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The Rainbow Mountain, also called Vinicunca, is the second most popular tourist attraction in Cusco, only after Machu Picchu. This high mountain has various colors and shades on its slopes. This is due to the large amount of minerals formed millions of years ago. It is located about 100 kilometers from the city of Cusco and about 5,200 meters above sea level. To get there you must take a free but challenging final hike. Learn more!
What is the rainbow mountain?
The 7 Colors Mountain is a summit of the Vilcanota chain in southern Peru in Cusco. Its highest point is at the snow-capped Ausangate (the highest in Cusco) located at 6,372 meters above sea level.
Its original name is Vinicunca, Quechua words that mean ‘hills with narrow necks’. It is also called ‘Rainbow Mountain’.
The reason for its nomination is the stripes of various colors and shades formed millions of years ago by a mineralization process. Today, this mountain is visited by hundreds of people every day for being a landscape of great beauty.
The 7 Colors Mountain presents the following shades: brown, yellowish, green, red, lavender, pink and whitish.
Vinicunca is the second most visited tourist attraction in Cusco after Machu Picchu. The tours there are one of the cheapest in Cusco.
Where is it?
The 7 Colors Mountain is located approximately 100 kilometers from the city of Cusco. It belongs to the Vilcanota mountain range. Its summit is located 5,200 meters above sea level.
Due to its location at the top of a mountain, to reach Vinicunca you must make an arduous final walk of approximately 4 kilometers.
Can I walk to the Rainbow Mountain for free?
The 7 Colors Mountain is located approximately 100 kilometers from the city of Cusco. It belongs to the Vilcanota mountain range. Its summit is located 5,200 meters above sea level.
Due to its location at the top of a mountain, to reach Vinicunca you must make an arduous final walk of approximately 4 kilometers.
The last part of the route to 7 Colors Mountain is on foot. This walk is 4 kilometers (approximately 1 to 2 hours).
The walk from Phulawasipata to 7 Colors Mountain is free for all people, Cusco, Peruvian or foreign tourists.
Tourists who cannot complete this walk can request a horse and a muleteer at the same place to take them to Vinicunca. This cost is approximately 60 soles (one way).
Although the walk is free. Residents of nearby communities charge 5 soles to access the 7 Colors Mountain.
What is the free hike to the Rainbow Mountain like?
The route begins in the town of Phulawasipata, located at 4,800 meters above sea level. From there you follow flat roads until the final part, a dizzying slope until you reach the 7 Colors Mountain, located at 5,200 meters above sea level.
And what is the horse route to the Rainbow Mountain like?
The horseback route follows the same route as the foot route. The horses move forward pulled by the muleteers, local residents. In some sections the mule driver accelerates and in others he slows down.
The horseback riding route takes approximately 45 minutes. The muleteer will stop the horse before the final part (the dizzying ascent of only approximately 50 meters).
The return section is the same, only now it will be mostly downhill. Most tourists prefer to walk this section. Visitors who want to use a horse, both for the outward and return leg, must pay the muleteer 90 soles in total.
The horse route is safe. However, it is sometimes uncomfortable for people not used to riding horses. In any case, it is an entertaining experience surrounded by beautiful landscapes.
Algunos consejos para tu visita
The 7 Colors Mountain is a tourist attraction that you should definitely visit if you are in Cusco. However, the more than 5,200 meters above sea level can be exhausting for some visitors such as babies, older adults or people with heart problems. In these cases it is recommended not to do this adventure.
The final hike to 7 Colors Mountain is free for everyone. However, tours to this destination have a cost that varies from approximately $20 to $40 per person.
It is also possible to make the route to Vinicunca on your own. However, the few public transportation services make this adventure difficult. Taking the tour with a tourism agency can be cheaper and a better experience.
FAQs about Rainbow Mountain in Cusco
Why is 7 Colors Mountain famous?
The 7 Colors Mountain is famous for its slopes with stripes of different colors formed by a mineralization process millions of years ago. Its colors are: brown, yellowish, green, red, lavender, pink and whitish.
How much does the entrance to Vinicunca cost?
Local residents charge 5 soles (and 10 soles for foreigners) for the entrance to Montaña 7 Colores. Some tours already include this ticket, others do not.
Can I do the hike to 7 Colors Mountain for free?
Yes, the hike from the community of Phuawasipata to the top of 7 Colors Mountain is free for everyone. The distance of this route is approximately 4 kilometers.
Can I do the hike to 7 Colors Mountain with a horse?
Yes, the route from Phulawasipata to Vinicunca can be done by horse. However, doing so comes at a cost. The walk is free for everyone.
How much does it cost to rent a horse to take the route to Vinicunca?
Renting a horse to complete this route costs 60 soles for the one-way section and 90 soles for the round trip sections.
Is the hike to 7 Colors Mountain difficult?
Yes, the route is difficult mainly due to the geography with altitudes greater than 5 thousand meters above sea level. The walk takes between 1 to 2 hours, depending on the person’s pace. The horseback riding route takes approximately 45 minutes.
Who should not do the hike to 7 Colors Mountain?
The adventure to this tourist destination is recommended for all people except: babies under 2 years old, adults over 65 years old and people with heart ailments.
How high is the hike to 7 Colors Mountain?
The hike to 7 Colors Mountain is in geographies above 5 thousand meters above sea level.
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