day 1
Rainbow Mountain Full day
TOUR RAINBOW MOUNTAIN
Our mobility will come very early to pick you up from your hotel, to go to the Cusipata district, which is approximately 77 kilometers away. This trip is for 2 hours, to the community of Cusipata, here you can enjoy a delicious breakfast for a time of 30 minutes,
to then continue driving for approximately one more hour in our mobility until we reach the beginning of the adventure. From this point we will start our walk to the Mountain of 7 colors – Vinicunca. The walk will take approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours as we climb up to 5100 meters.
Already being at the top of the mountain, our guide will give a brief explanation about this beautiful natural formation.
According to some geologists from the society of geology of Peru, the mountain of Vinicunca, alongside many other mountains of the huge Cordillera of the Andes have formed from the movement of the tectonic plates which have elevated the marine sediments to the point of being converted into impressive mountains.
On the other hand, the color presented by Vinicunca is the result of the oxidation of some minerals due to erosion, humidity and other geological factors.
At some point in our history, the mountain was covered with blocks of ice: it was snowy. However, due to global warming and climate change, the ice disappeared and left in its place this magical landscape that demonstrates the beauty and ecological fragility of planet Earth.
The coloring of the 7-color hill, according to the studies of the Deconcentrated Directorate of Culture of Cusco, is due to the following mineralogical composition:
- The pink color is the red clay, fangolites (mud) and arilites (sand).
- The Blanquecino is by quartz sandstone and marls, rich in calcium carbonate.
- Red is composed of clays (iron) and clays belonging to the upper tertiary.
- The green is due to the compound of phyllites and clays rich in magnesium ferro.
- The earthy brown is a product of fanglomerate composed of rock with magnesium belonging to the Quaternary era.
- And the mustard yellow color is due to the presence of calcareous sandstones rich in sulphured minerals.
After receiving our information and photo free time.
We will return to the same starting point to take our transport back to the town of CUSIPATA to enjoy our rich buffet lunch.
14:00 pm we begin the return to the city of Cusco arriving at 16:30 pm. about.
Along the way we will be able to appreciate some South American camelids, residents with their typical costumes and the change of color of the mountains until we reach Vinicunca.
What is this day like? check our photos
WHAT INCLUDED?
- Information day before
- Pick up from hotel
- Profetional Tour guide English and Spanish
- Private minivan transport
- Buffet lunch
- American breakfast
- Entrance to the Rainbow Mountain 25 soles
- Hiking poles
- First aid kit
- Oxygen ballon for the walk
- Oxygen ballon in the car.
- Portable radio for emergency
NOT INCLUDED
- Optional Horse rental: one way 70 soles and round trip 100 soles
- Water bottle.
- Food not mentione.
- Personal expenses and Tips: How to buy handicrafts, clothes, drinks, etc. Tips are not included either, these are voluntary according to the service received.
- Travel insurance: It is a very important requirement in the event of any unforeseen event that may occur during a trip: Such as medical assistance during your trip, Stay due to illness or accident, Loss of luggage, Forced cancellation of travel due to protests or natural disasters.
PACKING LIST
- Passport
Small backpack (For your water, camera, snacks etc.)
Light clothing, and jacket (As the weather can vary a lot and there is a lot of wind)
Hat for both the sun and the cold
Sunscreen
Extra money for extra expenses - Personal expenses and Tips: How to buy handicrafts, clothes, drinks, etc. Tips are not included either, these are voluntary according to the service received.
- Travel insurance: It is a very important requirement in the event of any unforeseen event that may occur during a trip: Such as medical assistance during your trip, Stay due to illness or accident, Loss of luggage, Forced cancellation of the trip due to protests or natural disasters.
RECOMENDATIONS
What is the best season to go to the Mountain?
If you want to see snow-capped peaks and go at a calm time without so many people, May is a good time to plan your visit. If you are looking for warm temperatures and high-altitude hikes, July and August are the best months.
Visit the mountain a few days after your arrival in Cusco. It is better that you acclimatize before visiting Vinicunca, so your body will be prepared and you will not suffer from soroche.
If you want to see the mountain completely clear, as it appears in the photos on the internet. It is advisable to visit it in the dry season -between May and September.
BEFORE VISITING THE MOUNTAIN OF COLORS
Before taking a tour to the mountain of colors you have to be there a few days before to acclimatize your body and the changes are not so sudden, also this way you will be preventing the possible symptoms of altitude sickness, the recommendation to acclimatize the body, minimum is a day in the city of Cusco, take some pills for altitude sickness or simply upon arrival at the hotel rest a bit before starting your visit.
F.A.Qs
Where is it located?
This place is located in the Andes of Peru, in the Cusco department and the Canchis province, at an altitude of 5,200 meters above sea level, a considerable altitude. It belongs to the town of Pitumarca, who call it the mountain of colors or Vinicunca.
How to get there?
Being located a little more than 100 kilometers from the city of Cusco, this place can be reached by bus or car. After a journey of approximately 2 hours along the highway heading south, you arrive at the town of Cusipata. The route continues along a dirt road to the community of Phulawasipata. This journey is 5 kilometers and can be done on foot or by horse, finally reaching the Vinicunca viewpoint.
Information about the attraction
This natural attraction, also known as Apu Vinicunca, is a visual spectacle for all travelers who have the fortune to reach its peaks. On its slopes and peaks, you can see intense shades of ocher, yellow, green, pink, gold, purple, blue, and various hues of these colors. The visual spectacle offered by this site has attracted numerous travelers since 2016.
The climate?
The climate, typical of the higher areas of Cusco, is cold. Rain, wind, and altitude sickness (or soroche) can be the biggest obstacles for travelers. Temperatures can drop below zero degrees Celsius. Rain can occur at any time of the year, so it is advisable to bring a rain poncho.
Best season?
The best time to travel to this amazing place is between the months of May and November, as during these months the presence of rain is less frequent, known as the dry season. However, the weather in Cusco is very variable, so it is always advisable to bring a rain poncho.
What should I bring?
- Passport
- Small backpack (water, camera, snacks, etc.)
- Light clothing and a jacket (as the weather is changeable and windy)
- Hat for sun and cold
- Sunscreen
- Extra money for purchases and additional expenses
- Travel insurance is recommended
Is the hike dangerous?
The hike is not dangerous, but it does require moderate to high physical effort. There are sections with considerable ascents and descents. However, one of the main difficulties is the cold climate and the chilly wind. The altitude of the area can cause altitude sickness or soroche. A prior acclimatization of 1 or 2 days in the city of Cusco is recommended.
Is there an age limit for this excursion?
There is no age limit for this type of excursion, but it is not recommended for older people and children with acute respiratory problems since higher altitudes have less oxygen. It is advisable to consult with a doctor.
