Rainbow Mountain is locally known as Vinicunca. It’s a spectacular multi-colored mountain located in the Andes near Cusco. The mountain tour is an absolute must for people who love stunning landscapes and gorgeous scenery.
You might be wondering what makes this mountain so colorful? The striking colors of Rainbow Mountain are a result of the rich geological composition of the land. Over millions of years, sedimentary minerals like limonites, marlstone, and argillites were deposited in layers. It’s the oxidation of these minerals that gives the slopes that vibrant spread of colors you see today.
An interesting fact? The mountain was covered in snow for many years and unveiled only in 2015 – after years of weathering, erosion, and climate change – making Rainbow Mountain a pretty discovery. The colors include gold, purple, maroon, turquoise, and forest green. If you are into nature and hiking, the spectacle Rainbow Mountain tour cannot be missed during your visit to Peru.
What To Expect When Planning for a Rainbow Mountain Tour?
Apart from the psychedelic, groovy landscape, there are several things you can expect when planning a visit to Rainbow Mountain.
The Altitude – Do not underestimate the altitude! Rainbow mountain stands at 5200m just a few metres below Everest Base Camp which is at 5364m.
The Alpacas –The local Andean herding communities live and work on the land here. You can expect to encounter locals and these furry inhabitants along your way. It’s a stomping ground for alpacas and llamas.
The Tourists – Do not get fooled by the drone shots of desolate peaks. Rainbow Mountain witnesses about 1500 visitors a day. If you want to beat the crowd and embark on your Rainbow Mountain tour, we suggest setting off from Cusco at about 1 am or 2 am, to start your hike at 4 am or 5 am.
10-20 minutes At The Top – Do not get too comfy or roll out the picnic blanket once you reach the top. You will get to spend a maximum of 20 minutes at the Rainbow Mountain summit due to its altitude.
Instagram vs. Reality – Instagram pictures might not do justice to the beauty of the mountain. In real, the Rainbow Mountain is a sight to behold. To witness the mountain in its full multi-colored glory, keep a close watch on the weather. Tour operators recommend visiting from March to November. June and August are the months with the most blue skies.
Rainbow Mountain Trekking
Rainbow Mountain trekking is now firmly established as one of the top adventure experiences in Peru. It takes around four hours to do a hike to and from the summit. The trail is flat until the final ascent. The high altitude is what makes it challenging. There are also horses available for rent for those who prefer not to hike. But they will only bring you to the final part of the trail where you will have to dismount and climb the final stretch on foot to reach the summit.
Once you reach the summit’s lookout point, you will not only have sweeping panoramic views of Rainbow Mountain but also the nearby Red Valley. Surrounding the mountain, you will also have the chance to see other rainbow hills.
How To Get There?
All Rainbow Mountain tours leave from the city of Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire and the closest major city to Machu Picchu and many of Peru’s most famous attractions.
After departing from Cusco, you will embark on a 2-hour journey to the town of Pitumarca in the south of the city. Not far from here is where you will find the Rainbow Mountain trailhead to start your hike.
If you are looking for a full day Rainbow Mountain tour and want further information about it, visit TrueMountainTraveler.
