Rainbow Mountain the New Natural Wonder

It is the mountain of 7 Colors, also known as Vinicunca or Rainbow Mountain. The mountain is located in the Cordillera del Vilcanota at 5,200 meters above sea level to the west of the imperial city of Cusco, in the district of Pitumarca. Its slopes and summits are dyed by strips of intense shades of fuchsia, turquoise, and gold.
The appearance of a rainbow is due to a complex geological history of marine, lacustrine, and fluvial sediments. These sediments, transported by the water that previously covered the area, date from between the Tertiary and Quaternary periods, that is, from about 65 to two years ago. millions of years.
Over time, the sediments formed layers (with different grain sizes) that today are seen as the fringes. The movement of tectonic plates in the area raised these sediments until they became mountains.
Later they acquired their striking colors due to the oxidation of their minerals, exerted by the humidity of the area, their erosion, and the deglaciation of the snow-capped mountains.
Here the composition of each strip is detailed according to its color.

Pink or fuchsia: a mixture of red clay, fangolitas (mud), and sand.
Off-white: sandstone (quartz sand) and limestone.
Purple or lavender: marl (a mixture of clay and calcium carbonate) and silicates.
Red: argillites and clays.
Green: clays rich in ferromagnesian (a mixture of iron and magnesium) and copper oxide.
Yellowish-brown, mustard, or gold: limonites, calcareous sandstones rich in sulfide minerals (combined with sulfur).

Adventure and Excursion in the Mountain of Seven Colors

Vinicunca has now become one of the mandatory visits for all travelers who come to Cusco to visit Machu Picchu and other archaeological sites. The mountain of the 7 colors due to its particular coloration, the wonderful landscape that surrounds it, and the original culture that it possesses are what attract thousands of tourists, in addition to the fact that the adventure when climbing is enjoyed and is unique in the world. Today with the coronavirus pandemic there are many restrictions for their entry between nationals and foreigners. For which there are two accesses to the mountain of colors.

1. The first is through Pitumarca, which comes from the old route, through this place the walk is longer but many travelers who follow this route enjoy it more, due to the distance of the walk, more time together with the natural beauty, etc. From the exit of the city of Cusco, you will be able to observe small towns, green valleys, immense mountains, Andean animals, very kind inhabitants with their typical clothes, which will really impress you.
2. The second route is through Cusipata, which was opened very recently in order to decongest the large flow of people who climb the mountain of 7 colors every day. This route is shorter, so it is very convenient if you are not in the habit of taking long walks.
   During the trip you will also be able to observe some old constructions, as well as the Colonial Bridge of Checacupe, an old bridge from the colonial era, in addition, on the way to the mountain of colors, you will find small streams, wetlands and some wetlands that adorn the natural beauty. If the day is in your favor you can enjoy the company of the fox, the camelid hunter, the Andean condor with its majestic flight adorning the blue sky.