Build your trip to Rainbow Mountain

In view of the tourist reactivation in Cusco and many archaeological and natural tourist destinations, all the protocols are already being finalized, leaving everything ready to receive national and foreign tourists who are willing to live unforgettable experiences or perhaps come back and visit the region. from Cuzco. The mountains of Cusco are unique in the world and this is how we can find Vinicunca, Palccoyo, and Palccoyo Puncho, which are called “rainbows” for their impressive colors impregnated in the mountains of the Cusco Andes, the mountains of Vinicunca and Palccoyo are part of the Vilcanota mountain range near the famous Ausangate mountain and the Pallay Puncho mountain is part of the new tourist circuit between Cusco and Puno.

Where to stay?

The hotel offers in Cusco are very varied and here we recommend some lodgings with the 3B (good, nice and cheap), Conde House Hostel, La Posada del Viajero, Hospedaje Urpicha are some that I could mention and it has an excellent location and has double rooms with private bathroom and simple breakfast.

Where is the Mountain of Colors located?

The Mountain of 7 Colors is located west of the city of Cusco at 5200 meters above sea level to reach it there are two routes; If you take the route through Pitumarca, it is approximately 140 kilometers from Cusco to the Mountain of the 7 Colors, it is a somewhat long and heavy route, but if what you really want to do is arrive in a shorter time of walking, I recommend that you take the route through Cusipata Since it will be a shorter trip, it is also a new route that was opened so as not to saturate the road through Pitumarca.

Help to climb the Mountain of 7 Colors

To climb the Vinicunca mountain you must be in an acceptable physical condition, for which it is advisable to arrive in Cusco one day before the excursion. If you have problems climbing the Vinicunca mountain you can rent a horse at the beginning of the trek or during the journey, this will greatly help you reach the top of the mountain. Do not forget to always carry objects for altitude sicknesses such as the coca leaf and some candies and chocolates.

Best time to visit the Mountain of 7 Colors

In Cusco there are two very marked seasons: the dry season and the rainy season.
The best time to visit the Vinicunca Mountain is during the dry season, however in this season there is the phenomenon of cold, that is to say, that during the day there is a spectacular sun but at night temperatures can reach below zero due to It is therefore recommended that you always carry warm clothing with you.

Ways to Get to the Mountain of Colors

With Agency
This is the most recommended option, hire the tour to the mountain of 7 colors with them, they will coordinate the entire itinerary, they will pick you up from your accommodation and take you to the mountain to take you back to Cusco. But remember, before you hire an agency, you need to make sure that it is trustworthy and has no negative feedback.
The price of this trip varies from one agent to another, but depending on the agent and the content of the tour, the price can be between 30 and 40 dollars.

No Agency
Traveling on your own in these times of pandemic is very risky because you are exposed to possible contagion since there are two routes to reach rainbow mountain. The first thing you have to do is go to the bus station Cusco – Sicuani,
Then you have to make a stop in the town of Cusipata or Pitumarca depending on which route you have chosen. Whichever route you have taken, you must board a bus that will take you to the entrance to the walk-in Quesyuno or Phulawasipata. In these places, you can have breakfast and on your return, you can also have lunch before starting the walk you will have to go through the control booth where you will have to buy the entrance tickets to the mountain of 7 colors. If you have some problems walking, you have the option of renting horses that will help you get to rainbow mountain. I particularly recommend that you take the route through Cusipata since it is a shorter route.

Restrictions to be taken into account

Children under 9 years of age must have the consent of their parents so that they can climb the mountain of colors in order to protect the health of minors since they may suffer some inconvenience on the route to Vinicunca.