Cusco is an Andean place privileged by nature and history; the capital of the Inka Empire houses in its territory wonders of all kinds such as the impressive Rainbow Mountain “Winikunka” the mountain of colors at 16,732 ft (5,100 meters) above sea level.
Its name comes from two Quechua voices: “Wini”, for the rounded and heavy black stones that abound in the area, which were called “wini rumi” (stone). The second is “Kunka” which means neck because of the narrowness of the hills. Winikunka Mountain is behind the imposing snowy Ausangate, which is part of the Vilcanota mountain range in Cusco. It a beautiful valley precisely in the lower part of the Ausangate and which flows into the great Vilcanota River.
“Apu” was the name by which the Inka civilization called the mountains to which they attributed mystical powers. Although most of these majestic mountains were covered with snow, there was one that stood out for its many beautiful colors: “Winikunka” Mountain, also known as “the mountain of 7 colors” or “Rainbow Mountain”.
This hike to the Rainbow Mountain will leave you with a truly memorable experience, a combination of colorful landscapes, and snowy mountains. On the hike you may see, vicunas, llamas, alpacas, chinchillas, and with luck you will be able to see condors.
