1.- INTRODUCTION TO RAINBOW MOUNTAIN HORSE AND HORSE TREKKING
Being one of the most popular destinations in recent years, the mountain of colors or also known as the mountain vinicunca is undoubtedly one of the most emblematic natural destinations in Peru that every traveler in the world dreams of knowing. This natural destination is located in the mountain range of the Vilcanota in the region of Cusco on the 5000 m above sea level which directly provides a unique spectacle in terms of the landscape adorned mainly by the various stripes of colors that adorn the slopes of the mountain in a simple way. Each one of the tonalities that can be appreciated are directly linked to the high presence of minerals that exist in the place being the most representative is the red color related to the iron oxide and the rest of colors are produced due to the presence of magnesium, sulfur and lime. It is for this reason that this natural destination has become a must visit place for those travelers who seek to overcome a new challenge and are adequately prepared, however for those who do not have the habit of performing physical activities on a frequent basis there is always the alternative of the Rainbow Mountain Horse service that can facilitate the experience.
It is important to know that enjoying a visit on Rainbow Mountain Horse is completely different from the traditional version, since this way not only facilitates the ascent to a great height but it is also an immersion into the cultural experience that exists in these places, Visiting the Rainbow mountain by horse is also a way to interact with local people as they are the ones who guide the horses and allow visitors to enjoy this adventure in a more relaxed way and can learn more about the communities that inhabit this place to learn about the ancestral traditions that are maintained even for generations, it is no surprise that the service of the Rainbow Mountain Horse allows travelers to appreciate in a thorough way the flora and fauna of the place creating this trail an intimate experience with nature making it the best experience of life.
During the last years the mountain of colors has been increasing its popularity and seeing a higher percentage of visitors each year even reaching more than 1000 tourists a day for this reason various activities have had to be implemented including the option of Rainbow mountain by horse as it has seen the need to facilitate access for travelers who can not make the full hike due to the fact that they can not make the full hike. This is why the development of this activity has become something quite popular and daily, creating a form of economic income for the same community members who live in these high Andean areas and can generate economic stability.
2.- THE GEOGRAPHY AND NATURAL WONDER OF RAINBOW MOUNTAIN
Many people are unaware that this destination is also listed as a natural wonder within the South American continent and thanks to the location you have over 5200 m above sea level is one of the most impressive geological formations that exist not only by the altitude but also by the incredible appearance it has as a sequence of colored stripes that can be seen as they are spreading along the entire refrigerator simulating a canvas where an artist painted a rainbow in the middle of the earth.
Each of the colors is directly linked to a specific mineral that can be found in abundance throughout this area:
- Red: Iron oxide
- Yellow: Combination of sandstone, iron and sulfur.
- Green: Presence of chlorite and copper compound.
- Pink: Quartz calcium carbonate
- White: Lime
Each of these was buried due to the tectonic force that according to studies were the very origins of the Peruvian Andes and then with the exposure caused by erosion rose to its current location, thus creating a geological wonder.
3.- Climate
Being located within the Andean region it is expected that the weather is always unpredictable and quite challenging because due to the altitude at which it is located over 5200 m above sea level can regularly feel temperatures between 5 °C and 15 °C, however during the night the situation is completely different because the temperature can even drop below 0 °C, This radical change follows weather patterns that are directly associated with climatic factors, if the sun shines brightly in the morning it is like to feel a warm heat but in the afternoon it is also like snowstorms can form.
| “Find the place closest to heaven: Rainbow Mountain.” |
4.- Best time to visit
The rainbow mountain is one of the most desired natural destinations for travelers around the world, however it is important to know that it is better to visit it during the dry season that occurs between May and October each year, this mainly for a safety aspect because during this time the weather becomes more stable allowing the traditional versions of hiking or which include the service of horses is easier to perform and with less probability of presence of rain or snowstorms, also this ensures that the road is dry and there is no risk of slipping.
