Everything you need to know about this hike
The mountain of 7 colors is, without a doubt, the second largest attraction in Cusco, just after Machu Picchu, this attraction is the most popular among travelers who seek to be dazzled by the strong colors of this mountain.
This beautiful geological formation that nature gives us, located between the districts of Cusipata, province of Quispicanchis and Pitumarca, province of Canchis, surprises viewers with the way its colors rest on a mountain that seems hand painted with oil paint, on this beautiful natural canvas. This rainbow mountain is unique in Peru and is worth visiting.
To the joy of many tourists, this whim of nature is in the Cusco region, almost 3 hours from the city. The tour begins in the early hours of the morning at approximately 3:30 am to be able to arrive before the other tourists to the colorful mountain.
You should wake up around 3:30 am to take a van that will pick you up from your hotel. The trip from Cusco, including the stop for the buffet breakfast, takes approximately 1 hour.
After 3 hours of travel, once you arrive at the parking lot where all the mini vans and tourist vehicles stay, you have to walk a little to the beginning of the trekking, from this moment they give you two hours to reach the highest part of Vinicunca (5,100 m a.s.l.) and parts from a height of 4,477 m a.s.l. on a path in a straight line, there is no way to get lost.
There are people who offer the service of taking you on horseback and it will cost you almost 80 soles, but the price will decrease as you progress along the way. What you can do is walk as much as you can and lastly go horseback, make sure the horse is in good condition.
Once you reach the mountain of colors you can have incredible views of the surrounding area, such as the impressive Ausangate mountains and the Red Mountain or the Red Valley.
After having explored and listened to the guide’s explanations, you will return to the place of Cusipata to have lunch and then return to Cusco.
The best time to visit Rainbow Mountain, and Cusco in general, is during the dry season. This way, the sky is clearer and you get a better view. There is also no risk of falling or slipping due to the rail being wet.
The dry season is from May to October. These two months are the best times to visit because there are fewer tourists than in June, July and August.
You can visit at any time of the year, but be aware that during the rainy season you can get very wet, which will not be very pleasant for the return car trip.
