The Mountain of Seven Colors in Peru is a natural wonder that attracts thousands of tourists annually. But did you know there are three of them in Peru? The most famous is Vinicunca, and the other two are Palccoyo and Pallay Punchu.
All three mountains are renowned for their vibrant colored strata, created by the sedimentation of minerals over millions of years. This geological phenomenon has resulted in unique landscapes painted by an artist’s hand, offering visitors an unparalleled view of nature at its finest.
Beyond their stunning beauty, these mountains hold deep cultural and spiritual significance. For the Andean communities, the mountains are considered “apus” or guardian spirits protecting the people and the surrounding lands. Visiting these mountains allows for the appreciation of their visual splendor and a connection with Peru’s rich cultural heritage. The local stories and beliefs add a layer of meaning to the experience, making each hike more than just an excursion.
Below, you will find all the necessary information to explore each of these mountains and choose the best option for your adventure.
Discovering Each Mountain
The Seven Colors Mountains are a must-visit destination combining natural wonders and profound cultural heritage. Whether you are drawn to the surreal landscapes of Vinicunca, the serenity of Palccoyo, or the majesty of Pallay Punchu, visiting these places offers a unique opportunity to explore and connect with the geological and spiritual history of the Peruvian Andes.
Vinicunca or Rainbow Mountain
The Mountain of Seven Colors, or Rainbow Mountain as hikers call it, is a natural marvel that will take your breath away. Its vibrant hues result from a surreal geological phenomenon where mineral deposits spread across the sandstone rock, creating an unparalleled chromatic spectacle.
Located a 4-hour drive southwest of Cusco, Vinicunca lies in the opposite direction of Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail, and Humantay Lake, inviting you to discover a different corner of Peru.
On a trail considered one of the most impressive settings in the Andes, Vinicunca rises majestically near the Ausangate glacier, the highest and most sacred mountain in the Cusco region.
More than just a hike, ascending Vinicunca is an adventure that connects you with nature in its purest form. Imagine trekking along a path surrounded by alpine landscapes, where each step brings you closer to a petrified rainbow.
Prepare to feel the thrill of reaching the summit, where a multicolored panorama stretches as far as the eye can see. A natural spectacle that will leave you breathless and filled with wonder.
How to Get There
On your own:
- Transport to Checacupe: From Cusco, you can take public transportation (7-8 soles) or a private taxi.
- From Checacupe to Vinicunca: Negotiate with local taxi drivers (up to 100 soles) to take you and wait while you hike.
- Hike: The hike lasts around 3 hours round trip.
Advantages: Flexibility in schedule and potential savings if you travel in a group.
With a tour:
- Convenience: Organized tours from Salkantay Trekking include transportation, guides, permits, and lunch.
- Variety: Different tours for various budgets and experience levels.
Vinicunca is not just a mountain; it is a unique experience that will captivate you forever. A hidden treasure in the heart of the Andes that invites you to discover the magic of Peruvian nature. Remember that you can explore this mountain more in our blog: Mountain of 7 colors, Vinicunca, and everything you need to know. Remember, you can explore more about this mountain in our blog: Mountain of 7 Colors: Vinicunca, Everything You Need to Know.
Palccoyo
This alternative route is lighter and less strenuous, perfect for travelers who want to enjoy spectacular scenery without the crowds. Join this one-day experience and let your smile blend with the vibrant colors of Palccoyo on a hike that will make you feel unique on the planet.
On this guided tour, you will visit Checacupe, famous for its three bridges: Inca, colonial, and republican. You will only need an hour and a half walk to admire the three famous colorful mountains of Palccoyo. Then, at your own pace, you will ascend 4,900 meters to contemplate the sacred snow-capped Ausangate, the highest mountain in Cusco. You will enjoy the indescribable tranquility of the unique silence of the Vilcanota mountain range as you walk through the impressive stone forest.
How to Get to Palccoyo
- On your own: Travel from Cusco to Checacupe (3 hours) and then take a bus or taxi to Palccoyo. Once there, take a short hike to the mountain.
- Organized tour: Companies like Salkantay Trekking offer tours that include transportation, food, and a guide. This option is ideal to enjoy the experience without worrying about logistics.
