HUMANTAY LAKE TOUR
Humantay Lagoon, is a magical, charming, hypnotizing turquoise lagoon that is surrounded by imposing glaciers that are part of the Andes Mountains, among them the majestic Salkantay and Humantay Snowy Mountains. The melting of these snow-capped mountains gives rise to the splendid Humantay lagoon, which will transform your way of seeing nature, enjoying the flora and fauna that will be recorded in your mind and in the wonderful snapshots of the place.
In the same way you can perform various adventurous activities such as mountain biking in its surroundings or stand-up paddling.
First useful and indispensable tips for this walk:
- Wear trekking shoes, which protect you since the road is not uniform.
- Wear warm clothes (jacket, gloves, caps or chullos, thick socks, warm pants), with constant changes in temperature, do not get loose since it affects the altitude sickness much more.
- Apply sunscreen every 2 hours minimum.
- Use trekking poles which will be of great help.
- Sleep well the day before, as the tour starts very early.
- Hydrate yourself, take small sips of water along the way, the water contains oxygen that will help you in the ascent.
- Take snacks, whether nuts or energy bars that will help you give yourself strength along the way.
- Take a pill for altitude sickness (if necessary), always carry the coca leaves.
- Breathe! It is logical, but the altitude limits the arrival of oxygen to the brain, which causes the terrible headaches, so the recommendation is always to breathe hard, hold the air for 4 or 6 seconds and then exhale, that will help to oxygenate the brain , you will feel much better.
RAINBOW MOUNTAIN
Location, height and more information:
Why is it called Mountain of the 7 Colors? – According to various investigations done on site, the multicolored shades are due to the different minerals that the area covers in capable. These natural substances began to form 65 million years ago when water and rain covered their slopes and peaks. With the passing of time, the extreme weather was thawing the snow that formed there revealing to the world what is today one of the most important tourist attractions of Cusco.
Location and height – This amazing place is located in the Andes of Peru, in the department of Cusco and Canchis province, at 5,200 m.a.s.l., an area of considerable elevation. It belongs to the people of Pitumarca who call it the ‘Cerro Colorado’. Because it is located on the way to the imposing snowy Ausangate, this site was known long before by the adventurers who dared to do the trek. The photos they posted on Facebook and Instagram, made him gain popularity. Since 2016 it is a popular tourist attraction.
How to get? – Due to its location, just over 100 kilometers from the city of Cuzco, this place is reached by car in the first instance. After a trip of approximately 2 hours along the Longitudinal Highway of the Peruvian Southern Sierra, you will arrive in Pitumarca. The journey continues along a trail to the community of Pampa Chiri. From there you follow a route through mountain slopes. This journey is 5 kilometers and can be done on foot or on horseback to finally arrive at Vinicunca. There are tours that offer this service.
Climate – The climate, typical of the highest areas of Cusco, is cold. Rain, wind and altitude sickness (or soroche) can be the biggest obstacles for travelers. Temperatures can lower zero degrees Celsius. The best time to do this adventure is during the dry season (from April to October) when river rainfall is less likely. If you plan to visit during the rainy season (from November to March), carry a rain poncho with you.
Flora and fauna – The incredible geography of the place is the scene of typical animals from high Andean areas such as llamas, alpacas and vicuñas. The inhabitants of the area raise horses to offer them as transportation to visitors. Due to the height of this region, the ichu or natural boil of the Andes abounds.
Trip to the Mountain of the 7 Colors
7 Color Mountain Tour – This picturesque summit used to be an attractive 4-day Ausangate snowy road. Over the years, this mountain gained popularity on its own. Today, the most widespread way to visit this summit is through a tour. There are 1 day and 2 day services. Most include transportation, food, tickets and professional guide. In the city of Cuzco there are many tourism agencies offering these services.
Travel on your own? – It is also possible to visit ‘Cerro Colorado’ on your own. To do this, the visitor must take a bus to Sicuani from the city of Cuzco (2 hours and 40 minutes away). Once there, a bus is taken to the town of Quesiuno. Then a walk begins (you can also hire a horse transport) to the Mountain of the 7 Colors. The entrance ticket price is 10 soles.
Difficulty of the mountain – The 3 or 4 hour hike (depends on the physical state of the tourist) is not dangerous and demands a moderate-high physical effort. There are sections of considerable slopes in ascent and descent. However, one of the biggest difficulties is the cold weather and the icy wind. The altitude of the area can cause altitude sickness or soroche. A previous acclimatization of 1 or 2 days is recommended in the city of Cusco.
Recommendations – Spend a day or two acclimatizing yourself in the city of Cusco. Wear warm clothes to do the walk. If you do not consider yourself in good physical condition for the walk, rent a horse to one of the inhabitants of the place. That day, do not forget a hat or hat, sunscreen, jacket, pants, shoes ideal for trekking and a rain poncho.
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