Get to know all the Rainbow Mountains of Peru

The Peruvian Rainbow Mountains are a natural wonder that attracts visitors from all over the world. These colorful peaks, known for their breathtaking beauty and unique geological formations, offer an unforgettable experience to anyone lucky enough to visit them. In this article we will explore everything you need to know about these magnificent mountains, including recommendations, altitude, how to get there and what to expect.

Why are the Rainbow Mountains of Peru so attractive?

These mountains are famous for their vibrant multicolored stripes, which are the result of mineral deposits over millions of years. The different colors represent various natural minerals found in the earth, such as iron oxide (red), copper sulfate (green), limestone (white), silicates (purple or lavender), calcareous sandstones (mustard or gold) and sulfur (yellow).

How were they formed geologically?

All Rainbow Mountains were formed millions of years ago by the gradual deposition of minerals. Over time, the movement of tectonic plates and erosion of the earth’s crust exposed these layers, creating the impressive and colorful formations we see today.

Cultural significance

The Rainbow Mountains have cultural and spiritual significance to local indigenous communities. They are often associated with traditional Andean beliefs and practices, such as offerings to the mountain spirits or Apus.

How many Rainbow Mountains are there in Peru?

If you are one of the many tourists who come to Cusco, you have probably wondered how many Rainbow Mountains there are in this enchanting region. The answer is that Cusco is home to several colorful mountains, but currently, three of them stand out in the most popular tourist circuits and will captivate you with their beautiful shades:

Rainbow Mountain or Vinicunca

This is the most famous of them all and is widely known as the Rainbow Mountain. Its vibrant layers of colors, ranging from red to green, will leave you in awe. It is a must-see destination for nature and adventure lovers.

• > Location: District of Pitumarca in the province of Canchis (Outside of Cusco).
• > Altitude: 5200 meters above sea level (17060 feet)
• > Hiking time: 3 to 4 hours round trip (depending on pace)
• > Difficulty level: Moderate to difficult
• > Nearby Attractions: Red Valley and Ausangate
• > Number of tourists: About 1500 visitors in a day during high season.
• > Entrance fee: Purchased at the colored mountain itself and not booked online.

Visitor	Price
Domestic tourists (Peruvians)	S/. 15 (4 USD)
Foreign tourist	S/. 25 (7 USD)

What is the best time to visit?

You may have seen some pictures on social networks where the mountain of colors is covered with snow or rain without the colors that characterize this imposing mountain to avoid this you must travel to Cusco in dry season which is from April to October.

The rainiest months are: November, December, January, February, March and April. The months that are likely to find snow on the mountain of colors are: May June, October, December.

How to get to Vinincunca Mountain?

There are two ways to get to the mountain of colors, one is in a more quiet and relaxed way through a tour as Rainbow Mountain + red valley with an authorized tourist agency and the other way is on your own:

Hire a cab or take a bus from Cusco city to the town of Cusipata. The buses leave from the Coliseo Cerrado on Huayruropata Avenue and the cost of the ticket is 5 soles. The trip takes approximately 2 hours.

Once in Cusipata, you can rest before continuing to the community of Phulawasipata. There are ‘colectivo’ cabs that provide this service, at a cost of 10 soles. The trip takes about 1 hour.
In Phulawasipata, you can buy tickets to the 7 Colors Mountain. You can also rent a horse or buy products before starting the trek. From here, follow the signs until you reach the 7 Colors Mountain, although the ascent is challenging.

Palccoyo or the rainbow mountain range

It features three distinct rainbow-colored mountains and a shorter, easier hike. This makes Palcoyo an excellent option for those looking for a more relaxed experience while still enjoying the beauty of the colorful Peruvian mountains.

• > Location: District of Checacupe in the province of Canchis (Outside of Cusco)
• > Altitude: 4900 masl
• > Hiking time: 1 hour and a half round trip (depending on pace)
• > Difficulty level: Moderate
• > Nearby attractions: Red Valley, Red River and Forest of Stones.
• > Number of tourists: About 1000 people in a day during the high season.
• > Entrance fee: These tickets cannot be purchased online, only in person directly in the town of Checacupe.

Visitor	Price
Domestic tourists (Peruvians)	S/. 5 (2 USD)
Foreign tourist	S/. 10 (3 USD)

What is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit this spectacular site is during the dry season of Cusco which is from April to October, but keep in mind that April has rains, but quite light and the months that Palcoyo is with snow are November, December, January, February, March and April.

If you want to combine this experience with the red valley and the Red River the best month for this is February. The rest of the year in Palcoyo is rainy.

You may have seen some pictures on social networks where the colorful mountain is covered with snow or rain without the colors that characterize this imposing mountain to avoid this you must travel to Cusco in dry season which is from April to October.

How to get to Palcoyo mountain?

If you want to enjoy and relax the trip you can take a tour or hike to Palcoyo, but if you want to do it on your own you have to follow the following route from Cusco, it is necessary to use a private transport or a bus from huaropata and you will get off in Combapata.

This trip takes approximately 2 hours. You must turn left before crossing the Combapata Bridge, where you will see the colonial bridge of Rumichaca. Then, travel for 45 minutes to the Sallocca turnoff, take that turnoff and continue until you reach the Huallata Cunka pass in the community of Palccoyo. From this point, you will be able to see the three colorful mountains. From there, a slow walk of approximately 45 minutes will take you to the Palccoyo mountain.

