THE MOUNTAIN MOUNTAIN PALLAY PUNCHU OF APU TACLLO

Rainbow Mountain (also called Pallay Punchu of Apu Tacllo or Montaña filuda de colores) is one of the new and best attractions in Cusco which was discovered in Quarantine(COVID-19). Located more than 194 kilometers from the city of Cusco, on an elevation summit located at 4,791 masl / 15,7181 fasl, 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.

We have 3 Rainbow Mountains in Cusco Region: Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), which is close to Ausangate trek, Rainbow Mountain(Palccoyo) and the Rainbow Mountain(Pallay Poncho Apu Tacllo). Below you will find all the information about the Pallay Punchu Mountain of Apu Tacllo.

Why is it called Pallay Punchu  Apu Tacllo?

According to various investigations done at the site, 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.

Location and height

This amazing place is located in the Andes of Peru, in the Cusco region and Canas province, at 4,791 meters above sea level, an area of ​​considerable elevation. It belongs to the Layo district who calls it the ‘Pallay Punchu del Apu Tacllo’. The photos they published on Facebook made the mountain gain popularity. Since 2020 it has been a tourist attraction visited by travelers.

How do you get to the Colorful Mountain on your own?

Due to its location, a little more than 194 kilometers from the city of Cusco, you need to take a bus to Sicuani from the city of Cuzco (3 hours away). Once there, a bus is taken to the Layo district. Then you’ll start the walk to the Pallay punchu Mountain of the Apu Tacllo. This journey is 5 kilometers long and can only be done on foot.The trek to the colored mountain is a 4-hour round trip, depending on the physical condition of the visitor. The ascent is difficult but well worth it.

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 best time to take part in this adventure is during the dry season (April to November) when river precipitation is less likely. If you plan to visit during the rainy season (December to March), bring a rain poncho.

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 to visit the Apu Tacllo Mountain with a Travel Agency?

Not sure whether to visit the Apu Tacllo Mountain on your own? You can also do it by hiring the services of a travel agency.

On the internet or in the city of Cusco there are some travel agencies that offer the 1-day tour to the Montana 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 of each tourist at the door of their hotel.

Tours to the Pallay Punchu Apu Tacllo begin in the city of Cusco at dawn (3 or 4 am) and end at night in the same place (7 or 8 pm).

Mountain Difficulty

3 or 4-hour walk (depending on the physical state of the walker) 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 icy 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 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.

Recommendations

Spend a day or two acclimatizing in the city of Cusco. Take warm clothes to do the hike. If you don’t consider yourself in good physical condition for the walk, rent a horse from one of the inhabitants of the place. On that day, don t forget a hat or cap, sunscreen, jacket, pants, ideal shoes for trekking, and a rain poncho.

WHAT WE RECOMMEND 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.