The Rainbow Mountain or "Vinicunca" is a majestic location and a nature’s gift. It is situated near the Ausangate Mountain in Cusco Region, Peru. It is one of the places that still has not been discovered by travelers. The Rainbow Mountain has been explored by local Andean people only. Vinicunca represents one of the most spectacular places of the Cordillera Vilcanota as it keeps a natural color given by the presence of sedimentary eroding rocks. The rocks are impressive for their colorfulness since they are formed by seven colors. That's why the mountain is known under the name of "Cerro Colorado" too.
The walk to the mountain and back is a day-long stagger located at over 4,400 meters or 14,400 feet above sea level tracing a dirt path among looming peaks of green and startling red rocks.
It is a gorgeous route passing local villages, built from stone, and glittering mountain streams. But the altitude is punishing enough to turn even the sprightliest young athlete into a panting mess. Don’t even think about trying the trek until you have spent a few days of acclimatization to the altitude in the Cusco region.
The Rainbow Mountain Peru has been ranked by National Geographic as one of the 100 places you must visit before you die due to the beautiful colors! Cloudy days result in darker colors whereas sunny weather will lend to lighter colors.
If you have a long long time, we recommend the Ausangate Trek 7 Days, it is the best option to visit the Mountains and Glaciers of Peru
Crew: Salkantay Trek Machu representatives in Cusco and a professional Tour Guide and Horseman during the trek. Our guide will visit your hotel a day before the trek for your briefing
Meals: 1x breakfast, 1x lunch, 1x Snack
Transportation: Tourist transportation from Cusco - Rainbow Mountain - Cusco.
For the rainbow Mountain Day Tour, the price is U$ 50 per person
The minimum is 6 people and the maximum is 25 people
The Private service included private transportation, a professional guide, water, a small oxygen tank, snack, and Emergency horses.
| Costs | ||
| 1 | People | U$ 250 |
| 2 | People | U$ 150 |
| 3 | People | U$ 100 |
| 4 | People | U$ 100 |
| 6 | People | U$ 90 |
| 7 + | People | U$ 80 |
The attractions of each area are discussed in greater detail in the before-to-go introductions. Picking the best time to visit any of them. however, is complicated by the country's physical characteristics. The Andes season is more clearly marked, with heavy rains from December to March and a warm relatively dry period from June to September Inevitably, though, there are always some sunny weeks in the rainy season and wet ones in the dry. If you plan to visit Rainbow mountains (Andean mountain range), then we recommend you to take some trousers suitable for hiking, shorts, T-shirts and trekking shoes for the days; and sweaters, fleeces, hats, scarves and warm jackets for the nights. You also should take a sun protection cream, sunglasses, and in some cases, mosquito repellent (depending on the route chosen). It is very convenient to have light rain gear available in a daypack (e.g. a waterproof poncho or jacket and/or waterproof trousers) as weather changes quickly and rains can suddenly occur.
The best time to visit the mountains is in the dry season, you can see more clearly the majestic mountains with their colors
The rainy season, usually in the mountain is cloudy and you can't appreciate the mountains
We will pick you up early from your Cusco hotel and set out on a drive through the South Valley. The drive to the trailhead at Quesiuno (4,326 m / 14,189 ft) is 3 hours long. Once we reach the Inkintuyoc bridge, we will have a fueling continental breakfast.
We then start off on our hike, following a lovely stream. You will be immediately surprised by literally herds of alpacas and llamas. We will have consistent views of the Ausangate Mountain. We will hike through villages and interact with the local residents. We will stop for a deluxe box lunch along the trail.
Back on the trail, we encounter more of the traditional elements of this trek. This includes potato fields and unique fauna. We have the prospect of seeing chinchillas and vicunas. Vicunas are the only non-domesticated animal of the llama family in Peru. Many red mountains are also a highlight of this portion of the hike.
After a total hike of approximately 5 hours, we finally reach our destination, what we came to see….the Rainbow Mountains (5,020 m / 16,466 ft). After getting over the shock of their beauty, you will have time to explore the area. You will have time to take pictures and soak in the environment. We will spend approximately 30 minutes at the top.
At this point, it is time to go back down. We hike downhill the way we came. The hike will take 4 to 5 hours. Our private van will be waiting for us when we return.
We will embark on the 3 hour drive back to Cusco and drop you off at your Cusco hotel. Approximate arrival time is between 6 PM.
There are several extensions you can include to your Peru Adventure.
There are differents rainbow mountains in the world and the new recently discovered for the Andean people is the VINICUNCA MOUNTAIN or Rainbow Mountains Peru. These mountains is ubicated in Cusco, Distritic of Pitumarka and province Canchis . This mountain is part of Cordillera de Vilcanota in Peru, 100 km south-east of Cusco. Ausangate Mountain or Apu Ausangate; “apu” means a natural deity or Spirit of the mountain. It is considered the most sacred of the whole region. In the Inka´s mythology, male energy is born exactly from the mountain and the near lagoons to fertilize Pachamama (the Mother Earth).
Hiking pants and T-shirts are recommended during the day, complemented by sweaters, fleeces and waterproof jackets. It is very convenient to have light raingear available in the daypack (rain poncho or jacket and/or rain pants) as the weather changes easily and rains can suddenly occur. At night, warm clothing is required, down jackets can be useful, otherwise a fleece and a jacket. During the day (if sunny), convertible hiking pants are useful, as can be switched into shorts if necessary. Rainbow hike has a warm climate, getting only cold at afternoon and night. The rest of necessary implements are included in the “What we recommend that you bring” list.
