Vinicunca vs Palccoyo and Wilcacunca: Which is Better?
If you’re seeking new adventures and want to explore more of Peru and what the Cusco region has to offer, you can’t miss these three stunning destinations: Wilcacunca, Vinicunca, and Palccoyo. Each of these places offers a unique experience, although they share some similarities. Want to know more? Stay tuned, as we’ll tell you everything you need to know about these must-visit destinations.
Differences of Vinicunca, Wilcacunca and Palccoyo
Vinicunca
Vinicunca, also known as the Rainbow Mountain or Seven Colors Mountain, features a distinctive color formation displaying hues ranging from red to purple. These colors result from the presence of minerals in the rocks, creating stripes reminiscent of a rainbow. This destination is highly popular and frequented by tourists daily.
Wilcacunca
Wilcacunca, also known as the Rainbow Mountain or Mountain of Love, stands out for its multiple color formations, with four of them resembling the more famous rainbow mountains in Cusco and other parts of the world. This relatively new and lesser-known destination has remained under the radar due to a lack of promotion, making it a less crowded spot. The predominant colors in these formations include red, yellow, turquoise, orange, and black, creating a landscape of striking natural beauty.
Palccoyo
Palccoyo, also known as the Rainbow Mountain, is notable for its three color formations spread along the trail. While its colors are less vivid compared to Vinicunca, its beauty remains impressive. The predominant hues in Palccoyo range from red to purple.
Strategic points of view
Vinicunca
Main Viewing Point:
Vinicunca features a single main viewpoint located at the summit of the mountain itself, designed to help you fully appreciate the scale of the mountain and the vibrant colors that adorn it.
Red Valley:
The Red Valley is situated behind the Rainbow Mountain, about an hour’s walk one way. As its name suggests, it is an impressive valley with reddish and crimson mountains that appear otherworldly. You can visit it before or after your trek to Vinicunca to complete your experience in the region.
Views during your excursion:
During your excursion through Vinicunca, throughout the walk, you will have the opportunity to observe the imposing snow-capped Ausangate on the horizon.
Wilcacunca
Main Viewpoints:
Wilcacunca features three main viewpoints located along the trail. Each of these viewpoints offers a unique perspective to enjoy and observe the four or more color formations that characterize Wilcacunca.
Queuña Forest:
Not far from Wilcacunca lies the Qeuña Forest, akin to the rock formations in Palccoyo but with actual trees. This forest is distinguished by its medium-sized trees, with red stems and thick leaves.
Inca Cancha:
Although not located directly on the mountain, you can visit Inca Cancha before or after your tour of Wilcacunca. Its name refers to an ancient Inca site.
Potato Museum:
Similar to Inca Cancha, the Potato Museum is not located on the mountain but is a recommended visit you can make before or after your Wilcacunca tour. Managed by the top local farmers, this museum features an impressive variety of potatoes and offers the opportunity to taste different types.
Valley View:
During your journey, you will find several strategic points to stop and enjoy panoramic views of the valley and its surroundings. One of the main highlights is the imposing Ausangate Glacier, visible in the distance. From certain viewpoints, you will also have the chance to see a small part of Palccoyo and Vinicunca, though from afar.
Palccoyo
Main Viewpoints:
Palccoyo, with its three colorful mountains, features three strategically located viewpoints that offer unique and stunning views of these multicolored formations. Each viewpoint allows you to appreciate the beauty and diversity of the colors from different angles.
Stone Forest:
The Stone Forest is located near the final viewpoint, which corresponds to the last of the colorful mountains in Palccoyo. You can visit it before, during, or after your excursion. This area, filled with unique rock formations, adds an extra dimension to your experience.
Colonial Bridge of Checacupe:
Although the Colonial Bridge of Checacupe is not located at Palccoyo Mountain, it is situated along the route to the site. You can visit it before or after your adventure at Palccoyo.
Views During Your Excursion:
The most impressive view offered by Palccoyo is that of the Ausangate Glacier, which is visible from all three of the colorful mountains. While you can also catch a glimpse of Wilcacunca in the distance.
Difficulty getting there
Vinicunca difficulty Level: Difficult to Moderate
The hike to Vinicunca is a true adventure that takes you to an altitude of 5,200 meters above sea level. While the ascent is gradual at the beginning, it becomes steeper toward the end, so being in good physical condition is important. The climb to the summit takes about two hours, and the reward is an impressive landscape that makes every step worthwhile.
Wilcacunca difficulty Level: Medium to Moderate
The hike to Wilcacunca is easier to access compared to Vinicunca. With a mostly gradual incline and a few steeper sections, the trail doesn’t require an exceptional fitness level, just an average one. The entire round-trip takes around 1.3 to 2 hours. Although the trail is mostly gradual, the final part can present an additional challenge. Wilcacunca is located at 4,950 meters above sea level, offering stunning views that make the effort worthwhile.
