Full-day tour to the Mountains of Colors
Complete Guide to the Full-Day Tour to the Mountains of Colors
Full Day Mountain of Colors Tour Itinerary
Cusco – Cusipata – Vinicunca
Pick up at your hotel between 4:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.
You will travel with our transportation to the community of CUSIPATA on a paved road for approximately 1.5 hours, where you will enjoy our buffet breakfast. Then you will continue along the Cusipata route for 30 minutes until you reach the town of CHILLIHUANl, where you will pass picturesque places such as TINTINKO, RÍO TIGRE, and observe the Surina mountain through the LLACTO sector.
Then we will pass the CUSIPATA checkpoint. There, we will continue our journey along a trail for approximately 20 minutes until we reach the starting point of our hike. After that, our adventure to the rainbow mountain will begin for approximately 1 hour and a half. Continuing the hike, you will pass through a path that will gradually change the landscape between colorful mountains and small streams of icy water that feed and give life to this valley. You will also be able to enjoy the presence of South American camelids such as llamas, alpacas, and sheep.
We will reach a maximum altitude of 5029 meters above sea level. Summit of the mysterious Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca). After the experience, you will return on foot along the same route to the city where the tour began, where our buffet lunch will be waiting for you, and then you will return to the city of Cusco around 6:00 p.m.
INCLUDES:
- Tourist transportation
- Official bilingual tour guide (Spanish-English)
- Buffet breakfast and lunch
- Entrance fees to the Colored Mountains
- First aid kit
- Constant monitoring
NOT INCLUDED:
- Tips
- Extras
- Geological origin
The colors of Vinicunca are due to a geological formation that has accumulated over time through the mixture of marine, lake, and river elements. This combination of minerals carried by the waters of the mountain range, the winds, and humidity has caused the oxidation of the area and given the mountain its magical diversity of hues.
Geologists and experts in the field say that this phenomenon has only recently been discovered due to the melting of the glaciers that once covered the mountain and received constant snowfall until the early 1990s.
This is the mountain of seven colors, also known as Vinicunca or Rainbow Mountain. The mountain is located in the Vilcanota mountain range, 5,200 meters above sea level, west of the imperial city of Cusco, in the district of Pitumarca. Its slopes and peaks are tinged with intense shades of fuchsia, turquoise, and gold.
The rainbow appearance is due to a complex geological history of marine, lacustrine, and fluvial sediments. These sediments, transported by the water that once covered the area, date back to the Tertiary and Quaternary periods, i.e., between 65 and two million years ago.
Over time, the sediments formed layers (with different grain sizes) that are now visible as stripes. The movement of tectonic plates in the area raised these sediments until they became mountains.
They then acquired their striking colors due to the oxidation of their minerals, caused by the humidity of the area, erosion, and the melting of the snow-capped mountains.
The composition of each stripe according to its color is detailed below.
Adventure and Excursion to the Mountain of Seven Colors
Vinicunca has become a must-see for all travelers who come to Cusco to visit Machu Picchu and other archaeological sites. The mountain of seven colors, with its unique coloring, the wonderful landscape that surrounds it, and its unique culture, attracts thousands of tourists.
MAIN RECOMMENDATIONS
- If you experience symptoms of altitude sickness, descend to a lower altitude as quickly as possible.
- High elevations also mean cold, almost freezing temperatures, so be prepared. If you are going on a one- or two-day trip, be sure to wear warm clothing. Also, remember to bring coca leaves to help with altitude sickness and keep your backpack as light as possible for easy walking
- The hike to the top is no joke; the changing weather conditions and altitude make it challenging even for experienced hikers. But when done right, it is manageable, even for those who are not used to it.
- Make sure you are acclimatized to the altitude of Cusco before setting out on the 7 Colors mountain hike. This is by far the best prevention against altitude sickness. For a pleasant and smooth hike, we recommend spending at least 2 days in the city of Cusco before the hike.
PRICE
SMALL GROUPS
$50
PER PERSON
How to Prepare for the Full-Day Tour to the Mountains of Colors
Tips for Ensuring a Safe and Enjoyable Experience on the Full-Day Tour to the Colored Mountains
- Acclimatize to the altitude: Spend a couple of days in Cusco or at a higher altitude before the tour to avoid altitude sickness.
- Stay hydrated: Bring enough water and drink small sips throughout the journey.
- Wear appropriate clothing and footwear: Dress in layers and wear boots or hiking shoes with good traction.
- Protect your skin from the sun: Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Eat well: Eat breakfast before the tour and bring light snacks to keep your energy up.
- Follow the guide’s instructions: They will help you adapt and get to know the terrain.
- Take it easy: Don’t rush; take breaks when you need them.
- Carry a light backpack: Only essentials (water, snacks, camera, jacket).
- Check the weather: Be prepared for changes in weather and bring waterproof clothing if necessary.
- Respect the environment: Do not leave trash behind and stay on marked trails.
