The famous Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain is located 3 hours away from Cusco. It is at an altitude of 5 200 m.a.s.l (17000 ft.). It is located on the road to the Ausangate mountain, in the Andes of Peru, in the Cusco Region, between the districts of Cusipata, province of Quispicanchi, Pitumarca, and the province of Canchis.
Vinicunca, majestic tourist attraction near Apu Ausangate, snow-capped Mountain.
Climate:
Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain has two distinct seasons: dry and rainy.
The dry season: From May to October
The weather during this period is predominantly dry especially in June, July and August. Days are bright and sunny with a temperature of 16 °C (61 °F), which is perfect to appreciate the colors of the Vinicunca Mountain. The nights are much colder sometimes with a low temperature of 0 °C (32 °F).
The rainy season: From November to April
During this time Vinicunca receives a greater amount of hailstorm and snow. Average daytime temperatures are higher than the dry season at 18 °C while night temperatures can be as cold as 0 °C
The high parts in Cusco present a cold and windy weather almost every day of the year. Therefore you need to acclimatize to the altitude first.
If this is your first time in Peru, you will find the following tips very useful.
Rainbow Mountain
The acclimatization process is not long nor complicated. To be ready to hike Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, you need to arrive in Cusco 2 or 3 days in advance.
The highest point is at an altitude of 5020 masl/ 16470 ft and the lowest point is at 3339 masl/10955 ft.
Tips to make acclimation a breeze:
Altitude sickness is a group of symptoms that can strike if you walk or climb to a higher elevation, or altitude, too quickly. Any time you go above 2,500 meters (8,000 ft), you can be at risk for altitude sickness.
Here are 4 useful tips that can help you to reduce the risk of getting altitude sickness:
- Visit the doctor first: It is highly recommended that visitors with cardiac problems have a check-up prior to their trip
- Take things easy: It is advisable to take it really easy on the first day and, if possible, rest the first few hours to help the body acclimatize to the altitude. You can also plan to do some activities in Cusco. A city tour would be perfect.
- Stay hydrated: The body gets dehydrated quickly in high altitudes. It is recommended you drink lots of water during Vinicunca hike.
- Pack light: It is always better to take with you only the most essential things. Carrying too many things will make you feel breathless.
Inkayni Peru Tours recommends bringing with you any medication that your doctor suggest to take in case of altitude sickness. If you have any allergy, please let the team know about it in advance.
Symptoms of altitude sickness:
You might have:
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Headache
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Dizziness
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Nausea
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Vomiting
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Fatigue and loss of energy
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Shortness of breath
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Problems with sleep
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Loss of appetite
If you suffer from altitude sickness, you will be more than encouraged to try our powerful Coca tea. You can also chew some leaves to relieve the pain.
Fresh Coca leaves
How to consume Coca Leaves:
- Coca is the best natural medicine to cope with altitude sickness. It was even considered sacred because of its healing powers and is still used in the same way now as it was in the time of the Incas. One common way to consume it among the locals is by chewing it.
- You can also drink it. It is completely safe to drink a cup or two each day can ease altitude symptoms. Just remember coca is a mild stimulant so don’t go over the top and drink cup loads.
Altitude Sickness symptoms usually come on within 12 to 24 hours of reaching a higher elevation and then get better within a day or two as your body adjusts to the change in altitude. During this time you can do some things in the city. Read this blog to find some suggestions on things you can do while acclimating.
You can also read:
We are Inkayni Peru Tours dedicated to promoting the natural and cultural heritage of Peru and committed to conserving it. We strongly believe that we are the best link to the andean world that still lives in everything you touch and see in Cusco.
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.” – H. Jackson Brown Jr.
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