The adventure begins very early with pickup from your hotel in Cusco or a meeting point indicated by the Vilcabamba Tours team (between 03:00 a.m. and 03:30 a.m.).
Short Itinerary
- 03:00 – 03:30 a.m. – Pickup and Departure: Pickup from your hotel in Cusco or indicated meeting point by the Vilcabamba Tours team, starting the journey south towards the province of Canas.
- Morning – Breakfast and Scenic Route: Buffet/Andean breakfast en route. Scenic drive past the Southern Valley and the Langui-Layo Lagoon toward the Layo district.
- Noon – Trek to Pallay Poncho & Lake View: Hike of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours along an uphill trail to reach the summit of Pallay Poncho (4,700 m a.s.l.), admiring its razor-sharp colorful geological formations and panoramic views of Langui-Layo Lake.
- Afternoon – Lunch and Descent: Trek back down to the transport and transfer to a local restaurant to enjoy a traditional lunch.
- 06:30 – 07:00 p.m. – Arrival in Cusco: Return drive to Cusco city and drop-off near the Plaza de Armas or designated meeting point.
Detailed Itinerary
03:00 – 03:30 a.m. | Hotel Pickup and Departure from Cusco
The adventure begins very early with pickup from your hotel in Cusco or a meeting point indicated by the Vilcabamba Tours team (between 03:00 a.m. and 03:30 a.m.). We will board our tourist transport heading south of Cusco, traveling through the high Andean landscapes of the Canas province.
Breakfast en Route
We will stop at a local restaurant along the route to enjoy a nutritious Andean breakfast, essential for energizing and acclimatizing before reaching high altitude.
Scenic Transfer to Layo District
After breakfast, we continue our drive toward the district of Layo. During the journey, you will appreciate traditional highland villages, agricultural fields, and stunning views of the majestic Langui-Layo Lagoon.
Hike to Pallay Poncho Mountain (Apu Tacllo)
We will arrive at the starting point of the hike located at approximately 4,200 meters above sea level. From here, we begin a challenging uphill trek lasting approximately 1.5 to 2 hours along mountain trails. As we ascend, the dramatic landscape begins to reveal the striking red and colorful rock formations characteristic of this region.
Exploration of Pallay Poncho and Langui-Layo Lake View
Upon reaching the knife-edge ridge of Pallay Poncho (4,700 m a.s.l.), you will have free time to admire the sharp, colorful rock formations that resemble a traditional Andean poncho. Enjoy panoramic views of the entire mountain range and the expansive blue mirror of Langui-Layo Lake below, while taking memorable photographs.
Descent and Local Lunch
After exploring and taking photos, we will begin our descent walk back to our transport. We will then head to a local restaurant in the area to enjoy a warm, traditional lunch prepared with regional ingredients.
Return and Arrival in Cusco (06:30 – 07:00 p.m.)
We will board our vehicle for the return journey to Cusco, enjoying final views of the Andean countryside. Approximate arrival in Cusco is between 06:30 p.m. and 07:00 p.m., where transport provided by Vilcabamba Tours will drop you off near the main square (Plaza de Armas) or designated drop-off point, concluding our services.
Included
- Pickup from your hotel in Cusco or at a meeting point indicated by the Vilcabamba Tours team (pickups start from 03:00 a.m. for group tours).
- Professional bilingual tour guide service (Spanish and English). In group tours, explanations are provided in both languages.
- Conditioned round-trip tourist transportation equipped for high-altitude routes.
- Safety and health assistance equipment: First aid kit and emergency oxygen bottle on board.
- Trekking poles for the hike.
- Meals en route: Nutritious breakfast and local lunch.
Not Included
- Official entrance fee to Pallay Poncho Mountain (paid directly in cash and in soles at the local community checkpoint):
- Entrance for Peruvians / Foreigners: S/. 15.00 – S/. 20.00 soles.
- Extra drinks, bottled water, snacks, and personal expenses.
- Tips for the tour guide and driver.
- Travel and medical insurance.
