- Type: Trekking
- Duration: Full Day
- Distance: 7 km
- Season: March to December
- Departure: Daily
- Group Size: 2 people
Rainbow Mountain Trek or Vinicunca Mountain is a great alternative to enjoy mountains and snowy, its colors is due to the amount of minerals it is composed this mountain.
The Rainbow Mountain is located in Ausangate range, on the road to Ausangate Mountain, community of Chillihuani, which borders the Pitumarca and Cusipata districts, in the region of Cusco, Peru.
Cusco one day hikes are becoming popular, such as Huchuy Qosqo Trek, which is also beautiful because we go out to the sacred valley of the Incas.
Mineralogical Composition of Rainbow Mountain
The extraordinary colors are due to the mineralogical composition, product of geological formations that own this mountain and after studies realized, it is known that the colors of must to the presence of:
- Pink color: it is for the red clay, fangolitas (mud) and arilitas (sand).
- Whitish color: white quartz sandstone.
- Brown and purple brown colors: it is for limonites and marls, rich in calcium carbonate.
- Red color: it is by the arcilitas (iron) and clays belonging to the superior tertiary, you can see the color of the earth on Yanacocha Trek in the sacred valley.
- Green color: it is composed of phyllites and clays rich in magnesian iron.
- Brown earthy color: it is a product of the rock-manganese compound of the quaternary era.
- Mustard yellow color: it is for calcareous sandstones rich in sulphide minerals.
Rainbow Mountain Trek Information
- Duration of the trek: 4 to 5 hrs.
- Walking distance: 7 kilometers on average.
- Season: March to December.
- Maximum height: 5,200 masl (16,732.28ft).
- Level of the walk: Difficult.
View Map
Rainbow Mountain Itinerary
Rainbow Mountain Hike is without a doubt an extraordinary experience, where every effort to reach the destination is rewarded by the fabulous views, during the walking and when you reach the mountain, one is out of breath, not only by the height but for the beauty of landscape.
We start very early in the morning, we pass by your hotel between 03:00 and 03:30 am, starting our trip to the community of Chillihuani (3,890 masl or 12,762 ft), which is south of Cusco, this tour in tourist transport lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours.
During the tour we will pass through the town of Urcos, then Cusipata (3,339 masl or 10,954 ft), here we will take our breakfast and the guide will provide the necessary specifications to continue to Rainbow Mountain Tour, after 1 hour and 20 minutes more in transport, we will arrive at Phulawasipata (4,626 masl or 15,117 ft), which is the end of road and start of our trek.
We will be at the foot of the Ausangate Snow Mountain (6,384 masl or 20,944 ft), the ascent to the mountain will be on average of 1 to 2 hours, taking into account the pace of walk that has the passenger.
If the road becomes very difficult, you have the option of taking the services of a saddle horse, since the residents of the community are organized to provide this service.
When arriving at the Rainbow Mountain, we will take a time of rest and time so that you can take all the necessary pictures of this beautiful landscape, do not forget that I manage to ascend to 5,200 masl (16732.28ft), being at the top, I will remember that everything the effort made to get there will be worth it.
After a prudent time at the top, we will begin the descent along the same road, since all the way is downhill, the walking time will be shorter, between 50 min to 01:30 hours, reaching the starting point of the Phulawasipata.
we will continue our transport to the village of Cusipata, here we will make another stop to take our lunch, if you are a vegetarian, it is no problem, just let us know in advance. If you are looking for a hike at a lower altitude, Chinchero Urquillos Hike is a good option in Cusco.
At the end of lunch, we will continue with the transportation to the city of Cusco, arriving between 16:00 and 17:00 hours approximately, our mobility will leave it close to main square of Cusco, ending our services.
Includes:
- Pick up from your hotel.
- Professional route guide.
- Tourist transportation Cusco to Phulawasipata / Phulawasipata - Cusco (beginning of Rainbow Mountain Trek).
- Meals (1 breakfast, 1 lunch).
- First-aid kit, emergency oxygen.
Not Included:
- Tips.
- Extras not mentioned.
- Income of 10 soles.
We recommend bringing:
- Backpack.
- Hiking Boots..
- Poncho for rain.
- Warm clothing.
- Sunblock, sunglasses and hat.
- Canteen.
- Snacks (chocolates, candies, cookies, etc.).
- Personal medical kit.
- Additional national currency (soles).
- Original passport.
