Yuracochas, the colorful mountain of Lima

Posted On: 23 March 2023 #TierrasVivas 418

A little respite is good. In order not to stray too far from the capital and to be able to appreciate a mountain of seven colors, you have to reach the landscapes of the Huarochirana mountains. A bit of adventure is not bad either, especially if it is to get to know the mountain that looks a bit like the one in Cusco, there are those who have called it the Vinincunca of Lima.

Similar, not the same. The truth is that both colorful mountains have become an attraction due to climate change and therefore they are shown without that white layer of snowfall showing extraordinary surprises.

Reaching the top means exceeding 4,800 meters above sea level. Located in the Yuracochas mountain chain, within the Cordillera Central, each breath passing through here takes the tax out of the entire time of confinement. It is worth it, especially for those who have applied themselves healthily in confinement.

During this trek you will not only be able to see the rainbow mountain of Lima, but you will also have an extraordinary view of the Yuracochas mountain range, the Nevado Rajuntay, the beautiful Laguna Yuracocha, as well as beautiful landscapes of the Peruvian highlands.

From Lima to San Mateo. It is advisable to stay for the night, rest and acclimatize. Then the trip continues on a route of 40 km until reaching Ticlio. Or you can get from Lima directly to Ticlio. What you do have to keep in mind is that it takes about 3 hours of walking to reach the Yuracochas mountain ranges. For this reason, it is important to sleep the night before in San Mateo or in Ticlio.

Precise location of Yuracochas

To locate ourselves in the destination of this natural traction, it is necessary to know that it is located in the "cordón de los Yuracochas", known as the "Vinicunca limeño" due to its great resemblance to the so-called rainbow mountain of Cusco.

Located almost 5 thousand meters above sea level and three hours from Ticlio, this destination is in the province of Huarochirí (within the Lima region).

To get there you can only get there on foot, so it is an ideal trip for group trekking.

How do I get to Yuracochas and how much will it cost?

The great thing about this short trip is its great accessibility and ease of transport to get there.

If you are in Lima, go to Jirón Chota with Av. Paseo Colón (Downtown Lima), there you will find minivans bound for Chosica and once there you must go to San Mateo.

Here you can take a lodging to spend the night, rest and acclimatize before the adventure to the "Vinicunca Limeño"
Approximate investment per person

Ticket Lima – Chosica – Lima S/12.00
Passage Chosica – San Mateo – Chosica S/14.00
Guided tour of San Mateo – Starting point of the trek – San Mateo S/25.00
Dinner from S/8.50
Lodging: from S/15.00 with shared bathroom and S/20.00 with private bathroom.

With these data, in total you will need around 100 soles to live this experience and adventure of knowing the rainbow mountain of Lima.

You must bear in mind that to reach the mountain area it will be approximately 6 hours of walking.

That is why this area is considered a moderate to demanding level and for this reason it is important to rest the night before in the district of San Mateo.

What attractions will I see?

In addition to seeing the Seven Color Mountain, you will also have an extraordinary view of the well-known Yuracochas mountain range and you can even enjoy the beauty of snow-capped mountains that have been cleared to show this wonder of rainbows in the mountains.

And to close the landscape you will have in sight some lagoons next to the mountain.

What implements to bring?

A waterproof or windproof jacket
Sneakers of good cocada
Gloves
Chullo
Sunglasses
Sunscreen and a cocoa lipstick
Lemon candies, energy bars and fruits such as apples or bananas
A minimum liter of water
Pills for soroche

Best Tours in Peru

Many are the routes that take you to Machu Picchu, but none is like the Inca Trail tours, the most famous pedestrian path in the Americas. After flying from the capital of Peru, Lima, you will arrive in Cusco to walk for four days along a path through forests and dense fog, millenary stone steps and discovering the ruins of ancient fortifications and Inca cities, and all the time enjoying majestic views.

If you want to visit Machu Picchu, we recommend you to book your Machu Picchu ticket in advance, so you will enjoy your vacation in Machu Picchu without any problem.