Andina

Peru: Rainbow Mountain may become Cusco's second-most important tourist destination

16:22 | Cusco (Cusco region), Aug. 30.

Peru's wonderful Winikunka (Quechua word for Seven-color Mountain) could become Cusco region's second-most important tourist destination.

This colorful mountain rises at over 5,000 m.a.s.l. and is accessible from a hiking trail that passes through breathtaking landscapes.

"Machu Picchu is still the most important (attraction). Over 90% of tourists (between 4,000-5,000) go there (…)," Cusco Regional Directorate of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Dircetur) Head Rosendo Baca told Andina news agency.


However, he said, Choquequirao archaeological complex should receive the second-highest visitor influx. 

Regarding the Rainbow Mountain, Baca affirmed there is a sustained increase in tourists who visit this destination. 

The Foreign Trade and Tourism Ministry (Mincetur), as well as Pitumarca and Cusipata Municipalities, College of Professionals in Tourism (Colitur), among other institutions, currently support sightseeing in the area. 


Pitumarca Mayor Teodosio Cruz Huancachoque indicated between 500 and 2,500 visitors pass through his district while heading to Winikunka.

The highest numbers are registered on the weekends. Said figures might have been increasing for the past two years. In this sense, the boost may have started in November 2015. 

Even though the figures are yet to be confirmed, it may be possible the Rainbow Mountain is one of the most important natural tourist destinations, right after Humantay Lake and Salkantay Trek, located in Anta and La Convencion provinces, respectively.


Lastly, Baca indicated Winikunka keeps capturing the globe's attention, as this natural destination was advertised at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia with the purpose of drawing potential visitors.

(END) PHS/MAO/DTK/MVB

Published: 8/30/2018