5.- Rainbow Mountain horse cost
Many people are unaware of the Rainbow Mountain horse cost because this alternative is mainly used by travelers who do not have adequate physical condition, however it is not something to be surprised. The regular price of this service can vary from s/ 80.00 soles per person and per section, this can be increased due to distance factors since it is possible to use this service at any time because during the route you can find options or also do it from the beginning, another important factor that alters the price is the weight of the people, if a traveler is overweight you must use a larger horse so it has a higher cost.
6.- UNDERSTANDING YOUR HORSE’S CAPABILITIES
During the visit to the mountain of colors, the horses fulfill one of the most fundamental roles that exist not only as a means of transportation but also become indispensable at the time of rescuing travelers who do not get to complete the hike due to the altitude in which this natural destination is located, this mainly occurs because the Andean atmosphere does not contain enough oxygen as the rest of places and it is like that many travelers come to feel fatigue or symptoms of altitude sickness. On the other hand, it is also important to mention that there are certain characteristics and parameters that must be met when enjoying this experience.
7.- Weight restrictions and considerations
The first thing to take into account when choosing the horseback riding service is undoubtedly that there is a weight limit that is allowed by an aspect of animal protection, generally has been provided that the horses that perform this activity can only carry a maximum weight between 75 kg and 85 kg which are equivalent to between 167 and 190 pounds, thus ensuring the safety of the passenger in addition to the welfare and health of the animal taking into consideration that the geography of this territory in certain parts is steep and ascending to a more challenging height. This service always includes the assistance of a muleteer who is the person in charge of guiding the horse all the way. In this way we maintain respect for the animals and also for the traditions of the communities that are in the surroundings, so it is always important to follow the recommendations that they can provide.
8.- Usual behavior
Each of the horses that are used during this experience have been accustomed to live and perform long days at considerable heights for this reason they are raised in the Andean region so they have an incredible physical resistance and have developed lungs adapted to require little oxygen and have the ability to move with stability despite the presence of irregular, narrow and steep territories. On the other hand, at the moment of ascending, pauses are made so that the animal can rest and in this way ensure that the behavior is always docile and calm, as well as familiarity with the route and the climate that exists.
9.- GEOLOGICAL WONDER
“The Vinicunca mountain is catalogued as a geological wonder mainly because of the rarity and beauty behind its formation, the multiple colors that can be appreciated are the product of a process of sedimentation of minerals over millions of years being today possible to appreciate in a special way and showing how the geographical variety that Peru contains is the product of the historical process through decades and generations.”
10.- FAQs ABOUT RAINBOW MOUNTAIN HORSE TREKS:
- Do I need riding experience to trek Rainbow Mountain on horseback?
No, in fact this is one of the easiest activities that exist because you have the company of a muleteer at all times, of course the most important thing is always to be confident and secure.
- How much does it cost to hire a horse for Rainbow Mountain?
The prices vary from s/ 80.00 soles per person and per section, the price can vary depending on factors of distance and weight of the travelers.
- Is horseback riding at Rainbow Mountain ethical and safe for the animals?
Yes, because there is a regulated standard in safety parameters for the animal such as a weight limit and a limit of stretches per day.
- Can horses go all the way to the top of Rainbow Mountain?
No, the horse service only goes to the base of the mountain which represents a distance of approximately five to 10 minutes for travelers to reach the top, as a safety rule they are not allowed to go to the highest part of the mountain.
- How long does a horseback tour to Rainbow Mountain take?
This experience can last approximately 30 to 40 minutes, the difference always varies due to the different security pauses that the muleteer makes so that the animal can rest.
Now you know everything about this experience in one of the most incredible natural places in Peru, there are no more excuses to postpone your trip. Auri Peru can design a customized adventure exclusively for you, making sure that your comfort and safety are the most essential, contact us now and enjoy an unforgettable adventure.
“Enjoy the thrill of a picture postcard at the top of Vinicunca. No camera can capture what it feels like up there.”
