Vinicunca is one of Peru’s best-known hidden gems. While everyone has seen photos of it, the mountain is often overshadowed by Machu Picchu. I recently traveled to Vinicunca, also known as Rainbow Mountain or the Seven Colors Mountain, a journey I had been dreaming of taking for over 20 years. Vinicunca sits at an elevation of 5,000 meters (16,404 feet) above sea level, over twice the height of Machu Picchu.
Is there a fee to hike?
Yes, there is a 10 PEN (2.80 USD) fee to hike. This is almost included in the tour price, but it is best to confirm with the tour operator or bring some extra cash just in case.
How much did the tour cost?
I paid 70 PEN (19.70 USD), which covered everything, including round-trip transportation, breakfast and lunch, the park entry fee, and the walking stick rental.
How is the trip from Cuzco?
The drive from Plaza de Armas in Cuzco to the Vinicunca trailhead is approximately a 3.5-hour drive and 150 kilometers (93 miles). The road is mountainous, winding, and steep.
When is the best time to arrive?
Arrive early if possible. Consider spending the night near the mountain to arrive before the crowds of tourists from Cuzco. Later in the morning, the site becomes crowded with tourists competing for the best photo spots.
How long did the hike take?
The hike is 7 kilometers (4.5 miles) and took me about 1 hour and 20 minutes to reach the mountain, and 1 hour to return, hiking at a steady pace. I had about 45 minutes to explore and take photos. For slower hikers, I would recommend booking a tour through a company that provides more flexible timing— this was a mistake I made during my trip.
What is the terrain like?
Most of the trek is flat and even, with some rocky and bumpy patches and small hills. The final ascent to the overlook consists of loose dirt and gravel, which can be challenging to climb. The hike to the upper overlook is mostly uneven stone steps.
Are there toilets?
There are toilets available in the parking lot, but none along the trail or on the mountain. The facilities cost 1-2 PEN (0.30-0.60 USD) to use. Beware: there is toilet paper or hand soap!
Are there any alternatives to hiking?
There are many ways to get to Rainbow Mountain, and being in great physical shape is not a necessity. For a fee, locals offer horse, ATV, and even motorbike rides to travelers who do not feel like making the hike.
Is there anything you would have done differently?
Absolutely! The Red Valley lies just beyond Vinicunca. My tour guide suggested visiting the Red Valley if we had time after our hike. Logistically, this was impossible, as we had just enough time to see Rainbow Mountain. If I revisit Vinicunca, I will allow more time to explore both Vinicunca and the Red Valley.
Important Tips:
Bring sunscreen (SPF 50 or above): At such a high altitude, sun exposure is intense, and sunburns occur more quickly, even on cloudy days.
Take time to acclimate to the altitude: Due to the elevation, only about 55% of the oxygen available at sea level is present, so it will be difficult to breathe. To avoid serious altitude sickness, take a few days in Cuzco and/or a town near Vinicunca to adjust before attempting the hike.
- Tip: Avoid drinking alcohol the night before hiking, as its dehydrating effects can make altitude sickness worse.
Optional Altitude Sickness Remedies:
- Acetazolamide: Acetazolamide has helped me on several long-distance, high-altitude hikes in the past and is the only medication proven to help with altitude sickness. Still, gradual acclimation is preferable to relying on medication.
- Coca and Muña Tea: These traditional remedies have been used by local Andean people for centuries. While coca is the same plant used to produce cocaine, it does not have the same effects as the illegal drug. Both coca and muña tea help alleviate altitude sickness symptoms and are readily available throughout the Peruvian Andes. It can be purchased even in the parking lot at the Vinicunca trailhead.
- Canned Oxygen: In Cuzco pharmacies, inhalable oxygen cans can be purchased for around 75 PEN (15 USD). Though they do not cure altitude sickness, they can help relieve symptoms temporarily.
Optional Items to Take/Purchase On-Site:
Pulse Oximeter/Smart Watch:
This may be a bit of a stretch, but I found it useful to invest in a pulse oximeter, as I frequently travel to high-altitude locations. At sea level, my blood oxygen levels range between 97% and 100%. While hiking to Vinicunca, my lips and fingernails turned blue, and my oxygen dropped to 87%. Having this device helped me monitor my condition.
Lightweight Hiking Sticks/Sturdy Hiking Shoes:
The tour company I used to get to Vinicunca lent me hiking sticks at no additional cost, but not all the groups had hiking sticks like I did. The ground was uneven in some areas, especially the last 100 meters, so wearing shoes with good traction and using hiking sticks provided extra support and stability.
A Raincoat or Jacket:
The weather changes drastically. During summer, it can be hot and rainy, while winter is cold and dry. Temperatures can fluctuate dramatically from morning to afternoon or when the sun dips behind clouds. It is important to prepare according to the season and the weather forecast.
A Small Lunch/ Snacks:
I booked with one of the least expensive tour companies I could find, but breakfast and a buffet lunch were still included. Our van stopped in the town of Cusipata at a restaurant filled with other tourists heading to Vinicunca. Unfortunately, the food quality was poor. It appeared to have been sitting out for some time, and the fruit had flies on it. Drinks were an additional cost. I only ate a couple of items that looked safe and managed to hold myself over, but I was glad to have a few protein bars tucked away in my backpack.
Water:
Buying water ahead of time is not essential, as there are small shops at the parking lot near the trailhead selling bottled water. However, I recommend purchasing water in Cusco beforehand. It tends to be slightly cheaper there, and hydrating on the bus can mitigate altitude sickness.
Visiting Vinicunca is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. While it entails some effort, endurance, careful planning, and potential illness, the payoff is truly remarkable. Venture beyond the basic tourist circuit and experience more of what Peru has to offer. Rainbow Mountain deserves a spot on your itinerary.