Summary
Rainbow Mountain Peru – Montaña de Siete Colores
Most people don’t realize that Rainbow Mountain in Peru was virtually undiscovered until 2015 and it only started accepting day tours in 2016.
It is hard to believe nobody had heard of this incredible site a few years ago, but now Rainbow Mountain has become a trekking mecca for many adventurers visiting Peru. There is no doubt that social media platforms like Instagram have greatly contributed to its surge in popularity. Backpackers now flock to the area to embark on day tours from Cusco, eager to capture snapshots of its iconic rainbow-colored layers of yellow, red, and orange.
Where is Rainbow Mountain?
Mountain Vinicunca is located a three-hour drive from Cusco, Peru in the breathtaking Andes Mountains. At an elevation of 5200 m (17,060 feet) above sea level, it draws numerous tour operators offering day trips from Cusco. It has quickly become one of the premier attractions, alongside visiting Machu Picchu.
My Rainbow Mountain Tour Experience
We began our Rainbow Mountain adventure by waiting for our bus. There were six people in my party—a group of travelers who had met in Cusco, the bustling tourist capital of Peru. We had decided to book a tour together. While many visitors flock to Cusco to trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, an increasing number are also embarking on Mountain Vinicunca adventures.
Rainbow Mountain tours typically cost around 100 Soles ($30), offered by countless travel agents in Cusco. We opted to spend 130 Soles ($40) to enlist a locally reputable operator, ensuring a trustworthy experience.
The bus was expected to collect us from one of Cusco’s narrow streets; however, after an hour of waiting on chilly cobblestones, I started to worry there might have been a mistake.
It was 3 am (tours to Rainbow Mountain set off early due to the long three-hour drive from Cusco). Nearby, party-goers were spilling out of bars and clubs, hopping into taxis. Cusco has a peculiar twilight. Half of the crowds were returning home from a night of dancing; the other half were early risers preparing for a day of hiking to Machu Picchu or the Sacred Valley.
Eventually, the best Spanish speaker in our group called the “Reliable Operator.” It turned out the bus had simply lost its way while trying to locate us.
The drive to Rainbow Mountain felt long. We zipped over winding mountain roads, enveloped in darkness. In total, our Rainbow Mountain tour group contained about a dozen individuals from different nationalities—English, American, Scottish, Dutch, Peruvian, and French Canadian—crammed together in a tiny bus, attempting to grab a few minutes of rest while the vehicle jolted along. I managed to catch a short nap but quickly realized I should have packed a travel pillow.
As the sun began to rise, the bus halted in a small village nestled in the red valley. Our tour guide, an upbeat woman in a bright red jacket and floppy hat, led us to a hut for a hearty breakfast of scrambled eggs and fried bananas, while village sheepdogs eyed us hopefully for scraps.
Toilet Tip: It is Mother Nature’s toilet, so ensure you bring your own toilet paper.
The Rainbow Mountain Trek
The hike to and from Rainbow Mountain is a day-long trek at over 17,000 feet (5200 meters), following a dirt path amidst towering peaks of green and striking red rock. This scenic route leads through local villages built from stone and alongside glimmering mountain streams. However, the altitude can be a significant challenge, turning even the fittest athlete into a panting mess.
Before attempting the trek, ensure you acclimatize to the elevation in the Cusco region for a few days. Although I may not be the fittest athlete, I found myself lagging behind my group to take photographs as we climbed the ascending path.
How to Dress for Rainbow Mountain
Dressing appropriately for Rainbow Mountain can be quite tricky. At times during the hike, the sun may shine with relentless intensity, while the slightest breeze can cause temperatures to plummet. Therefore, layering is essential.
Here are the recommended essentials to bring with you:
- Broken-in hiking boots or shoes. Flip-flops won’t suffice!
- Windproof/waterproof jacket
- A base layer that isn’t cotton.
- A wide-brimmed hat
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
- A sweater or mid-layer to wear at the viewpoint
- Small daypack backpack to carry everything
Being prepared for varying weather conditions is crucial to enjoying this hike.
When is the Best Time to Visit Rainbow Mountain?
Generally, the ideal time to visit Rainbow Mountain is during the dry season, which runs from March to November. That period typically offers the best weather conditions. Regardless of when you plan to visit, be sure to check the weather forecast beforehand. There’s nothing worse than driving for several hours, only to encounter a muddy mess that looks nothing like the stunning photos.
If rain is expected and your time in the Cusco area is limited, consider skipping Rainbow Mountain altogether.
How Hard is Rainbow Mountain to Climb?
Successfully climbing Rainbow Mountain largely depends on two factors: your fitness level and your acclimatization to the altitude.
The hike itself is approximately 2.5 miles (4 km) one way, with a round trip totaling about 4.5 to 5 miles (7-8 km). There’s an elevation gain of around 3937 feet (1200 meters). If you are acclimatized and in reasonable shape, it isn’t particularly difficult. However, expect to find yourself out of breath and fatigued, especially during the final 1000 feet (300 meters), where the incline steepens significantly.
The altitude is no joke! The viewpoint rests at 17,060 feet (5200 meters) above sea level, while the starting point is around 13,779 feet (4200 m). For context, the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, is 19,340 feet (5895 m), typically requiring 5-7 days to climb. Thus, altitude effects are inevitable.
A significant number of hikers struggle during this trek. Many overlook the importance of acclimatizing in Cusco and may not be in peak physical condition.
To have a more enjoyable journey, avoid battling altitude sickness by giving yourself a few days to adjust before attempting Rainbow Mountain. Consider exploring Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley first to help with acclimatization.
Ultimately, visiting Rainbow Mountain is undoubtedly worth a day of your Peru trip, especially if you’re spending time in the Cusco region. Despite the arduous nature of the climb and the early wake-up call, the reward is immensely fulfilling.
Discover More of Peru
- Explore our Peru Travel Guide for essential insights on Traveling to Peru
- Check the 24 Best Things to Do in Peru
- Learn about Top Day Trips from Cusco, Peru
- Discover Things to Do in Iquitos, Peru – A Gateway to the Amazon
- Essentials for Hiking Machu Picchu
- Planning a Trip to Machu Picchu
- 5 Authentic Cusco Restaurants to Eat Like a Local
- Fun Facts About Peru You Never Knew
Travel Planning Resources
Start planning your next adventure by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. For insightful recommendations based on trial and error, explore trusted hotel and apartment rental options. Don’t forget to prioritize travel insurance for peace of mind during your journey.
