The legend of Pallay Punchu, the “poncho mountain”
Just when you think Cusco has shown you every colour, Pallay Punchu appears — a wall of jagged peaks striped like a folded Andean poncho. It is one of the region’s newest sensations, and it comes with a story.
A mountain like woven cloth
Pallay Punchu — its name evokes a patterned poncho in Quechua — rises near Layo, south of Cusco. Its sharp, blade-like ridges carry bands of red, ochre and turquoise, and to local communities the peaks are a sacred apu, a mountain spirit watching over the land.
How to visit
It pairs beautifully with the temple of Raqchi on the way, making a rich day of colour and history. See the Pallaypuncho and Raqchi tour. The viewpoint sits high, so acclimatize in Cusco first.
See the poncho mountain
Visit Pallay Punchu and Raqchi in one day.
Frequently asked questions
It is a striped, jagged mountain near Layo, south of Cusco, whose peaks resemble a folded Andean poncho. It is one of the region’s newest natural attractions.
Yes, the viewpoint sits at high altitude, so it is best visited after acclimatizing in Cusco for a day or two.