Wilcacunca Rainbow Mountain vs Vinicunca

Differences Between Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain and Wilcacunca Rainbow Mountain

Choosing between two captivating destinations, especially when both offer similar experiences, can be challenging. In this article, we will compare two of the most stunning sites in the Cusco region: Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain, and Wilcacunca, the new Rainbow Mountain. We will delve into their unique features, activities, advantages and disadvantages, the best time to visit each, and what sets them apart. Our goal is to help you determine which destination best suits your interests and needs for your next adventure. Keep reading to find the perfect experience for you!

Location and Altitude

Location and Altitude of Vinicunca:

Vinicunca is located in the southwestern part of the Cusco region, within the Vilcanota mountain range, between the communities of Kairawiri and Chilliwani. More specifically, the mountain is situated in the community of Kairawiri Alto, approximately 110 km away. The bus journey to the mountain takes about 4 hours. The popular Rainbow Mountain, also known as the Mountain of Seven Colors or Vinicunca, is situated at an altitude of 5,200 meters above sea level, which is approximately 17,060 feet.

Location and Altitude of Wilcacunca:

The Rainbow Mountain Wilcacunca is located in the southwestern part of Cusco city, within the Vilcanota mountain range, between the community of Uchullucllo and the Qallanqa area. It is situated approximately 134 km from Cusco, with a bus journey to the mountain taking about 4 hours, similar to the time required to reach Vinicunca. The new Rainbow Mountain, also known as Wilcacunca or Amores, is situated at an altitude of 4,950 meters above sea level, which is approximately 16,240 feet.

Characteristics and History

Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca

Vinicunca is primarily noted for its rainbow-colored formations, which are the result of land erosion over time due to factors such as wind, sun, and rain.

Name Significance

To better understand the name and significance of Vinicunca, we have two versions:

Version 1:

Vinicunca, or Winicunca, is a quechua name that translates to “sacred neck.” Although it is commonly known as Rainbow Mountain today, the original name, Winicunca, has historically been used by the local communities. This name is not invented but originates from the proximity of the mountain to the community. Thus, Winicunca is the authentic and traditional name of the mountain.

Version 2:

The second version of the name, Winicunca or Vinicunca, comes from the observation of local communities, who noticed that the colors and formation of the mountain resembled traditional textiles and the colors of the rainbow. Additionally, from the summit, the formation resembles a neck, reinforcing the connection to the Quechua name.

Colors at vinicunca

At Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain, you can witness a striking array of colors including red, green, yellow, purple, and other less prominent hues. These colors are the result of the diverse minerals found in the area, which have combined to create this stunning geological formation.

Landscapes Offered

At over 5,200 meters above sea level, Vinicunca offers spectacular views and breathtaking landscapes. The mountain, with its unique and colorful formation, appears almost as a work of art crafted by human hands, but it is actually a natural creation. This marvel is the work of Mother Earth, Pachamama, with the process of bringing minerals to the surface driven by tectonic activity.

Nearby Attractions

When visiting Vinicunca, you’ll also have the chance to explore nearby attractions. One of the most notable is the Red Valley, located just behind the mountain. This spectacular valley provides a striking contrast to the colors of Vinicunca and is a great addition to your visit.

Accessibility

To reach the summit of Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain on foot, the total hike is estimated to take approximately 4 hours: 2 hours up and 2 hours down. If you prefer a more comfortable alternative, you can also choose to use ATVs or horses, which will help reduce both the time and physical effort required for the hike.

Culture and Tradition

The Rainbow Mountain, being located in a remote area away from major cities like Cusco, is surrounded by small villages that preserve their ancestral customs and traditions. Local inhabitants continue to wear traditional clothing, with women donning polleras (skirts), hats, ojotas (sandals), and a manta known as Q’epe in quechua, carried on their backs. Men typically wear hats, vests, ojotas, and baita, special trousers for cold weather. Most residents are native quechua speakers, with only a few understanding Spanish.

Wilcacunca Rainbow Mountain

Wilcacunca Rainbow Mountain stands out for its impressive variety of color formations, featuring four main mountains that captivate visitors. Those who have explored Wilcacunca often say it provides an experience that combines the best of Cusco’s most famous mountains with those from other parts of the world, such as the renowned Rainbow Mountain in China.

Meaning of Its Name

Similar to Vinicunca, the name of Wilcacunca Rainbow Mountain also has two distinct versions regarding its origin:

Version 1:

Wilcacunca means “sacred place” in quechua. This name reflects the deep spiritual connection that local communities have had with the mountain throughout history. According to traditions, their ancestors revered mountains as apus, sacred deities playing a crucial role in communal life. The inhabitants used to make offerings and perform rituals to the apus in hopes of prosperity and fertility for their crops and lands. Thus, the Rainbow Mountain is not only an impressive natural phenomenon but also a site of great spiritual and cultural significance.

