Rainbow Mountain / Montaña de Colores (Vinicunca) Full Day

Rainbow Mountain, Peru

Very Good

from 8 reviews

Duration

Full day

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

15 people

Languages

English, Espanol, Português

Rainbow Mountain / Montaña de Colores (Vinicunca) Full Day

Overview

Rainbow Mountain / Montaña de Colores (Vinicunca) Full Day

There is a place in the south of Peru where a mountain attracts, not so much for its grandeur, but for its spectacular look. We are talking about Vinicunca, or rainbow mountain, which has become one of the greatest tourist attractions in the land of the Incas.

Located in the Cordillera de Vilcanota – southeast of the city of Cusco- Vinicunca offers a wonderful show, from the same path that leads to it. It is a journey of approximately five hours by car and on foot that, even though demands a high physical preparation, culminates in a postcard image that is forever engraved in the memory of the traveler.

Geological origin

The color of Vinicunca is because a geological formation accumulated over time by the mixture of marine, lake and river elements. This gathering of minerals dragged by the waters of the mountain range, the winds and the humidity, has caused the oxidation of the place and has made that the mountain acquire that magical diversity of tones.

Geologists and experts in the field affirm that this phenomenon has been discovered thanks to the melting of the glaciers that formerly covered the mountain and that constantly received snow until the early nineties

Highlights

We start our hike from this point located at 4,630 m to 5,100 masl to RAINBOW MOUNTAIN aka:(Cerro Colorado, Montaña de Colores or “Vinicunca”) lead by our expert guide, here we can admire the stunning rainbow colors that the natural formations of minerals since ages have given so special colors to the mountains. Beautiful views of red and colors mountains, streams and herds of alpacas and llamas and the south side of Ausangate ranges of mountains. We will hike through small traditional andean villages a see the local people with their colorful dresses and an unique andean landscape south of Cusco near the Apu Ausangate mountain 6,384 masl - the 5th highest mountain in South America.

Itinerary

A visit to Rainbow Mountain, known locally as Vinicunca (its Quechua name) or the montaña de siete colores (seven-colored mountain), is an absolute must for all those who love stunning landscapes and gorgeous scenery. Nestled in a remote region of the Andes Mountains, Rainbow Mountain was once a spectacle only to be admired by trekkers
This is a once in a lifetime experience to Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain region near the famous Ausangate snow capped mountains. Come and enjoy a walk through our new shorter route to reach the mirador with a beautiful views around you.

Pick up from your Hotel in Cusco between 04:00 am to 4:30 am
2 Hours drive on a private transport to Cusipata located at 4,320 masl.

Stop for Breakfast and it will be provided at our cozy place. Afterward
1 more hour drive to the Comunity of Fulam Wasi Pata) located at 4,630 masl.

We start our hike from this point located at 4,630 m to 5,100 masl to RAINBOW MOUNTAIN aka:(Cerro Colorado, Montaña de Colores or “Vinicunca”) lead by our expert guide, here we can see the stunning colors that are natural formations of minerals since ages that give colors to the mountain. Beautiful views of red and colors mountains, streams and herds of alpacas and llamas and the south side of Ausangate ranges of mountains. We will hike through small traditional andean villages a see the local people with their colorful dresses and an unique andean landscape south of Cusco near the Apu Ausangate mountain 6,384 masl - the 5th highest mountain in Peru.

After a total hike of approximately 2-3 hours, we finally will reach to this mirador spot to have an impressive views of Rainbow Mountains located at 5,100 masl. Time to explore the area. Time to rest and enjoy our packed lunch. You will have time to take pictures and soak in the environment. (We will spend approximately 30-45 minutes at the top).

Then we start our return back hiking a downhill the way thru we came. The hike will take 2.5 hours.

Our private van will be waiting for us when we return. 3 hour drive back to Cusco and drop you off at your Cusco hotel. Approximate arrival time is before 6:00 pm

A water bottle with plenty of water.
Snacks for the hike (making sure to bring back any trash with you). There are also locals selling candies, water and soda, and small snacks near the trailhead.
Peruvian soles in smaller bills (S/.20 and S/.40) if you want to pay for a horse ride.
Comfortable hiking shoes with good traction.
A warm hat.
Multiple layers of clothing in order to be prepared for all weather conditions.
Sunscreen and sunglasses. This is important not to forget, since the sun’s UV rays are very harsh at high altitude.
A camera to capture all the Mountain of 7 colors (Rainbow Mountain) in all its beauty.

Included/Excluded

Specialized bilingual guide
Private Transport (Round Trip)
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch. (Optional Vegetarian)
First Aid kit
First oxygen balloon

25 Soles for Entrance fees.
Additional Services
Insurance
Drink

Tour's Location

Rainbow Mountain, Peru

FAQs

The trail starts as an even, gradual incline through a valley until you arrive to a steeper climb up to Rainbow Mountain.

To get the classic view, you have to climb a very steep, hard-packed dirt mountainside that’s across from Rainbow Mountain. Because the mountainside is sheer, the terrain can be slippery when wet. The summit allows you to see the full streaking of the mountainside and the stellar views of lush, green scenery that fade into steely snowcapped mountain peak

Many people don’t realize beforehand that Rainbow Mountain is a high altitude hike. The altitude, more so than the incline of the trail, adds to the challenge factor of the hike. The trailhead starts at around 4,300 meters (14,000 feet) and climbs to just over 5,000 meters (16,400 feet). Many people have a hard time and end up paying for a horseback ride offered by one of the locals walking along the trail.

The weather at Rainbow Mountain is very unpredictable, changing frequently and quickly. You might see warm weather and sunny skies one minute and then cloudy skies and snowfall the next. The best idea is to make sure you’re prepared for all weather by dressing in layers.

Very basic bathroom facilities are available along the trail. These bathrooms are very rustic, but it’s the only option that is available in such a remote area. Make sure to carry a roll of toilet paper with you just in case.

The colors of the mountain actually come from the rich mineral deposits compressed into layers over millions of years. The red layers are iron oxide, while oxidized limonite gives some layers a brown hue. Chlorite gives off a green hue in other layers, and finally, iron sulfide is what makes Rainbow Mountains Yellow layers.

from $45,00

Date

12/21/2024

Adults

Children

6-12

Hire a horse (Round trip)($15,00)

Organized by

inkaland

Member Since 2022

113 Reviews

Information Contact

Email

info@inkalandtravel.com

Website

http://www.inkalandtravel.com

Phone

(+51) 084 - 236 - 895