Pallay Punchu

The least known of all, but equally impressive, Pallay Punchu is an excellent choice. Its natural beauty, its shapes imitate the form of an Inca poncho and the absence of large crowds will allow you to enjoy a quiet and serene environment.

• > Location: District of Layo in the province of Canas (outside of Cusco).
• > Altitude: 4700 meters above sea level.
• > Hiking time: 3 to 4 hours round trip (depending on pace).
• > Difficulty level: Moderate
• > Nearby attractions: Langui – Layo Lagoon.
• > Entrance fee: These tickets are not purchased online, only in person and cost S/. 10 (3 USD).

When is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit Pallay Punchu is the dry season like most tourist attractions in Cusco, during the months of April to November there is less likelihood of rain and therefore the road is less slippery and also that the road presents huaycos. If you want to visit in rainy season which is from December to March take a rain poncho and be more careful.

 

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How to get to Pallay Punchu Mountain?

There are already tours that take you to this wonderful place without worries. But if you enjoy doing things at your own pace and want to do it on your own what you should do is take a bus from Cusco to Sicuani on Huayruropata Avenue, the trip takes about 3 hours and costs between S/ 10.00 and S/ 20.00.

Then, take a car from Sicuani to Layo, the trip takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes with a cost of between S/ 5.00 and S/ 10.00. From Layo, you can choose to walk for 1 hour or take an express that will take you to the beginning of the hike in about 20 minutes, with a cost of between S/ 5.00 and S/ 10.00.

What to bring on your visit to any of the Rainbow mountains?

To visit the Rainbow Mountains, it is important to go well prepared. Here are some essentials to bring:

• > Warm clothing: temperatures can be cold, especially early in the morning and at higher altitudes. Such as trekking pants, windbreaker jackets, chullos and gloves.
• > Documents: You should carry your passport or identification document for the purchase of your entrance tickets
• > Sturdy hiking boots: The terrain can be hard and slippery.
• > Sunscreen and hat: The sun can be intense at high altitude.
• > Water and snacks: It is important to stay hydrated and energetic during the hike.
• > Rain poncho: In case of visiting the colorful mountain in rainy months.
• > Medication for altitude sickness: The altitude can affect some people, so be prepared.
• > Trekking shoes: Since the hikes last for hours, it is best to wear shoes that are slip-resistant.
• > Snacks: Hiking tends to work up an appetite for some people, so we recommend you bring some, preferably energetic ones.
• > Camera: Capture your magical moments in these surreal destinations with a camera.
• > Cash: carry cash because on the way you can buy souvenirs or hire some extra services. The money should preferably be in small denominations as the locals will not have the means to give you change.

Tips for a great experience

• > Start early: Start your hike early in the morning to avoid the crowds and enjoy the best lighting for photographs.
• > Acclimatize to the altitude: Spend a few days in Cuzco before your trek to acclimatize to the altitude. This will help you avoid altitude sickness and enjoy the excursion more.
• > Hire a local guide: An expert guide can enhance your experience by providing information about the geology, history and cultural significance of the mountains.
• > Drink coca tea: This remedy is very good for alleviating the symptoms of altitude sickness.
• > Avoid heavy food: Foreign tourists have a weaker intestinal flora compared to Latin Americans because this added to altitude sickness can cause certain intestinal problems if the first days in Cusco you try heavy meals, alcoholic beverages and smoke tobacco.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to go on my own to the rainbow mountain?

In an approximate of s/185 for Peruvians and 56 USD for foreigners, of course this may vary depending on the quality of the services you hire to get to the mountain of 7 colors.

From what age can a child hike to Vinincunca?

If the child is used to the altitude and likes to walk, he/she can do this hike from the age of 12 years old.

When were these Rainbow mountains discovered in Cusco?

Each of these were discovered in different years, Montaña de colores or Vinincunca was discovered in 2013 during an excursion to Ausangate and popularized by social networks. While Palcoyo was discovered in 2017 by the inhabitants of its Andean community who organized themselves to make Palcoyo known to the world in 2018 as an alternative to Vinincunca.

Finally, Pallay punchu is discovered in 2020 during the pandemic by Mr. Tony Ccalta who went to collect the medicinal plant Sasawi, took pictures and recorded videos to make them viral on Facebook.

What is the coldest month in Vinincunca?

It is July presenting days with dry and pleasant weather with a little wind. While mornings and nights will have cold temperatures.

Do I need to acclimatize a few days before in Cusco?

Yes, since Vinincunca, Palcoyo and Pallay punchu are at high altitude, it is advisable to arrive two or one day before your trek to acclimatize and to take these days the symptoms of altitude sickness so that at the time of making the trek you can enjoy it without discomfort or risk.

We are a hotel with a trained staff to take care of people in acclimatization and help people with oxygen or take them to a hospital if people have severe altitude sickness. Contact us by web or through WhatsApp to reserve one of our rooms.

What does Vinincunca mean?

This name is derived from two words in Quechua. Wini means black stones, which are abundant in the area, while Kunka means pass neck or bottle-shaped, referring to the shape of the mountain.

Are there restrooms along the way to any of these Rainbow mountains?

Yes there are but these are very basic and few. These restrooms are usually found at the beginning of the hike of each one.

What does Pallay Punchu mean?

This name is derived from Quechua words that in Spanish would be Montaña Filuda referring to the sharp and imposing shape of the mountain.

The Rainbow Mountains in Peru are a must-see for anyone visiting Cuzco. Their stunning colors, rich history and cultural significance make them a unique destination.