Introduction:-
In the Andes of Peru, Rainbow Mountain, which is also called Vinicunca or Montaña de Siete Colores (Mountain of Seven Colors), is a beautiful natural treasure. Located in the Cusco region, close to the Ausangate mountain, it is about 5,200 meters (17,060 feet) above sea level.
Rainbow Mountain’s bright colors come from the unique minerals that make it up. Over millions of years, tectonic action and changes in the environment have exposed layers of sedimentary rocks that are full of different minerals. Among these minerals are:
- Red: Iron oxide rust
- Yellow: Sulfur
- Green: Chlorite
- White: Quartzose and sandstone
- Brown: Limonite or goethite
- Purple: Hematite and other mineral mixes
The bright stripes on the mountain make it look beautiful, which is why hikers and nature lovers love to visit. To get to Rainbow Mountain, people usually have to walk through beautiful scenery like snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and traditional Quechua towns. Even though the hike can be hard because of the high elevation, the amazing views and unique rock formations make it worth it.
Before a few years ago, not many people outside of Rainbow Mountain knew about it. It has become very famous very quickly thanks to social media and people’s growing desire to visit unique places. Because of this, it has become one of the most important places to see in Peru, along with Machu Picchu.
Altitude sickness can happen at Rainbow Mountain, so visitors are told to get used to the high elevation and follow the Leave No Trace rules to protect the natural environment. Using eco-friendly tourism methods is important to protect the beauty and purity of this amazing natural wonder.
Image source: Michaellbrawn, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
How to Reach Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain):
Reaching Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca or Montaña de Siete Colores, is an adventure that involves several steps, from getting to Cusco to embarking on a trek through stunning Andean landscapes.
Getting to Cusco
The journey begins with getting to Cusco, the closest major city to Rainbow Mountain. The most convenient way to reach Cusco is by flying. Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport (CUZ) in Cusco receives daily flights from Lima, Peru’s capital, as well as other major cities. The flight from Lima to Cusco takes about 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can travel by bus or train. Buses from Lima take about 21-24 hours, offering a scenic yet lengthy journey through the Peruvian countryside. Trains are available from destinations like Puno or Machu Picchu, providing a more relaxed and scenic route, although they are less direct.
From Cusco to Rainbow Mountain Trailhead
Once in Cusco, you have a couple of options to reach the trailhead of Rainbow Mountain. Booking a guided tour is the easiest and most popular option. These tours typically include transportation, a guide, breakfast, lunch, and sometimes hiking equipment. Tours usually depart early in the morning, around 4-5 AM, and return in the late afternoon or evening. If you prefer more flexibility, you can rent a car or hire a private driver. The drive from Cusco to the trailhead at either Cusipata or Quesiuno takes about 3 to 4 hours, passing through picturesque Andean landscapes and small villages.
The Trek to Rainbow Mountain
The trek to Rainbow Mountain can vary depending on the chosen route. The Cusipata route is shorter, approximately 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) round trip, and takes about 2 to 3 hours each way. This route is moderately difficult, with well-marked trails but challenging due to the high altitude. The Quesiuno route is longer, about 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) round trip, taking around 3 to 4 hours each way. This route is more strenuous but offers more scenic views and fewer crowds.
Important Places to Visit in and Around Vinicunca:
1) Ausangate Mountain
ausangateperu, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Ausangate, which is neighboring Rainbow rock, is the tallest rock in the Cusco area, at about 6,384 meters (20,945 feet). The Quechua people who reside there think of it as holy. The Ausangate Trek takes more than one day and has amazing views of mountains and turquoise lakes.
2) Red Valley (Valle Rojo)
EdsonFuentesMera, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Located next to Rainbow Mountain, the Red Valley is less crowded but still has amazing views. Deep red soil and unusual rock shapes make the valley stand out. Many Rainbow Mountain trips include a stop at the Red Valley as part of the trip
3) The Village of Qesoyuni
A lot of people start their hike to Rainbow Mountain from this small town. People can talk to the Quechua people who live here and learn about their traditional way of life. The town is famous for its colorful clothes and textiles that are made by hand.
4) Cusi Pata
A lot of groups stop in Cusi Pata, which is another village on the way to Rainbow Mountain. You can get used to the altitude, eat breakfast, and enjoy the friendly people who live there. The village shows how people live and celebrate customs in the Andes.
5) The Stone Forest (Bosque de Piedras)
Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Stone Forest is a natural creation of tall rock columns that can be found near the start of the Quesiuno route. This one-of-a-kind landscape adds a lot of interest to the hike and makes for great photo possibilities
6) Llamas and Alpacas:
You’ll see groups of llamas and alpacas grazing in the high-altitude fields along the trail. These animals are an important part of the society and economy of the area, and they also make the Andes look beautiful.
7) Glacial Lakes:
Along the way to Rainbow Mountain and Ausangate, you’ll pass by several beautiful glacial lakes, such as Laguna Ausangate and Laguna Pukacocha. These turquoise and green lakes are fed by the glaciers in the area. They are peaceful places to relax and enjoy the view.
Experiences with Other Cultures:
- The Traditional Culture of the Quechua People:
Talk to the Quechua people, who are the first people who lived in the Andes. People who come can learn about their native clothes, language, and ways of doing things. On many tours, you can buy textiles and crafts made by hand straight from local artists. - Local Food:
You can try native Andean food, which usually includes dishes with corn, potatoes, quinoa, and alpaca meat. A lot of tours include meals that let you try flavors and products from the area.