Fecha de publicación -2024-07-10
Rainbow Mountain Trek
This is one of the most iconic tours in Peru that you should consider doing during your trip to the country. Located in the region of Cusco at 5,036 meters in the middle of the Andes mountains, there are different tours that can take you to explore this natural marvel.
Its natural colors, formed by different cedements over thousands of years, have formed a stunning shape where you can appreciate the 7 colors, from reddish to green, that amaze everyone who reaches this place.
In this article, you will find the important information that you need to know before going there.
What is Rianbow Mountain?
The Rainbow Mountain of Cusco is a peak where you can see different natural colors formed over hundreds of years thanks to the different minerals that you can find in the area, from iron to copper to bronze and different types of stones that create spectacular shapes in the mountain.
Where is Rainbow Mountain?
The iconic Vinicunka Rainbow Mountain is located three hours on the southern side of Cusco, at 5,036 meters above sea level.
How do I get to the Rainbow Mountain of Cusco?
Nowadays, you can find different tours from Cusco; more of the groups do a full-day tour, leaving Cusco super early at 4 a.m., driving for about 3 hours, and hiking for an hour. However, you can get there on your own by taking different local colectivos from Cusco.
How high is Rainbow Mountain?
The classic Vinicunka Rainbow Mountain is nestled at 5,036 meters above sea level.
How difficult is the hike to Rainbow Mountain?
Well, the hike to Rainbow Mountain is quite challenging due to its high altitude. We highly recommend preparing very well for this tour, having extra days in Cusco before departing there, bringing the right gear, and taking a proper tour to avoid the crowds.
Which Rainbow Mountain is better?
Cusco has three Rainbow Mountains, which are Vinicunka, Palccoyo, and Pallay Punchu.
Vinucunka is the classic one that offers stunning views. Although this is very demanded, it offers a unique experience for everyone who embarks to see its colors. We highly recommend going early to avoid the crowds.
Palccoyo:This is the best alternative mountain to the classic one, located at a lower altitude; the hike is short compared to the other one; fewer people go there; and you can see at least three rainbow mountains around; however, the views are not the same as the classic Vinicunka Mountain.
Pallay Punchu: is the last rainbow mountain discovered in the last few years; it is less crowded than the last two mountains, and it offers incredible views of the Andes mountains. Located 4 hours from Cusco, this mountain is one of the most incredible colored in Peru, and its sharp shape makes it unique in the area.
Can I visit Rainbow Mountain on a two-day tour?
Yes, different companies, such as Vidal Expeditions, offer different multi-day tours to Rainbow Mountain. A 2-day trek is excellent for those who want to explore more about this iconic mountain in the Andes. It is also one of the best options to avoid crowds.
Full Day Tour to Rainbow Mountain Itinerary
For this tour, we will pick you up from your hotel between 3:30 and 4:00 am and drive for about 2 hours to reach Cusipata town, where we stop for breakfast. After this, we head to Llantoc village, where our hike begins. The hike will take around 1.30 hours one way, and during this section, you'll be able to see some alpacas and local people. While you are hiking, you can appreciate stunning snow-capped mountains and some lakes at the bottom.
Once you arrive at the viewpoint, you will be amazed by the stunning natural colors that were formed through hundreds of years of sidement. Your guide will explain to you all the details and the history of this iconic mountain. Of course, you will have time to capture the best photos.
Then, you will have the option to hike towards the Red Valley, which will transport you to see a stunning reddish valley. Not many people visit it. Feel the tranquility of the area and explore the whole valley.
Once you have done with this, we will make our way back to the bus and drive to Cusipata, where we get our lunch.
Around 3:00 p.m., we are returning to our hotel in Cusco.
What we included during this tour?
- Pick up from your hotel
- Transportation
- Tour guide
- Meals (breakfast and lunch)
- Entrance fee
- Trekking poles
- Oxygen tank
- Drop off