Rainbow Mountain Peru
Introduction
VINICUNCA, RAINBOW MOUNTAIN PERU.
Vinicunca, also called “The Mountain of 7 Colors” or Rainbow Mountain Peru. It is a new tourist attraction near Cusco, Peru, located in the province of Quispicanchis.
Forgotten by everyone until a few years ago, it has now become very popular. And the best part is that you can visit it in one day.
According to locals, this mountain and the surrounding ones were covered with snow a few decades ago, and because of global warming, the snow has disappeared leaving them exposed and showing us an incredible view, and not just the view of the mountains, but also the Apu Ausangate, Cusco’s highest snowy peak.
Some people also say that the coloration of this mountain is due to the large number and variety of minerals that can be found if any mining were to be done, something the locals are afraid of, because these mountains have not yet been declared protected and any mining company could take it in concession and destroy this beautiful wonder. Hopefully our government can protect it by declaring it as a reserve or something similar.
Until a few months ago, the route lacked basic health services. The community of Pitumarka, through their president, managed to install signage and essential health services. In order to maintain it, the villagers have decided to charge an entry fee which is currently 10 soles.
Seeing this, the community of Cusipata ran into trouble with Pitumarca regarding ownership of the mountain, as Cusipata says the mountain is in its jurisdiction and they should be the ones charging money. But anyway, that’s a matter that will have to be resolved between communities.
The disastrous idea that occurred to the villagers of Cusipata was writing the word “CUSIPATA” on the main mountain, which caused and continues to cause unease in tourists, travel agencies and people in general, as they have partly damaged the mountain.
Be that as it may, visiting this mountain at the moment is still a great choice if you are in Cusco; being there and connecting with nature is truly priceless.
Tour Vinicunca,Rainbow Mountain Peru for 1 day
Why book with us?
We are direct operators, handling all the logistics to make your experience as pleasant as possible.
Our groups are: Maximum 10 people and minimum 4 (NOTE: departure will be cancelled if 4 people are not registered).
MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: 5200 m (17000 ft) above sea level
TOTAL HIKING DISTANCE: (5.2 miles) approx.
DIFFICULTY: Difficult
BEST TIME TO VISIT: Mar-Nov
If you are in Cusco either passing through or permanently, visiting this place will undoubtedly be one of the greatest experiences you can enjoy. Starting from early morning at approx. 3:00 am, and ending at approx. 8:00 pm.
RECOMMENDATION: We recommend staying in Cusco for at least 2 days to get acclimatized. Remember that although the hike is approximately 4 hours, if you are not well acclimated, you may have difficulty during the journey.
Day 1: Cusco – Checacupe – Pitumarca- Quechuyno- Vinicunca-Cusco
Rainbow Mountain, known as the mountain of 7 colors, red mountain or Vinicunca, is a magical place whose paths were part of the ancient Quechua culture, used to exchange their products (bartering) together with other Quechua regions, and has now become a natural wonder similar to the rainbow mountains in China.
ITINERARY
Early, around 3:00 am, we’ll pick you up from the hotel in Cusco to make the journey to the Qollasuyo, the southern part of ancient Quechua (Cusco) that was an important part of Tawantinsuyo (4 ancient regions of the Incas) – from the beginning, we will travel for 4 hours in transportation, first passing through the village of Checacupe, then continuing through Pitumarka until we finally reach Quechuyno or Pampachiri, where we will begin the walk. Here, we stop for breakfast and after a brief chat, we will begin our hike at the foot of Mount Ausangate, a climb of about 3 hours to the highest point of Rainbow Mountain. During this trip, we will have the opportunity to see the different varieties of South American camelids. Upon arriving at Rainbow Mountain, we’ll have time to take photographs of this enigmatic place. Then, we will continue with our 3 hour walk downhill with flat parts to the starting point of the walk (Quechuyno or Pampachiri), then by car to Pitumarka where we will have lunch. Finally, we return to Cusco, arriving at 7:00 pm approx.
