The Rainbow Mountain

Quispicanchi, Peru

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Details

Distance

6.3 miles

Elevation Gain

1686.4 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Efrén Avilés

The 3 hours bus ride, the 2 and a half hours hike at more than 16000 feet, the lack of oxygen and fatigue was totally worth it when you get to see from the summit of Mount Vinicunca and the intense colors of the Rainbow Mountain.

This isn't an easy hike that's for sure, especially if you aren't from the highlands as me. Anyway it was a challenge that has to be done. So I did.

This hike can only be done with a tour operator and they will get you there. The group normally leave Cusco at 4:00 in the morning. You´ll have the chance to rest in the bus, so rest. Once your party arrived to Pitumarca, you will enjoy a pretty decent breakfast cooked by locals. At this point you will meet you tour guide who will guide the group to the summit of Mount Vinicunca and will explain about the geology of the area.

The hike begins at 14911 feet high and it is very challenging, it is a 3.23 miles to the top of Vinicunca at 18300 feet high. If the hike isn´t you thing but you still want to see the Rainbow Mountain, you can also "rent" a horse or a mule guided by locals and get there.

At the summit there´s an amazing landscape and viewpoints from where you can see the Rainbow Mountain and Mount Auzangate, the fifth highest snow caped mountain in Perú. Many great shots are taken here everyday, but don´t expect it to be like those photoshopped photos you find on Instagram.

Mount Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain, is a nice, challenging hike that you should consider when in Cusco. You should also know that Rainbow Mountain was included in many publications and became very popular and many visitors are to be expected.

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