Frequently Asked Questions Rainbow Mountain
Tour Montaña 7 colores is a beautiful tour that will allow you to get to know yourself better; the hiking level for this tour ranges from moderate to complex. Therefore, it does recommend to have an excellent physical performance. Besides, you must be willing to live a new adventure.
The famous mountain of seven colors is located more than 100 kilometers from the city of Cusco, at an altitudinal summit located at 5,200 (m.a.s.l.); Vinicunca is one of the most impressive mountains of the Nevado Ausangate in the Andes of Peru and does locate between the districts of Cusipata, province of Quispicanchi and Pitumarca, province of Canchis.
Hiking scene in Vinicunca, Cusco Region, Peru. Montana de Siete Colores, Rainbow Mountain.
Below, we will answer our travelers’ most frequently asked questions before embarking on the 7 Colors Mountain Tour.
What is the best season to visit Rainbow Mountain?
During the year, Cusco has two seasons, the rainy season and the dry season, the latter being the best season for tourism of all kinds in Cusco; between March to October, you can enjoy the blue skies of Cusco, and the presence of rain is minimal.
What should I wear for the Rainbow Mountain hike?
The clothing you should wear will depend on the season and month you decide to do the 07 Colors Mountain Tour. For example, in the dry season, the outfit during the day is essential because you will find warm weather, with the sun enjoying the blue sky of Cusco. However, during the afternoon and evening, it is recommended to wear a warmer outfit, as you feel the intense cold, and there are even days that Cusco dawns with dew on the roofs of the houses, in the parks, and others, the product of frost.
Hiking shoes do require for Rainbow Mountain?
Yes, for all types of trekking in the Cusco region, it is recommended to use trekking shoes; preferably, these should already be molded to your feet. This way, the hike will be less heavy than a new shoe.
Are hiking poles required for Rainbow Mountain?
The 7 Colors Mountain Tour trekking level varies from moderate to complex, so it does recommend using trekking poles. If you do not have your trekking pole, you can rent or buy it at the Kondor Path Tours office.
Is there a place to leave my luggage during the Rainbow Mountain hike?
Of course, most hotels in Cusco have a particular space to leave things you don’t need to take on the tour. In this case, the hotel you are staying at does not have this service. Don’t worry, you can leave your things in our offices without any additional cost, and the best thing is that they will be safe.
What is the recommended age to hike Rainbow Mountain?
Reaching Vinicunca Mountain is somewhat tedious because the road is dirt, the temperature is low, it is cold and windy, and it takes a long walk to reach the place. For this reason, taking a tour with minors is not recommended. If there are minors in your group, they may be able to go, but you must take the expedition under the responsibility of an adult. No agency is responsible for any possible incident that may occur with the minor.
Can I hike Rainbow Mountain if I have allergies?
You can participate if you wish to do any of our hikes, whether it is Montana 7 colors or another walk. To do so, you must inform in detail about your allergic condition at the time of booking, the severity of your reaction, and any medication you take in case of emergency.
If your allergy is severe, we ask that you be accompanied by a friend or person who is aware and entirely responsible for your situation and ready with any medication.
WE CAN NOT ACCEPT CUSTOMERS WITH LIFE-THREATENING ALLERGIES.
Is travel insurance necessary to visit Rainbow Mountain?
Travel insurance is optional but highly recommended, whether in the case of a visit to the 7 Colores Mountain or another trek. Because in the case of an incident en route, if you have travel insurance, it allows you to make support arrangements between the various institutions and support you as soon as possible, and your travel insurance will assume the cost.
For example: In the event of an accident, it compensates you financially to cover expenses for consultation, hospitalization, or medication. It also assists in case you suffer any decompensation or discomfort. Likewise, it provides you with support in getting an ambulance anywhere. In case of any problem, it also provides 24-hour telephone assistance.
What to bring for the Rainbow Mountain tour?
- Original passport
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
- Warm jacket
- T-shirts
- Comfortable pants
- Sun hat.
- Sunscreen (factor 35 or higher)
- Personal medication
- Camera and camcorder
Where is the Vinicunca hike located?
The main entrance to the tour to the “Mountain of Colors” is through a town called Pitumarca, located on the road to the snowy Ausangate, in the Vilcanota mountain range, between the Cusco provinces of Quispicanchi and Canchis, two hours from the city of Cusco by car, followed by a hike on foot, along the slopes of the mountain. Then you can climb on horseback or foot the rest of the way to reach the viewpoint of the “Mountain of Colors.”
At what altitude is Rainbow Mountain?
It is at an altitude of 5,200 m.a.s.l. So we recommend staying at least 02 days in the imperial city of Cusco for acclimatization purposes; remember that the hike is approximately 5 hours (round trip). You may have difficulties during the tour if you are not well-acclimatized.
What is the Vinicunca trekking route like?
The route to get to this beautiful mountain has a lot to do with which tour you prefer:
Details about Rainbow Mountain
Leaving the city of Cusco, you drive along the road of the Sierra del Sur Peruvian towards the town of Checacupe, from where you take the fork to the village of Pitumarca, and from this town, you travel along a carriage road passing through several rural communities such as Ocefina, Japura, Anchipacha, until arriving at the community of Quesyuno, where the road ends and begins the walk of approximately 5km to Vinincunca, where you can see the Natural Formation in the shape of a rainbow, considered the Mountain of Colors.
From there, we can observe the mountains in all their splendor in a 360-degree view. These are the domains of the great Apu Ausangate.
Why is Rainbow Mountain colorful?
At the request of the community of Pitumarca, the Cultural Landscape Office of the Decentralized Directorate of Culture of Cusco prepared a study to obtain technical information about these mountains and offer them to tourists.
The red is composed of claystone (iron) and clays belonging to the Upper Tertiary. The green is due to the compound of phyllites and clays rich in ferromagnesian. The earthy brown color is due to the fanglomerate composed of manganese-bearing rocks from the Quaternary era. And the mustard yellow color is due to the calcareous sandstones rich in sulfide minerals.
What is the origin of your trek to Vinicunca?
Its name comes from two Quechua words: “Wini,” for the rounded and heavy black stones that abound in the area, which were called “Wini Rumi” (Stone). The second is “Kunka,” which means neck because the narrowness of the hill resembles a pass neck. Initially, the muleteers of the altiplano and the settlers knew it as “Qolla Ñan” or “road of the Qollas.”
What is the difficulty of the hike?
It is of MEDIUM difficulty, with a duration of 3 hours (uphill) at an average pace; this trail requires an acceptable physical condition because the route includes steep climbs and plains that ascend progressively.
Will altitude sickness be a problem on Rainbow Mountain?
Undoubtedly this issue is not to be neglected and much less if we are in a place with a considerable height, so it is advisable to take pills for altitude sickness or soroche, as well as to have on hand the “Coca leaves” so famous for their healing and relaxing qualities.
What is Rainbow Mountain?
The mountain of the 7 Colors (also called Vinicunca or simply ‘rainbow’) is one of Peru’s new and best attractions. Located more than 100 kilometers from the city of Cusco, on an altitudinal summit at 5,200 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l.), it is a mountainous formation dyed in various shades due to the complex combination of minerals.
The slopes and the summit dye in various shades, including red, purple, green, yellow, pink, and other variations. This tourist attraction was surrounded by ice not many years ago. Since 2016, this place has received hundreds of visitors a day, becoming one of the most visited places in Cusco-Peru, along with Machu Picchu.
How to get to Vinicunca from Cusco?
At the moment, you can get to Vinicunca by hiring the service of a cab or private minivan; this will take you to the beginning of the hike, and coordinating with the carrier can stay to wait or turn around at the time of leaving. Be very clear with the transporter because there have been cases where tourists have been left having problems returning.
Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain location?
Vinicunca does locate in Cusco, the province of Canchis, and the district of Pitumarca. The road that leads to this place is the one that goes south of Cusco.
What to bring to Rainbow Mountain Hike?
The mandatory items to carry are:
Warm clothes, at least one for the descent, when coming down from Vinicunca, it’s cold! Sunblock, hat or cap, windbreaker, good trekking shoes, not new ones, because new ones can hurt your feet and make the hike more challenging, extra money for some unexpected expenses.
Rain poncho, you never know when it might rain. Gloves for the cold. Some extra snacks as well as additional expenses such as saddle horse rental. In case you have a special diet. Walking sticks for support.
Travel insurance for Rainbow Mountain Hike?
It is recommended for this trip and any trip you want to make.
Climate during the Rainbow Mountain hike?
Depending on your physical condition, the hike can be from 2.5 hours to 04 hours, and the return hikes are the same; we strongly recommend having some hiking preparation to enjoy this excursion and avoid disappointment.
Vinicunca by tour or on your own?
If you are adventurous and like to make your itinerary, you can do it independently but always take the necessary precautions. On the other hand, if you want to have everything arranged (logistics) and enjoy it, we recommend you take an organized tour.
Group, exclusive, or private Vinicunca tour?
When you go to the Plaza de Armas in Cusco, you will find every agency offering this same tour at “cheap” costs but remember, you get what you pay for. In many cases, some agencies may charge much less but send you a tour where the groups are 20, 30, or more tourists and only one guide.
We offer our exclusive tour service where the minimum number of tourists is 2, and the maximum is 15 per group. This way, the excursion becomes more pleasant, the guide will be more comfortable explaining, and the tourists will listen. You can also choose the private service option, where the mobility and the focus will be available. This hiking trail is recommended for couples, families, or people who do not want to share the tour with other people.
Is acclimatization necessary for Rainbow Mountain?
It is mandatory to acclimatize before doing this route; remember that you will walk up to 5000 m.a.s.l. This hiking trail demands a lot of physical and emotional effort, especially for those not used to hiking at high altitudes. You can gradually acclimate by visiting high places like Puno if you have the opportunity.
Is the Rainbow Mountain hike recommended for children?
This tour is not recommended for children because they may have problems walking. However, you can do it if you are a child who likes to walk at high altitudes.
A person with medical problems can hike Rainbow Mountain.?
If you have medical problems, we recommend you consult your doctor and indicate that you want or plan to hike in the Peruvian Andes and that the altitude is around 5000 m.a.s.l. If you have medication, you should have it with you to continue with your treatment.
Can I rent horses on the Rainbow Mountain trail?
Suppose you have trouble walking or there are children on the excursion. In that case, we recommend hiring a horse (local people rent them) so that you can lighten your trip, remember that the horse will not be able to carry you all the time as there are very steep climbs for which you will have to get off the horse and then continue on horseback or foot.
