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It is time to explore the Vilcanota Mountain Range. A part of the mountain systems from Peru. This range is notable because of the natural beauty of its landscape.
Here, adventurers and nature lovers find their dream adventures. You may have also heard about some of the main destinations there. This geological formation has a lot to offer.
Through diverse landscapes and ecosystems, this mountain range is diverse. As you trek you will encounter multiple scenarios. Animals and plants here are also unique.
Prepare to explore some amazing destinations. No matter if you are an experienced hiker or a casual tourist. We promise at least one of these destinations is for you. But for a complete exploration of the Mountain Range, we also have an adventure.
Discover the Vilcanota Mountain Range, a series of peaks. Stretching across the southeast of Cusco. Known locally as the Cordillera Vilcanota.
The Vilcanota Range is a part of the Andes. It includes some of the highest peaks in Peru. The Ausangate is the main one. It is revered locally as a deity. The peak’s summit is at 6,384 meters/12,087 ft above sea level.
The Cordillera Vilcanota brings thousands of visitors each year.While the snow-covered peaks are the main attraction. Each year it becomes more popular as a trekking destination.
The range’s unique geography supports a diverse array of flora and fauna. Each living thing adapted to the harsh, cold conditions. They also have to be fine with the insane altitudes. This makes it an area for biological interest and research.
The climate here is dramatic. At the beginning of the dry season, the colder part of the year. Nights will reach freezing temperatures, but middays will be sunny. These conditions are the best you can find for trekking.
Despite the colder nights, the rain season makes the paths too dangerous. Generally the drier part of the year is around June to August.
When traveling through the Vilcanota Range, you can’t ignore Rainbow Mountain. Its colorful mineral deposits make the view a spectacle. The mineral richness hints to volcanic activity.
The region’s cultural significance dates back centuries. Maybe before the Incas, people revered these mountains as sacred. There is folklore around them. Today, the Vilcanota Mountain Range teaches about its traditions to modern explorers.
Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca. Is a recently discovered high mountain destination. The Vilcanota Mountain Range becomes a dreamlike landscape. The mountain shows lines of color around it.
Even the soil in the surrounding valleys is brightly colored. Most of the ground presents a red hue. This creates one unbelievable view.
In the southeast of Cusco, it has become one of Peru’s must-see destinations. This happened rapidly. The discovery” of the mountain was only in 2016. Because of climate change, a big portion of Vinicunca mountain lost ist snow cover.
Under the snow lay the famous colors. Word spread around and “Montaña de 7 colores” was born. Since then another 2 rainbow mountains have been discovered. But the original phenomenon occurred in the Vilcanota Range.
The colors of Rainbow Mountain arise from mineral deposits. Hundreds of years of erosion exposed them to the surface. Tourists flock here to take pictures. The trek to the summit is now a staple day hike in Cusco.
But for a longer and more intimate look at the mountain range, the Ausangate Trek has you covered. This renowned circuit takes you to the skirts of the Ausangate mountain. It’s an epic adventure, set in the beautiful andean landscapes of the southeast of Cusco.
The Ausangate Trek Is a high mountain adventure, a cultural exploration and more. This circuit takes you through high mountain passes. You will also discover multiple andean lakes. For even more discoveries, the cultural exploration section is also great.
The path takes you through some of the remote parts of the Vilcanota range. And the volcanic activity makes its presence known by the thermal baths of Upis and Pacchanta. They are available for hikkers’s use.
This challenging route demands a lot. Most tour operators recommend it for hikers with experience. To take the challenge you need a good physical condition.
Before attempting this, you have to spend 3 days of proper acclimatization. Trekkers navigate paths reaching nearly 5,000 meters/ 16,404 feet above sea level.
The trek offers a glimpse into local culture. Communities along the trail maintain age-old traditions. They have become an important part of trail upkeep. They also welcome trekkers and share their culture with them.
The area is also rich in wildlife, During the trek you will encounter soaring condors. With some luck you may be able to observe vizcachas. And of course during all these days you will be around flocks of alpacas and llamas.
These moments make the Vilcanota Mountain Range a meaningful scenario. You can ignore the fact that the Vilcanota Mountain Range is a fragile ecosystem. Even the discovery of Rainbow mountain establish that.
Every trekker needs some degree of environmental awareness. At least visitors must show respect. Preserving this habitat for future explorers is only a small part. This mountain range is part of a larger ecosystem.
