to help you plan

What is included

  • Basic first-aid kit and oxygen
  • Driver and tourist mobility
  • Top-level local Guide (English or Spanish)
  • Pick up at hotel in the Cusco city center
  • Semi Buffet Breakfast and lunch prepared with local produce
  • All tour, in Shared tour or private tour

Not included

  • Pallay Poncho mountain tour ticket.
  • Raqchi archaeological site ticket.

Itinerary and highlights

Pallay Poncho Rainbow mountain day tour.

For the Pallay Poncho mountain day tour, we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 4.30 am. We will then travel for an hour and a half to the Cusipata village, where we will enjoy a healthy breakfast.
Afterwards, we’ll continue our journey through a beautiful valley filled with crops and colorful villages such as San Pedro, Sicuani and Layo/Marangani, and drive up to the car park along a winding road.

We’ll then take a short, one-and-a-half-hour uphill hike to the Pallay Poncho mountain viewpoint. Upon reaching the summit, we will see the famous rainbow mountain, which displays beautiful colors formed by the oxidation of certain minerals and clay in the form of stripes resembling an Andean poncho. From the summit, we will also be able to enjoy the Andes mountain range and Lake Languilayo enchanting panoramic view.

After taking photos and enjoying the beautiful scenery, we will descend and travel to the archaeological site of Raqchi.

Raqchi tour.
A visit to Raqchi is a fascinating cultural and historical experience, ideal for gaining a deeper understanding of the Inca civilization. Raqchi is a major Inca archaeological complex, best known for the Wiracocha Temple, one of the most monumental structures of the Inca Empire. You can also see residential quarters, circular granaries and beautifully crafted water fountains.
Today, it is a regular stop on the famous route between Cusco and Puno.
After exploring Raqchi, we will return to Cusipata to enjoy our lunch prepared with local ingredients. We will then travel to Cusco, arriving at approximately 19.00 hours.

Meeting and pickup information

  • We only collect guests from hotels located in the historic centre. If your hotel is outside the centre, the meeting point will be the fountain in Cusco’s main square or at a previously agreed location.

Languages and tickets

  • English — Guide
  • Spanish — Guide
  • Mobile Only

Tour operator

  • Exclusive Peru Tours

Accessibility and practical details

  • Service animals allowed
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Questions about this experience

How long is this experience?
The supplier lists a duration of 14 hr. Check your chosen tour option for its specific itinerary.
What are the pickup arrangements?
We only collect guests from hotels located in the historic centre. If your hotel is outside
the centre, the meeting point will be the fountain in Cusco’s main square or at a previously agreed location.
Which guide languages are listed?
English (live guide), Spanish (live guide).
What ticket format is listed?
Mobile ticket.
What ticket age bands are listed?
Adult tickets: age 18+. Check the practical details for participation requirements.
What accessibility information is provided?
Service animals allowed
What is the cancellation policy?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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