Tips to go to the 7 Colors mountain

The 7 Colors mountain - Vinicunca

The rainbow mountain (also called Vinicunca or simply 'rainbow mountain') is one of Peru's newest and best attractions. It is located more than 100 kilometers from the city of Cusco, at an altitudinal peak located at 5,200 meters above sea level (m.a.s.l.). It is a mountainous formation dyed of several tonalities product of the complex combination of minerals. The slopes and the summit are dyed in different tones including red, purple, green, yellow, pink and other variations.

Altitude sickness

Climbing the mountain of colors is truly a challenge due to the great altitude at which it is located which has a height of 5100 m.a.s.l. at its highest point (vinicunca viewpoint). For which you must be prepared to overcome this altitude sickness and not harm your journey to the mountain of colors.

Drink plenty of fluids, especially coca tea and try not to walk too continuously.

Physical discomfort caused by the difficulty to adapt to the low oxygen pressure at high altitude.

Most cases of altitude sickness are mild, but some can be fatal.

Symptoms usually appear hours after arriving at a high-altitude location. They include headache, nausea, shortness of breath and, in addition, inability to do physical activity.

Mild cases resolve within one to three days. Severe cases may require oxygen, medication and transfer to a lower altitude.

Mild cases resolve within one to three days. Severe cases may require oxygen, medication and transfer to a lower altitude.

Acclimatization

The acclimatization is a very important factor to be able to reach the mountain of colors is a slow process, so time is the best remedy to combat this evil. Before the trek it is recommended to be in Cusco at least 1 day before the excursion, it is advisable to take light walks around the city of Cusco or you can also enjoy a city tour on the outskirts of Cusco and thus reduce the effects of altitude sickness, plus you will be preventing the possible symptoms of altitude sickness.

Do not risk being a victim of altitude sickness, do not feel the terrible altitude sickness, nausea, dizziness, stomach ache, headache, etc. and follow these tips.

Rest Early

To visit the mountain of seven colors, I recommend you to rest early because you have to get up very early because the buses start picking you up at 4 in the morning and the distance to do the hike is 5 kilometers and it will require all the energy you have.

Prepare your backpack

It is recommended to prepare your backpack the night before, for which it is necessary to bring the following: waterproof pants, sun block, scarf, sunglasses, water, snacks, etc.

Wear appropriate clothing

Due to the high altitude at which the colorful mountain is located, it is recommended that you wear trekking clothes for the hike, but above all, warm clothes.

Consider bringing:

• Trekking shoes
• Waterproof jackets and pants
• Rain ponchos.
• A light backpack.
• Walking sticks

Buying equipment

Although the goods can be bought in the city of Cusco, it is advisable to buy them on the route to the Vinicunca Mountain, in order to support the locals, by buying them you will be supporting their families through this work. Bring with you the following snacks (chocolate, dried fruits, coca leaf candies, lemon candies and water).

What is the best time to visit the Rainbow mountain?

The best time to hike the mountain of colors is in the dry season between the months of March to November and it is not advisable to come in the months of December to February because it is a rainy season, however with the effects of climate change the weather in Cusco is often very unpredictable.

Total distance of the trekking route

We must consider that the road to the mountain of seven colors is a steep and difficult path which has a distance of 5 kilometers if in some of the ways you feel tired you can hire the service of a horse that can do it at the beginning of the walk.