Dare to leave the ‘Imperial City of Cusco’ in search of Pallay Poncho (4791 m above sea level), the colourful mountain that has become the latest tourist attraction for every adventurer. Don’t wait any longer – come join us! We depart from Cusco, and to get there, you’ll need to tackle a steep, challenging path, but one that’s also captivating thanks to its breathtaking scenery. This tour will take you to a destination few know, but many would love to discover.
HIGHLIGHTS
Meeting place
We will pick you up from your hotel at 4:30, as long as you’re staying in the historic centre.
If you’re staying in another part of the city, we’ll arrange a meeting point.
If you have any questions or doubts, please go to the Details and Notes tab.
Del Cusco a Cusipata por carretera
Once all the tourists have been picked up, you will depart from Cusco (3400 m above sea level) on a tourist vehicle towards the district of Cusipata (Canchis province), where you will arrive after a 3-hour journey. This village is located at 3310 m above sea level.
Breakfast in Cusipata
efore heading to the starting point of the hike, you will have breakfast in Cusipata. Eat well, but don’t overdo it. Digestion is slower at high altitudes.
From Cusipata to Layo by road
Around 8:30 in the morning, the bus will head towards Layo (3970 m above sea level). The journey to this district in the province of Canas takes 2 hours and 30 minutes. Along the way, you’ll have panoramic views of the Languilayo lagoon.
From Layo to the starting point of the hike
The starting point of the hike is only 30 minutes by bus from Layo. The route is along a gravel road (compacted dirt).
Heading towards Pallay Poncho Mountain
You and your group will begin the ascent to the mountain around 11:30 AM. The starting point is at 4541 m above sea level. Be cautious. Don’t rush and take your time to find your pace.
The route to Pallay Poncho is challenging and demanding. The path is narrow, rough, and steep, so it’s not recommended for inexperienced hikers or those who suffer from vertigo. Keep this in mind before booking.
After 1 hour and 30 minutes of continuous ascent, you will reach your destination. Yes, you’ve made it to the summit. You’ve reached 4791 m above sea level at Pallay Poncho, the jagged mountain, the mountain shaped like a poncho
In Pallay Poncho Mountain
Mission accomplished. Around 13:00, you will be at the top of the mountain. At the summit, your guide will gather the group to give a brief and concise explanation of the key details about Pallay Poncho.
Afterward, you’ll have 30 minutes to enjoy one of the region’s newest tourist and adventure destinations in Cusco. Make the most of this time to take in the Andean views and snap plenty of photos.
Box lunch
After enjoying the mountain, you will return to the starting point of the hike where the bus will be waiting for you. At this location, we will provide you with a box lunch.
Return to Cusco by road
After a day of exploration and discovery, it’s time to head back. Around 15:00 , the return journey to Cusco will begin along the same route. Your arrival in the ‘Imperial City’ is scheduled for approximately 20:00.
Ending place
The tour to Pallay Poncho ends near the Plaza de Armas. If you take a private tour, it will end at your hotel. In both cases, you will arrive in Cusco at approximately 20:00.
PRICE
The prices shown in the table are:
- Per person in US dollars ($).
- Pple. = people.
- Group = group service, shared.
- There must be a minimum of two people to book the group tour.
| Pple. | Type of tour | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Private | |
| 1 | – | $220 |
| 2 | $95 | $120 |
| 3 | $75 | $95 |
| 4 | $55 | $85 |
| 5 | $50 | $75 |
DETAILS
| Details | Type of tour | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Private | |
| Schedule | 04:30 to 20:00 | You decide |
| Days | Every day | Every day |
| Language | es/en simultaneously | en or es |
| Size | 10 to 15 pax. | You and your friends |
| Included | Type of tour | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Private | |
| Pick up from your hotel | ✅ | ✅ |
| Guide | ✅ | ✅ |
| Driver | ✅ | ✅ |
| Tourist vehicle | ✅ | ✅ |
| Breakfast and lunch | ✅ | ✅ |
| First aid kit | ✅ | ✅ |
| Oxygen tank | ✅ | ✅ |
| Walking stick (on request) | ✅ | ✅ |
| Personalized service | ❌ | ✅ |
| Ticket for Pallay Poncho: 15 soles pp | ❌ | ❌ |
| Drop off at your hotel | ❌ | ✅ |
Restrictions:
- People with reduced mobility.
- People without acclimatization to altitude.
- People without good physical condition.
- People with any respiratory or heart problems.
- People with vertigo.
- Babies under 3 years old.
What to bring?
- Sweaters or jackets.
- Anti-slip shoes.
- Raincoats.
- Caps or hats.
- Sunscreen.
- Sunglasses.
- A bottle of water.
- Drones (optional): Pay directly to the community 50 soles approx.
- Local currency for your entrance tickets.
WhatsApp:
NOTES
Pick-ups and timings
Group tours:
- Pick-ups are sharp on time.
- Pick-ups apply for all Cusco city.
- We’ll arrange all pick-ups one day prior your tour.
- The tour ending time is still aprox; but, we’ll do our best to finish the tour as scheduled.
Meal
- Breakfast and lunch are simple and delicious.
- There are not many restaurants.
- There are vegetarian options.
Acclimatization
You should be acclimatized with at least two days of stay at altitude.
Vehicle type and seats
Vehicles:
- Authorized by the Ministry of Transportation of Peru.
- Clean and modern ones.
- Sedan looking auto, 4×4, H1, Van, Renault and Mercedez Benz (it will depend on the group size).
Seats – group tours:
- You reserve a seat in the bus, not a specific number of seat.
- If you get picked-up first, then you can choose some seats (your pick-up time will depend on your hotel location).
- Couples seat together to 95%; however, we can’t warranty this will happen to 100%.
Road
- Paved track.
- The last part of the road is compacted dirt.
- The road is bumpy sometimes.
- Dust sometimes enters vehicles
Guide
- Authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism.
- This tour is focused on trekking, not history.
- He will always be at your disposal.
- Intermediate-advanced English.
- There is plenty of explanation during the tour.
Driver
- The driver sometimes drives fast due to distance and time constraints.
- If you book a private tour, the driver will drive at a normal speed.
- The driver sometimes listens to music to stay awake.
Entrance ticket discounts
Kids, minors, students and Peruvians may have discounts but an official ID is required to show:
- Kids and minors: Bring their official passaports to prove their age.
- Students: Bring your offficial passport and goverment issued ID.
- Peruvians: Bring your oficial ID.
Operability and itinerary
This tour is subject to variation without any prior notice, due to weather conditions, strikes and any other event that doesn’t allow the normal tour operation. See also our terms.
CANCELLATIONS
Cancellation of the tour is free as long as you do so at least 48 hours in advance, otherwise we will charge 100% of the tour price. See also our terms.
REVIEWS
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REVIEWS
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