our journey to one of Peru’s newest natural wonders begins early in the morning. Around 4:00–4:30 a.m., our team will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco (3,399 m / 11,152 ft). You'll travel southeast in private transport, passing through the scenic landscapes of the Vilcanota Valley, small Andean villages, and farmlands.
After approximately 3.5 hours on the road, we’ll arrive at the town of Layo (3,978 m / 13,050 ft) in the Canas Province, located on the edge of Lake Langui. Here, you'll enjoy a freshly prepared Andean breakfast in a local restaurant or family home, with time to rest, acclimate, and prepare for the trek.
The hike begins near Layo, at an altitude of approximately 4,300 m (14,108 ft). The trail gradually ascends across wide-open puna grasslands, where herds of llamas and alpacas roam freely. As you hike, the dramatic views of the Andes and color-streaked formations of the surrounding mountains begin to unfold.
The trek to Pallay Punchu’s summit takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your pace. The trail is about 5 km (3.1 miles) round trip and moderately challenging due to the altitude. Upon reaching the main viewpoint (4,791 m / 15,720 ft), you'll be rewarded with sweeping vistas of the "Andean Blade"—a sharp, multicolored ridge resembling the edge of a serrated knife.
From the summit, you'll also spot Lake Langui, and on clear days, snowcapped peaks in the distance. You’ll have plenty of time for photos, a snack, and time to connect with the tranquil landscape far from tourist crowds.
The descent back to the base takes around 1 hour. Once we return to Layo, a hearty lunch will be served, usually featuring traditional dishes with local ingredients. After lunch and a brief rest, we'll begin the drive back to Cusco.
Expect to arrive back in the city between 6:30 and 7:00 p.m., depending on weather and traffic conditions.
