Cusco is recognized as the 'Archaeological Capital of America'.
Cusco, Cuzco or Qosqo are the names by which the ancient capital of the Inca Empire is known. It is a center for archaeological scholars from all over the world who come to Peru to discover the wonders of Machu Picchu and the other ruins scattered throughout the valley.
It was an important administrative center for the Spanish Empire (Viceroyalty of Peru), and can be seen in the large number of manifestations of colonial art and architecture that can be found throughout the city and especially its Plaza de Armas. Today, Cusco is the largest tourist center in the country, receiving more than one million visitors a year.
Cusco is the oldest urban settlement in all of the Americas, more than 3,000 years old, but pre-ceramic samples have been found as old as 5,000 years. The origins of the first inhabitants of the city are lost in legend. Inca legends say that the founders of the city were Manko Qhapaq and Pachakuteq.
At the top of the mountain, large and impressive stone blocks joined together, the most important political and religious center of the Inca empire: Machu Picchu.
Located in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, the sacred Inca citadel built around 1450 and discovered in 1911, still hides enigmas and mysteries about its real purpose that remain hidden to this day and arouse the interest of both visitors and archaeologists from around the world.
Due to its strategic location on top of a high mountain, there are several theories about what it could have meant to the Incas. Some argue that it was built as a great mausoleum for the Inca Pachacutec, while others claim that it was an important administrative and agricultural center whose cultivated areas were used for the sustenance of its inhabitants. However, it is also considered that it was used as a necessary link between the Andes and the Peruvian Amazon or as a resting place for the Inca governor.
The truth is that Machu Picchu is one of the greatest symbols behind the impressive architecture and engineering of the Inca Empire. Although its origin is still under study, the value and transcendence it represented in its time, as well as its imposing design, have earned it to be considered one of the seven wonders of the modern world.
The tour to the Sacred Valley of the Incas in Cusco, is one of the most classic and incredible tours, where you can explore small villages outside the city of Cusco and also its archaeological sites.
The Sacred Valley of the Incas is located 15 km (9 miles) north of the Inca capital of Cusco at 2,800 meters (9,186 feet). The Sacred Valley was once the Inca empire’s main point for the extraction of natural wealth, and one of the most important areas for corn production in Peru.
We have to admire the advanced agricultural techniques of the Incas and their system of andenería (terraces): system of platforms composed of small groups of farmland, arranged in the form of tiers on the hills, where crops are planted. The valleys were also a place of worship to the Pachamama (mother earth).
The Sacred Valley is a must-see destination in Peru and has become one of the most important tourist centers in the country. There are numerous impressive Inca ruins, such as Ollantaytambo, Pisaq and Moray. The Sacred Valley also has two of the most important handicraft markets in the Cusco region: Pisaq and Chinchero.
The Inca Trail is not the only route to Machu Picchu. The city of Machu Picchu was connected by a network of roads known as Qhapaq Ñan.
The great adventure of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is for those who live passionately, always looking for a new experience!
The Inca Trail is a fascinating dream to fulfill and is the most famous trek in all of South America. The beauty of the views and the archaeological sites surrounding the Inca Trail are unsurpassed.
This tour is ideal for those who are full of energy to hike to Machu Picchu on the trip of a lifetime with the Classic Inca Trail 4 days 3 nights.
The Inca Trail Peru is a well established trek that takes travelers from km. 82 (the starting point 40 minutes from the town of Ollantaytambo) to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate (also called Inti Punku).
Se trata de la montaña de los Siete Colores, también conocida como Vinicunca o Arcoíris.
Also known as the “Hill of 7 colors”, vinicunca, and colorful mountain, gift of nature for the enjoyment of our eyes. This unique mountain is located more than 100 km from the Imperial City of Cusco, belonging to the town of Pitumarca, is one of the main tourist attractions of Peru recently discovered and made known in 2016.
Vinicunca means “mountain of colors”. It is also known as Rainbow Mountain, Cerro Colorado or in English as Rainbow Mountain. It is located at 5200 meters above sea level and belongs to the Ausangate snow-capped mountain in the Vilcanota mountain range, it is the fifth highest mountain in Peru.
Its coloration is natural due to the large amount of sedimentary stones in erosion, what makes it so beautiful and impressive is how these stones are formed to give it the appearance of a rainbow (7 colors).
Although it is commonly called Rainbow Mountain (Cerro Colorado or Seven Colors Mountain), its real name is Vinicunca, which comes from Quechua.
If you are looking for a hike out of the ordinary, here are the hikes you are looking for
In Cusco you will find countless activities and tourist routes that you can explore; many of them include a visit to Machu Picchu, whether you are looking for a quiet and classic tour or adventure experiences with a touch of immersion with the coexistence with local people.
Live exciting moments in real contact with nature that remains untouched by the hand of man, all well preserved; walk in contact with nature, and the local fauna; if you are patient you will see many animals that come out to walk trusting; since each one is prohibited.
Enjoy hikes of 2 to more days; enjoy good food along the route; professional local guides and discover the magic of visiting this beautiful country that awaits you.
Exciting adventures, all over Peru, wide variety of experiences.
