One of Cusco’s main natural wonders is the Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca, a must-see destination on your trip. If you’d like to find out what the trip is like, the schedule, the places you’ll visit, and even what the hike is like, we’ll provide you with everything you need to make your visit to the Rainbow Mountain an unforgettable experience.
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ATV Adventure to the 7 Colors Mountain
If you’re looking for a more adrenaline-filled adventure through Rainbow Mountain, the ideal option is to go ATV riding. It’s one of our most popular tours, allowing you to experience iconic landscapes surrounded by mountains on a route that saves you the trek up the mountain. Take advantage of the opportunity to enhance your trip to Vinicunca and book it now.
What is the 7-color mountain?
The Seven Colors Mountain, or Vinicunca, is a natural attraction that owes its colors to a combination of minerals attracted by geological phenomena over time. This mountain was once covered in snow (glacier), which melted over time, allowing us to see its incredible colors today.
It is currently one of the main tourist destinations in Cusco, allowing you to explore beautiful valleys on the way to appreciate the 7-color mountain, which chromatically resembles a rainbow.
The mountain is also known as Vinicunca, which is its original name, but due to its colorful impression it provided it was popularly called the mountain of 7 colors.
Where is the 7-color mountain?
The impressive Rainbow Mountain is located in the province of Canchis, about 100 kilometers from the city of Cusco. To reach this destination, you must drive for approximately three hours until you reach the Phulawasipata checkpoint, where the final hike of almost two hours begins.
Its privileged location allows you to admire a landscape surrounded by mountains in valleys and even the immense Ausangate snow-capped mountain, which is approximately 6,384 meters above sea level.
What is the Rainbow Mountain tour like?
The trip to Rainbow Mountain begins very early, at approximately 4:30 a.m. Transportation will pick us up from our hotel or residence. Here, we’ll embark on a journey of approximately two hours to reach our first stop in the village of Cusipata, where we’ll enjoy breakfast.
We’ll then continue our journey by car for another hour until we reach the Phulawasipata checkpoint. From here, we’ll get our first impressions of the hike, which will last between 1 hour and 30 minutes and 2 hours along steadily ascending trails. Horses are also available for rent to make the trek easier.
Finally, we’ll reach Rainbow Mountain, which sits at an altitude of 5,200 meters above sea level. From here, we’ll have a stunning view of the surrounding valleys and the Ausangate snow-capped mountain.
The return journey is the same, with another stop in the town of Cusipata for lunch. Afterward, we’ll travel to Cusco, arriving at approximately 6:00 p.m. The full tour to Rainbow Mountain lasts approximately 14 hours, making it a full-day trip.
What is the hike to Rainbow Mountain like?
The hike to Rainbow Mountain is considered of medium difficulty. The hike takes approximately two hours to complete, with the first half flat, but the second half steep ascent.
There’s also the option of ascending on horseback, which drops you off a short distance from Rainbow Mountain. Due to its altitude, it can be difficult for many visitors, so this option, along with the option of completing the entire tour on an ATV, is very popular.
Along the way, you can stop to take photographs of the stunning landscapes you pass, making the trail even more enriching.
Depending on the season, we can experience a different landscape. During the rainy season (November–March), we’ll find more precipitation, which can cloud the landscape but also allows us to explore the area without heavy tourist traffic. During the dry season (April–October), on the other hand, we’ll experience a much more complete landscape, along with a more pleasant climate. The number of visitors during these months is much higher, but this doesn’t prevent you from enjoying the tour in a much more colorful setting.
