History of the Rainbow Mountain in Peru

History of the Rainbow Mountain in Peru

Vinicunca, known as the Rainbow Mountain, is located in the Pitumarca district, Canchis province, Cusco region, at a distance of 120 km. It was rediscovered a few years ago. This attraction has always been known as Winikunka, which in Quechua means “hill with colored neck-shaped stones.”

History

This peculiar geographical feature, a work of nature’s art, belongs to the Ausangate snow-capped mountain in the Vilcanota mountain range. Although its unique beauty is directly proportional to its altitude (the highest point reaches 5,200 meters above sea level).

The formation of the Rainbow Mountain is due to marine, lake, and river sediments transported by the water that ran through the area. These sediments date back 65 million years. Over time, these sediments formed layers that are now a global attraction.

The movement of the area’s tectonic plates elevated these sediments until they became mountains. They then acquired their striking colors due to the oxidation of their minerals, exerted by the humidity of the area, and their erosion, César Muñoz, a member of the Geological Society of Peru (SGP), explained to BBC Mundo.

“Apu” was the name the Inca civilization gave to the mountains, which they attributed with mystical powers. Although most of these majestic mountains were covered in snow, one stood out for its color: Vinicunca Mountain, also known as “the mountain of seven colors.”

According to the Andean worldview

The Incas gave Vinicunca a masculine character, believing that from its foundations arose the masculine energy that fertilized Mother Earth, known as Pachamama. As if that weren’t enough, the natural setting that surrounds it is no less impressive: turquoise lagoons, a variety of fauna, and dazzling snow-capped mountains complete a dreamlike landscape.

The district that hosts this natural wonder is Pitumarca, in the province of Canchis, and also the town of Cusipata, in the province of Quispicanchi. The local inhabitants consider Vinicunca a “sacred mountain,” and therefore perform rituals as an offering to the earth, which can make the visit a deeply mystical experience. Today, thousands of people from all over the world dream of visiting it and come to Cusco to make their wish come true.

The rainbow mountain was not discovered as such, it was announced in early 2015, as for the discoverer it is not attributed to a specific author, since it went viral through social networks and over time it was promoted by travel agencies.

The rainbow mountain was not discovered as such, it was announced in early 2015, as for the discoverer it is not attributed to a specific author, since it went viral through social networks and over time it was promoted by travel agencies.

TOURS IN CUSCO – PERU

Short Route to Rainbow Mountain, 1 day.

Rainbow Mountain Palcoyo (30-minute hike).

Rainbow Mountain Tour on ATVs

History of the 7 Colored Mountain