Rainbow Mountain Trek is an amazing adventure to not be missed. If you are planning a trip, not including a trip to the second most popular tourist attraction in Peru would be doing yourself a serious disservice. It’s an unforgettable adventure! It’s a remarkable place that can be enjoyed by anyone and everyone with the right preparation and planning.
Keep reading to learn about our Rainbow Mountain Trek experience and know what to expect!
If you haven’t already seen the content making rounds on Instagram and other social media networks, Rainbow Mountain is a unique mountain formation in the Andes of Peru which features the different colors of the rainbow.
The unique appearance is due to volcanic activity in the region which creates individual layers rich in specific minerals based on time periods. Tectonic activity is slowly pushing the earth up and revealing the spectacular red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet hues underneath.
Known as Vinicunca to locals, Rainbow Mountain was known as a difficult place to reach. Luckily, it has become more accessible in recent years due to improvements on the roads which has allowed for easier access. The trailhead is reached by a 3-hour drive from the city of Cusco. From here, it’s a 3-4 hour trek through somewhat difficult terrain.
The altitude can also complicate things: the Rainbow Mountain trek reaches a height of over 15,000 feet above sea level. That’s almost half the height of Mount Everest and several thousand feet above the level at which altitude sickness can take effect. Symptoms of altitude sickness can include fatigue, headache, nausea, rapid heart rate and more.
*** Not all tour companies bring an oxygen tank, so make sure to research and book with a safe option.
Anyway, despite the somewhat difficult nature of the trek, it’s 100% worth the effort to get there. Rainbow Mountain is an absolutely incredible place, a place that defies description. I took some of the most amazing pictures of my whole journey on my hike there. It really is a MUST visit for anyone who will be in Cusco! Here’s a look at what the itinerary is like.
As you can see, the trek takes a little bit of work but it’s not too difficult. Just make sure to follow the tips mentioned above and book with a quality tour operator like Sam Travel Peru. Make sure to check out the comprehensive information available here at the official Rainbow Mountain Peru page to help you prepare for this once-in-a-lifetime trek!
In the Andes Mountains, we do have 2 main seaosn (DRY and WET): the dry season, lasting from roughly April until October; and the rainy season (wet), lasting from November until March (with the months of heaviest precipitation being January and February). April and October are also pleasant since its usually when the seasons are transitioning.
Below you will find our answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the hike to Peru’s most colorful mountain.
WHAT IS THE TRAIL TO RAINBOW MOUNTAIN LIKE?
The trail starts as an even, gradual incline through a valley until you arrive to a steeper climb up to Rainbow Mountain.
To get the classic view, you have to climb a very steep, hard packed dirt mountainside that’s across from Rainbow Mountain. Because the mountainside is sheer, the terrain can be slippery when wet. The summit allows you to see the full streaking of the mountainside and the stellar views of lush, green scenery that fade into steely snowcapped mountain peaks.
HOW HARD IS THE HIKE UP TO RAINBOW MOUNTAIN?
Many people don’t realize beforehand that Rainbow Mountain is a high altitude hike. The altitude, more so than the incline of the trail, adds to the challenge factor of the hike.
The trailhead starts at around 4,300 meters (14,000 feet) and climbs to just over 5,000 meters (16,400 feet). Many people have a hard time and end up paying for a horseback ride offered by one of the locals walking along the trail.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE?
The weather at Rainbow Mountain is very unpredictable, changing frequently and quickly. You might see warm weather and sunny skies one minute and then cloudy skies and snowfall the next. The best idea is to make sure you are prepared for all weather by dressing in layers.
ARE THERE RESTROOMS ALONG THE TRAIL?
Very basic bathroom facilities are available along the trail. These bathrooms are very rustic, but it’s the only option that is available in such a remote area. Make sure to carry a roll of toilet paper with you just in case.
DO YOU RECOMMEND A 1- OR 2-DAY TOUR?
A 1-day tour to Rainbow Mountain ends up being a very long day. Pick-up in Cusco is very early at 3am, then it’s a 3-hour drive to the trailhead, and then after several hours of hiking, you make the return drive. This can be very exhausting even for those in great physical shape, so for those who have the time, taking a 2-day tour may be a good idea. The schedule for 2-day tours is at a slower, more enjoyable pace. Not only does it break down the long roundtrip drive to and from Cusco, but camping closer to Rainbow Mountain allows you to adjust better to the altitude than in Cusco so you feel better during the hike.
WHY IS RAINBOW MOUNTAIN IN PERU COLORFUL?
The colors of the mountain actually come from the rich mineral deposits compressed into layers over millions of years. The red layers are iron oxide, while oxidized limonite gives some layers a brown hue. Chlorite gives off a green hue in other layers, and finally, iron sulfide is what makes Rainbow Mountains Yellow layers.
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