Take advantage of this getaway full of history, culture, and nature. Embark on a journey that combines the Andes’ serenity with Peru’s cultural richness, and live an experience you will remember for a lifetime. Remember, you can explore this mountain more in our blog: Rainbow Mountain: Palccoyo, Everything You Need to Know.
Pallay Punchu
Known since the forties by COVID-19, Pallay Punchu has emerged as the third rainbow mountain in Cusco, after the popular Vinicunca and Palcoyo, quickly gaining fame on social media. With its spectacular sharp edges, this impressive geological formation remains relatively uncrowded, making it a must-see destination for those seeking a unique and tranquil experience in the southeast of the imperial city.
To reach this exceptional new location, you can pass through the beautiful blue Langui Lagoon. From there, an approximately two-hour hike will take you to the top of Pallay Punchu. During the hike, you will feel privileged to appreciate the breathtaking panoramic views as you follow the perfect lines of the mountain adorned with cyan, brown, and magenta tones. This trip will allow you to marvel at the spectacular geology and immerse yourself in authentic Andean traditions, surrounded by stunning red mountains and green pastures.
How to Get to Pallay Punchu
- On your own: Travel from Cusco to Sicuani and then take transportation to Layo. From there, it’s a 45-minute to 1-hour hike to the mountain viewpoint.
- Organized tour: Choose a travel agency like Salkantay Trekking, which includes transportation, a guide, and other services. Enjoy a worry-free and well-organized experience.
Join us on this unforgettable adventure, and remember to bring your Andean poncho to capture the best pictures! Exploring Pallay Punchu, you will not only take away incredible visual memories but also gain a deep understanding of the rich culture and geology of the Peruvian Andes. Remember, you can explore this incredible mountain more in our blog: Rainbow Mountain: Pallay Punchu, Everything You Need to Know.
Fundamental differences between the three mountains
To help you choose between Cusco’s majestic, colorful mountains, I present a comparative table highlighting the critical characteristics of each. This tool will allow you to quickly evaluate aspects such as altitude, accessibility, visitor numbers, unique features, and difficulty level of the hikes.
With this information, you can decide which of these impressive geological formations best aligns with your interests and abilities, ensuring a memorable experience on your visit to this magical region of Peru.
| Feature | Vinicunca | Palcoyo | Pallay Punchu |
| Difficulty of the hike | High | Moderate | Low |
| Duration of hike | 3-4 hours | 2-3 hours | 1-2 hours |
| Maximum altitude | 5,200 msnm-16, 732ft | 4,900 msnm-16,070ft | 4,600 msnm-15, 256ft |
| Predominant colors | Red, green, blue | Red, ochre, yellow | Red, brown |
| Landscape | Undulating mountains | Sharp peaks | Valles y laderas |
| Influx of tourists | High | Medium | Low |
| Additional attractions | Ausangate Lake | Network of lagoons | Quishuar ruins Cancha |
The three colorful mountains in Cusco offer vibrant landscapes and unique experiences that will last in your memory. Each has charm and distinctive characteristics; choosing between them depends on your preferences and fitness level.
What to bring if I travel to one of the Colored Mountains?
Here is a list of the basic things you should keep in mind if you want to visit one of the 3 majestic colorful mountains in Peru:
Clothing:
- Layers of clothing: Dress in layers to adapt to temperature changes. Start with light clothing for the beginning of the hike and bring warmer layers for the summit, where it can be cold and windy.
- Waterproof jacket: Rain or snow can appear anytime in the mountains, so a waterproof jacket is crucial to keep you dry and comfortable.
- Hiking boots: Proper footwear protects your feet and provides stability on uneven terrain. Choose sturdy, waterproof, and well-fitting hiking boots.
Accessories:
- Water bottle: Carry enough water to Stay hydrated throughout the hike. A reusable bottle is ideal for reducing environmental impact.
- Sunscreen: UV rays are stronger at higher altitudes, so protecting your skin with high-factor sunscreen is essential.
- Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from the sun and wind with good-quality sunglasses.
- Camera: Capture your adventure’s stunning landscapes and unforgettable moments with a camera.
- Toilet paper: An essential item often overlooked. Make sure to bring enough toilet paper for your personal use.
- Small backpack: Carry a small backpack to store your essential belongings during the hike.
- Hat or cap: Protect your head from the sun and cold with a hat or cap.
