We know that there are mountains, mountains and astonishing hills all over the world, but whoever looks at the viewpoints of the Ausangate, will discover the thousand colors that this unique mountain shows. Because of the uniqueness of its landscapes, we do not doubt that soon it is an incredible mountain, known as the mountain of the 7 colors, it will be one of the most desired hiking routes in the world; The mountain AUSANGATE (VINICUNCA) is located only 100 km from the city of Cusco and is the 4th highest mountain in Peru, it is nothing less than 6,372 meters high; its exposed minerals (iron oxides, copper sulfates and others) are shown to form an almost surrealistic image.
The mountain Ausangate, is also well-known, like mountain Rainbow, Colored hill or Rainbow Mountain by its name in English. The geographical feature belongs to the Ausangate mountain in the Vilcanota mountain range, and has its highest point at 5,000 m.s.n.m. The Incas had their myth that the mountains gave their masculine energy to Mother Earth or Pachamama. The Vilcanota River is born in the middle of the Cordillera and flows into the Amazon.
Ausangate is a god for the Andean culture, who takes care of the ecosystem of the whole world and makes all the food grow in the highlands, his name means “copper” in Quechua.
When you are on this mountain, remember that it is sacred to local people; In fact, many of the nearby Andean communities still have pilgrimage dates to the top of the mountain. Like the community of Chillca; of llama shepherds and alpacas, which have inherited Inca and pre-Inca cultural traditions. You can experience the daily life of the locals both wool workers and llama herders.
The mountain Arco Iris (Vinicunca) is located in the province of Quispicanchis in Cusco. It can be reached by boarding a vehicle from Cusco to Pitumarca. The trip lasts around 3 hours and goes by the road that leads from Cusco to Puno.
Once in Pitumarca you should go to the town of Ocefina (Chillca), from this place you can start your walk to the Mountain of 7 Colors. After 4 hours, you will arrive at the town of Machuraccay, from here you can descend to the foothills of the mountain
The walk through Ausangate Mountain is incomparable; not only for the unique landscapes in the world, but because in addition to the mountain itself, the trails circulate next to imposing glaciers and numerous lagoons, formed by the thaw of the snow-capped mountains of the Andes. It is a 4-day walk, and although you could do it on your own, the most recommendable way to go hiking in Peru is through a travel agency.
While it is not a dangerous walk, if you need to be in good shape and have the right equipment. You can choose to follow the normal route that goes along the south side of the mountain; This is the most difficult route, since in some sections the ascent requires almost vertical ice climbing. However, to give the possibility of promotion to all people, new routes of less difficulty have been opened. The popularity of the mountain of seven colors rises every day, take advantage now that you do not need any special permission, and not many people know about it.
Depending on the path of ascent, this hike has sections with a high degree of difficulty, so it is recommended to be in good shape. The locals usually offer their horses for rent, the prices range from S / 30 to 80 soles (10 to 25 US $), this will depend on the time you want to travel the road on horseback. There are several types of services from good to bad, economical to expensive and from good to bad service.
We know that most people come to Cusco in Peru, for Machu Picchu; If you already know when you visit Machu Picchu, take some time to enjoy this unique mountain, we assure you that you will not regret it. If you still do not book the Machu Picchu tickets, do it soon; remember that in some cases, tickets must be reserved months in advance; especially, if you like mountains
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