Everything you will see during your tour to the 7 Color Mountain

The journey through the 7 Color Mountain will not only impress you when you reach the summit, but throughout the entire experience, you will be amazed by stunning landscapes. From the early morning, when the journey begins, to the sunset that bids us farewell through Andean panoramas. If you’re about to embark on this route, here we tell you, step by step, everything you will see from Cusco to the top of the mountain.

Departure from Cusco: the sunrise over the South Valley

The trip to the 7 Color Mountain starts very early, around 4:00 AM, when the city is still dark. The tourist vehicle will head south, passing through the road that goes through Andahuaylillas and Urcos. As you move forward, you will begin to glimpse the sunrise alongside the hills surrounding this valley.

On the sides of the road, you can see agricultural fields, small forests, and some adobe houses. While many use this time to catch up on some sleep, you can wake up to see how the landscape begins to gain color.

• Altitude: 3,399 meters above sea level

Urcos: lakes and first impressions

After a little more than an hour, you will reach Urcos, a peaceful town surrounded by mountains. As you explore this place, you will see the lagoon that shares the town’s name, which will reflect the sky at dawn. Here, you will also catch your first glimpse of the snow-capped Ausangate, which marks the proximity to the 7 Color Mountain.

• Altitude: 3,160 meters above sea level

Checacupe: a change in the landscape

20 minutes from Urcos lies the town of Checacupe, a place with much historical charm, most notably its Inca bridge made of ropes. Although the vehicle journey does not pass through here, it serves as a reminder to visit it later.

In the surroundings, you’ll begin to notice the first signs of higher altitudes: dry peaks, sparse vegetation, and an increasingly clear sky.

• Altitude: 3,446 meters above sea level

Cusipata: high Andean landscapes

The first stop will be at Cusipata, where breakfast will be served. At this altitude, the cold will begin to take center stage, but the air will also be much purer. Around, you will see large fields where llamas and alpacas graze, and it is also an area abundant in many Andean birds.

The landscape will be dominated by ichu, a golden-colored grass that covers this puna region. When you glimpse snow-capped peaks in the distance, it means you are getting closer to your destination.

• Altitude: 3,310 meters above sea level

Phulawasipata: beginning of the hike

This location marks the start of the hike to the 7 Color Mountain. Here, you can take a moment to enjoy the mountainous landscapes in the midst of a peaceful silence. There are also basic services, small food stalls, and products you might need during the hike. A great moment to prepare yourself in an inspiring setting.

• Altitude: 4,630 meters above sea level

The hike: among colorful mountains

From the first steps, you’ll see wide valleys and small lagoons where llamas and alpacas go about their daily routines. As the route climbs higher, the landscapes change, offering red mountains, green hills, and some snow-capped peaks.

The path is clear and stretches for approximately 4 kilometers to the summit of the mountain. The first half is along a flat trail, but the final section will be a continuous ascent, so we recommend proceeding slowly as you take in the stunning views along the way.

• Altitude: 4,670 – 4,950 meters above sea level

At the Summit: The 7 Color Mountain

Upon reaching the main viewpoint of the 7 Color Mountain, you will forget all the effort and your adventure will take on a deeper meaning. The natural color palette of the mountain will captivate your attention, and with a broader view, the surrounding mountain chain will provide some of the best photo opportunities.

If you walk a few minutes along the slopes of a neighboring mountain, you will see a landscape dominated by the snow-capped Ausangate, and there will be a large field where you can take a break and admire the unforgettable views that the journey to the 7 Color Mountain offers.

• Altitude: 5,036 meters above sea level

Return: Sunset Views

On your return to the city of Cusco, you will be able to enjoy views of the Southern Valley at sunset. The entire panorama will change colors, as if bidding farewell to an unforgettable adventure in one of the most beautiful natural destinations in all of Peru.

Tips for Your Trip to the 7 Color Mountain

• The 7 Color Mountain is located at an altitude of 5,036 meters above sea level, so we recommend acclimating for at least two days in the city of Cusco to avoid altitude sickness and fully enjoy the experience of this journey.
• Due to the altitude, regardless of the weather, you should always bring warm clothing as there is often strong wind.
• Always carry a rain poncho with you, as the weather can change at any moment, and it’s better to be prepared.
• At the summit, you will find basic services such as bathrooms and food stalls. It’s ideal to enjoy a coca tea to warm up and take in the views.
• Facilitate your hike by renting a horse, so you can have more time to appreciate each landscape along the way.
• The 7 Color Mountain is also known as Vinicunca or the Rainbow Mountain.
• If you book the tour to the 7 Color Mountain, everything is included, so you can focus solely on enjoying the adventure. Reserve now and don’t miss out on this unforgettable journey.

Questions and Answers

• 1. What time does the tour to the 7 Color Mountain start?

  The tour starts very early, around 4:00 AM. It departs from the city of Cusco and heads to the Southern Valley to take advantage of the early hours of the day and enjoy a more pleasant climate at the 7 Color Mountain.

• 2. How long does the entire tour last?

  The entire tour lasts approximately 14 hours. It includes travel by tourist transportation, breakfast, lunch, a professional guide, the visit to the mountain, and the return to Cusco in the afternoon.

• 3. How far do you have to walk to reach the 7 Color Mountain?

  The walk is about 4 kilometers (one way), which takes approximately two hours, depending on your pace. The first part is on flat paths, but the last stretch is more challenging with continuous ascents.

• 4. What is the altitude of the 7 Color Mountain?

  The summit is at 5,036 meters above sea level, so we recommend acclimating in Cusco for at least two days before the tour to avoid altitude sickness.

• 5. What kind of landscapes can I see during the journey?

  Along the way, you will see Andean landscapes, valleys, farmland, Andean villages, mountain ranges, snow-capped peaks, and lagoons.

• 6. Can I rent a horse to ride up the mountain?

  Yes, at Phulawasipata, where the hike starts, horses are available for rent. This is a good option if you prefer to save energy and enjoy the landscape at a more relaxed pace.

• 7. Is it cold during the tour?

  Yes, especially in the morning and at the summit. The temperature can drop to zero degrees, so it is essential to bring warm clothing, gloves, a hat, and a windbreaker jacket.

• 8. What can you see from the top of the 7 Color Mountain?

  From the main viewpoint, you will have a panoramic view of the colorful bands of the mountain, and in the background, you will see the imposing Ausangate snow-capped peak, the highest in Cusco.

• 9. What is the weather like at the 7 Color Mountain?

  The weather is cold and can change constantly. You may experience intense sun, strong winds, or even light rain all in one day. That’s why we recommend bringing a rain poncho and wearing layered clothing.

• 10. Why choose to take a tour to visit the 7 Color Mountain?

  By booking the tour, you get everything included: transportation, breakfast, lunch, a professional guide, and entrance fees. This way, you can focus on enjoying the journey safely without worrying about the logistics.