Cusco: Explore the 7 Color Mountain With Meals Included

Nestled in the heart of the Andes, the 7 Color Mountain in Cusco beckons travelers with its breathtaking beauty. This guided tour promises an unforgettable experience, complete with a scenic drive, a challenging hike, and delectable Andean cuisine. For just $30 per person, adventurers can enjoy the vibrant culture and witness the region’s stunning landscapes. But the real question remains: what secrets does this natural wonder hold?

Key Points

• Experience the stunning Vinicunca, also known as the 7 Color Mountain, on an 11-hour guided tour from Cusco.
• Enjoy a hot breakfast, buffet lunch, and opportunities to observe Andean wildlife during the 3.5-hour hike to the 5,200-meter summit.
• Choose from Spanish, English, or Portuguese-speaking guides and take advantage of the "reserve now, pay later" option.
• Explore the vibrant landscapes and cultural insights provided by local Quechua guides, with optional extras like a wooden walking stick and horse rental.
• The tour is not suitable for those with certain medical conditions or weight restrictions, so check the suitability requirements before booking.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The guided hike to the 7 Color Mountain (Vinicunca) in Cusco is priced from $30.00 per person.

This 11-hour tour includes pickup from Cusco, a 3-hour van ride to the trailhead, and a 3.5-hour hike to the 5,200-meter summit.

Guides speak Spanish, English, and Portuguese. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a "reserve now, pay later" option.

Hikers will enjoy a hot breakfast, buffet lunch, and opportunities to observe Andean wildlife and capture sunrise views of the vibrant mountain.

Optional extras include horse rental and motorcycle transportation.

Itinerary Details

The tour departs between 3:00 and 3:30 am from Cusco, beginning with a 3-hour van ride to the town of Pitumarca.

Upon arrival, guests enjoy a hot breakfast before embarking on the approximately 3.5-hour trek to the summit of Vinicunca, also known as the 7 Color Mountain, at an elevation of 5,200 meters.

The hike offers:

Breathtaking views of the surrounding Ausangate mountain range, opportunities to spot Andean wildlife, and a guided tour of the vibrant, multicolored landscape.

1. Breathtaking views of the surrounding Ausangate mountain range.

2. Opportunities to spot Andean wildlife like llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas.

3. A guided tour and free time to explore the vibrant, multicolored landscape.

Finally, the group returns to Cusco around 4:30 pm.

Highlights and Experiences

Visitors explore vibrant landscapes around the Ausangate mountain range, observing Andean wildlife like llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas along the way.

They capture stunning sunrise views of the 7-color mountain, Vinicunca, at 5,200 meters above sea level. Local Quechua guides provide cultural insights throughout the journey.

The buffet lunch features authentic Andean cuisine, allowing guests to enjoy the region’s flavors.

With an optional wooden walking stick and first aid kit provided, the tour caters to different fitness levels, ensuring a comfortable and memorable experience for all.

Inclusions and Options

The tour includes hotel pickup and transportation, a bilingual tour guide, a buffet breakfast and lunch (with vegetarian options), an oxygen bottle for emergencies, and a wooden walking stick that’s optional to use.

Adventurous souls can also opt for:

1. Horse rental for 100 Peruvian soles to ease the trek.

2. Motorcycle transportation, though not included in the package.

3. Personal medication for altitude sickness, as the tour accommodates varying walking speeds.

More Great Tours Nearby

Suitability and Recommendations

Individuals with heart or respiratory issues, babies under 1 year, those over 95 years, and anyone over 309 lbs (140 kg) should avoid this tour.

Comfortable shoes, sun hat, change of clothes, camera, drinks, cash, and binoculars are recommended. Alcohol, drugs, and baby carriages aren’t allowed. Personal medication for altitude sickness is advisable, as the tour accommodates varying walking speeds.

The 3.5-hour trek to Vinicunca at 5200 meters requires a good level of fitness. However, the rewards include vibrant landscapes, Andean wildlife, and authentic cultural experiences.

Transportation and Pickup

The tour begins with a pickup from Cusco, where participants depart between 3:00 and 3:30 am.

Guests embark on a 3-hour van ride to Pitumarca, where they enjoy a hot breakfast to start the day.

The journey offers:

1. Scenic views of the Andean landscape.

2. A chance to bond with fellow adventurers.

3. Time to prepare mentally and physically for the challenging hike ahead.

Upon arrival at the trailhead, the group begins their trek to the stunning 7 Color Mountain, known as Vinicunca, located at an impressive 5,200 meters above sea level.

Cuisine and Dining

Participants on the 7 Color Mountain tour enjoy a buffet lunch featuring authentic Andean cuisine. The spread includes a variety of local dishes, catering to different dietary needs with vegetarian options available.

Tuck into savory stews, hearty quinoa dishes, and freshly baked breads. Complement the meal with refreshing Andean beverages. The tour guides provide insights into the cultural significance and preparation of the regional fare, enhancing the immersive dining experience.

Refuel and recharge with this delicious spread before continuing the hike back down the mountain.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

To book the 7 Color Mountain tour, travelers can reserve their spot in advance through the tour provider’s website or by contacting their customer service team.

The booking process is flexible, offering a "reserve now, pay later" option. Plus, the tour company provides free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure.

This policy ensures travelers can plan their trip with confidence, knowing they can make adjustments if needed.

Some key highlights of the booking and cancellation policy include:

1. Advance reservations available

2. "Reserve now, pay later" option

3. Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior

Things To Know

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Hike?

Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks on the hike. The tour includes breakfast and lunch, but you’re welcome to bring additional snacks or beverages if you prefer.

Is There Any Cell Phone Coverage at the Mountain Site?

Cell phone coverage at the 7 Color Mountain can be spotty. While some areas may have limited signal, remote parts of the hike likely won’t have reliable coverage. It’s best to plan accordingly and not rely on constant connectivity during the trek.

Can I Rent Hiking Gear From the Tour Provider?

Yes, the tour provider offers rental gear. They provide optional wooden walking sticks, and you can rent a horse for 100 Peruvian soles. However, they don’t mention renting other hiking gear like boots or jackets.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities Available During the Hike?

There are restroom facilities available at the starting point and at the top of the hike near the 7 Color Mountain. However, hikers should prepare for limited options along the trail itself.

Can I Extend My Stay in Cusco After the Tour?

Yes, you can extend your stay in Cusco after the tour. The tour provider doesn’t include accommodations, so you’re free to book additional nights in Cusco to explore the city further at your own pace.

Sum Up

This guided tour from Cusco to the 7 Color Mountain offers an unbeatable opportunity to explore the region’s breathtaking landscapes and cultural heritage. Priced at just $30 per person, it includes convenient transportation, a challenging yet rewarding hike, and delicious Andean cuisine, making it a must-do experience for adventurous travelers. Don’t miss the chance to witness the vibrant colors of Vinicunca and learn about the stunning natural beauty of the Andes.

You can check availability for your dates here: