What are Vinicunca Rainbow Mountains?

Published on: 26 de August de 2019 - By: Action Peru Treks

The first time travelers hear about the Rainbow Mountains Peru. Sounds very unreal, weird and difficult to believe colorful mountains existent in somewhere!. But the natural miracles happen in the world and one of those privileged places on the earth is the region of Cusco – Peru. Also when people hear the word Peru, automatically associates with Machu Picchu. Sometimes even with the great pre-Columbian civilization called the Inca Empire.

But Peru is not just Machu Picchu! or Inca culture. This a very diverse country with much more than just cultural sites. Peru has lots of the Natural wonders to explore and discover at every region. Including this incredible mountain formation named by the locals as Vinicunca Mountain Peru. Or just called by some people as the Rainbow Mountains Cusco.

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The Rainbow Mountains, is part of the spectacular Mt Ausangate, in the Peruvian Andes. Located approximately 100km to the south-east of Cusco city. Vinicunca Mountain Peru is a great rock formation of sand stones with different colors of stripes. Because the presence of different minerals. Local people knew about the existence of this Rainbow Mountain already for some decades. Before it was offered as a tourist attraction. But they never expected visitors would be very interested to see it like it happened in the last 4 years.

It is a true challenge to reach the Rainbow Mountains of Peru. Due its high elevation in altitude (5100m/ 16500ft). It demands a lot of physical activity and a decent level of fitness. So travelers planning to hike the Rainbow Mountain trek they need a good acclimatization to the high altitude. If they want to have a really great time at Vinicunca Peru. Local people from the villages offer horses to ride for additional cost if its needed. But even with this service you will still need to walk the last section (100 meters) of the trail to arrive to the Rainbow mountains Peru. Specially to reach to the lookout point which gives you the magnificent view of the entire place.

Trek options to the Rainbow Mountain

The trek options to reach the Rainbow Mountain Peru are several. The first option is taking the one day Rainbow Mountain trek Full day, which starts in Cusco. very early in the morning, with 3 hours bus drive to the beginning of the hike at Llaqto. Then at least 3 hours walk up and down will allow you to see this beautiful Rainbow Mountain Peru, and then the final 3 hours bus drive back to Cusco.

The second great option is taking the 2 day Rainbow Mountains Cusco, which is less tiring and relaxing. This gives you a better chance to avoid the crowds and enjoy more of the Rainbow Mountain Peru without rushing. This option is ideal to explore the amazing Red Valley in the proximity of Vinicunca.

The third option is taking part of the spectacular Ausangate trek with the final destination of Rainbow Mountain Peru. This is quiet and very scenic, is more suggested for the adventurous hikers. Because the Ausangate Rainbow Mountains 4 day trip,  goes at least over 4 high passes, before to lead you to Vinicunca Peru.

But this last  trek option is rewarding as you will see very unique landscapes from snow-capped mountains, to desert Mountains, to marshes and the always worth it Vinicunca Peru or best known Rainbow Mountain Peru.

If you would like to take one of our short treks to the Rainbow Mountains Peru or a multi-day Ausangate trek with Vinicunca Peru visit www.topperutrips.com for more information or email topperutrips@gmail.com to book a trip.