Top
Pallay Punchu Rainbow Mountain

Pallay Punchu & Vinicunca Ultimate 2-Day Sunrise to Sunset Tour

Pallay Punchu & Vinicunca Ultimate 2-Day Sunrise to Sunset Tour

$540 per person
THIS TOUR IS ALSO AVAILABLE AS A THREE-DAY OPTION WITH THE ADDITION OF THE 7 LAGOONS OF AUSANGATE

📸 PALLAY PUNCHU & VINICUNCA – ULTIMATE 2-DAY SUNRISE TO SUNSET PHOTO TOUR

Two Iconic Landscapes. Zero Crowds. One Epic Photo Journey.

Welcome to a visual pilgrimage through the Andes, designed for photographers who crave real adventure, surreal landscapes, and perfect light. Over two unforgettable days, you’ll witness the sunrise at Vinicunca Rainbow Mountainand capture the sunset at Pallay Punchu, two of the most photogenic locations in the Cusco region—with no tourist crowds and total creative freedom.

This isn’t just a tour—it’s a photography expedition into Peru’s raw, natural canvas, led by experienced local guides and a professional photographer who will help you make the most of every shot.


🌟 Tour Highlights

Day 1 – Vinicunca Sunrise Experience

✔ Depart before dawn to reach the viewpoint before any other groups
✔ Photograph Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain bathed in golden morning light
✔ Optional trek to explore the Red Valley, a dramatic, lesser-known nearby location
✔ Return mid-day for lunch and transfer to the Canas region
✔ Arrive at Pallay Punchu in time for sunset photography over the jagged ridges and Langui Lake

Overnight Stay

✔ Comfortable accommodation near Pallay Punchu (basic but private)
✔ Dinner & rest beneath a sky full of stars, perfect for astrophotography

Day 2 – 7 Lagoons Morning Trek

✔ Early breakfast and light walk through the beautiful 7 Lagoons region
✔ Capture reflections, wild colors, textures, and remote pastoral life
✔ Slow-paced photography session with diverse compositions
✔ Return to Cusco in the afternoon


📍 Locations Covered

Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain (sunrise session)
Red Valley (optional extension on Day 1)
Pallay Punchu of Apu Tákllo Apacheta (sunset session)
Langui Lake – one of the largest in the Cusco region
7 Lagoons of Canas (Day 2 morning)


💰 Tour Pricing (All Ages)

💲 Private Workshop (1 person)$1090 USD
💲 2 people$620 USD per person
💲 3 people$510 USD per person
💲 4+ people$480 USD per person
📩 Big group? Contact us for a custom quote


🎒 What’s Included

✅ Private round-trip transportation from Cusco
✅ Professional photographer guide and support throughout
✅ All entrance tickets (Vinicunca, Red Valley, Pallay Punchu)
✅ 1-night accommodation in a 3 stars hotel 
✅ Meals: 2 lunches, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast
✅ Snacks, water, and hot drinks
✅ Sunrise and sunset photography sessions
✅ Local support and backup options based on conditions


❌ Not Included

✘ Personal insurance
✘ Extras
✘ Tips for guide and driver (optional but appreciated)


🎒 What to Bring

Warm layers – including gloves, beanie, thermal socks, winter jacket
Rain gear – weather in the Andes can shift quickly
Comfortable trekking shoes – good grip recommended
Headlamp – essential for pre-dawn and night navigation
Toiletries & personal items for overnight stay
Photography gear (see below)


📷 Recommended Photography Gear

📸 Mid-range zoom lens (24–70mm or similar) – Versatile for all conditions
📸 Wide-angle lens (f/2.8 or wider) – Perfect for landscapes and astro
📸 Tripod – Essential for sunrise, sunset, and night photography
📸 ND, Graduated ND & CPL filters – For managing contrast, skies, and reflections
📸 Extra batteries & memory cards – Cold and long days can drain gear fast


📅 Reserve Your Private Sunrise to Sunset Photo Expedition

📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: www.andeanphotoexpeditions.com

TOUR PRICES

Private workshop (1 person): starting at USD 990

2 people: USD 540 per person

3 person: USD 440 per person

4 person or more: USD 390 per person

Send us an email for big group prices

Big Group prices on demand.

WHAT TO BRING

  • Your Photography gear.
  • Warm clothes for the night and the morning ( gloves, beanie, winter jackets, winter socks ) Rain coat in case of bad luck. Good comfortable walking shoes.
  • Headlamp for walking in the dark, essential!
  • Sharp eyes and your smile!

RECOMMENDED GEAR

  • Mid-range zoom to cover a variety of focal lengths
  • Wide angle for landscape opportunities and astro-photography (f 2.8 or wider works best)
  • Tripod for landscape shots and astro
  • Filters for landscapes (ND, Grad ND and CPL recommended)
0 Reviews
  • Departure/Return Location
    Your hotel in Cusco
  • Departure Time
    8:30
  • Return Time
    13:00 next day
  • Included
    Accommodation
    Entrance Fees
    Guide
    Lunch
    Photo Assistance
    Transport
  • Not Included
    Extras
    Insurance
    Local Flights
    Meals

Tour Plan

1
Day 1
8h30 - Pick-up from hotel
We will pick-up you up from your hotel or hostel and depart from Cusco.
10h00 - Checacupe
Stop in Checacupe to visit the Inca bridge and bathroom break as well as breakfast.
14h30 – Pallay Punchu
Arrival to the beautiful place – Enjoy your time upthere. Follow the tips of your guide or feel free to wander around as much as needed. Lunch break will also be needed.
18h00 - Back to Sicuani
Start the Drive back to Sicuani, where you will spend the night in a 3 stars hotel.
19h30 - Dinner
Dinner at your hotel, and a good night of sleep will be well deserved.
2
Day 2
1am-3am - Departure
Depeding on the month and the weather, you will agree with your guide at what time you will get up to catch the Sunrise in Vinicunca.
5am – Sunrise at Vinicunca
Enjoy your time upthere, we will get down when you are done.
9am – Breakfast/Lunch
Stop in a very good restaurant to fill our belly before driving back to Cusco.
1pm - Back to Cusco

Tour Location

Vinicunca, also known as Montaña de Siete Colores (Mountain of Seven Colors) or simply the Rainbow Mountain, is a geological formation located in the Andes of Peru near the city of Cusco. The mountain is part of the Vilcanota mountain range and is situated at an altitude of over 5,000 meters (16,000 feet) above sea level.
The mountain is known for its vibrant colors, which are caused by the presence of various minerals such as iron oxide, copper sulfate, and calcium carbonate in the rocks. These minerals have been exposed to the surface over millions of years, resulting in the stunning multicolored effect that gives the mountain its name.