Vinicunca, also called the Seven Color Mountain or Rainbow Mountain, sits high in the Andes southeast of Cusco. Layers of sandstone and claystone, stained red by iron oxide, green by copper and yellow-brown by iron sulphide, give the ridge its striped look. For centuries it was hidden under ice; climate change exposed it, and it has become one of Peru’s most-photographed day hikes.
The usual approach is a three-hour drive from Cusco followed by a 3 km trek to the 5,036 m viewpoint. From there the eye runs along the striped ridge and across to Ausangate, the region’s highest peak at 6,384 m, with alpaca herds grazing in the foreground.
Peruways runs guided day trips with early departures (around 3am), transport, breakfast and acclimatisation advice. See the options at Peruways and give yourself two or three days in Cusco first to adjust to the altitude.