- Gloves: Keep your hands warm in cold weather with gloves.
- Hiking poles: Hiking poles can help you maintain balance, reduce joint strain, and improve your pace during the hike.
Other:
- Cash: There may not be ATMs in the area, so bring enough cash to cover your expenses.
- Snacks: Keep your energy levels up with light and nutritious snacks like dried fruits, energy bars, or nuts.
- Rain poncho: A lightweight and compact rain poncho will protect you from unexpected rain or snow.
- Identification: Remember to bring your ID for any eventuality.
Tours to explore
You know the options to explore the three colorful mountains that Salkantay Trekking offers you. Learn more on our website: Rainbow Mountain Packages. Then, discover your options and decide which is your ideal tour.
Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley Tour
If you want a short getaway from Cusco, our 2-day tour to the Colored Mountain and Red Valley invites you to discover extraordinary landscapes in a remote setting that looks like something out of a fairy tale. Accompanied by our expert guides, you will explore the Andes and witness amazing scenery. The natural formation of Rainbow Mountain is a purely natural wonder, while the Red Valley will transport you to landscapes that seem to be taken from another world.
During the tour, you can admire the breathtaking views of the imposing Apu Ausangate, the highest and most emblematic mountain in the entire Cusco region, at 6,372 meters high. This 2-day trip will immerse you in a spectacular natural environment, challenging you with exciting treks and exploring the best that the Vilcanota mountain range offers.
Itinerary Summary
DAY- 01 Cusco | Pitumarca – Quesiuno – Puka Pass – Anantapata – Warmisaya Pass (Minasniyuc Pass) – Surineqocha
This morning, hike through stunning landscapes and small communities and see Ausangate Mountain in the distance. See Rainbow Mountain for the first time this afternoon and spend the night by Surineqocha Lagoon.
DAY- 02 Surineqocha | Rainbow Mountain, Vinincunca – Red Valley – Llactoc – Cusco
Make your way to Rainbow Mountain this morning and then onto the Red Valley. After, make your way down for lunch and then board our transport to take you back to your accommodation in Cusco.
What to expect?
- Walk through breathtaking landscapes in the middle of the Andean mountain range with snow-capped peaks and herds of alpacas and llamas, and contemplate the pristine beauty around you.
- All around you.
- Visit the incredible Colored Mountain, also known as Vinicunca, which is one of the most desired destinations for many travelers. You will go early in the morning to enjoy the site with few or no tourists.
- Rest near the Montaña de Colores in a comfortable tent; you will avoid the need to leave Cusco an hour before sunrise, as you would do on a day trip.
- Venture into the little-explored Red Valley that looks like the surface of Mars.
- The surface of Mars.
- Get incredible views of Ausangate Mountain, the highest peak in the Cusco region.
- Enjoy a two-day adventure away from the city and without many visitors.
- Many visitors.
- Spend the night under the Andean sky and observe the impressive constellations.
Learn more about this enchanting tour on our website, and schedule your next adventure with Salkantay Trekking.
Pallay Punchu Tour
This fascinating adventure starts when we pick you up from your hotel early in the morning. We’ll take you by car two and a half hours away to Cusipata to eat an energizing breakfast. After that, we’ll continue toward Sicuani, taking in the beauty of the blue Lagoon of Langui, which extends more than 15 km across. We’ll stop by the shore before continuing our journey to Layo, where the hike begins.
Once there, we’ll start this challenging hike uphill for about two hours. We’ll walk on a trail leading through pastures and impressive red lands accompanied by typical fauna of the area: alpacas, llamas, and, if we’re lucky, kestrels, peregrine falcons, or the famous condor flying overhead. When we get to Pallay Punchu of the Apu Taqllo, translated in Quechua, which means “woven poncho,” you’ll have the opportunity to climb the sharp edges of the mountain and feel like you’re flying over the surface of another planet.
This mountain stands out because of its precise lines, perfectly sculpted by nature across millions of years. You’ll be able to distinguish diverse colors like red, brown, yellow, green, magenta, and ocher. While you enjoy the excellent pigmentation of various tonalities, you can also lean out across the edge to get an even better look at the impressive Langui lagoon and a part of the Andes mountain range.
