Have you ever imagined seeing a rainbow mountain in the middle of the Andes? Nature was very kind to give the region of Cusco the most beautiful sceneries in the world, including Vinicunca. This incredible mountain is also known as “Siete Colores”, “Cerro Colorado” and in English as “Rainbow Mountain”.
The imposing mountain Vinicunca presents this tonality due to the erosion of sedimentary stones, the same ones that are formed without any intervention of the man, are compared with a terrestrial rainbow. It is located within the Vilcanota mountain range; Vinicunca is located between 4,710 and 5,200 meters above sea level.
Location
Vinicunca is located in the district of Pitumarca, in the province of Canchis, very close to the snowy mountain Ausangate (sacred mountain). Its high Andean area makes it be surrounded by camelids like alpacas and vicuñas, an incredible turquoise lagoon and varied fauna. Also, you will be able to appreciate the flight of the majestic condor, an animal in danger of extinction.
Know the route to Vinicunca with us
Wanchaq to Checacupe
From very early (3:30 a.m.) the traveler will depart from the city of Cusco to Avenida Huayruropata in Wanchaq. There you will find a bus station located in front of the Garcilaso Stadium. This bus will transfer you to Checacupe in about two and a half hours.
Approximate cost: S / 7.00 ($ 2.10).
Checacupe to Pitumarca
As soon as you arrive at Checacupe you must embark on the buses that are parked in the city Main Square and travel to Pitumarca. The trip will last 15 minutes and the frequency of departure is every 20 minutes.
Approximate cost: S /. 1.00 ($ 0.30).
Pitumarca to Chillca
The vehicles depart from the main square of Pitumarca to Chillca, the trip will last for two and a half hours approximately.
Approximate cost: S / 15.00 ($ 4.50).
Chillca – Vinicunca
Our destiny is getting closer. To reach this wonderful mountain, you must leave from Chillca in the muleteers service, who know the area very well and will guide you to Vinicunca. After the intense hike of approximately two hours, you will finally have reached the majestic rainbow mountain.
Cost to enter Vinicunca: National S / 5.00 ($ 1.50) – Foreign S / 10.00 ($ 3.00).
Recommendations
It is advisable to travel from April to August.
Take equipment such as: hat, small backpack, comfortable sneakers, jacket to cover, sunscreen, trekking stick, blanket and water to hydrate.
It is important that the traveler acclimate to Cusco and travel a few days before to avoid “soroche” or altitude sickness, here we will give you some tips.
-Buy food in the city of Cusco or Pitumarca, those are the only places where you will find stores to buy groceries or water.
The mountain Vinicunca or mountain of colors has become an important tourist attraction, visited by thousands of national and international tourists. As it is receiving so many travelers a year, a contingency plan is needed to protect it so future generations can enjoy it.
Believe it or not, the rainbow mountain exists and is located in Cusco. Enjoy Vinicunca and its wonderful colors!