RAINBOW MOUNTAIN
Cusco is a department privileged by nature and history. The capital of the Inca Empire houses in its territory wonders of all kinds such as the ineffable citadel of Machu Picchu or the wonderful Manu National Park. Attractions such as these make it easy to understand why the Incas chose Cusco to build the navel of the world there.
In addition to the historical monuments and archaeological complexes, the department of Cusco embraces in its green territory the wonders of nature, such as the snowy Ausangate and Salkantay, two of the most beautiful mountains on the continent. Located in the heart of the Andes of Cusco, they were considered by the Incas as authentic deities.
The mountain of the 7 colors (also called Vinicunca or simply ‘rainbow’) According to various investigations done on site, the multicolored shades are due to the different minerals it covers in the area. These natural substances have a format of 65 million years when water and rain covered their slopes and summits. With the passage of time, the extreme weather was thawing the snow that formed there revealing to the world what is today one of the most strategically important tourist in Cusco. It is one of the new and best attractions of Peru. Located more than 100 kilometers from the city of Cusco, on an altitudinal summit located at 5,200 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l.) It is a mountainous formation tinged with various shades product of the complex combination of minerals. The slopes and the summit are dyed in various shades that include red, purple, green, yellow, pink and other variations. This tourist attraction was surrounded by ice not many years ago. Since 2016, this place receives hundreds of visitors a day, along with Machu Picchu, becoming one of the most visited places in Cusco-Peru. Next, all the information about the Mountain of 7 Colors.
NOTES:
- If you are staying at a location different than that which you selected as your pickup location, the responsibility is explicitly yours to be at the main entrance of the hotel or hostel selected as your pick up location for the entire duration of the pickup time range on the date of your tour.
- After Vinicunca, there is an optional additional trek into the Red Valley. The duration of the walk is approximately 30 minutes, and you will also be required to pay an entrance fee to the area of 20 soles ($6 approx).
- Minimum age for the tour is 10 years old and you must have your parents’ permission to take the tour
- It is not recommended for people over 60 or in poor physical condition. Due to the height and steep climbs, it can be dangerous for your health.
- December, January and early February, the tour takes place normally, although occasionally visibility may be limited due to weather instability.
- RECOMMENDATION:We strongly recommend staying in Cusco for 2 days before the expedition in order to acclimatize. Remember that although the walk is approx. 3 hours if you are not well acclimatized you may have difficulties during the journey.
