Rainbow Mountain

Abiut the Tour

The vibrant colors of Vinicunca are due to a geological formation created over time by a mixture of marine, lake, and river elements. This accumulation of minerals, carried by the waters of the mountain range, winds, and humidity, has caused the oxidation of the area, giving the mountain its magical diversity of hues.

Geologists and experts affirm that this phenomenon has only recently been discovered due to the melting of glaciers that once covered the mountain and received constant snowfall until the early 1990s.

Itinerary

Cusco – Cusipata – Rainbow Mountain

For this day, you will need to wake up very early since the driver will pick you up around 5:00 a.m. to head toward the Vilcanota mountain range. There you will find Vinicunca, also known as Rainbow Mountain.

After approximately 2.5 hours on the road, the van will stop and we will get off with the guide to start the hike on foot. The uphill hike will take about 2 hours, and the return (descent) about 1 hour on average, reaching up to 5,000 meters above sea level at the highest point.

Arrival at the Summit and Return to Cusco

Upon reaching the summit of Vinicunca, you will see the famous mountains that, due to the minerals they contain, appear to form a rainbow on their surface. You will also be able to enjoy splendid views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks, especially the Ausangate glacier.

It is very important to carry at least 1 liter of water per person and stay constantly hydrated. It is also recommended to bring warm clothing, preferably waterproof, as it may rain at times along the route. You will be returning to Cusco around 4:30 p.m.