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Mountain · Cusco, Cusco
Vinicunca
The Montanha Colorida, at 5,036 m, with bands of red, yellow and green minerals, about a 3-hour drive from Cusco. The day tour includes a high-altitude hike.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Vinicunca
Vinicunca, known as Montanha Colorida or Montanha das Sete Cores, is located in the Vilcanota range, southeast of Cusco, between the districts of Pitumarca and Cusipata. The summit reaches 5,036 meters. The bands of color come from layers of sediments with different minerals, exposed by erosion: the red from iron oxides, the yellow from sulfur, the green from copper minerals.
The mountain became known from the 2010s and today receives visitors every day. The tour is usually done with an agency, leaving Cusco at dawn. The road takes about 3 hours to the parking area, at roughly 4,600 meters, and from there you climb on foot along a wide trail, 1 to 2 hours depending on pace, to the viewpoint in front of the colorful bands.
From the viewpoint you can also see the Red Valley, of red soils, and, on clear days, the Ausangate snow peak, over 6,300 meters, the sacred mountain of the region. The Quechua communities that live there manage access and offer horses for part of the climb.
It is one of the most demanding hikes because of the altitude. Do the tour after a few days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley and go at your own pace. Bring layered clothing, a hat, gloves, sunscreen and water: the weather changes quickly and it can snow or hail.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
The day tour takes 12 to 14 hours, leaving Cusco at dawn; the hike is 3 to 4 hours round trip.
Best time
In the dry season, which usually runs from May to September, the sky is clearer and the colors show better. From December to March it usually rains and it can snow, and the mountain is sometimes covered in white. Set out early: clouds tend to roll in in the afternoon.
How to get there
It is about 100 km from Cusco via the southern road, with the final section on an unpaved road. Cusco agencies sell the tour with transport, breakfast and lunch. On your own, you must hire a car with a driver to the parking area.
Tip
Leave Vinicunca for the end of your stay in Cusco, after you've acclimatized to the altitude. On the ascent, walk slowly and stop as often as you need. Talk with your doctor before the trip if you have any concerns about altitude.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Vinicunca
Is Vinicunca difficult?
The trail is not technical, but the altitude, above 4,600 meters, makes the climb strenuous for many people. Go at your own pace. Local communities offer horses for part of the route.
Why is the mountain colorful?
The stripes come from layers of sediments with different minerals, such as iron oxides, sulfur and copper, which erosion has exposed.
What's the best time to see the colors?
The dry season, generally from May to September, has clearer skies. In the rainy season the mountain can be covered by snow or clouds.
Can you see Ausangate?
On clear days, yes: the snow-capped Ausangate, over 6,300 meters high, appears behind the viewpoint.