Many people come to Cusco looking for adventure and the best experiences. While it is true that the most famous destination of all is Machu Picchu, we do not only have this attraction in the area. In addition, you can find many places of natural beauty in the area, such as the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain.
Many people think that this attraction is very difficult to complete because of the altitude and the route, so they are afraid to do the hike. Do not worry, now we will tell you more about this wonderful one day tour.
What is Vinicunca
Vinicunca, or the Rainbow Mountain, is a beautiful colorful formation that has become one of the main tourist places in the area.
This rainbow mountain is known for its beautiful and bright rainbow colors, which are caused by the minerals found in the ground that give it certain specific colors.
Where is the Rainbow Mountain located
The Rainbow Mountain is located south of Cusco, in the province of Canchis. To reach it, it takes almost 1 hour and 30 minutes of uphill walking to the panoramic viewpoint. From the top, the altitude is almost 5200 masl, which for many travelers is usually the real challenge.
To reach the starting point of the hike, you need to drive for almost 3 hours to Llacto, along the road from Cusco.
The way to the Rainbow Mountain
Every time they tell you that something is impossible, remember a thousand times that in Cusco we have a mountain of colors, yes, you did not read wrong, a mountain with 7 colors that can be seen among imposing snow-capped mountains and reveals its peculiar colors to the view of the world.
Starts from the base to the highest point for 1 hour and 30 minutes. After a small climb, 5200 m.s.n.m, they yell at you that you made it, you look around you and the colors flash in your eyes. Indeed, it has 7 colors! You rest for a moment, you fix yourself a little and smile in front of the camera with such satisfaction of being able to have this wonder of nature in front of you, in all its splendor. Without fog and with a sun that highlights the natural rainbow of the Vinicunca mountain, you are finally able to capture your cover photo.
After that, the return journey will be along the same downhill trail to the parking area, where the car will be waiting to take us for lunch and then back to Cusco.
Is the Rainbow Mountain difficult?
The answer would be no. Usually, the visit to the Rainbow Mountain is part of the last part of the itinerary, during the final days, so you are already acclimatized and ready to do the hike.
So, with this in mind, after doing other tours or hikes such as Salkantay or the Inca Trail, you will be well trained for the Rainbow Mountain hike.
The Rainbow Mountain hike is basically flat until the last 30 minutes, when it starts to become steep. This would be the only difficult part of the route.
Tips for the Rainbow Mountain
To deal with the Rainbow Mountain in the best way, we recommend that you follow these tips:
- We recommend that you be fully acclimatized, for at least 3 days, and it is better to leave this visit until the end of your trip.
- Bring water and your snacks to avoid altitude problems and discomfort.
- Avoid walking too fast. If you feel that you need to walk slowly or at a calmer pace, there is no problem. The guides are there to wait for you. The idea is to have the best experience while you walk.
- If you feel that you need help, it is possible to rent horses in the area. The cost of the horses is around 150 soles per route to go up or down.