1 Day Rainbow Mountain Tour
The Rainbow Mountain or VINICUNCA, is one of the most impressive geological formations in the Andes Mountain Range. This is just one of the majestic natural attractions found on the way to the Apu Ausangate.
Vinicunca Mountain offers dreamlike landscapes where you can appreciate and enjoy spectacular views, as well as vicuñas, alpacas and llamas. It is no wonder that this destination is catalogued as one of the top 100 tourist destinations to visit in the world!
The spectacular rainbow mountain has to be top of the list of most traveller´s Peru itinerary, so allow us to help you with this spectacularly unique natural destination in Peru!
mapayou’re thinking about the one day trip to Rainbow Mountain. It’s a full on day let me tell you. You leave Cusco when it’s still dark outside completely dark and you get back well after the sun has gone down. The main reason for the trip is of course to see Vinicunca or ‘Mountain of Seven Colors’.
The pictures you’ve seen online are probably edited a bit much but the real thing is still something else. The colors are real layers of mineral deposits showing off millions of years of geology. It’s not just the mountain though the whole area around there the Ausangate region is stunning. You’ll see other colorful mountains green valleys herds of alpacas and llamas just hanging out and local people in their traditional clothes. It’s a proper Andean landscape very raw and very high up.
The trek itself is no joke. The altitude is the real kicker here we’re talking about going over 5,000 meters. That’s seriously high and you will feel it. The walk isn’t super long maybe a couple of hours to the main viewpoint but it’s mostly uphill and at that altitude every step feels like a marathon.
They say it’s a moderate hike but if you aren’t used to the altitude it feels way harder. I saw some people really struggling. There’s an option to hire a horse for part of the way which a lot of people ended up doing. The drive to get there is also long a few hours each way on some pretty bumpy roads. It’s an adventure for sure and a test of your lungs but the views from the top when you finally make it are just insane. You feel like you’re on another planet.
Cusco, Cusco, Peru / Cusco, Cusco, PeruCusco, Cusco, PeruCusco, Cusco, Peru. The van picks you up and you try to get some more sleep as it navigates the dark city streets.Cusipata District, Quispicanchi, Peru. It’s a simple but energizing meal. Coffee coca tea bread eggs. It’s cold outside. Really cold.Phuluwasipata, Pitumarca, Peru. This is it the start of the hike. It’s windy. The guides give a quick briefing. You can already feel the thin air.Cusco, Cusco, Peru. Most people are asleep.Cusco, Cusco, Peru.
We will collect you from your hotel between 4:00am y las 4:30am to then drive for 2 and ½ hours to the village of Pitumarca, where you will enjoy a delicious breakfast, after which we will continue along the way to k’ayrawiri at 4326m where we will begin our hike. We will first hike for approximately 2 -3 hours uphill, where we can appreciate beautiful landscapes and snow-covered mountains, local people in traditional dress, alpaca and llama farmers, as well as the high Andean countryside of the Vilcanota Cordillera. When we arrive at the summit, (5020m) we will have plenty of time to take photos of the impressive stripy mountains and enjoy a well-earned rest.
We will then return to Japura, where our transport will be waiting to take us for a delicious lunch, after which we will then head back to our car to go back to Cusco. (Arriving between 4:30 pm and 5:00 pm), where we will finish our great adventure.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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Read morePRICES:
Cusco, Cusco, Peru the day before. Expect to pay around 20-30 Peruvian Soles.Recommendations Don’t book this tour for your first day in Cusco. You must acclimatize for at least two full days. Drink tons of coca tea and water. Walk slowly on the hike it’s not a race. ‘Paso a paso’ as they say. Listen to your body if you feel really sick tell your guide immediately.
Climate The climate is high alpine. It’s always cold and windy. Even on a sunny day the wind at the top can be brutal. Temperatures can swing wildly from relatively mild when the sun is out to below freezing if clouds roll in. Snow is possible any day of the year.
Recommended Season of the Year The best time to go is during the dry season from April to October. You have a much higher chance of clear skies and seeing the colors at their most vibrant. The rainy season from November to March can mean clouds mud and even snow covering the mountain completely.
How to Dress Properly for the Tour Layers are everything. Wear a moisture-wicking t-shirt a warm fleece and a waterproof and windproof jacket. Hiking pants are better than jeans. Wear warm hiking socks to prevent blisters. A warm hat and gloves are not optional they are essential.
How to Prepare Physically You don’t need to be a super athlete but good cardiovascular fitness helps. The main challenge is the altitude not the distance. Spend the days before your tour doing some gentle walks around Cusco to help your body adjust to the elevation. Avoid heavy meals and alcohol the day before.
How are the Local People The local people in the communities you pass through are Quechua. They are generally reserved but friendly. They make their living from farming alpacas and now tourism. Be respectful when taking photos always ask for permission first especially if it’s a close-up picture of a person. Buying a souvenir or paying for the horse ride directly supports them.
For Whom is this Tour Recommended This tour is for adventurous travelers who are in good physical condition and have properly acclimatized to the altitude. It’s for people who are prepared for a long and challenging day in exchange for some of the most unique and incredible scenery in the Andes. It is not for people with heart or respiratory problems children or anyone who takes altitude lightly.
What is the Food Like on the Route The food provided by the tour is usually a simple buffet. For breakfast expect things like scrambled eggs bread jam and coffee or tea. Lunch is typically a hearty meal with a soup as a starter followed by a main course with options like chicken rice potatoes and vegetables. It’s designed to be filling and give you energy for the trek.
The hike itself is not technically difficult and the distance is relatively short. However the extreme altitude makes it very challenging. Breathing is difficult and you will feel fatigued much faster than normal.
Yes the colors are real. They are caused by different mineral sediments in the rock. However the vibrant almost neon colors you often see in photos are heavily edited. The real-life colors are more muted and earthy but still very impressive.
Absolutely. Going to this altitude without being acclimatized is not only uncomfortable but can be dangerous. You need to spend at least 2-3 days in Cusco or another high-altitude location before attempting this trek.
Symptoms of mild altitude sickness include headache nausea dizziness and fatigue. It feels a bit like a bad hangover. If symptoms become severe (like confusion or difficulty breathing) you must descend immediately.
Yes. Local people offer horse rides for most of the uphill section of the trail. This can be a good option if you are struggling with the altitude. The cost is usually paid directly to the horseman in cash.
The tour will usually run regardless of the weather. If it is cloudy or snowing you may not be able to see the colors of the mountain. It’s a risk you take when booking the tour.
The drive from Cusco, Cusco, Peru to the trailhead takes approximately 3 to 4 hours each way depending on traffic and road conditions.
Eat a light dinner the night before and avoid alcohol. The breakfast provided on the tour is usually sufficient but having your own high-energy snacks is a very good idea. Coca candies can also help with the altitude.
There are basic toilets available at the trailhead at the very beginning. You will have to pay a small fee to use them so bring some coins. There are no facilities along the trail itself.
If you have the time and energy yes. The landscape is dramatically different from the Rainbow Mountain view and many travelers find it to be just as or even more impressive.
Sturdy hiking shoes or boots with good traction are highly recommended. The path can be uneven rocky and sometimes muddy or snowy. Trainers are not ideal.
It’s a good idea to bring at least 100-150 Peruvian Soles in cash. This will cover any personal expenses like horse rental toilet fees extra snacks and tips for your guide and driver.
The best months are in the dry season from May to September. These months offer the highest probability of clear sunny skies.
Yes it has become an extremely popular tourist destination. The main viewpoint can get very crowded especially during the peak season. Expect to share the view with many other groups
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