Vinicunca Overview
Vinicunca, commonly referred to as Rainbow Mountain, is a beautifully striated mountain located in the Willkanuta Mountain Range of the Peruvian Andes. The linear color variations are comprised of various mineral deposits that give this mountain such a striking appearance. The deep contrasts of the colors against the blue Andean sky is simply breathtaking. Wild vicunas roam this area and are often spotted gracefully running up the mountainous slopes.
Unfortunately, Vinicunca has become a casualty of social media. Prior to 2016 this mountain was very rarely visited by tourists. In fact, only about 400 tourists were trekking through this terrain per year. Currently, Vinicunca is almost reaching this number per day. A photo of this mountain went viral and almost instantaneously people were flocking here by the masses. A more direct trail was created and agencies started selling Vinicunca as a day trip from Cusco (with middle of the night departures) to cash in on its popularity. Without the proper infrastructure established (proper restroom facilities, garbarge pick-up, limits to how many trekkers per day, control station..etc.) the amount of traffic this location is receiving poses a huge risk at irreversibly damaging the environment. Sadly, the Peruvian Tourism Authority and the Regional Government are not stepping up to handle this situation properly.
Another major issue with agencies selling this trek with such verocity is that the vast majority of tour operators are operating it dangerously. Vinicunca is located at 5,020 meters (16,466 feet) and that elevation should not be taken lightly – even by experienced trekkers. The majority of the day trip tour groups are sent to Vinicunca without a proper briefing regarding the dangers (i.e. acclimitization & altitude induced risks), are with an inexperienced “guide” that does not have proper training on soroche (altitude sickness) and are not traveling with proper medical equipment to handle emergencies (i.e. oxygen). Early in 2016, tragedy struck when a foreign tourist died of an altitude induced heart attack because his “guide” did not recognize the soroche symptoms nor did he have oxygen to administer to the victim. Without proper regulations imposed upon tour agencies more of these negligent incidents will occur.
Peru Eco Expeditions is extremely proud of the fact that we only operate & promote sustainable tourism. In doing so, Peru Eco Expeditions exclusively operates Vinicunca treks in partnership with Andean Lodges. Since 2004, Andean Lodges has had an extremely close personal & business relationship with all of the indigenous communities in this area. All of their mountain lodges built along this route are located on communal land and they have always utilized this land respectfully. In being the first tour operator to bring trekkers to this once remote area it is imperative that other agencies follow suit on how to responsibly balance the influx of tourism to Vinicunca and its impact on the natural environment as well as to the local communities.
Peru Eco Expeditions & Andean Lodges only hire the most experienced mountain guides to guide in the high Andes. They are all highly trained and never embark on any trek without the proper medical equipment – especially oxygen, as soroche is the most common ailment trekkers experience on this route.
Trekking to Vinicunca is a once in a lifetime experience and one not to be missed by any adventure traveler to Peru! The stunning landscape and color contrasts are like nowhere else in the entire world. However, if you are planning on embarking on this trek – please do so responsibly and ensure the agency that you book through is operating a tour that is not harmful to its participants, the natural environment or the local communities.
Vinicunca Trek Information
Location: Anantapata (Starting Point)
Distance: 100 Kilometers (62 Miles) from Cusco
Drive Time: 3 Hours (One Way)
Elevation: 5,020 Meters (16,466 Feet) (Highest Point Reached on Day 2)
Trek: 22.3 kilometers (13.85 miles) (3-Day Luxury Vinicunca Trek)
Peru Eco Expeditions – Vinicunca Treks
Peru Eco Expeditions offers several trekking packages to Vinicunca that provide unforgettable experiences in the Peruvian Andes. Peru Eco Expeditions is proud partners with Andean Lodges – rated as one of the top trekking companies in Peru. All of the treks operated are lodge to lodge, have private rooms with hot showers, porterage, warm meals and impeccable staff. Our itineraries allow trekkers to arrive to Vinicunca prior to the day trippers arriving from Cusco, which truly enhances the experience of this magnificent location.
Please click the links below to view the detailed itineraries.
10-Day Cusco Discovery & Vinicunca
12-Day AdrenaLuxe Ausangate Trek
12-Day AdrenaLuxe Amazon & Andes Expedition
PERU ECO EXPEDITIONS 