Discover Vinicunca, the mountain that has the colors of the rainbow and amazes the world
Vinicunca: A Must-Visit Destination in Peru?
Admired by both Peruvians and tourists from all over the world, Vinicunca Mountain has become a must-see destination during a stay in Peru. Also known as the Mountain of Seven Colors or Rainbow Mountain, it stands out for the extraordinary range of colors displayed on its surface. Among the most characteristic tones are fuchsia or pink, purple, red, green, mustard or golden, white, and cream—colors that make a strong impression on those who see it for the first time due to its unique natural beauty.
Rainbow Mountain is located in the Cusco region, in the district of Pitumarca, very close to the imposing Ausangate snow-capped mountain, one of the highest peaks in Peru and considered a protective deity by local communities. Vinicunca reaches approximately 5,200 meters above sea level, making it an essential destination not only because of its multicolored landscape but also due to the majesty of its Andean surroundings.
This natural attraction was discovered relatively recently, in 2016, when the melting of the glaciers that covered it revealed its mineral colors. Since then, it has become one of the most visited tourist sites for travelers arriving in Cusco, along with the province’s many archaeological ruins.
How to Get to Rainbow Mountain
The ascent to the summit usually takes between 90 and 120 minutes, depending on the hiker’s pace and weather conditions. To reach the starting point of the hike, it is necessary to pass through the picturesque towns of Andahuaylillas, Quiquijana, and Checacupe, until arriving in Pitumarca, where the community of Qheshiuno is located. This is the starting point of the route to Vinicunca, and along the way, local residents often offer horses for part of the journey.
The ascent is done on foot, surrounded by a breathtaking high-Andean landscape, and culminates at the summit, from where it is possible to admire not only the multicolored mountain but also the mountain ranges surrounding the imposing Ausangate, the highest mountain in Cusco at 6,384 meters above sea level and one of the highest in Peru. Today, Vinicunca has established itself as one of Cusco’s most iconic tourist attractions and as a natural symbol of Peru’s extraordinary geographical and cultural richness. Excursions to this famous mountain are usually carried out between May and October, a period characterized by predominantly dry days.
Why Does Vinicunca Have Seven Colors?
According to the Geological Society of Peru, the impressive variety of colors on Vinicunca’s surface is due to a series of mineral layers that have accumulated over time. These layers are composed of marine, lacustrine, and fluvial sediments dating back to the Tertiary and Quaternary periods. Approximately two million years ago, these materials were transported by waters that once covered the area where the mountain now stands, giving rise to the fascinating multicolored landscape that characterizes it.
The name of this mountain, Vinicunca, comes from the Quechua words wini, meaning “stone,” and kunka, meaning “neck.” This name refers to the narrow and elongated shape that characterizes the well-known Rainbow Mountain, whose unique geography and vibrant colors have made it one of the most emblematic landscapes in the region.
SOURCES:
Andina
SalKantay