Will's Machu Picchu Adventures
Rainbow Mouintain Special
A must go to in Cusco
The Rainbow mountain is an excellent option to trek and see wonderfull landscapes of the deep Cusco
Vinicunca or Winikunka, also called the mountain of seven colors, the Rainbow Mountain or the Mountain of Colors (the locals call it Cerro Colorado which means coloured Mountain), is a mountain in Peru with an altitude of 5,200 meters above sea level.
It is located on the road to snowy Ausangate, in the Andes of Peru, Cusco Region, between the districts of Cusipata, Quispicanchi province, and Pitumarca, Canchis province.
What is the color due to?
According to the investigation of the Cultural Landscape Office of the Decentralization of the City of Cusco, the colorations of the mountain of the 7 Colors are due to the mineralogical composition that it has: the pink color is due to red clay, mudstones, mud and arilitas (sand). El Blanquecino, due to the quartz sandstone and marls, is rich in calcium carbonate. The red is composed of claystones (iron) and clays belonging to the upper tertiary. The green color is due to the compound of phyllites and clays rich in ferromagnes. The earthy brown is the product of a fanglomerate composed of rock with magnesium belonging to the Quaternary era. And the mustard yellow color due to the calcareous sandstones rich in sulfide minerals
How did the Rainbow mountain become popular
Once the mountain’s existence was known outside of the local communities, it started attracting locals and travelers alike, first having a couple of dozens of people to now taking in hundreds of visitors a day. The first thing that caught everyone’s attention was, you guessed it again, the colors seen nowhere else. But that wasn’t the only thing. It’s one of those places where the whole journey is as amazing as the destination. Llamas, horses, and alpacas are dispersed all over the range, with local communities still living almost the same life as before but now also helping visitors discover the colored mountain. The scenery along the trek is just like the pictures and even they don’t do it justice sometimes. Add to this the geological and local history and it’s no wonder why it’s gaining popularity!
Top facts
- Rainbow Mountain is at an altitude of more than half of Mount Everest
- It is also known as Vinicunca, a word originating from Peru’s native tongue Quechua, which translates to “colored mountain”
- The mountain is made up of 14 different, colorful minerals
- Just 4 years ago it was entirely covered in snow, making it impossible to fully witness the beauty of the mountain
- Temperatures still drop below 0 at night – good to know for anyone visiting Rainbow Mountain on a multi-day Ausangate trek
- Llamas and alpacas can be seen dotted all along the route to Vinicunca
- Weather can change rapidly from snow to rain to blistering sun in the space of an hour
- You can rent a horse at any point on the way if you begin to find the trek difficult – you do not need to have one hired from the beginning
Weather and best time to go
The best weather for trekking Vinincunca is between March and November with blue skies from June to August, whereas January and February are considered the wettest months. However, there are days without any rains during these months. Weather can change in seconds though, so always be prepared!
Unlike with the famous lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu, there are currently no limits on how many tourists can trek to the stunning spot. It is becoming increasingly popular so we recommend going as soon as you can.
CONTACT
- will@willsmachupicchuadventures.com
- 346 - 448 - 6193 (US) / 941 - 561 - 129 (Peru)
How did the Rainbow mountain become popular
Once the mountain’s existence was known outside of the local communities, it started attracting locals and travelers alike, first having a couple of dozens of people to now taking in hundreds of visitors a day. The first thing that caught everyone’s attention was, you guessed it again, the colors seen nowhere else. But that wasn’t the only thing. It’s one of those places where the whole journey is as amazing as the destination. Llamas, horses, and alpacas are dispersed all over the range, with local communities still living almost the same life as before but now also helping visitors discover the colored mountain. The scenery along the trek is just like the pictures and even they don’t do it justice sometimes. Add to this the geological and local history and it’s no wonder why it’s gaining popularity!
gallery
