Everyone has epic, once-in-a-lifetime adventures on their bucket list. Witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration in East Africa and seeing the Northern Lights are top picks. Climbing Rainbow Mountain, Peru was one of mine.
This peak is the fastest-growing tourist attraction in Peru, with travellers itching to see its multi-coloured stripes in person. It’s become a must-visit on everyone’s Peru itinerary, alongside the 15th-century citadel Macchu Picchu and the colonial centre of Lima.
I’ve trekked up the Rainbow Mountain in Peru, so I’m sharing everything you need to know about visiting this otherworldly landscape. There are plenty of fun facts, too!
Everything You Need to Know About Rainbow Mountain, Peru
Where Is Rainbow Mountain?
Rainbow Mountain, Peru’s location is approximately a three-hour drive (139 km) southeast of Cusco. Since Cusco is the hub city for Machu Picchu, it’s easy to adapt your itinerary to add a full-day trip to Rainbow Mountain.
The mountain is located in the Red Valley, a route that connects the peak to the Pitumarca District. It’s situated on overlapping land between two indigenous communities, Chillihuani and Pampachiri.
Rainbow Mountain Goes by Many Names
In the local Quechua language, Rainbow Mountain is called Vinicunca. This loosely translates to ‘black stone neck’. Winikunka is an alternative name.
In Spanish, Rainbow Mountain is often called Montaña de Colores or Montaña de Siete Colores. This translates to ‘Mountain of Seven Colours’. Since there are seven colours in a rainbow, that makes perfect sense.
The Reason Behind the Vibrant Colours
Rainbow Mountain’s seven striking colours and unique pattern are due to its layers of mineral deposits. These are red clay and mud (pink), clay (red), sandstone (white), marl (lavender), clay and copper oxide (green), and limonites (yellow-brown).
If you’re wondering why you’ve only heard about Peru’s Rainbow Mountain recently, there is a poignant reason. Until around 2013, the minerals were hidden underneath a glacier and layers of snow. Due to climate change, warmer temperatures melted the glacier unveiling its hidden beauty.
Tours to Rainbow Mountain started in January 2016. It’s Peru’s newest, natural tourist attraction. Hopefully, it stays that way!
Rainbow Mountain is at High Altitude
The altitude of Rainbow Mountain is 5,200 m/17,100 ft above sea level. You start the hike at 4,600 m/15,092 ft elevation. While that doesn’t sound like a long hike (we took about 30 minutes climbing to the top), it’s not the time that makes this trail so tough. It’s the altitude!
Do not plan to travel to Rainbow Mountain from Cusco on day one of your trip. Spend at least a day (two is better) getting acclimatised to Cusco’s elevation (around 3,400 m/11,200 ft) first. Rest frequently and breathe deeply on your hike.
On average, the roundtrip takes most people around three hours. This depends on fitness level, altitude acclimation, and how many times you want to stop. But it shows that it’s not an easy hike and not to be taken lightly. You’re only supposed to spend around 20 minutes at the summit for this reason.
Drink Water to Combat Altitude Sickness
There’s no easy way to beat altitude sickness. The only cure is to return to lower elevations. But there are some things you can do to lessen the effects.
Staying hydrated is the best tip. You shouldn’t drink the tap water in Peru so stock up on bottled water or pack a water bottle with a good filter.
Avoid smoking and drinking before your tour to Rainbow Mountain, Peru. Some people say that taking mild painkillers or anti-sickness medication works for them. Eating carbs is supposedly a good idea too as you need to consume more calories at higher elevations.
Book High Altitude Travel Insurance
It’s probably not something you’ve had to think about before, but some travel insurance policies don’t cover hiking at altitudes above 3,000 m/9,800 ft. This means that if you did become so sick from the altitude that you need medical attention, you might not be covered. Find a policy that includes high-altitude hiking or offers it for an extra cost.
As full time travellers we get our insurance from SafetyWing as it covers all destinations worldwide on a monthly rolling plan, which suits us great. Their standard insurance will cover you up to elevations of 4500m, which to be honest I think is totally fine for trips like this.
