In the heart of the majestic Peruvian Andes, lies a natural wonder that has captivated travelers from all over the world: the Mountain of 7 Colors, also known as Vinicunca. Located in the Cusco region, this impressive geological formation offers a spectacle of vibrant colors that looks like something out of a surrealist painting.
In this complete guide, we invite you to immerse yourself in the fascinating history and unique experience that this must-see destination offers. Discover how to get there, the best times to visit, and the cultural and environmental aspects that make 7 Colors Mountain a truly exceptional place in the world.
Table of Contents
Why is it called 7 Colors Mountain?
Colorful Mountain receives its name due to the diversity of shades present in its composition, which have been generated over time by the accumulation of different minerals. These minerals have been gradually deposited, giving shape to the different layers visible in the mountain:
- The pink color arises from the presence of red clay, fangolites (mud) and arilites (sand).
- The whitish hue comes from quartz sandstone and marls, rich in calcium carbonate.
- The red tone is composed of claystones (iron) with high levels of ferro magnesian and clays belonging to the upper Tertiary.
- The purple or lavender coloration is due to the presence of marl (a mixture of iron and magnesium) and copper oxide.
- The green color is due to the compound of phyllites and clays rich in ferro magnesium.
- The earthy brown color is the result of fanglomerate composed of magnesium-bearing rock from the Quaternary era.
- Finally, the yellow tone is originated by calcareous sandstones with the presence of sulfur.
These various combinations of minerals have given rise to the surprising palette of colors that characterizes this impressive natural formation.
Location and Altitude
This attraction is located in Cusco, specifically in the district of Pitumarca, which belongs to the province of Canchis. It is located at an impressive altitude of approximately 5,200 meters above sea level (approximately 17,060 feet).
This high altitude contributes to the unique climatic conditions and impressive landscape that characterize this area, but it can also present challenges related to altitude sickness (soroche) for visitors.
How to get there? (Routes)
1. Old Route (Pitumarca):
In the city of Cusco it is possible to take public transportation from Huayrurupata Avenue located near the Inca Garcilazo de la Vega stadium, there you will find buses that cover the route Cusco – Sicuani. There are several companies, among the best known is the company Continental. The ticket is cheap and costs an average of S/ 7. Be sure to get off in the town of Checacupe which is 2 hours away and take another bus that goes to the Pitumarca district. From this district, you have to travel to the Kayrawiri Alto sector where the hike begins.
From Pitumarca to the Kayrawiri Alto sector there is no direct transportation service. Therefore, we recommend you to hire a cab and arrange with the cab driver to wait for you or come to pick you up.
Until 2018, this was the busiest route for travelers wishing to go on their own. However, despite the fact that now the road climbs even close to the Winicunca mountain, travel agencies and tourists opt to visit by the new route which is Cusipata, because of the proximity to Cusco.
- Distance of the hike: 4 km (round trip) – 2 hours approximately.
- Advantages: You walk with very few people and the hike is short.
- Disadvantages: You spend more time in the transport and little time visiting the Red Valley.
2. New route (Cusipata)
To get to the 7-color mountain by this route, follow the same steps that we described through the Pitumarca route. Only, in this case, instead of going down in the Checacupe locality, you will have to go down a few kilometers before, exactly in the district of Cusipata. The travel time to this locality is approximately 1 hour and a half. And the prices of the tickets vary between S/5.50 to S/15, being this the shortest and most traveled route for those who go to the mountain.
Once you arrive at Cusipata, you will have to take a bus service to Phulawasipata (end of the road from where the road to the mountain begins). The cost of the bus fare to Phulawasipata is between S/15 to S/20 nuevos soles with a travel time of approximately one hour.
There are only buses and passengers in the morning hours from Cusipata to Phuluwasi, we recommend hiring an express service that has a cost of S/130 to S/150 nuevos soles round trip.
The distance between the city of Cusco and the mountain of 7 colors is 140 kilometers by this route.
- Distance of the hike: 7 km (round trip) – 2 hours and 30 minutes approx.
- Advantages: You have a chance to visit the Red Valley because it is close by.
- Disadvantages: Walk with more people.
3. Travel Agency
Travel agencies choose to take the Cusipata route, as it is the most accessible route and allows more time to visit the Red Valley. Traveling through an agency also guarantees comfort and safety throughout the trip. Travelers can enjoy the tour with the peace of mind of having expert guides who know the area well and are prepared to offer assistance if necessary. In addition, agencies usually offer tour packages that include transportation, food and other services, which makes the experience even more convenient and pleasant for those who wish to explore the 7-color mountain in an organized and carefree manner.
What is the best time to go?
It is recommended to go during the dry season (April to November) since, in the rainy season, the trail may be wet making the hike difficult and visibility upon arrival may be cloudy.
Hike and Degree of Difficulty
The degree of difficulty of the 7-color mountain is moderate to high. The route has sections with steep slopes both uphill and downhill, which can be physically challenging for some hikers. In addition, cold weather and icy wind can increase the difficulty of the hike. Visitors are advised to be in good physical condition and to acclimatize beforehand in the city of Cusco to minimize the impact of the altitude and better enjoy the experience.
Tickets
Tickets are not purchased online, neither through an agency. The only way to buy them is directly at the Phulawasipata control booth (where the hike begins) and the distance to the mountain is approximately 6 kilometers.
There is also the option of going on horseback, the cost is S/90 (USD 25 approximately) round trip. It should be noted that the transfer on horseback is not to the top, you will still have to walk the last part by yourself, but going by that means will save you a lot of effort and several kilometers of walking.
Entrance fee: S/15 for Peruvians and S/25 for foreigners (6 USD approximately).
What to bring?
We recommend you to consider the following:
- Identity card or passport
- Sunscreen, lip moisturizer and sunglasses.
- Hat, preferably one that covers the ears, since the icy wind can damage your hearing.
- Windproof clothing, gloves and trekking shoes.
- Water and snacks, preferably dried fruits.
- Agua florida (lotion that helps to soothe aches and pains, you can find it in the market).
- Always carry cash, since after a certain stretch the cell phone signal is cut off.
Curiosities
Discovery of global warming:
Unlike many places that were discovered by explorers or scientists, Vinicunca has been part of the geography of the region for thousands of years.
The mountain was covered by a layer of snow and ice that hid it, but due to climate change and glacial retreat, the ice sheets melted exposing the mountain we know today as the 7-color mountain.
Apachetas:
In the middle of the hike you will find apachetas in different places along the route. But, what are they? It is called apacheta to the stones that are on top of each other forming a kind of tower, in which the larger one is used as a base and the size of the stones decreases as it ascends.
This act has a meaning for everyone who performs it, asking for their health, tranquility and gratitude to the Apus (Sacred Mountain) for allowing them to reach the top.
Prepare yourself for an unforgettable experience as you enter this mountain paradise, each step will bring you closer to the grandeur of Mother Nature and leave you with memories that will last a lifetime!
