Vinincunca Mountain, also known as the Rainbow Mountain, is located in the Vilcanota Mountain Range, about 100 km south of the city of Cusco, in the Pitumarca district.

The colorful appearance of the Vinincunca Mountain slopes is due to a complex geological history of marine, lake, and river sediments, according to a report from the Cultural Landscape Office of the Decentralized Directorate of Culture of Cusco.

These sediments, transported by the water that once covered the area, date back to the Tertiary and Quaternary periods, that is, between 65 and two million years ago.

Over time, the sediments formed layers with different grain sizes that today are seen as the stripes that attract tourists.

The movement of the tectonic plates in the area uplifted these sediments until they became mountains.

They then acquired their striking colors due to the oxidation of their minerals, caused by the area’s humidity, and due to their erosion, César Muñoz, a member of the Geological Society of Peru (SGP), explained to BBC Mundo.

Muñoz and the study by the Office of Cultural Landscape detail the composition of each strip according to its color.

• Pink or fuchsia: a mixture of red clay, mudstones, and sand.
• Whitish: sandstone (quartz sand) and limestone.
• Purple or lavender: marl (a mixture of clay and calcium carbonate) and silicates.
• Red: argillites and clays.
  Green: clays rich in ferromagnesium (a mixture of iron and magnesium) and copper oxide.
• Yellowish brown, mustard, or gold: limonites, calcareous sandstones rich in sulfide minerals (combined with sulfur).

It should be noted that this tourist attraction was known and went viral in early 2015.

This day will begin with a 4 a.m. pick-up from your hotel to begin our incredible hike to Vinincunca Mountain (Rainbow Mountain), 5,200 meters above sea level/17,060 feet, or Palcoyo Mountain, 4,900 meters above sea level/16,076 feet (an alternative route to avoid walking too far).

Our adventure will take us on wheels for three hours through the South Valley to the trailhead in Llacto (the start of the hike), 4,638 meters above sea level/15,216 feet. At this point, we will offer breakfast, a pleasant moment as herds of alpacas and llamas will pass by.

Next, we will get ready to begin our hike. During the journey, you will have privileged views of Ausangate Mountain. You will be able to interact with the local people, who still speak Quechua. Your guide will help you with the language. You’ll learn about their traditional clothing and the different meanings they hold.

The hike is best during the dry season as the trails are unpaved. The trail can be a bit dusty, and during the rainy season, it can be slippery as it’s wet. However, with good waterproof walking shoes and trekking poles, you’ll be fine.

After a 1.5-hour hike, we finally reach our destination: the viewpoint of Vinincunca Mountain (Rainbow Mountain), 5,020 meters above sea level/16,466 feet. The feeling you’ll have upon reaching the summit is indescribable. After admiring the beauty of the snow-capped mountains and surrounding mountains, we’ll have plenty of time to take photos or simply enjoy the view. We’ll continue with a hike to the Red Valley located in the same area (optional – included in your package) to finally head back to the starting point and enjoy our lunch, prepared by our experienced chef.

After a light rest and some final photos of the area, we will board our private transportation back to Cusco. The journey takes approximately 3 hours.

SAMIN CUSCO TRAVEL will ensure your return to your hotel.

****There is the option to rent pack animals for the ascent and descent of Vinincunca Mountain. Please note that SAMIN CUSCO TRAVEL will include emergency horse service in your package in case of emergencies.

• Difficulty level: Challenging.
• Total distance: Approx. 6 km/3.7 miles.
• Hiking time: Approx. 3 hours.
• Altitude of Vinincunca Mountain (Rainbow Mountain): 5,200 masl/17,060 ft.
• Altitude of Vinincunca Viewpoint: 5,020 masl/16,466 ft.
• Altitude of Palcoyo Mountain: 4,900 masl/16,076 ft.
• Llacto Elevation (start of hike): 4,638 meters above sea level/15,216 feet.
• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, snack.
• Accommodation: *** Hotel in Cusco (own expense).

• Experienced, professional, bilingual guide.
• Private transportation:
  • • Pickup from any hotel in Cusco.
• First aid kit, including emergency oxygen tank.
• Breakfast at the trailhead.
• Freshly prepared hot lunch at the end of the hike.
• Entrance fee to the park and Red Valley.
• Snacks.
• Drinking water.
• Cook:
  • • Dining tent, chairs, and tables.
    • Private bathroom.
    • Emergency saddle horse.
• Taxes.

• Additional expenses you may have on the route.

Essentials:

• Passport.
• Valid STUDENT ID (if you booked as a student).
• Immigration card (given at the airport upon entering Peru).
• Backpack (the smaller the better).
• Water storage: A reusable water bottle is recommended.
• Light jacket. – It will be cold in the morning, and in case of rain, you can bring a rain jacket.
• A pair of gloves. – Don’t let the morning chill cloud your fingers.
• Sunscreen.
• Poncho and rain gear in case of rain.
• Cap, hat, gloves, sunglasses.
• Windbreaker, hiking pants.
  Shoes with good soles; waterproof hiking boots are recommended.
• Camera.
• Snacks.
• Extra money.

Toiletries

• Sunscreen.
• Facial moisturizer.
• Hand sanitizer.
• Wet wipes.
• Toilet paper.

Inside Your Backpack

Backpacks can be any size, but we always suggest the smaller the better.

• Water: Our private transportation will always have water bottles available for refilling.
• Personal medication.
• Some snacks such as chocolate bars and dried fruit.
• A hat for sun or rain, depending on the season.
• Rain gear.
• A rain poncho and a hat.
• Camera.
• Music (cell phone).
• Hand sanitizer.
• Toilet paper and a small plastic bag for waste.
• Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, and tips.

How difficult is it to climb Rainbow Mountain?

The Rainbow Mountain Hike is of MEDIUM difficulty. With a duration of 3.5 hours at an average pace, this trail requires a reasonable level of fitness. The route includes slightly steep climbs and plains that gradually ascend.

How many hours does it take from Cusco to Rainbow Mountain?

It’s only 100 kilometers from Cusco to Rainbow Mountain, but in terms of time, which is what really matters, it takes about 2 hours to reach Llacto at 4,638 meters above sea level/15,216 feet, the first stop for breakfast.

When is there snow on Rainbow Mountain?

While you can still visit the mountain, there is a chance of encountering snow. The months covered by this season are from December to April.

When is the best time to go?

To travel to Rainbow Mountain, you must be prepared for intense climate changes. The best time to travel is during the Andean dry season or harvest season, from April to October, or, as others call it, the Andean summer. For your comfort and safety, you should choose the appropriate equipment before traveling.

Do you have any questions or concerns about this destination?

Don’t hesitate to contact us. At SAMIN CUSCO TRAVEL, we will be happy to help and guide you with everything you need to explore this place without complications.