Protocols of Entry to the Rainbow Mountain

Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, also known as the Mountain of Seven Colors, is the second most visited tourist destination in Cusco, surpassed only by Machu Picchu. Before the pandemic, this natural wonder received over 1,000 visitors per day, including both domestic and international travelers.

However, like many archaeological and natural sites in Peru, Vinicunca had to close its access during the national health emergency. After more than a year of restrictions, the path to tourism recovery began with cautious and responsible steps.

Reopening Process of Vinicunca

Thanks to the joint efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (MINCETUR), the Regional Government of Cusco, local authorities, and health entities, biosafety protocols were created and implemented to ensure safe tourism—for both visitors and the communities along the route to this iconic mountain.

One of the key figures in this process was Benigno Fredy Vengoa Caro, the mayor of Pitumarca, who formally requested the reopening of Rainbow Mountain starting November 1, 2021. The request was approved following a series of evaluations and coordinated strategies.

Biosafety Protocols for Visiting Vinicunca

If you’re planning to visit the Rainbow Mountain, it’s important to be aware of the current health requirements and restrictions designed to protect both your health and the environment:

Entry Hours
Allowed visiting hours are from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

This limit helps prevent crowding and ensures all visitors return before sunset.

Maximum Capacity
Only groups of up to 8 people are allowed, including tourists, guides, and porters.

Personal Safety Measures

Face masks and face shields are mandatory at all times.
Visitors must carry their own hand sanitizer for continuous disinfection.
Avoid touching your face and maintain at least 1 meter of social distance at all times.

Health Screening

At the checkpoint, body temperature will be taken.
Anyone showing symptoms such as fever or COVID-like illness will not be allowed to enter for safety reasons.
Avoid sneezing or coughing near others. If needed, do so into your elbow and maintain distance.

Maximum Time at the Summit

Each group may spend up to 30 minutes at the summit, according to protocol.
This ensures a smooth flow of visitors and prevents overcrowding.

Who Oversees These Protocols?

Compliance with all these measures will be monitored by local and regional governments, who may carry out random inspections and sanction agencies or tourists who fail to follow the rules.

Additionally, technical guidelines have been established under Ministerial Resolution No. 448-2020-MINSA, regulating occupational health and COVID-19 risk prevention—especially for tourism sector workers such as guides, operators, and drivers.

Responsible Tourism to Protect Everyone

The reopening of Vinicunca is great news for all: it brings back income for local communities but also comes with a shared responsibility.

Visiting the Rainbow Mountain now means much more than admiring its beauty—it means acting consciously, respecting health measures, and valuing the natural and cultural surroundings.

Recommendations for Your Visit

• Book your tour with licensed agencies that follow all safety protocols.
• Bring your personal biosafety kit: mask, hand sanitizer, tissues.
• Spend a few days acclimatizing in Cusco before attempting the hike.
• Respect the time limit at the summit.

Do not litter or interact with wildlife.

The Mountain of Seven Colors remains a symbol of natural beauty, spirituality, and connection with the Andes. Now more than ever, visiting it requires respect, care, and responsibility. If we all do our part, we can continue to enjoy this Peruvian treasure for many generations to come.