Peru has become in recent years the most fashionable destination in South America. There is no shortage of reasons: an impressive variety of ecosystems, breathtaking landscapes, beautiful cities full of history, culture, traditions, beaches, fauna, flora… and, of course, its delicious and famous gastronomy.
From the Amazon to the desert, from the high peaks of the Andes to the Pacific, passing through the valleys and high plateaus, the country enchants with its incredible contrasts. Although the reasons to visit the country are really endless, we want to show you some compelling arguments for you to embark on the exciting adventure of discovering it. Are you up for it?
Every place on Earth is fascinating and unique, but Peru is one of those countries that manages to be above average. This place has so many natural and cultural treasures that have fascinated people for hundreds of years, and still fascinate them today. There are thousands of reasons to go to this great destination, here are just some of the reasons why you should visit Peru.
1 Day from $ USD 150.00
Rainbow Mountan Tour Full Day
rainbow-mountan-tour-full-day Hike in Cusco, also known as Rainbow Mountain and locally known as Cerro Colorado, is an excellent alternative to enjoy the snow-capped peaks. The spectacular colors are due to the amount of minerals produced during the process. this mountain
This Rainbow Mountain tour is located in the Vilcanota mountain range, on the way to the majestic Ausangate Nevado, in the agricultural municipality of Pampachiri, bordering the districts of Pitumarca and Cusipata, in the Cusco region of Peru.
The Rainbow Mountain, also called Vinicunca, is located in the province of Quispicanchis – Cusco and is considered one of the most visited places in Peru.
The Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley circuit is perfect for those who want to discover the spectacular and colorful landscapes that surround Cerro Ausangate and enjoy the incredible biodiversity of the region. During the visit we will be able to admire camelids such as llamas, alpacas and vicuñas.
Discover the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain on this unique tour. An experience you will never forget!
In this program we will visit one of the natural attractions of the city of Cusco, “La Montaña Arocoiris”.
We begin with a pick up from your respective hotel between 4:30 am and 4:45 am as we head south for a period of 2 hours until we reach the Cusipata neighborhood where we will have breakfast and rest for a meal.
We will go in our private vehicle for another hour to the bus stop where the road to Rainbow Mountain begins (4 km).
The excursion lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, along the way we will observe the flora and fauna among which we will notice the presence of llamas and alpacas, we will also be able to observe mountains such as Apu Sarinini and Ausangate, the highest mountains in Cuzco. , with an altitude of 6372 m
In Inca mythology, this mountain and the adjacent lagoons, including Sivinacocha, are the cradle of the masculine energy that fecundates the sacred Mother Earth “Pachamama”.
After a while we will reach the top of Mount Arocoiris (hill of the 7 colors) where we will have enough time to enjoy this beautiful place and take pictures.
After a brief explanation by our professional guide, we will return to where we started the walk along the same route to take the transport and go to the Cusipata restaurant where we can enjoy our buffet lunch in a rural restaurant.
After lunch, we will start the trip back to Cusco and around 4:30 pm we will finish this wonderful experience.
1, Easy
Mineralogical composition of the Rainbow Mountain
The extraordinary colors are due to its mineralogical composition, a product of the geological formations that this mountain has and according to the studies carried out, it is known that the colors are due to the presence of:
The Rainbow Mountain culminates at 5,200 meters above sea level. About 100 kilometers southeast of Cusco, Peru, there is a mountain that turns into a rainbow.
There are currently no restaurants or shops near this beautiful natural attraction. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you bring food with you on your trip. Like the snacks, drinks or lunches that you prepare when you are in the same place.
The climate of the Sierra Vinicunca varies according to the season, but during the year the climate is freezing. Dry days and/or high season (April to October), dry and cold weather, without rain. Rainy season and/or low season (November to March) frequent rains, cloudy days, rainy and cold weather. The temperature falls below 0°C.
The best time of the year to visit Seven Color Mountain is from April to October or during the dry season.
In general, if you can do the walk with children from 9 years old, since the route is not complicated; In the case of older people, we advise you to contact us so that we can adapt the visit to your needs.
Horse rental in the Montagne des 7 Couleurs is a local service that the locals offer you during your excursion. It is a good option for those who are not in good physical condition and need help climbing. We recommend that you rent the horse from the beginning of the trek because the cost does not change much if you take the horse 1 hour later. It is important to be careful with pets and follow the owner’s instructions to avoid accidents.
The Rainbow Mountain is the second most popular tourist destination in Peru and a must-see. However, it requires a moderate walk to reach its peak, so some people with children or climbers may not feel comfortable for 2 hours. If so, the best way to see these types of peaks and the contrast of colors is to visit Torre Palccoyo.
About 100 kilometers southeast of Cusco, Peru, there is a mountain that turns into a rainbow. It is the Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca or Rainbow. The mountain is located in the Cordillera del Vilcanota at 5,200 meters above sea level in the district of Pitumarca
In Cusco, I am your travel specialist, with more than 10 years of experience organizing adventure trips.
Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru operated by South Winds Peru. Please take a moment to complete our short form so that one of our friendly adventure consultants can provide you with all the information for the best trip of your life in Peru.
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