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Everything you need to know before travelling to Rainbow Mountain: altitude, weather, difficulty, the best time to visit, what to bring and how to prepare.
Location: department of Cusco, province of Canchis
Distance from Cusco: a little over 100 kilometres
Altitude: 5,200 metres above sea level
Entrance fee: 20 soles for Peruvians, 30 soles for foreign visitors
Climate: cold and dry
Activities: horseback riding, hiking, ATV and motorbike tours
Where is Rainbow Mountain?
It lies in the Peruvian Andes, in the department of Cusco and the province of Canchis, at 5,200 metres above sea level — a considerable altitude. It belongs to the village of Pitumarca, whose people call it the mountain of colours, or Vinicunca.
How do you get to Rainbow Mountain?
Since it is a little over 100 kilometres from the city of Cusco, you reach it by bus or car. After the drive you arrive at the village of Cusipata. The route then continues along a dirt track to the community of Phulawasipata. From there it is 5 kilometres, on foot or on horseback, to the Vinicunca viewpoint.
What is the weather like at Rainbow Mountain?
The climate, typical of the highest parts of Cusco, is cold. Rain, wind and altitude sickness (soroche) can be the greatest obstacles for travellers. Temperatures can drop below zero. Rain can fall at any time of year, so it is wise to carry a rain poncho.
When is the best time to visit Rainbow Mountain?
The best time to visit is between May and November, the dry season, when rain is less frequent. Even so, the weather in Cusco changes constantly, so always bring a rain poncho.
What should you bring to Rainbow Mountain?
Passport
A small backpack (water, camera, snacks, and so on)
Light clothing and a jacket — the weather changes and it is very windy
A cap for sun and cold
Sunscreen
Extra cash for purchases and incidentals
Travel insurance is recommended
Is the hike to Rainbow Mountain dangerous?
It is not dangerous, but it does demand moderate to high physical effort. There are stretches of considerable ascent and descent. One of the greatest difficulties is the cold and the icy wind. The altitude can cause altitude sickness, so one or two days acclimatizing in Cusco beforehand are recommended.
Is there an age limit for the Rainbow Mountain tour?
There is no age limit for this kind of excursion, but bear in mind that it is not advisable for elderly people or children with serious respiratory problems, since the higher you go the less oxygen there is. Consult your doctor if in doubt.
What else can you see at Rainbow Mountain?
Flora and fauna: this remarkable landscape is home to animals typical of the high Andes such as llamas, alpacas and vicuñas. Local people raise horses to offer transport to visitors. Because of the altitude, ichu — the natural grass of the Andes — grows in abundance.
Curious facts
It is said Vinicunca, but also Winicunca: the original name comes from two Quechua words, Wini and Kunca. Wini comes from wini rumi, black stone, for the black rocks abundant in the area; kunca means neck, for the narrow ridge that resembles one.
Listed by National Geographic: for its mineral richness and the wonder of its landscape, the magazine listed it as one of the 100 places to see before you die. Its fame keeps growing, and more than 1,500 travellers arrive each day.
In August they make the offering to the earth: in the first days of August, offerings are made to Pachamama. August is also known as the month of wind; the Incas said the earth woke thirsty and hungry, and so bore no more fruit. The ritual is an act of thanks and marks the start of a new planting season.
The apachetas are deeply respected: apachetas are mounds of stones piled one on another, considered offerings of stone. They are left by travellers asking the Apus for health, calm and protection on the journey. On the way to Vinicunca there are many apachetas along the roads and paths.
Its path is part of the ancient road of the Q'ollas: the route to Vinicunca belongs to the old Q'olla road. Muleteers from the high plateau and local people originally knew it as Q'olla Ñan, because the Q'ollas travelled it from village to village to barter goods.
Bartering is still practised: the exchange of goods has been practised since Inca times. Visit the local market and you will see many women trading products.
The colours change with the day: the tones of the Rainbow Mountain depend on the weather. In dull weather the colours turn muted and dark; on a sunny day they become bright and far more striking.
Vinicunca is a discovery of global warming: many years ago most of the Andes range was covered in snow, but the ice is melting as a consequence of global warming. That is how Vinicunca came to light, and today its richness and wonder are known worldwide.
Inhabited only by South American camelids: along the route you will see many groups of alpacas, llamas and vicuñas. Research has also recorded foxes, skunks, Andean geese, partridges, deer, viscachas, condors and osqollos, or pampas cats.
Its inhabitants live from farming and livestock: the daily activity of local people is agriculture — sowing and harvest — and their family livelihood is livestock.
