GENERAL INFORMATION OF THE RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TREK

Distance from Cusco to the Rainbow Mountain

Depending on the route you choose, the distance between Cusco and the Mountain of Colors will vary as follows:

Through the Cusipata route:

• Cusco - Phulawasipata: 102 km (paved road and float trail).
• Phulawasipata - Mountain of Colors (road): 3 km.

Through the Pitumarca route:

• Cusco - Pampachiri: 139 km (paved road and float trail).
• Pampachiri - Mountain of Colors (road): 4.8 km.

Difficulty of the hike to the Rainbow Mountain

The 7-color mountain hike has a medium-moderate difficulty.
Most of the route is slightly steep with few steep slopes that do not pose any difficulty. However, it is not the road that hinders the ascent. But the fact of finding you at more than 5,000 meters that can sometimes affect the normal breathing of some visitors. Well, the higher the amount of oxygen is less.
Therefore, it is recommended that you are in good health and are in good physical condition. And if possible, your excursion to Vinicunca should be done after having acclimatized to the climate of Cuzco.

Best time to go to the Rainbow Mountain

Your visit to the hill of seven colors does not have to become an Odyssey. Otherwise, your visit to this natural wonder should be one of the best experiences of your life. Therefore, we recommend choosing the months of the dry season (May to November) that are characterized by frigid nights, sunny days and clear skies.
And for your safety, we do not recommend the rainy season months (December - March). Well, it is these months, you are more likely to encounter cloudy skies, rainy days, even storms and showers.
In some years, even in the dry season, snow falls on Vinicunca. Therefore, to avoid any setback. Before traveling, don't forget to make a weather consultation about how the weather will be in Vinicunca.

What to see and do in the Rainbow  Mountain?

In the mountain of colors you can:

• Appreciate the capricious natural colors of the mountain of colors that resemble the colors of the rainbow.
• Observe the incredible natural landscapes that surround the hill of colors, such as the snowy peaks of the Ausangate snowy mountain.
• Take walks around Vinicunca to other nearby natural attractions such as the Red Valley.
• Participate in cultural interaction activities with the inhabitants of the area, who are dedicated to the grazing of South American camelids.
• Enjoy an excellent and incredible day, breathing fresh air, walking more than 5000 meters above sea level, connecting with mother nature and reflecting on the fragile natural balance.

What to take to the Rainbow Mountain?

Since you are leaving the city towards the heart of the mountains of the Peruvian Andes. Ideally, take with you:

• Identification document.
• Cash for your personal expenses and to pay the entrance fee to Vinicunca (10 soles, foreign tourist; and 5 soles, national tourist).
• Sun block, sunglasses, wide-brimmed raincoat and raincoats (in the rainy season).
• Coat, gloves, windbreakers, trekking pants and trekking shoes.
• Camera with extra battery.
• Water, snacks and some fruits.
• Personal medications, if required or under medication.

If you require it, you can also consider the option of renting horses. The cost of the horse is 50 soles (one way) and 80 soles (round trip).

Tips and Recommendations

To enjoy a comfortable and safe trip, consider these tips:

• Travel between the dry season, between the months of April to November.
• Try to be in good health and be in good physical condition.
• Bring your trekking equipment: wide-brimmed hat, small backpack, trekking shoes, warm clothes, sunscreen, trekking poles, rain poncho, water and food.
• Buy water and food in the city of Cusco or in Cusipata or Pitumarca, the only places where you will find a store.
• Do not travel with children under 12 years.
• Finally, before hiking to Vinicunca, do not forget to acclimatize to the climate of the Cusco region. In this way you will avoid altitude sickness (soroche).

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