Did you know that near Lima there is a mountain of seven colors like the ones in Cusco? In this note we will explain how much it costs and how to get to this natural wonder full of colors and amazing views.
The Yuracochas mountain range, known as the "Vinicunca of Lima" for its resemblance to the rainbow mountain in Cusco, is located almost 5,000 meters above sea level and three hours from Ticlio, in the province of Huarochirí (within the Lima region). You can only reach this place on foot, so it is perfect for group trekking.
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).
You can only get there on foot, so it is an ideal trip for group trekking.
The “Vinicunca Limeño” is at a height of 5000 m.a.s.l. Although it is true, the height of Yuracochas, the mountain of colors, can cost you a bad experience due to altitude sickness, we recommend you buy coca candies or drink a coca tea before the trek.
The weather in the Yuracochas Mountain of Colors is minus 5 degrees at night, for which it is advisable to wear warm clothing because it is a frigid climate. For the day walk, take sunscreen with you.
The best season to visit Yuracochas, the mountain of colors, is from May to October. These are months in which, because it is the dry season, you can enjoy the landscape, and the presence of rain will also be almost nil.
From Lima, in Jirón Chota with Av. Paseo Colón (Downtown Lima) minivans leave for Chosica and once there you must go to San Mateo, where you can take a lodging to spend the night. In this way you can acclimatize for the next day to leave for the "Vinicunca limeño".
In total, you need approximately 100 soles to live this adventure.
It is approximately 6 hours of walking to reach the mountain area and it is considered at a moderate to demanding level. For this reason, it is important to sleep the night before in the district of San Mateo.
The cost of this tour in a full day is approximately 100 to 180 soles (30 USD – 60 USD). You can choose the tour you want to take, some travel agencies promote this excursion with an overnight stay.
The tour to Yuracochas includes:
You can take the option that suits you best and the travel agency of your choice.
Not only will you be able to see the mountain of seven colors, you will also have an extraordinary view of the Yuracochas mountain range and even appreciate the beauty of snow-capped mountains and a lagoon next to it.
If you wonder why the Yuracochas mountain has the colors of the rainbow, we will tell you that, like Vinicunca in Cusco, it is the result of global warming, since due to this phenomenon, the mountain has lost snow in recent years. As a consequence, various natural peculiarities have been exposed.
Here are some frequently asked questions from some travelers:
That's right, the Yuracochas Rainbow Mountain in Lima could be called the twin sister of Vinicunca, the colors are intense and similar to the rainbow itself
The Colorful Mountain of Lima presents that pigmentation due to the thaw, since a few years ago Yuracochas was a Mountain covered with snow and due to global warming, the thaw was presenting itself, giving way to colors as a consequence of this phenomenon.
The walk, because it is a place with few signs, may take you between 2 and a half hours to 3 and a half hours, just going up. We recommend you go at your own pace.
We consider that the walk to Yuracochas is divided into three parts that we will indicate below:
Yes, it is necessary to go with a guide, if you go in a group and one of your fellow travelers has already been, they can help you as a guide.
No, taking into account that the tourist attraction is new, the signage is scarce.
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 Perú, 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.