You Can Rent a Horse
People struggling with the altitude or the exertion of the hike can ride a horse for part of the journey. There are opportunities to rent a horse from a local at any point along the hike until close to the top. You’ll have to walk the last 15 minutes or so, but that extra help could make all the difference.
Horse trekking isn’t usually included in organised tours. Expect to pay around 100 soles (around £20) in cash to rent a horse one-way from the start of the trail in addition to your tour.
Weather Is Unpredictable
Since Rainbow Mountain, Peru is at such a high altitude, the weather is unpredictable! It can change hour by hour. You might be walking up in the sunshine and walking down in the snow. Check the average weather conditions when you book your trip and before you get dressed and leave on your tour.
What To Wear on Rainbow Mountain
Hiking in the Rainbow Mountains of Peru might be the only proper ‘hike’ you do on your trip. You may not want to waste valuable luggage space on hiking boots or trail runners, but they are essential.
No matter what the weather forecast says, bring a rain jacket or at least a poncho. Many can pack up small and you’d rather pack it and not need it than leave it in your hotel room and it starts pouring!
Speaking of ponchos, invest in locally-made, colourful mantas shawls for your photographs. They will protect you from UV rays and are a wonderful souvenir. Suncream is a must, especially when hiking in high elevation, and you won’t regret bringing your hat.
The bottom line is to wear comfortable layers you can take off and put on as necessary.
March to October is the Best Time to Visit
Peru’s rainy season runs from November to April. You might book a tour on a dry day and visiting Rainbow Mountain will be just as spectacular as it would be any other time of year. If you’re still figuring out when to book, it’s best to avoid this season.
The mountain can get incredibly muddy in wet weather. Plus, the rain clouds might obscure your view of the mountain (the main reason to visit!) and make everything look grey.
Peru’s weather is a little cooler during the dry season, but blue skies are more likely. Again, it’s futile trying to predict the weather too much in this part of the world, it’s just something to keep in mind.
Every Viewpoint is Gorgeous
There’s one iconic shot of Rainbow Mountain that I’m sure you’ve seen on social media many times (I should know – I’ve posted that shot myself!). Often, the colours are edited to look more oversaturated than in real life.
Truthfully, the colours of the minerals in the mountains are pastel shades. Rainbow Mountain’s colours can look different depending on the weather and time of day, but it always looks beautiful.
The entire 360-degree panorama from the top of Rainbow Mountain in Cusco is absolutely gorgeous too. The snowy peaks of the Andes stretch on much further than the eye can see.
Book a Guided Tour to Rainbow Mountain
Independent travellers may not love the idea, but booking a tour guide is by far the best way to travel to Rainbow Mountain, Peru. Unless you happen to be overlanding in South America and have your own vehicle, it’s the only way!
When the tours first started, online tours were extremely overpriced. It was much more cost-effective to book a tour in Cusco. Now, the prices have thankfully evened out.
Tours from Cusco usually include a guide and two meals. They always carry oxygen tanks and first aid kits for emergencies and can offer you a wooden pole to help you climb. The entrance fee of 30 soles (around £6) is usually not included in the tour price.
Book the Earliest Guided Tour
There’s no getting around the fact that Rainbow Mountain, Peru is a popular tourist attraction. It gets very, very crowded.
Most depart around 4 – 5am. You’ll drive for two hours, have 30 – 45 minutes for breakfast, drive for 90 minutes, and then have around four hours at the mountain. It’s approximately the same schedule for the way back, except you’ll stop for a buffet lunch.
The best way to see Rainbow Mountain without the crowds is to book the earliest tour you possibly can. We woke up at 2:30am but it was so worth it! This experience requires an early start anyway, so make the most of your lack of sleep.
Don’t Miss Rainbow Mountain, Peru on Your Trip
Travellers who are mindful of the altitude, crowds, and local community will have an incredible time at Rainbow Mountain, Peru. It’s completely worth adding a day trip to this beautiful mountain range while in Cusco. Just remember to prepare your body and you won’t regret springing for an eye-catching traditional shawl for photos either!
