The highest viewpoint reaches about 4,770 m, with the hike starting from Cachiocca at 4,550 m.
A full-day Pallaypuncho & Raqchi tour from Cusco — the dramatic sharp-edged Pallay Punchu mountain (“where the condor rests”) and the great Inca Temple of Wiracocha at Raqchi.
The Pallaypuncho mountain, also known as Condorpa Sayanan (“place where the condor rests”) or the sharp-edged mountain, stands out for its unique natural shape and impressive viewpoints. With INKANET ADVENTURE you climb to five natural viewpoints high in the southern Andes for breathtaking panoramas.
After the mountain we visit the Raqchi archaeological complex — the Temple of Wiracocha (3,500 m), one of the most important Inca administrative centres in the southern Andes, famous for its towering stone-and-adobe walls and the largest concentration of colcas (granaries) in the region. A rewarding day of dramatic scenery and deep Inca history.
Climb to five natural viewpoints around the striking sharp-edged mountain for sweeping Andean panoramas.
Explore one of the southern Andes’ great Inca centres, with its towering temple walls.
See the largest concentration of round Inca storehouses in the region at Raqchi.
Take in rugged peaks, high plateaus and a landscape few tourists ever reach.
Discover two off-the-beaten-path gems on a single rewarding day.
Learn the geology, history and legends from a knowledgeable Andean guide.
A spectacular off-the-beaten-path day — a short climb to the sharp-edged Pallay Punchu viewpoints, the Inca Temple of Wiracocha at Raqchi, lunch and return to Cusco by evening.
04:30 AMHotel pickup. We collect you from your hotel and begin the journey south toward Cusipata.
06:30 AMBreakfast. A breakfast stop in Cusipata before continuing toward Marangani (3,700 m), about 1.5 hours on.
07:30 AMTravel to Cachiocca. From Marangani we continue to the Cachiocca sector (4,550 m), the starting point of the hike.
09:30 AMClimb to Pallay Punchu. A roughly 45-minute hike leads to the highest point at 4,770 m, with about an hour of free time at the five viewpoints.
12:30 PMRaqchi — Temple of Wiracocha. We visit the Raqchi complex (3,500 m), admiring its stone-and-adobe constructions and Inca granaries.
02:30 PMLunch & return. After lunch we begin the return to Cusco, arriving between 5:30 and 6:00 PM.
Exactly what is covered in your Pallaypuncho & Raqchi tour — and what to budget separately.
A few essentials we recommend to make your Pallaypuncho & Raqchi day the most rewarding possible.
This is a high, cold excursion up to 4,770 m. Spend 2–3 days in Cusco beforehand, dress in warm, waterproof layers and bring gloves and a hat. Hydrate well and pace yourself.
The hike is rated moderate: 3 hours uphill + 1.5 hours back down. If you can walk steadily for 4–5 hours at home, you'll be fine. Horses are available at the trailhead (~ US $20) if needed.
Dry season: April to October. Skies are clearer, trails firm, colors most vibrant. Avoid the rainy season (Dec–Mar), when colors mute under cloud cover. We run tours year-round but recommend the dry months.
The Andean sun is intense at 5,000 m. Bring sunscreen SPF 50+, a wide-brim hat, sunglasses, lip balm with SPF, and dress in layers. Pre-dawn is below freezing; midday can hit 18°C in the sun.
Free cancellation up to 30 days before the tour. In case of dangerous weather (snowstorms, road closures), we'll offer a free reschedule or full refund. Safety always comes first.
Travel light but smart. Here's exactly what we recommend bringing for a comfortable, safe day at altitude.
Transparent pricing — no hidden fees. The more travelers in your group, the lower the price per person.
| Group Type | Group Size | Price / Person | What's Different |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared Group Most popular | 2 – 14 travelers | US $50 / pp | Mixed international group · set departure |
| Private Group ★ Best experience | 2 – 6 travelers | US $120 / pp | Your group only · personalized pace |
| Family Package | 4+ adults & kids | US $48 / pp | 5% discount for adolescents & children |
| Group of 8+ | 8 or more travelers | From US $45 / pp | Automatic group discount at checkout |
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Full refund for cancellations 30+ days before. 50% refund 15–29 days before. Weather-related cancellations from our side = full refund or free reschedule.
Quick answers to the questions we hear most often. More? See the full FAQ page or reach us on WhatsApp.
Pallaypuncho & Raqchi guides