Version 2:

Wilcacunca, considered a sacred place, was also known as the “Mountain of Love.” In the past, locals would ascend the mountain in pairs to vow their eternal love. This act, known as “hand-asking” or marriage, was performed in the presence of the mountain and the apu Ausangate. These ceremonies not only celebrated the union of two people but also served to strengthen community bonds and seek prosperity in the participants’ romantic lives. Unfortunately, this tradition has faded over time but remains a deep reflection of the spiritual and cultural connection of the locals with their surroundings.

Colors of Wilcacunca

The main colors that characterize Wilcacunca Rainbow Mountain include red, yellow, turquoise, orange, and black. This array of colors results from the abundance of minerals in the area, contributing to the striking hues found in the mountain’s geological formations.

The Scenery It Offers

Situated at an altitude of 4,950 meters above sea level, Wilcacunca Rainbow Mountain offers three strategic viewpoints that provide unique perspectives of the four main color mountains. From these observation points, you can appreciate not only the striking range of colors but also the new formations being sculpted and refined by the ongoing erosion of Mother Earth.

Nearby Attractions

From Wilcacunca Rainbow Mountain, you can enjoy breathtaking views of several nearby attractions, including the Ausangate snow-capped peak, one of the most iconic mountains in the region. You will also get a glimpse of Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain, and in the distance, Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain can be seen, though not as close, its presence is noticeable on the horizon.

Accessibility

To reach the summit of Wilcacunca Rainbow Mountain, you will need to hike for approximately 1.3 to 2 hours each way, with the return trip taking a similar amount of time. However, the duration may vary depending on your physical condition. There are also alternatives to ease the journey, such as using Horses or ATVs.

Culture and Tradition

Vinicunca and Wilcacunca could be considered almost neighbors, as both mountains share many similarities. Like Vinicunca, Wilcacunca is located in a remote area, far from the major cities, and surrounded by small villages that preserve ancestral customs and traditions. The inhabitants of these villages continue to wear traditional clothing to protect themselves from the cold.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Vinicunca and Wilcacunca

When planning your trip, it is crucial to understand both the advantages and disadvantages of your chosen destinations. Here’s a comparison of what Vinicunca and Wilcacunca offer:

Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca

Rainbow Mountain Wilcacunca

Difficulty of the Hike to Vinicunca & Wilcacunca

For both Wilcacunca and Vinicunca, the hike is quite similar in terms of duration and effort required, with the main difference being the terrain. While most of the trek in Vinicunca is steep, with more pronounced ascents towards the end, Wilcacunca offers a mostly gradual terrain with some uphill sections near the finish. Both destinations require a reasonable level of physical fitness to fully enjoy the experience.

Distance and Hiking Time

Vinicunca

Firstly, let’s discuss the distance you need to cover at Vinicunca. The hike spans 8 km, beginning at an altitude of 4,750 meters and ascending to 5,200 meters above sea level. Reaching the summit typically takes around 2 hours, though the time may vary depending on your pace.

Wilcacunca

To reach the summit of Rainbow Mountain Wilcacunca, the distance to cover is 6 km. The hike begins at an altitude of 4,550 meters above sea level and ascends to 4,950 meters above sea level. The estimated time to reach the summit is about 1.3 to 2 hours, depending on your hiking pace. It’s important to note that hikes start from the bus station or drop-off point.

Popularity of Both Mountains

Popularity of Vinicunca

The Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca was discovered in late 2015. Prior to its rising fame, it was hidden among the mountains and snow-capped peaks, known only to local communeros. These communeros claim that before its discovery, the mountain did not display the rainbow colors it shows today. The mountain was not discovered by a particular individual; rather, it gained popularity and has since attracted between 2,000 and 3,000 visitors daily. This number continues to rise and is expected to grow in the coming years.

Popularity of Wilcacunca

The newly discovered Rainbow Mountain Wilcacunca was found in 2020. Like Vinicunca, it was hidden among mountains and snow-capped peaks, known only to local communeros. According to the tradition of these communeros, Wilcacunca was a sacred place for their ancestors and did not exhibit the rainbow-like colors it has today. The mountain was not discovered by a specific person. Currently, it is visited by a small number of tourists, ranging from 5 to 10 per day, and sometimes it receives no visitors at all. This low influx is due to its relative obscurity and lack of recognition. However, those who have visited or decide to go are often amazed by the impressive variety of colored mountains.

