UJ # 20 - BEST OF THE BEST

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THE COLOURS
OF VINICUNCA
Adventure
2 days - 1 night AM Daily
Diego del Rio
Those who wish to revel in the beauty of The Seven Colour
Mountain must put in the work. Located in Cusco, this
spectacular natural sight demands a two-day hike to over 5,000
meters above sea level – a trek completely worth the effort,
however, as this dreamy scenery is unlike anything else.
Vinicunca is located about 100 kilometres outside of Cusco, in
the Pitumarca district, within the Canchis province. The site
itself is stunning, and the natural scenery that surrounds the
route is equally as impressive, boasting native flora and fauna,
and a fantastic view of the revered Apu Ausangate, known for
protecting those who walk beneath it. The mountain’s stark
white peaks contrast with the bright colours of the mountain
and the rich blues of the sky.
LimaTours
While hard to fathom, the colourful Vinicunca Mountain was
under water two million years ago. Marine, lacustrine, and river
sediments settled in the area, eventually forming various layers
of different sizes that now look like stripes. Meanwhile, the
tectonic activity of the zone created the mountains, while the
colours are the results of a mix of minerals, like clay, sandstone,
marl, silicate, copper, calcium, and more.
The site’s recent popularity has turned it into one of Cusco’s mustsee
destinations. Thousands of people make their way to the
site to enjoy the unique visual spectacle, and to snap the perfect
photograph from the top of the lookout tower. It is hard not to
feel the grandeur of nature when in the presence of such a sight,
and even harder to overlook her fragility if not properly cared for.
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