Vinicunca is one of the must-see destinations for those who visit the Imperial City. What do you need to know before visiting the Mountain Colors of Vinicunca?
The discovery of its colors is due to the melting of the glaciers that formerly covered the mountain and that received snow constantly until the beginning of the nineties.
Vinicunca became a popular destination only five years ago thanks to people who practiced trekking and mountaineering who, passing through the area, were amazed by its colors. This is how numerous photographs went viral on social networks, causing thousands of people to plan to visit them.
Recommendations:
It is necessary that before climbing the mountain Colors or Vinicunca, which has a height of 5,200 meters, you consider the following recommendations to avoid the dreaded ‘altitude sickness’ that is usually the main complication for many tourists.
- Avoid carrying excess weight. It is advisable to carry a backpack or small bag in which you can carry what you need (water, alcohol or some candy).
- Dress in warm clothes. Do not trust the sun, use sunscreen and something to cover your head such as hats or hats. The footwear must be for trekking to avoid falls and do not forget some gloves so that your hands do not freeze.
- Visit the mountain a few days after your arrival in Cusco. It is better that you acclimatize before visiting Vinicunca, so your body will be prepared and you will not suffer from soroche.
- If it is the first time that you are going to visit this mountain, it is better that you do it with a tourist agency. In this way, you will have a specialized guide who will accompany you on your tour, will provide you with information about the place and, above all, will be attentive to help you if you need it.
- Avoid carrying excess weight. It is advisable to carry a backpack or small bag in which you can carry what you need (water, alcohol or some candy).
- Dress in warm clothes. Do not trust the sun, use sunscreen and something to cover your head such as hats or hats. The footwear must be for trekking to avoid falls and do not forget some gloves so that your hands do not freeze.
- Visit the mountain a few days after your arrival in Cusco. It is better that you acclimatize before visiting Vinicunca, so your body will be prepared and you will not suffer from soroche.
- If it is the first time that you are going to visit this mountain, it is better that you do it with a tourist agency. In this way, you will have a specialized guide who will accompany you on your tour, will provide you with information about the place and, above all, will be attentive to help you if you need it.
- Avoid carrying excess weight. It is advisable to carry a backpack or small bag in which you can carry what you need (water, alcohol or some candy).
- Dress in warm clothes. Do not trust the sun, use sunscreen and something to cover your head such as hats or hats. The footwear must be for trekking to avoid falls and do not forget some gloves so that your hands do not freeze.
- Visit the mountain a few days after your arrival in Cusco. It is better that you acclimatize before visiting Vinicunca, so your body will be prepared and you will not suffer from soroche.
- If it is the first time that you are going to visit this mountain, it is better that you do it with a tourist agency. In this way, you will have a specialized guide who will accompany you on your tour, will provide you with information about the place and, above all, will be attentive to help you if you need it.
- Avoid carrying excess weight. It is advisable to carry a backpack or small bag in which you can carry what you need (water, alcohol or some candy).
- Dress in warm clothes. Do not trust the sun, use sunscreen and something to cover your head such as hats or hats. The footwear must be for trekking to avoid falls and do not forget some gloves so that your hands do not freeze.
- Visit the mountain a few days after your arrival in Cusco. It is better that you acclimatize before visiting Vinicunca, so your body will be prepared and you will not suffer from soroche.
- If it is the first time that you are going to visit this mountain, it is better that you do it with a tourist agency. In this way, you will have a specialized guide who will accompany you on your tour, will provide you with information about the place and, above all, will be attentive to help you if you need it.
- If you want to see the mountain completely clear, as it appears in the photos on the internet. It is advisable to visit it in the dry season -between May and September-.
- There are different routes, the first one used was Pitumarca, which lasted from 6 to 8 hours round trip, but it was very complicated because it requires good physical condition. A couple of years ago, a route was created that leaves from Cusipata and lasts between 3 and 4 hours round trip, becoming the best option if you want to reach the top of the mountain.
- From the city of Cusco to Cusipata, the journey lasts 2 hours and a half. In some cases the tours make some stops before arriving to show you some tourist sites that are on the way.
- If you want to visit the mountain, but the ascent route is very tiring for you, you can use the horse or motorcycle service.
- Once up, you can find many tourists. Try to keep the necessary distance and wait to avoid crowds. There are usually some queues in many areas to take photos. Be patient and wait your turn.
We hope that these recommendations will help you if you are planning your next trip to the Rainbow Mountain. Good trip!