Latin America is recognized worldwide for the natural beauties that hide in countries like Peru. This lagoon formed by the thaw of Mount Humantay presents a unique landscape of the district of Mollepata (Anta).
In Peru, an adventure destination is Cusco, which saves the route to the Apu Salkantay, an attraction that moves with the beauty of the landscape and saves years of history in archeological areas.
As part of the route to Salkantay Mountain, you can access hiking or mountain biking, as well as other camping activities, With a mystical air, the lagoon is visited by shamans and tourists from around the world to leave offerings to Pachamama, deity that represents mother earth in the Inca culture. Through the laying of stones, an offering is offered to the Pachamama thanking him for having successfully reached the lagoon, as well as asking him to accompany us on our trip.
Why is it called Mountain of the 7 Colors? - According to various investigations done on site, the multicolored shades are due to the different minerals that the area covers in capable. These natural substances began to form 65 million years ago when water and rain covered their slopes and peaks. With the passing of time, the extreme weather was thawing the snow that formed there revealing to the world what is today one of the most important tourist attractions of Cusco. Rainbow mountain information.
Location and height - This amazing place is located in the Andes of Peru, in the department of Cusco and Canchis province, at 5,200 m.a.s.l., an area of considerable elevation. It belongs to the people of Pitumarca who call it the ‘Cerro Colorado’. Because it is located on the way to the imposing snowy Ausangate, this site was known long before by the adventurers who dared to do the trek. The photos they posted on Facebook and Instagram, made him gain popularity. Since 2016 it is a popular tourist attraction.
How to get? - Due to its location, just over 100 kilometers from the city of Cuzco, this place is reached by car in the first instance. After a trip of approximately 2 hours along the Longitudinal Highway of the Peruvian Southern Sierra, you will arrive in Pitumarca. The journey continues along a trail to the community of Pampa Chiri. From there you follow a route through mountain slopes. This journey is 5 kilometers and can be done on foot or on horseback to finally arrive at Vinicunca. There are tours that offer this service.
Climate - The climate, typical of the highest areas of Cusco, is cold. Rain, wind and altitude sickness (or soroche) can be the biggest obstacles for travelers. Temperatures can lower zero degrees Celsius. The best time to do this adventure is during the dry season (from April to October) when river rainfall is less likely. If you plan to visit during the rainy season (from November to March), carry a rain poncho with you.
Flora and fauna - The incredible geography of the place is the scene of typical animals from high Andean areas such as llamas, alpacas and vicuñas. The inhabitants of the area raise horses to offer them as transportation to visitors. Due to the height of this region, the ichu or natural boil of the Andes abounds.
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
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.
The Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), are stunning and can be seen on the spectacular Ausangate Trek. Ausangate mountain itself is considered a holy mountain by local people and is the deity of Cusco. Since pre-Inca times the mountain has been a place of worship and offerings and this tradition continues today.
CUSCO ANDEAN TOURS is specialists in tourism services. we are a local company strongly committed to provide an excelent quality of service to our customers and to all the people who are part of the professional team, We are a company based in Cusco and committed to the good customs and conversation of all the attractions we will show you all the beautys of Cusco and Machu Picchu. take a rest from your thoughts, take a break from this world and come with us to enjoy the beauty of the inca land.
Machu Picchu,This stunning site situated on a mountain ridge above the Sacred Valley is the best-preserved relic of Inca civilisation and South America’s most popular attraction with an estimated 3,000 people visiting on a typical day.
