THE MOUNTAIN MOUNTAIN PALLAY PUNCHU OF APU TACLLO
The New Rainbow Mountain (called Pallay Punchu of Apu Tacllo in Quechua language that means the multi-colored hues of the mountain resemble the ponchos used in Peru. The poncho is both an ancestral and contemporary item of clothing, which crosses borders and time) is one of the new and best attractions in Cusco which was discovered in Quarantine(COVID-19). Located more than 194 kilometers away from the city of Cusco, this beautiful mountain is located at 4,791 meters/ 15,7181 feet, it’s a mountainous formation tinged with various shades as a result of the complex combination of minerals. The slopes and summit are highlighted in various colors including red, purple, green, pink, and others. Since 2020, this place has welcomed visitors.
Location and Altitude
The Pallay Punchu Mountain is located in the Layo district, Canas province, Cusco at 4700 meters above sea level and this amazing place is located in the Andes of Peru.
Weather
The climate, typical of the highest areas of Cusco, is cold. Rain, wind, and altitude sickness (soroche) can be the biggest obstacles for visitors. Temperatures can drop below zero degrees centigrade. The Pallay Punchu mountain, being located in the Cusco region, shares the well-marked seasons, the rainy season and the dry season. However, this place has a certain peculiarity in its climate, during the mornings the weather is cold with winds and in the afternoons, the weather is dry and sunny.
The best time to visit this place is during the dry season (April to November) when everything is nice and warm and the rain is less, but if you plan is to visit during the rain season (December to March) evryday is going to rain and the weather is not going to be safe
Flora and Fauna
This incredible geography of the place creates a scene of typical animals from high Andean areas such as deer and vicunas. Villagers in the area raise horses to offer as transportation to visitors. Due to the height of this region, ‘ichu’ or natural grass of the Andes is everywhere
How you can Get to this Place
This place is located a little more than 194 kilometers from the Cusco city, you can take a bus from Cusco to Sicuani (3 1/2 hours away). Once you get there, you will need to take another bus to the Layo district. Finally you’ll start to hike up to the new rainbow mountain of Pallay punchu of the Apu Tacllo for 2 hours aprox. This journey is 6 km in total is going to be 4 hours round trip depending on the physical condition of the visitor. The ascent is difficult but well worth it.
But if you take a private van or taxi the time is going to be less.
How to Visit this Place with a Travel Company
If you don’t want tyo visit this place on your own, you can hire the services of a travel agency or you can rent a private taxi to get there.
On the internet or in the city of Cusco you cazn find many travel agencies that offer the 1-day tour to the Mountain Pallay Punchu Apu Tacllo.
Tours include direct transportation to the Layo district, food, entrance fees, and tour guides. The start of the tour is with the pickup from your hotel.
The tours of the new rainbow mountain of the Pallay Punchu Apu Tacllo start in the city of Cusco in the morning at 3 or 4 am and you will end your tour at night in the same place (8 or 9 pm).
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Mountain Difficulty
4-hours walk (depending on the physical state of the hiker) is not dangerous and requires moderate-high physical effort. There are sections of steep slopes up and down. However, one of the biggest difficulties is the cold weather and the cold wind. The altitude of the area can cause altitude sickness or soroche. 2 days in the city of Cusco to acclimatize is recommended.
Why is it colored?
The colors of the new rainbow mountain of Pallay Punchu Mountain of Apu Tacllo are due to the mineral composition that it has: pink color is due to the red clay, mud-stones (mud), and arillites (sand). whitish, due to the white quartz sandstone. The different browns and purples, by limonites and marls, rich in calcium carbonate.
Red is made up of clays (iron) and clays belonging to the upper tertiary. Green is due to the compound of phyllites and clays rich in magnesium ferro. The earthy brown is the product of the fanglomerate made up of rock with manganese from the Quaternary era. Finally, the mustard yellow color due to the calcareous sandstones rich in sulfur minerals.
What you need to Bring
- 1 Liter and half of the water (per person- at least!).
- Water-resistant trekking shoes.
- Warm clothing (thermal underwear, fleece, hat, gloves, and socks).
- Waterproof clothing (poncho).
- Synthetic or cotton clothing (socks, trousers, shorts, t-shirts).
- Sunhat and sunglasses.
- Sun cream.
- Water bottles such as Nalgene.
- Basic medications.
- Walking sticks.
- Personal items.