Iridescent mountains in Peru: what are they interesting and how to get there?

No wonder they say that the best artist in the world is nature, however, like a sculptor, designer and, perhaps, even a musician. This is confirmed by the numerous amazing corners of our planet, among which are the rainbow mountains created in the best traditions of the Peruvian mountains. Why they are and how to get to them - read about this in our article.

Serrania de Oronkal

Under the beautiful melodious name lies a massive mountain range, stretching from the province of Salta in Argentina, through Peru to Altiplano in Bolivia. It is part of the limestone formation. Peak Serrania de Oronkal is located at an altitude of 4761 m above sea level. It is from here that the most colorful space landscapes of the region are opened.

Why mountains of this color?

The so-called Rainbow Mountains in Peru also belong to this massif. A local tribe of Quechua Indians called them the Vinikunka. In literal translation, it sounds like "rainbow-colored mountains".

The entire massif is formed by sedimentary calcareous rocks. As a result of tectonic activity in the region and the erosion process in the distant past, they formed fanciful multi-colored formations of a triangular shape. All the colors of the rainbow and their shades are mixed here: ocher, green, blue, purple, yellow, bright red, etc. It's no wonder that the mountains got such a romantic name. It is noteworthy that the color range varies greatly depending on the time of day and illumination, it reaches the greatest intensity at the time when the peaks illuminate the sun's rays.

Mountains location

There are Rainbow, or Colored Mountains of Peru, one hundred kilometers from the city of Cuzco (administrative center of the same name region). The height of the massif, stretched among the turquoise lagoons and snow-capped peaks, reaches 5200 m above sea level.

It is interesting that the flag of the city is an alternation of colorful stripes - a rainbow. However, this is not due to the close location of the picturesque and colorful mountain range. Presumably he got the local people from the Inca Empire.

The Rainbow Mountains of Peru are situated in a very beautiful place. From their peaks one of the best views opens on the Ausangate glacier, a photo of which is in the article. The mountain is sacred for the Incas, and annually in the temple at its foot pilgrims gather for the celebration of the so-called Day of Qoyllur Riti (Qoyllur Rit'i). The event is dedicated to the deity Apu - one of the main patrons of the city of Cuzco. After these conquistadors came to these places, the pagan tradition gradually merged with the Christian religion and is now closely interrelated with the feast of the Holy Trinity.

Rainbow Mountains in Peru: how to get there?

Asking about how to get to the rainbow mountains, every tourist should understand that such a hike requires some physical preparation and conceals certain dangers. It is difficult to get to the place on your own, as there are no regular buses from Cuzco. The easiest way is to book a taxi, a little more difficult - to rent a car and arm yourself with a card. The journey takes about three hours altogether.

In addition, you can use public transport. To do this, take a bus to the city of Puno or to his side. It is easy to get to the village of Pitumarka, and from it - to Osefina, and from there begin the ascent to the rainbow mountains. In Peru, with the transport system, everything is not as simple as anywhere in Europe, so unprepared tourists have a reason to think about paid excursions.

Excursion to the mountains

The easiest and fastest way to get to one of the main natural attractions of Peru is to buy a tour from a tour operator or local agencies. Its cost is approximately 75-80 dollars, and duration - one day. The route, as a rule, consists of two stops: Cusco, Kesiuno, Iridescent mountains and back. In order to meet the time, departure is scheduled for early morning.

It is important to remember that you will not simply be taken to such an expedition. Before the trip, acclimatization is necessary for at least three days at an altitude of more than 3000 m above sea level. The lowest point of the route leading to the Rainbow Mountains in Peru is located at a level of 4326 m, the distance that is covered on foot is 16 km. The trek is not the easiest, but its ultimate goal leads to such enthusiasm that all the hardships of the ascent go to the background.