Tour includes:
• Transport Cusco – Quechuyno (round trip)
• 1 box lunch
• 1 Lunch
• Professional guide English / Spanish
• Entry
Not included:
• Drinks, extra expenses
• Dinner
What to bring
• Hiking shoes
• 20L or 30L backpack
• Rain poncho
• Dry fit t-shirt
• Hiking pants
• Warm jacket
• Coca leaves
• Cap, hat and gloves
• Sunscreen, toilet paper
• Sunglasses, water bottle
• Personal medications (headache, anti-inflammatory drugs)
• Extra money (preferably in soles)
Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain Peru FAQ s
How to get to Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain Peru from Cusco?
At the moment you can reach Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain Peru by hiring a taxi service or private minivan, which will take you to the beginning of the walk, and then coordinating with the driver to either stay and turn around and leave. Be clear with the driver, as there have been cases where tourists have been left stranded struggling to get back to the city.
Where is Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain Peru located?
Vinicunca is located in Cusco, Canchis province in the district of Pitumarca. The road leading to this place goes south from Cusco.
What should I bring?
Mandatory things to bring are:
Warm clothes at least for the descent; it’s cold going down Vinicunca!! Sunscreen, cap or hat, windbreaker, good hiking shoes (not new because they can hurt your feet and make it difficult to walk), extra money for any unexpected expenses. Rain poncho, you never know when it’s going to rain. Gloves for the cold. A few extra snacks as well as extra expenses, like renting a horse to ride, if you have special dietary needs, walking canes for support, etc.
What about travel insurance?
Completely recommended and not just for this trip, but for any trip you want to make.
What is the weather like during the hike?
April to September are considered the months where there is little to no rain. September to March are the considered wettest months, with January to March being the most intense. However, even during rainy season there are days without a single drop of rain. Also, hail can come in any season, or even snow, so you should be prepared for any situation.
How long is the hike?
Depending on your fitness level, the hike up could be from 2.5 hours to 4 hours and the same coming back. We strongly recommend having a little preparation with hiking beforehand to get the most out of this tour and avoid disappointment.
Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain Peru by tour or going solo?
If you are adventurous and like to put together your own itinerary, you can do it on your own, but always taking precautions. However, if you want to have everything pre-arranged (logistics) and just enjoy, we recommend that you book an organized tour and that you make sure the company you are hiring are the ones operating the tour, rather than passing it to another agency, or at least be honest and tell you if they are going to do so.
Group, exclusive or private tour of Rainbow Mountain Peru Vinicunca?
When you go to the Plaza de Armas in Cusco, you’ll find tons of agencies that offer this same tour “cheap”, but remember: you get what you pay for. In many cases, some agencies may charge much less but will send you on a tour where the groups are 20, 30 more tourists and one guide. We offer our exclusive service tour where the minimum is 6 and the maximum is 16 tourists per group. Thus, the trip becomes more enjoyable and it will be easier for the guide to provide their explanations and for the tourists to hear them. Now you can also choose the private service option, where mobility and the guide are at your disposal. This is recommended for couples, families or people who do not want to share the tour with others.
Is it necessary to acclimate?
It is definitely necessary to acclimatize before this route. Remember that you’ll be climbing up to 5000 m (16,400 ft) above sea level, and this requires significant physical and emotional effort, especially for those not used to hiking at high altitudes. If you have the opportunity, you gradually acclimate by visiting high places like Puno.
It is recommended for children?
This tour is not recommended for children because they may have trouble walking, but if the child enjoys hiking at high altitudes, they can do it.
Can people with medical problems make this trip?
If you have medical problems, you should consult your doctor and indicate that you want to or are planning a hike in the Peruvian Andes and the height is 5000 m (16,400 ft) above sea level. If you have medication, you must bring it with you to continue your treatment.
Horse rentals?
If you have trouble walking or there are children on the tour, we recommend hiring a horse (the residents of the area rent them out) so that you can lighten your trip. Remember that the horse cannot carry you all the time, as there are some very steep climbs where you’ll need to get off the horse and then later continue on horseback or on foot.
What is Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain Peru?
Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain Peru from a not-so-technical point of view, is the place where the Mountain of 7 Colors, Red Mountain or Rainbow Mountain is. It was recently revealed to the world and since then it has received thousands of visitors a month, either in organized tours or solo tourists.
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