Rainbow Mountain in Peru: Wonderful Location for Hiking ?
Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca, is a place so beautiful I almost don’t want to share it with people as it could get way too popular. While Machu Vinicunca, is a place so beautiful that I do not need to discuss it with folks because it might get far too common. Even though Machu Picchu is the most famous attraction, this was undoubtedly the best experience for me personally. But hiking rainbow mountain Peru was with no doubt that the high life span of the trip and it certainly stole the show against the lost town of Incas.
Everyone who sees the picture of the vibrant mountains desires to see it. But after performing even the smallest quantity of research many travellers give upon seeing Rainbow Mountain. Why? Constantly changing weather conditions, together with higher elevation, can be challenging for seasoned hikers. However, if done correctly it is manageable even for people who don’t increase much.
There likely would have experienced a cable car to the surface. Eventually, there Could have been a Starbucks or McDonalds in the summit, together with a fancy Bathroom. Luckily, Peruvians prefer to maintain their ‘attractions’ neighborhood and That is why Vinicunca remains slightly off the beaten path. In Reality, it’s really.
Where is Rainbow Mountain in Peru?
The most popular path to watch Vinicunca Peru is that a 6-day increase called the Ausangate Trek. Unlike the Inca Trail, no permit is necessary. In fact, it’s one of the quietest in the region and you’ll probably see just a couple of anglers. You’ll hike through the fields full of alpacas and llamas, red mountains, snowy peaks or lakes. The views are unforgettable.
Ausangate mountain itself is considered a sacred mountain by Peruvians and it’s been a place of worship because pre-Inca times. The mountain is also notable for the Qoyllur Rit’that I Festival held at the bottom in the end of May. The festival attracts over 10,000 pilgrims annually and celebrates the mountains spirit and the apparition of Christ on the mountainside.
The trek isn’t a simple one and your only option is staying in neighborhood houses and camping with no proper bathrooms on the way. As rewarding as this really is, I just know this is not for everyone, particularly those with health problems.
Facts:
- Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain) is in the Willkanuta Mountain Range, nestled in the greater Andes Mountains, just 3 hours away from Cusco.
- Starting altitude: 4,326 m / 14,189 ft
- Max. Altitude: 5,200m / 17,060 ft
- The best time to hike Ausangate is during the dry months between May and September. The shoulder months of April and October are also pleasant.
- The Ausangate local community is one of the only few shepherding (raising llamas and alpacas) communities left in the world.
I strongly recommend hiking Rainbow Mountain, even when you’re not a seasoned hiker. The excursion is remarkable and certainly unforgettable. While Machu Picchu could be the most well-known landmark of Peru, this one is undoubtedly the most memorable for me.