Palccoyo difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Reaching Palccoyo requires a hike of about an hour or less, depending on your pace. The route is of moderate difficulty and much more manageable compared to the demanding climbs of Vinicunca and Wilcacunca. At an altitude of 4,900 meters above sea level, the hike provides the opportunity to enjoy magnificent views without the extreme challenge presented by other mountains.
Alternatives to Hiking:
For those who find long hikes exhausting, Vinicunca and Wilcacunca offer more attractive options beyond traditional trekking:
ATV:
Both Vinicunca and Wilcacunca provide the opportunity to explore the terrain via ATV. This mode of transportation is well-suited to the local roads, significantly reducing the excursion time and minimizing the physical effort required.
Horseback Riding:
Another option is horseback riding, with local guides handling the animals. This alternative is ideal if you prefer a method that has a lower environmental impact. Horses can take you nearly to the summit, leaving you just a few meters from your final destination, thus shortening the overall hike.
Popularity of the Mountains:
| Vinicunca | Wilcacunca | Palccoyo |
| Popularity: Very High | Popularity: Low | Popularity: Moderate |
| It is one of the most visited tourist destinations after Machu Picchu and Laguna Humantay, and has gained significant fame in recent years. Its unique landscape, adorned with rainbow-like color stripes, makes it a highly sought-after and popular tourist attraction. | Wilcacunca, the new mountain of colors, offers a landscape as beautiful as the wonders of Peru and other countries, but with fewer tourists due to its recent emergence in the tourism sector. Although this marvel remains relatively unknown and less frequented, its popularity is growing among adventurers and those seeking exclusive new experiences. Its lower visibility in media and social networks may contribute to its lesser-known status. | Palccoyo, while better known than Wilcacunca but less so than Vinicunca, is gaining popularity as a less crowded alternative. It offers spectacular landscapes and a more tranquil experience with fewer tourists. Its increasing fame is attributed to its resemblance to Vinicunca and its easy accessibility. |
Altitude and location
Location of Vinicunca:
Vinicunca, is located southwest of Cusco in the Vilcanota mountain range. It is situated between the communities of Kairawiri and Chilliwani, specifically in Kairawiri, approximately 110 kilometers from Cusco. The journey to the mountain takes about 4 hours by car, offering a scenic drive through impressive landscapes before reaching this vibrant destination.
Location of Wilcacunca:
Wilcacunca, is situated southeast of Cusco in the Vilcanota mountain range. It is located between the communities of Uchullucllu and Qallanqa, about 134 kilometers from Cusco. The drive to this mountain takes approximately 4 hours by car. Wilcacunca has a variable altitude, ranging between 4,750 and 4,950 meters above sea level.
Location of Palccoyo:
Palccoyo is located southeast of Cusco in the Vilcanota mountain range, between the communities of Palccoyo and Ananiso. It is situated approximately 125 kilometers from Cusco, and the drive to the mountain takes about 4 hours. Palccoyo stands at an altitude of 4,900 meters above sea level, or around 16,200 feet.
Distance and Travel Time
Vinicunca: The distance from Cusco to Vinicunca is approximately 120 kilometers. The journey by bus can take between 4 to 4.3 hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions. The trip includes both paved and unpaved road sections.
Wilcacunca: Wilcacunca is about 130 kilometers from Cusco. The drive typically takes between 3.3 to 4 hours. This route also includes a mix of paved and unpaved roads, passing through small Andean villages and connecting with the same road leading to Vinicunca, though with a slight detour.
Palccoyo: To reach Palccoyo, you need to travel around 90 kilometers from Cusco. The journey takes between 4.3 to 5 hours by car. This route follows the main road from Cusco to Sicuani, which is also used to access the other color mountains.
General weather
Both Vinicunca, Wilcacunca, and Palccoyo share a similar climate, characterized by two main seasons: dry and rainy. Due to the high altitude, temperatures are generally cold, especially during the early mornings throughout the year. Therefore, it is essential to bring appropriate cold-weather clothing.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit all three destinations is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. During these months, the weather conditions are more stable, with lower chances of heavy rains, thunderstorms, or snow. If you plan to travel during this season, be aware that it is the peak tourist period, so it’s advisable to book in advance.
Comparative table
| Comparison | Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca | Rainbow Mountain Wilcacunca | Rainbow Mountain Palccoyo |
| Altitude | 5,200 meters above sea level. | 4.950 meters above sea level | 4.900 meters above sea level |
| Difficulty | Difficult | Moderate | Easy |
| Popularity | High popularity with crowds. | Low popularity, with few visitors. | Moderate popularity with some visitors. |
| Duration | Approximately 2 hour walk one way. | Walk of approximately 1.3 to 2 hours one way. | Walk of 1 hour or less, one way. |
| Landscape & experience | It has a colorful mountain plus a viewpoint and you have the possibility of visiting the red valley. | It has four colorful mountains and more colorful formations with three viewpoints | It has three colored mountains with three viewpoints. |
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