Planning a trip to Peru can be overwhelming due to the large number of incredible places to explore. Choosing activities and tours can be a challenge; however, in recent years, the different "rainbow mountains" have established themselves as must-see destinations for those who enjoy vacations in Cusco.
The growing popularity of these formations is due to their unique tones that make them look like a rainbow; these shades are the result of natural minerals such as sulfur, calcium, and quartz. Currently, there are three main options that stand out in Cusco treks: the famous Vinicunca mountain, the accessible Palcoyo mountain range, and the impressive formation of Pallay Punchu.
Any of these exciting tours will allow you to see dazzling landscapes; what’s more, the best of all is that all these experiences can be enjoyed on a one-day tour starting from the city of Cusco. This makes them ideal options to optimize any itinerary. Below, we will give you the facts about these natural gems and their characteristic data.
If you are one of the many travelers who arrive in Cusco, you have probably been amazed by the endless things to see that this area offers. Maybe you don't yet know all the natural treasures, especially the amazing Colored Mountains. When looking at the tours you can take, it's common to find different names and paths, which can be a bit confusing.
The truth is that Cusco and the areas around it have different natural formations with impressive colors. Known as Colored Mountains, these views were made by minerals like iron, copper, and sulfur rusting. This made bright patterns that go from strong reds and oranges to bright blues and greens.
In the Cusco area, three colored mountains stand out. Each one has its own special history of how it was formed. They have become real tourist icons and attract visitors from all over the world. Discover these three wonders:
These Colored Mountains are not only nice to look at, but they also have their own story and are part of the big cultural variety of the Andes. Which of these wonders would you like to explore first?
The Mountain of 7 Colors, better known as Vinicunca or the Rainbow Mountain, is one of the most amazing and mysterious places in Peru. This spectacular natural monument not only amazes with its fascinating mix of colors, but also with the adventure and exciting walk you take to discover it.
Located in the Cusco region, Vinicunca stands at a height of about 5,200 meters above sea level in the Vilcanota Mountain Range. Its far-away location makes it a special place for adventurers who travel from Cusco, either by private or shared transport, followed by a walk through mountain paths. This journey through tough scenery adds an extra bit of adventure when you arrive at a place that amazes with its landscape.
The most striking thing about this mountain is the fascinating range of colors that go from red and green tones to blue and yellow. All these colors are due to the presence of minerals and dirt that have built up over centuries in this region.
Getting to the top where Rainbow Mountain is located means a walk that winds through amazing Andean landscapes. What's more, along the way you can enjoy the wide views, surrounding mountains, and plains.
Things about it:
The dry season, from May to September, is the best time to visit Vinicunca. During these months, clear skies let you see how strong the colors are, and it's also easier to walk without big weather problems. It's a good idea to start your trip early in the morning (around 6 a.m.) to enjoy the soft light of sunrise and avoid many people.
However, you can also choose to visit this place during the rainy season, from November to March, but you should think about the higher chance of slippery paths and more changing weather. Either way, it's very important to get used to the high place in Cusco and bring the right things to deal with sudden changes in the weather.
Even though Vinicunca is the most famous Colored Mountain in Cusco, Palccoyo has become a great choice for people looking for an easier walk with views that are just as amazing. This place offers a special experience with three colored mountains, an awesome stone forest, and fewer crowds so you can enjoy nature more peacefully.
Located at 4,900 meters above sea level, Palccoyo Mountain is a group of land shapes colored with natural colors from red and orange to green and yellow. These colors come from minerals like iron and sulfur rusting. Unlike its sister Vinicunca, Palccoyo is a less busy area, perfect for those who want a more relaxed time without the hard work of a long walk. Some of its main features are:
The weather in Palccoyo changes depending on the season and the time of day. Because it is very high up, the temperatures can be cold, especially early in the morning and at night. You can also visit it in these 2 seasons:
Getting to Palccoyo is fairly easy and less hard than the way to Vinicunca. From the city of Cusco, you can go by car and then take a short walk to the mountain. The most common ways to get there are:
Among the big land of Cusco, you can find Pallay Punchu Mountain. It's one of the most amazing and newest rock formations on the tourist path of the Colored Mountains. Unlike the famous Vinicunca Mountain and the easier Palccoyo, Pallay Punchu offers a hard but rewarding experience and a view like no other.
Its main thing is how it looks. It has pointy shapes that remind you of the folds of an Andean poncho. That's why it's called that in Quechua: "Pallay" (woven) and "Punchu" (poncho). Also, even though this mountain was only recently found as a place to visit, it has become very popular with travelers who want a place that is less crowded and more real in the Peruvian Andes.
Located at a height of 4,790 meters above sea level, in the Canas province, Layo district, Pallay Punchu shows colors and textures that are very different from other colored mountains in the area. Some of its most special things are:
Because of its high place, the weather on Pallay Punchu is cold and changes a lot, with temperatures that can change very quickly in just a few hours. So, keep these 2 seasons in mind if you want to visit this mountain:
Pallay Punchu Mountain is about 4 and a half hours from Cusco, in the Canas province, Layo district. Just like Vinicunca and Palccoyo, the trip has a part by vehicle and a walk up, and you have 2 choices to visit it:
Many are the routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Inca Trail Tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Perú, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views.
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