The Mountain of Seven Colors, known locally as Vinicunca orRainbow Mountain, is one of the most visited places located on the route to the imposing Apu Ausangate. Thanks to its scenic beauty, National Geographic has listed it as one of the essential destinations that every traveler must visit.
Located in the Pitumarca district, within the Canchis province in the Cusco region, this attraction is geographically situated in the south of Peru. It is essential that those planning their Cusco vacations take into account the altitude of the arrival point, which is approximately at 5,036 masl. This elevation requires proper physical preparation.
To enjoy this experience without problems, the trekking requires mandatory prior acclimatization in the city of Cusco. Being a high-altitude route, visitors must be equipped for sudden changes in temperature and low oxygen levels. However, upon arrival, you will be able to see the beautiful natural landscape, which offers one of the most spectacular photographic views in the entire Andes mountain range.
The visual phenomenon that characterizes this mountain area of Cusco is the result of a complex geological history and the oxidation of various minerals that have been exposed after the ice melted. The colors we admire today are due to its specific mineral composition:
This unique combination means you can witness a show that is only repeated in a few places in the world. Unlike the classic Salkantay trek, where the gray tones of the glaciers and the green of the jungle are most common, Vinicunca offers a vibrant and purely mineral color palette.
The geography of the Andes Mountains determines the atmospheric conditions of the area. Because the Rainbow Mountain is located at an altitude of 5,000 meters above sea level, the climate changes are extreme and can happen suddenly at any time of the day.
Unlike what happens during a hike to Salkantay trek or the Inca Trail, where you cross more protected valleys, in Vinicunca the ground is totally exposed to high-altitude winds. This means that you can start the morning with bright sun and, in a matter of minutes, face gusts of freezing wind or thick fog. During your vacation in Cusco, it is vital to understand that at this altitude the weather is not predictable, so the preparation must be complete for any scenario.
The difficulty of this route is considered moderate to high, not necessarily because of the slope, but because of the extreme altitude of 5,036 masl. Depending on the pace of the climb, the hike has sections that demand good physical condition and controlled breathing.
For those who feel the effort is too demanding, local community members offer horses for rent, with prices ranging between 30 and 80 soles ($10 and $25 USD approximately), depending on the section you wish to travel. Besides this support, on the path to the Rainbow Mountain you can find basic but useful services, such as stalls selling water, snacks, and rustic toilets managed by the community.
Keep in mind that the experience of your visit can vary depending on the chosen route. Currently, the most used is the short route that starts from the community of Llacto. In this mode, the hike up lasts a maximum of 40 minutes and the return is about 30 minutes. The path is mostly along the hillside and does not include technical climbing, which makes it accessible for most properly acclimatized travelers.
There is also the long route (through Cusipata or Pitumarca), which includes a hike of up to 4 hours in total. However, we do not recommend this option as it is extremely tiring and takes time away from enjoying the landscape. Choosing the short route from Llacto is the most efficient decision, allowing you to save energy if you plan to do the Salkantay trek or other challenges in the highlands later.
Vinicunca: The rainbow mountain
To travel to the Rainbow Mountain you need to prepare physically, because, even if the path is short, the effort at that altitude feels like a long hike. During your vacations in Cusco, it is vital that you do not forget to do the following:
Between April and August, there is a dry season with warm temperatures in Peru. This time is considered the most popular time to visit Rainbow Mountain and you could combine a visit to Cusco city with a walking tour, discover the Sacred Valley or add a few extra days for your hike to Machu Picchu. The most popular in Peru is the Inca Trail tours. But you should remember that the Inca Trail only allows a certain number of tourists, so book early!
It's sold out! Don´t worry, you can reserve the alternative hike to the Inca Trail such as Salkantay Trek tours, Lares Trek, Inca Quarry Trail, Inca Jungle Trek and others, these trails are not popular, but you will have the best experience.
In case you want a relaxing trip to Machu Picchu. There are Machu Picchu tours from Cusco and you can choose the best option for you.
You need to take a bus from Cusco to Pitumarca (it lasts 3 hours approx.). After that, you need to go to Ocefina Town (Chillca) and this is the starting point to reach the vicuna. You need to walk 4 hours to reach Machuraccay Town from where you can finally descend to the Apu Vinicunca. From this part of the trek, you can appreciate the Valley’s beauty like little lakes, streams, etc.
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