Frequently Asked Questions About Rainbow Mountain Tour

From its discovery in 2015, Rainbow Mountain has quickly become one of the most popular destinations near Cusco. Taking social media by storm, Rainbow Mountain is a natural phenomenon that offers travelers a once-in-a-lifetime view. In this article we will see what are the most frequently asked questions about the Rainbow Mountain in Peru.

Locally, the mountain is known as Vinicunca, and mineral deposits give it the distinctive red, yellow, green and purple stripes. Just a few hours from Cusco, the trek to Rainbow Mountain challenges hikers with its altitude and remote location but like most sites in Peru, the journey is just as worthwhile as the destination. With each step, travelers are greeted with unique views, passing herds of alpacas and grazing lands that lead to snow-capped peaks and the famous “rainbow” awaiting at the top.

What is the Rainbow Mountain Tour?

The Rainbow Mountain Tour is a 3-hour roundtrip hike that goes from the starting point up to the famous photo spot overlooking Rainbow Mountain and back to the transportation point. The first portion of the hike is mostly flat, and you’ll pass by many alpacas along your route.

At first, you’ll see rolling green hills, but as you approach the mountain, the scenery changes to rugged mountains and glaciers. The final stretch of the walk is a steep uphill climb. Reaching the top is a rewarding experience, as you’re greeted with stunning views of the vibrant, multicolored landscape.This trek can be combined with a short hike to the Red Valley which is a less visited destination offering panoramic views of iron oxide soil. It is located just behind the Rainbow Mountain.

Where is it located and how to get there?

Rainbow Mountain is located about 3 hours from Cusco near Cusipata. It used to be difficult to reach, but the community has built a road through the remote area, making it easier for travelers. To access the mountain, you’ll need a guide. Most visitors go on a tour, which includes transportation from Cusco and typically leaves very early in the morning to allow enough time for the trek and to beat the crowds.

Why is it called Rainbow Mountain?

Also known as Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain gets its name from colors striping its surface. These colors were created by sediments from the water that once covered the area and gradual weathering. What can be seen today are mineral deposits; red hues come from iron oxide, green from magnesium and copper oxide, white from limestone, and yellow from sulfur. Together, these layers form the rainbow-like effect that makes this mountain such a unique sight.

How to prepare for the Rainbow Mountain Trek

The best way to prepare for the Rainbow Mountain Trek is to acclimatize to the altitude. Rainbow Mountain is located at a staggering altitude of approximately 5,200 meters or 17,060 feet. It’s the highest of the major touristic sites surrounding Cusco. Even for seasoned hikers, the altitude can be challenging, so you’ll want to keep a slower pace and take plenty of breaks. If your schedule allows, it’s best to arrive in Cusco a few days prior to visiting Rainbow Mountain and to visit other sites first.

This will make the trek easier and reduce the risk of developing altitude sickness. Prior to the trek, it’s important to drink enough water so you’re hydrated for the short but challenging walk up to see the seven colors. You can also try the local remedy, chewing on coca leaves, to deal with the altitude. If you’re not confident that you’ll be ready to make the trek, there is also the option to go on horseback. This doesn’t need to be arranged in advance, and if the trek becomes too difficult, a horse can be rented at any time to ease the journey.

What to pack for Rainbow Mountain Tour

At this high altitude, the weather at Rainbow Mountain is cold and often windy. It’s important to use layers and wear the right clothes so you can stay warm. For a trip to Rainbow Mountain, don’t forget to bring:

Comfortable walking shoes

Pants and long sleeves

A warm coat

Gloves

A hat

Sunscreen

Sunglasses

Plenty of water

How to beat the crowds

Rainbow Mountain has gotten extremely popular in the last few years, and it is now one of the most visited sites in all of Peru after Machu Picchu. To get the best pictures, it’s best to go early to beat the crowds. The viewing area is also quite small, so in addition to getting better photos, it’s more magical to see the colors of Rainbow Mountain without being too cramped by other tourists.

To beat the crowds, it’s best to leave Cusco as early as possible, usually around 3 AM. This way, you’ll arrive before the crowds and before the strong afternoon winds creep in. Another option to avoid large crowds is to consider the Rainbow Mountain alternatives, Palccoyo and Pallay Punchu. Both mountains have similar multi-color, mineral deposits stripes and are less frequented by tourists, offering a quieter, more peaceful experience.