How difficult is the hike to Rainbow Mountain?
One of the newest attractions and one of the most popular in Peru is Rainbow Mountain. For those of you who don’t know or have never heard of it this spectacular site, it is located 3 hours by car from the Inca city of Cusco. What makes it so special you may ask? Due to global warming and the melting snow, the locals in the area discovered the colorful mountain and its wonderful colorful stripes. This was as recent as 2013.
Vinicunca, also known as The Mountain of 7 colors or Rainbow Mountain, is a striking geological landmark because of its colorful stripes which are made up of layers of 14 different minerals.
Colors include, Red because of the rust, Yellows because of the Iron Sulfide, Purples because of the Oxidized Limonite and Greens because of the Chlorite.
Interested? Many hike every year to see this incredible sight, so how difficult is the hike?
Generally, an early start is recommended, most start at 3 or 4 in the morning. Drive south of Cusco for 3 hours. Arrive at the trail head, hike around 2 hours, the last half hour being the most challenging, to the summit. Later after you have finished at the top, the trek down takes around 1 hour and a half. The trek is challenging because of steep inclines and loose gravel. It is not recommended for those with limited mobility.
Additionally, the mountain sits at a rather high elevation more than 16,000 feet (4800mts) above sea level to be exact — so bring plenty of water and take your time on the ascent and descent. If you are feeling that you are unable to make it, while on the trek, you may be able to pay a small fee to travel part of the way by horse with a guide.
Here is a comment from one of our passengers that sums up perfectly regarding the altitude.
“The altitude is no joke! Had to stop every half kilometer to catch our breath even though it’s relatively flat. The last kilometer to the peak is very steep and absolutely brutal,” “The altitude is very tough,” ” This is a quick hike but tough because of the altitude.”
Weather at Rainbow Mountain.
This can be a deciding factor in when to travel to Rainbow Mountain. The one-day hike is the most popular in the dry season of the Andes Mountains. This is between May to October, when you will experience clear blue skies and no rain. The downside is that the mountain can become crowded with thousands traveling to Rainbow Mountain daily.
The other season in the highlands is the wet season. As the name implies it can get wet and you will get wet. You will need to bring good wet weather gear to stay dry. The crowds are less and sometimes you will have the place to yourself. The downside is that if it is raining there will be cloud which hinders the views of the mountains. Another consideration is that the trek can be slippery. You will need to take good quality hiking boots with good grip.
What is there to see around Rainbow Mountain?
Red Valley
Not only should you visit Rainbow Mountain, when you have finished your time there, there is an extra hike you can do to the Red Valley. This remarkable work of nature is located between 20 to 30 minutes away from the Rainbow Mountain. The trek to the Red Valley is not so hard but that will depend on your physical condition and how your body reacts to the altitude. The valley is Red as far as the eye can see, spectacular for viewing. Bear in mind that for entering to the Red Valley you will need to pay an entrance fee to the communities.
Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain
This marvel of nature is set in the Andes Mountain Range and has a fraction of the daily crowds than its famous sister, from Cusco you can take a fantastic day trip to the mountain that is covered in stripes of color. A bit further away from Cusco, the mountain is not as popular and is quieter. The colors are as equally as impressive as Rainbow Mountain. The site is gaining popularity.
When to get the best photos?
For the best photos, start your hike in the early morning hours or around dusk. Not only will the temperatures be pleasant, but you’ll also have the best light. These two times of day are known as the golden hour. On a clear day, the light becomes a gorgeous burnt orange and makes everything it touches look equally stunning. You can also think of different ways to photograph the mountain. Maybe try taking an extreme close-up of the earthen colors or photographing some of the hikers and locals you encounter (with their permission of course), Make it unique, and make it a special photo just for you. That will end up being the best photo of all.
How to get to the Rainbow Mountain Trail Head from Cusco?
Getting to the trail head on your own can be a difficult undertaking, you will need to catch local buses and even taxis to the start of the trail. No, you do not need a guide but without an explanation what will you learn about the site. There are many different tours on sale around the main square in Cusco, some good and some not. Be careful from who you buy your tour. Do your research, read reviews from sites like Trip Advisor. SAM Travel Peru has some of the best tours to Rainbow Mountain with departures daily with a minimum of 2 passengers. For the best experience choose a licensed Travel Agent.
Many tour companies will include transport to the mountain and return to Cusco, guide, breakfast, entrances and lunch, making the day a very pleasant experience.
What to wear and take to Rainbow Mountain?
The most important thing to remember is that in the early morning and late in the afternoon when the sun goes down, it will be cold, so dressing warmly is a must. Dress in layers is the best option. As the sun comes up the trek will warm up. Take enough water for the whole trek and snacks in case you get hungry on the trail. A good sun hat and sunscreen are also essential. It is also a great idea to take Soles if you want to buy something at the beginning of the trek or to hire a horse from the locals.
Although the trek to Rainbow Mountain is a challenging one, the rewards are many. The memories are worth the effort. No where else in the world will you see such a spectacular site. When in Peru take the trip to Rainbow Mountain for the trip of a lifetime.