Crowds

As mentioned earlier, the Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca receives between 2,000 and 3,000 visitors daily, resulting in large crowds, especially at the summit where space is limited. On the other hand, the Rainbow Mountain Wilcacunca, which has three viewpoints, receives approximately 5 to 10 tourists daily, or even fewer. This low influx is due to Wilcacunca’s lesser popularity compared to Vinicunca. The advantage is that Wilcacunca offers ample space to enjoy tranquility and obtain excellent views for your photographs without the overcrowding of tourists.

Costs

As with most tourist attractions, both destinations require an entrance fee. These costs contribute to sustainable development and support the local communities nearby. Here are the details of the costs for each mountain:

These payments are allocated to improving local infrastructure and supporting the communities that manage access to these stunning destinations.

Climate

Given that both Vinicunca (5,200 meters above sea level) and Wilcacunca (4,950 meters above sea level) are at high altitudes, the climate at these destinations can be quite unpredictable. Here is a summary of the weather conditions you can expect:

General Climate: At both mountains, the climate tends to be cold and windy due to the altitude. Although the sun may be present, temperatures generally remain low.

Temperatures: Typically, temperatures range from -6 to 7 degrees Celsius. In extreme conditions, there may be rain or even snow.

Weather Changes: Altitude can cause sudden and rapid weather changes, so it’s advisable to be prepared for a variety of weather conditions.

Best Time to Visit

In Peru, the climate is divided into two main seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. The best time to visit the Rainbow Mountains, both Vinicunca and Wilcacunca, is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. During these months, the likelihood of rain and snow is minimal, making hikes and outdoor activities easier. Although the dry season is ideal, global climate changes have made weather conditions less predictable. It is advisable to be prepared for potential weather variations.

Comparison table

Respect for Both Attractions

If you ever find yourself in the city of Cusco and have the opportunity to visit Vinicunca or Wilcacunca, keep in mind that these destinations are not only renowned for their breathtaking beauty but are also considered sacred by local communities due to their rich history and tradition. As you explore these wonders, remember that you are entering spaces revered and protected by generations. It is crucial to avoid leaving trash, disturbing the environment, or causing any form of pollution. The preservation of these natural treasures depends on our responsibility and respect for nature and the land.

Things to Keep in Mind

It is important to consider the following tips and advice for your visit to the Vinicunca and Wilcacunca Rainbow Mountains.

Recommendations for your Visit to Vinicunca and Wilcacunca

Offering to the Earth:

Before you begin your hike to Vinicunca or Wilcacunca, consider making a small offering to the Earth using three coca leaves. Address the Apus surrounding the area (you can ask your guide for their names if you’re unfamiliar). Blow the three coca leaves in the direction of the Apus, asking for their guidance to avoid fatigue or discomfort during your hike. Finally, place the leaves on the ground and press them with a small rock.

The Reason: By performing this ritual, the Apus that protect the area will offer you protection against harsh winds in the mountains and help prevent altitude sickness, allowing you to enjoy the hike more comfortably.

Interested in learning about the Apus and their significance? Check out the following article for detailed information: The Apus and Their Significance in Andean Culture in Peru.

Do Not Remove Your Hat or Any Clothing:

Even if you’re sweating due to the sun or the hike, avoid removing your hat, shirt, or any clothing, as this can increase the risk of altitude sickness or the effects of the cold winds in the mountains.

¿So, what should you do with your sweaty clothing? It’s recommended to carry an extra garment. If your shirt or polo is damp, place the dry garment on top without directly removing the wet one. This way, you’ll maintain protection and avoid sudden temperature changes from affecting you.

Eat Light Before Your Departure:

Before embarking on your exciting adventure, it’s important to choose light meals, especially in the morning. We recommend consuming soups, fruit salads, and hot liquids like coca tea, chamomile, or muña tea. These foods and beverages will help you prepare for the hike and keep you energized without feeling heavy.

Acclimate to the Altitude:

It’s highly recommended to spend at least two days in the city of Cusco before starting the tour so your body can adapt to the altitude and handle the change in elevation more effectively. This acclimation period will help minimize the effects of altitude sickness and make your experience more comfortable.

If you’re interested in The new Rainbow Mountain Wilcacunca, you can visit or check out our blogs: 

• Wilcacunca The New Alternative Rainbow Mountain in Peru
• Rainbow Mountain: Wilcacunca, everything you need to know
• Rainbow Mountain: How to Prepare for the Altitude in Wilcacunca