Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley

The Vinicunca mountain range lies around 100 kilometres south-east of Cuzco and is part of the Vilcanota mountain range, which culminates at Mount Ausangate (6384m).

Winikunka is originally the Quechua name for this mountain, "Wini" for the black stones found in the region, and "kunka" for neck, in reference to the narrowness of the mountain. This steep territory is inhabited exclusively by Quechua people, descendants of the Incas, who raise horses, llamas) and alpacas.

In 2015, the region experienced an unusual snow melt and its inhabitants were able to discover the astonishing colours of the mountain. The following year, the first tourists came to admire this exceptional site.

To find out more, the rocks are made up of various types of sediment deposited by the water present in the region millions of years ago. Copper oxide, sandstone, red clay and clays rich in magnesium and iron, quartz sands and micas, sulphur... create a veritable rainbow.

But make no mistake, many of the photos that can be admired on the web are often filtered and re-saturated, the reason being the weather, which changes very quickly at altitude and doesn't always allow you to photograph the mountain in the best conditions.

Whatever the weather, this is still a sublime excursion and it would be a great shame to miss it.

First of all, as with the visit to Machu Picchu, you absolutely must be acclimatised to the altitude before venturing onto the high peaks of this tour. Above all, don't book your tour for the day after your arrival in Cuzco.

If it's already been a few days since you landed and altitude sickness is an old memory, you'll be able to embark on this fabulous ascent of Rainbow Mountain.

There are several ways to get to Vinicunca, the easiest of which is to book a one-day tour with an agency. There are several in the centre of Cuzco, and some offer guides who speak French or at least English.

Take your time and compare the prices, which range from €20 to €50.

Via Checacupe

One of the most classic routes is via Checacupe or Cusipata, as the start of the hike is closest to Cuzco.

You'llneed to get up early, at around 2am, for a 3am departure from your hotel. After around 3 hours by bus or private van, you will begin a 2 to 3 hour climb on foot or on horseback. Continue on your way and you will be able to admire the Red Valley, which also offers a magnificent view. You'll be back in Cuzco around 4pm.

Via Palcoyo

From Cuzco, a really interesting alternative is to go to the Palcoyo or Palccoyo mountain, via the Pitumarca side. The route is a little longer but the ascent is easier and much shorter, around 45 minutes. Also less busy, it's the perfect option for those who want to enjoy a different panorama, taking their time to enjoy the walk with less physical effort.

Example of how to get to Palcoyo by bus without an agency:

In Cuzco, take a bus or colectivo to Combapata (about 2h30). These buses go south towards Sicuani or Acomayo. Get off at Combapata

then take a colectivo to the community of Palcoyo, following the dirt track to Huallata Cunca, the starting point of the hike, which takes around 45 minutes to reach the summit of Palcoyo.

If you're not a morning person, you can book a hotel at the foot of the Rainbow Mountain next to the picturesque village of Checacupe. This will allow you to start your trek earlier than the groups coming from Cuzco.

With its magnificent view over Lake Pomacanchi, the Yanampampa Lodge offers large rooms for two or three people at a cost of €72, including breakfast.