You’ll reach an altitude of more than 4,600 MASL (15,100 FASL), so we recommend that you acclimate before your tour to avoid altitude sickness. We’ll return to Layo using the same trail. We’ll stop again on the edge of the Lagoon to have lunch outdoors, or, if you prefer, you can eat in a rural restaurant in Sicuani.
Finally, we’ll go back to Cusco to end this surprising adventure.
Itinerary Summary
DAY- 01 Cusco – Cusipata – Sicuani – Layo – Pallay Punchu
Highlight of the day: Traverse the sharp borders of Pallay Punchu. The views from the top are surreal!
What to expect?
- Embark on an adventure to the least visited rainbow mountain in Cusco, Pallay Punchu.
- Hike through grassland terrains straight out of a movie and contemplate one of the most impressive Andean landscapes in the region.
- Appreciate the spectacular blue lagoon of Langui from side to side.
- Learn the meaning of Pallay Punchu and learn about the unique geological history of the area.
- Take amazing pictures walking the steep mountain edges or from the top.
Please find more details about this fascinating tour on our website and plan your next adventure with Salkantay Trekking.
Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain
The adventure begins around 4 am when we pick you up from your hotel by private transportation. You will travel for two hours to the village of Checacupe, where you will stop to visit its iconic bridges from three different eras: the Inca hanging bridge, the Colonial, and the Republican. The town is also famous for its church and for being where the hero Tupac Amaru Il was defeated in an endless struggle for independence.
After an hour and a half, you will arrive at the small village of Palccoyo and follow the last stretch to the starting point of the hike; from here, you will have the first views of the central mountain. You’ll walk at your own pace for about 50 minutes to the Palccoyo viewpoint, appreciating some alpacas grazing in the distance and being greeted by some of the locals accompanied by lovely alpacas, often adorned in the ears or heads as a token of affection.
Reaching the viewpoint, the Palccoyo mountains will dazzle you immediately, as you’ll also find the other two colored hills that compose this attraction. From here, you will have time to appreciate the incredible scenery and contemplate the imposing Ausangate (6,372 m / 20,900 ft). You will even be able to appreciate part of the Red Valley, whose sediments form the Blood River.
Then, you’ll walk to the rock forest to take an incredible photo observing a geological sample product of millions of years of thawing. On the way back, we’ll share an open-air meal with the fantastic mountain backdrop and finish with the drive back to your hotel in Cusco.
Itinerary Summary
DAY- 01 Cusco | Checacupe – Palccoyo Rainbow Mountains – The Rock Forest
Highlight of the day: The spectacular view of the colorful mountain Palccoyo from its viewpoint.
What to expect?
- Enjoy a privileged view of the three rainbow mountains of Palccoyo away from the large groups of tourists.
- Meet the Checacupe bridges, belonging to three great historical epochs of Peru.
- Live the adventure while walking among high Andean mountains with solemn landscapes over the Red Valley and the alpaca herds.
- Witness the fantastic stone forest and discover its significance and relationship with the snow-capped Ausangate.
Learn more about this fascinating tour on our website and plan your next adventure with Salkantay Trekking.
Recommendations
Before you visit the Colored Mountains in Peru, it’s essential to keep in mind some practical tips to ensure a safe and pleasant experience:
- Altitude Acclimatization: Cusco and its surroundings are located at over 3,300 meters above sea level. Proper acclimatization is crucial to avoid health issues during the hike.
- Appropriate Clothing: Bring warm and comfortable clothing, especially waterproof layers if needed. Weather changes at high altitudes can be drastic, so be prepared for any eventuality.
- Sun Protection: The sun at high altitudes is intense. Remember to bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself during the hike and enjoy the landscape without inconvenience.
- Water and Snacks: Carry enough water and energy snacks to stay hydrated during the excursion. It’s advisable to bring enough food, as finding options in the area can be difficult.
- Cash: There may be no access to ATMs in some areas. Therefore, bring enough cash to cover additional expenses such as entrance fees or local services.
These tips will help you make the most of your visit to the Colored Mountains, whether Pallay Punchu, Vinicunca, or Palccoyo. Prepare for an enriching experience that combines impressive nature and authentic Andean culture. Take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime adventure!
Are you ready to discover the magic of these mountains? Take advantage of this unique adventure!
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