Features of the 7-color mountain
The geography we’ll encounter on our trip to the Rainbow Mountain, or Vinicunca, is one of the most impressive in the entire Cusco region. Therefore, being informed about all its characteristics will allow us to be better prepared for our adventure in this unmissable natural destination.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Canchis Province, Cusco Region, Peru, in the Vilcanota mountain range. |
| Altitude | Approximately 5,200 meters above sea level. |
| Geological formation | A product of the erosion and sedimentation of minerals over millions of years. Each color corresponds to a different mineral. |
| Colors | Red (iron oxides), Green (chlorites), Yellow (sandstones with sulfur), White (quartz, light sandstones), among others. |
| Access | About 3 hours from Cusco by car + 1.5 to 2 hours of trekking. Horse rentals and ATV tours are available. |
| Climate | Cold, due to its high elevation. It’s recommended to dress warmly and prepare for possible precipitation. |
| Best time to visit | Dry season (May to September). Less rain, more panoramic views. |
Recommendations for your trip to the 7 colors mountain
- Rainbow Mountain is located 5,200 meters above sea level, so you should dress warmly to avoid discomfort during your hike.
- The great challenge of reaching Rainbow Mountain involves a constant climb, so you must be in good physical condition to complete it.
- Remember that you can also go up on horseback, so you won’t miss out on the experience of visiting Rainbow Mountain.
- Much of the route is on dirt roads and uphill, so you should be well-equipped with trekking shoes.
- The Rainbow Mountain tour starts at 4:30 a.m. and ends at 6:00 p.m. It is considered a full-day tour.
- Visiting it during the dry season (April – October) allows you to witness the Vinicunca mountain in all its splendor, without fear of possible precipitation.
- Visiting Rainbow Mountain on a tour allows you to forget about the worries of planning your travel itinerary and focus solely on enjoying the journey.
- Acclimatizing in the city of Cusco a few days beforehand is ideal for a hassle-free adventure on the Rainbow Mountain.
Frequently Asked Questions
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1. What is the 7-color mountain?
The Seven Colors Mountain, also known as Vinicunca, is a natural geological formation in Cusco. Originally covered by a glacier, its unique color scheme today makes it a major tourist attraction.
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2. Where is the 7-color mountain located?
Vinicunca is located in the province of Canchis, approximately 100 kilometers from Cusco. To get there, you have to drive for three hours to Phulawasipata, from which point begins a hike of approximately two hours to Rainbow Mountain.
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3. What is the tour to Rainbow Mountain like?
The tour begins very early, with pickup at 4:30 a.m. From Cusco, you’ll travel first to Cusipata for breakfast and then continue to Phulawasipata, where the hike begins. After reaching the summit of Rainbow Mountain at 5,200 meters above sea level, you’ll enjoy the scenery before returning along the same route, concluding the tour around 6:00 p.m.
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4. What is the hike to Rainbow Mountain like?
The hike is of medium difficulty, lasting between 1 hour 30 minutes and 2 hours. The terrain is initially flat, but becomes steeper in the final stretch. There are options to rent horses or take an ATV.
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5. What is the best time to visit Rainbow Mountain?
The best time to visit Rainbow Mountain is during the dry season, from April to October, when rainfall is scarce and the colors of the landscape are most vivid. During the rainy season (November to March), there are fewer tourists, but the weather can make the views difficult.
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6. What clothing and equipment should I bring to visit Rainbow Mountain?
Due to the low temperatures and weather changes in the mountains, it is recommended to wear waterproof clothing, a hat, gloves, sunscreen, sunglasses, and trekking shoes.
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7. Can I do the hike if I’m not in good physical condition?
The hike is possible even if you’re not in great physical condition. In case of difficulty, a horse can be hired to make the ascent easier.
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8. Can you visit Rainbow Mountain without a tour?
Yes, it’s possible to visit on your own by renting transportation to Phulawasipata and hiking independently. However, opting for a tour makes the trek easier and offers greater logistics and safety.
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9. How high is the 7-color mountain?
The summit of Rainbow Mountain reaches 5,200 meters above sea level. Altitude is a very important factor to consider, so it’s recommended to acclimatize in Cusco at least a couple of days before the tour.
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10. What health precautions should I take into account before traveling?
Altitude can cause altitude sickness, so it’s important to stay hydrated, avoid heavy meals before the climb, and get adequate rest before the hike to Rainbow Mountain.