The Rainbow Mountain (also called Vinicunca or simply ‘Rainbow Mountain’) is one of the newest and best attractions in Peru. Located more than 100 kilometers from the city of Cusco, on an altitudinal summit located at 5,200 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l.). It is a mountainous formation dyed in various shades due to the complex combination of minerals. The slopes and the summit are dyed in various shades that include red, purple, green, yellow, pink and other variations. This tourist attraction was surrounded by ice not many years ago. Since 2016, this place receives hundreds of visitors a day, becoming, along with Machu Picchu, one of the most visited places in Cusco-Peru. Below is all the information about the Rainbow Mountain.
According to various investigations carried out in the area, the multicoloured tones are due to the different minerals that cover the area in layers: red clay and mud (pink), clay (red), sandstone (white), marl (lavender), clay and copper oxide (green) and limonite (brown yellow). These natural substances began to form 65 million years ago when water and rain covered its slopes and peaks. Over time, the extreme climate thawed the snow that formed there, revealing to the world what is today one of the most important tourist attractions in Cusco.
This amazing place is located in the Andes of Peru, in the department of Cusco and province of Canchis, at 5,200 m.a.s.l., an area of ​​considerable elevation. It belongs to the people of Pitumarca who call it the ‘Cerro Colorado’. Because it is located on the way to the imposing Ausangate snow-capped mountain, this site was known long before by adventurers who dared to make the trek. The photos they posted on Facebook and Instagram made it gain popularity. Since 2016 it has been a very visited tourist attraction.
Due to its location, a little more than 100 kilometers from the city of Cusco, this place is reached by car in the first instance. After a trip of approximately 2 hours along the Longitudinal Highway of the Sierra del Sur Peruano, you reach the town of Cusipata. The journey continues along a dirt road to the community of Phulawasipata. From there you follow a route along mountain slopes. This journey is 5 kilometers long and can be done on foot or on horseback to finally arrive at Vinicunca. There are tours that offer this service.
This picturesque peak used to be an attractive 4-day hike to the Ausangate snowy peak. Over the years, this mountain gained popularity on its own. Today, the most popular way to visit this peak is through a tour. There are 1-day and 2-day services. Most include transportation, food, entrance fees, and a professional guide. In the city of Cusco there are many tourist agencies offering these services.
It is also possible to visit the ‘Cerro Colorado’ on your own. To do so, the visitor must take the buses to ‘Sicuani’ in the city of Cusco and get off in the town of Cusipata. Then they must take a collective taxi to the community of Phulawasipata, where the hike to the Rainbow Mountain begins. The entrance ticket price is 15 soles for Peruvians and 25 soles for foreigners.
The hike takes approximately 2 hours (depending on the physical condition of the tourist). It is not dangerous and requires moderate-high physical effort. There are sections with considerable slopes going up and down. However, one of the greatest difficulties is the cold climate and the icy wind. The altitude of the area can cause altitude sickness. A prior acclimatization of 1 or 2 days in the city of Cusco is recommended.
Visiting the Rainbow Mountain or Vinincunca is one of the most incredible experiences you will have. However, many people forget about altitude sickness or that this mountain is at the very top of the world. Its altitude is 5,200 meters above sea level. This can bring a series of ailments that usually overshadow travel experiences. Here we will explain a little more and the options and recommendations that you can follow in case you do not have much time to visit Vinincunca.
This discomfort seems to be a mystery because it can happen to anyone. That is, it does not usually choose between people, on the contrary, it can happen that the best athlete feels bad at altitude while someone who is sedentary only feels a little discomfort and can move around without any problem.
Altitude sickness occurs at higher altitudes because in those geographic areas, atmospheric pressure is reduced, therefore, the amount of oxygen is reduced. This causes a body that is not used to the lack of oxygen to begin to experience a series of changes that translate into the main symptoms.
Altitude sickness can be explained as follows:
It mainly affects people who live or come from places with altitudes less than 900 meters above sea level.
Physical condition or status does not influence.
It is too risky for people with advanced cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases.
It is risky for pregnant people and those with high blood pressure.
The main recommendation is to consume plenty of liquid before and during the hike. Don't worry, you will find bathrooms.
Coca leaves can be taken as an infusion or chewed directly.
If you are not acclimatized, book a horse ride or an ATV tour.
Don't rush, go at your own pace.
Avoid drinking alcohol or smoking during the climb.
Be in good spirits at all times. To make you feel safer, ask for a first aid kit and an oxygen tank.
On your trip to Peru, you probably won't have much time to visit all the places this country has to offer. In this sense, we leave you some options that you can follow to get to the Rainbow Mountain. These services will allow you to follow a shorter stretch and enjoy the spectacular landscapes without any problem, especially because you won't have to make strong or prolonged physical efforts. The following options that we will mention can also be obtained independently when booking your tour.
It is probably the most obvious option, but at the same time it is the one that we overlook the most. Especially when we are supposed to be travelers who do not acclimatize properly. It is always recommended to acclimatize one or two days before in Cusco. But in case you want to visit the Rainbow Mountain and you do not have more than one day in Peru or you made a bad reservation or you have other excuses and you want to visit this spectacular mountain. You have to keep in mind that the most feasible option is to rent the horse.
The horses are guided by people from the area. They perform these services as an extra way to generate income. They are usually quite friendly and also work in an organized way. Both men and women have the same ability to perform this service so do not hesitate when requesting the service
The base price is 60 soles. If you want to have the round trip service they usually charge 100 soles. In any case, visiting the mountain is truly a privilege for the eyes of those who love and enjoy the landscapes. If you have any questions or want more information, you can visit our Complete Guide to Visiting the Rainbow Mountain.
A main and less conventional option is to visit by quad bike or ATV. This service is a totally different way to get to Vinincunca. Remember that after a minivan trip you have to walk. On this tour, you will have the facility to follow another, less crowded path, before which you will get on your ATV or four-wheeler to start the route.
The driving time is approximately 2 hours along the old route. In this sense, it is unlikely to encounter vehicles. It is also possible to see spectacular landscapes and a great amount of flora and fauna of the place. Perhaps the only drawback is the dust, but it is a fair price since you will add adrenaline to the trip to the Rainbow Mountain.
From the place where we park the ATVs, we will only have to follow a slightly steep path to the mountain. The walking time will be between 30 minutes to 1 hour. Remember that there you can also get the horse transport service. Another important factor will be not to rush when going up the hill. Take it easy.
