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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AUSANGATE AND RAINBOW MOUNTAIN ITINERARY

DAY 1: CUSCO ‐ TINQUI VILLAGE – UPIS HOT SPRINGS
We set off early from Cusco traveling by private van to the small village of Tinqui. We will see the impressive mountain range of Vilcanota and pass through several traditional Andean villages en route and take time to stop to take some photos. When we arrive at Tinqui (our trailhead), we will have a delicious breakfast prepared by our master chef. Then our horsemen will arrange all the group gear and packs on the horses and our trek officially begins. We begin our walk through farming communities and enjoy the breathtaking views of the mountains. We will walk for around 3 hrs and then its time for a lunch stop. After lunch we continue for another 2 hours to reach Upis (4,100 m / 13,448 ft). There we will have the opportunity to soak in the local hot springs before dinner, and camp for the night.
DAY 2: UPIS ‐ ARAPA PASS – PUCACOCHA
After a big breakfast we are ready to leave our camp and get started on our hike for the day. We will climb to the Arapa Pass (4,850 m / 15,908 ft). From this vantage point we will enjoy the contrast between dry desert like hills and breathtaking snow capped views of Mt. Ausangate and Pucacocha. This area also boasts three beautiful lakes with tones of reds, greens, and turquoises (Pucacocha, Hatun Pucacocha, and Qomercocha). Our second campsite is close to Ausangate glacier.
DAY 3: PUCACOCHA – AUSANGATE PASS – MINASNIYUQ PASS – SURINE COCHA
Today, you will be woken up with “room service” (a hot cup of coca tea). This is going to be one of the most beautiful days of the trek. We will see the Rainbow Mountains in the distance. Also, on today´s journey, we will pass through Alccatauri Village. This is where we will see their traditional village life. There are no trees in the area, so there is no wood to make houses or build fires. The residents are extremely enterprising and make their adobe houses out of mud and build fires with nature´s fertilizer, a.k.a. manure. J.
The day begins with a 1 ½ hour uphill climb until we reach the Ausangate pass (4,930 m / 16,170 ft). At this pass, we will see red mountains and also have the opportunity to see Vicuñas, chinchillas and alpacas.
After we enjoy the pass, we descend for 1 ½ hours until we reach the Alccatauri Village (4,400 m / 14,435 ft). During our time at the village, in return for their generous hospitality, we will give them offerings of coca leaves. This is extremely valuable because this treasurable Peruvian staple can not be grown in this climate.
Following this incomparable experience, we will hike a further 30 minutes uphill to our lunch spot at a rustic lodge.
After a satisfying lunch, we will begin our voyage uphill to the second pass. After 1 ½ hours, we will follow Llama trail to Minasniyuq Pass. Here we will have our first views of the Rainbow Mountains (5,020 m / 16,469 ft). At this pass, we will make offerings to Pacha Mama (Mother Earth).
The remainder of the day´s journey is a 1 hour downhill hike to our camp, Surine Cocha (4,800 m / 15,748 ft). The camp is on the banks of the gorgeous Surine Lake (pictured above).
DAY 4: SURINE COCHA – RAINBOW MOUNTAIN – QUESIUNO VILLAGE – CUSCO

After breakfast we hike gradually uphill for 2 hours until we reach the famous Rainbow Mountain (5,020 m / 16,469 ft). Your guide will walk you to the best spots to get the perfect pictures of these incredible mountains and the other surrounding mountains. Your guide will explain what makes these mountains so unique: they are composed of various minerals, which make different colors of stone striations. Not only is this one of the most stunning places in Peru and South America, these type of mountains are seen in only one other country in the world, China.
After taking photos and enjoying the view, we will continue on the trek until we reach Quesiuno Village. This is a 2 ½ hour downhill hike. We will have lunch there.
Our private van will be waiting to pick us up in this village after lunch. We will then drive 3 ½ hours back to Cusco. After one of the most rewarding experiences of your life, we will drop you off at your Cusco hotel. Approximate arrival time is 6 PM.
RAINBOW MOUNTAIN INFORMATION

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RAINBOW MOUNTAIN IN AUSANGATE

For a little over a year, the public was enabled a new path in the Cusco region in Peru, which has gained a lot of popularity quickly.

More precisely, in the vicinity of Ausangate Mountain, the fifth highest mountain in Peru, and one of the most important Apus (god) for the Incas.
But for now, we will leave Ausangate aside, and focus on this new path, the path to Vinicuna Mountain ... better known as the Rainbow Mountain.
Yes, that famous mountain whose photos are circulating on all social networks causing a great fascination.
And how could it be otherwise, and to be able to tell you as it should, up to there I went
Before, let me clarify that the Rainbow Mountain is not the same as the Hill of the 7 Colors, which is located in Argentina.
Due to its similarity, many travelers have renamed it from Rainbow Mountain to Hill or Mountain of the 7 colors.
That in itself, its original name has been lost, and almost no one names her as Vinicunca.
Some locals even call it "Cerro Colorado."

What is it?

Rainbow Mountain, is a beautiful mountain of the Peruvian Andes whose characteristic is the amount of colors on its surface due to minerals and different types of rock.
Its beauty is on the surface, therefore, it is not allowed to walk on it, for a conservation issue.
To appreciate it in all its splendor, you climb the mountain that faces the Rainbow Mountain.
From where, in addition to seeing the Vinicunca, you can also see breathtaking views of the Ausangate snow, and the entire valley to its surroundings.
INFORMATION OF RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TREK

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RAINBOW MOUNTAIN FULL ITINERARY

On rainbow mountain hike, you will see quaint villages, beautiful adobe style houses, herds of llamas and alpacas and you will have magnificent views of the Ausangate Glacier (6,385 m / 20,945 ft), the highest mountain in the Cusco region.

RAINBOW MOUNTAIN HIKE

Early in the morning (about 3:30 am,) we will be at your hotel or hostel to pick you up. Please make sure you are ready and waiting in the lobby for our guide or driver who is going to look for you. After youaboard our private transportation, we will drive to Pitumarka where we will have the chance to stop for some picture, relax a little and stretch our legs, there is a small shop where you can buy some snacks or water before start our Rainbow Mountain day hike.After stopping at Pitumarka we will continue until Quesuno. there we will organize everything before starting our Vinicunca hike. Then we will enjoy a delicious local breakfast and start our adventure to the famous Rainbow Mountain. There is 13 km of trekking. Uphill followed by 6 km over flat land that will take us to our goal called Rainbow Mountain or Vinicunca Mountain which is located at 5100 meter about sea level where we will enjoy the spectacular panoramic views across the ancient valleys Ausangate. We will show you a good place to stop and enjoy the flight of the condor and see walk wild Llamas, Alpacas and Vicuñas .After this we will turn back on the same trail, This time it will be easier because most of the trail is easy sailing—downhill! Once we get back to Quesuno, we will have a lunch then we will take our transportation back to Cusco where we will drop you off at you hotel or hostel.

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