Everything you need to know before visiting Rainbow Mountain in Peru
Are you planning a trip to Cusco, Peru? If so, you’ve probably heard about the stunning beauty of Rainbow Mountain. Located in the Peruvian Andes, this unique mountain is known for its vibrant colors, forming a rainbow-like pattern. It’s an amazing sight that should definitely be on your bucket list while visiting Cusco!
This is a unique experience that you will not want to miss during your trip. But before going to visit this natural wonder, there are some important things you need to know. In this blog post, we will cover all of the essentials you will need to know before going to Rainbow Mountain.
What to know before going to the Rainbow Mountain
Are you looking for a unique and breathtaking experience while in Cusco, Peru? There are so many amazing things to visit during your Cusco trip. Among many things, there is the spectacular famous Rainbow Mountain!
Although it is a beautiful sight, there are a few things you should prepare before going to visit, and even need some information on how to get there.
Is Cusco’s Rainbow Mountain worth visiting?
Yes! Absolutely! Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca, is an amazing experience that shouldn’t be missed during your visit to Cusco. The vibrant colors of the rainbow are actually a natural phenomenon that is formed due to a combination of sedimentary minerals, such as volcanic ash and sandstone. There are not many mountains around the world that have this phenomenon, a total of 4! so Make sure you visit this unique rare beauty.
Do you need to acclimate to Rainbow Mountain?
Yes! When you first visit Cusco, you might experience altitude sickness if you are not used to being at such a high elevation. This makes it even more challenging and can make your hike to Rainbow Mountain feel exhausting.
You should acclimatize yourself to the elevation before going, which can take a few days. It is advised that you spend at least two days in Cusco before attempting to go up the mountain. Additionally, you will want to make sure you are fully prepared for the trip and bring lots of water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, etc.
How far is Rainbow Mountain from Cusco?
Rainbow Mountain is located about 50 kilometers from Cusco, and it takes around 4 hours to get there by car. In order to reach the summit of the mountain, you will need to hike for approximately 2-3 hours, which can get a bit challenging. There are some tours that can offer horses or ATVs, but you will still need to hike for quite a bit.
How to get to Rainbow Mountain?
The best way to get to Rainbow Mountain is by going on an organized tour. The tour will provide transportation from Cusco, which takes around 4 hours, as well as a guide who will be able to provide information about the area and its history.
If going on a tour isn’t an option for you, one of your best bets is to take a taxi or other form of transportation from Cusco to Checacupe, which is located about 50 kilometers from Cusco. Once you arrive in Checacupe, you will need to find a guide or local who can help you make the remaining journey to the mountain.
The hike to Rainbow Mountain is fairly easy and straightforward but requires some fitness level since it includes going up hills and going down them for about 2-3 hours until reaching the summit.
How to get to Rainbow Mountain with a tour?
Joining a tour to visit Rainbow Mountain is the best way to make sure you have an organized and safe journey. Since going to the mountain is quite far from Cusco and requires some knowledge of the terrain, going on a tour will ensure that you don’t get lost or miss any important information about the area.
You will find a lot of tour companies around Cusco that you can purchase tickets from, but I recommend getting everything ahead of time. Especially during peak times when tickets sold out quicker. You can check out some of my recommended tours here.
Can you see rainbow mountain without hiking?
Yes, you can see Rainbow Mountain without having to hike. There is a viewpoint near the mountain that will give you a quick view of the area. You can take a taxi from Cusco and it should take around an hour and a half to reach this spot.
The experience will not be quite the same as being there, but it is still a pretty cool view if you cannot hike.
Rainbow Mountain in Peru FAQs
When is the best time to visit Rainbow Mountain?
The best time to visit Rainbow Mountain is during the dry season, which usually runs from May to October. During this period, there will be less rain and fewer clouds, making it much easier to appreciate the vibrant colors of the mountain.
From October to February the weather is generally cold and dry. Snowfall is common in this time period and it’s important to come prepared with warm clothing and gear. It’s also recommended that you check the weather beforehand for windy or rainy days so you can plan accordingly.
How long does it take to hike a rainbow mountain?
The average time to hike Rainbow Mountain is between 2-3 hours, depending on fitness levels and how much of a break you take. For those going on an organized tour, the journey usually starts at around 6 a.m. You will need to calculate the total travel time from Cusco to the mountain which is about 3 hours.
For the total trip, we are looking for about a 3-hour car ride and a 2-hour hike! That will be a total of 10 hours if you count the return.
What is the temperature for Rainbow Mountain?
The temperature for Rainbow Mountain typically ranges from -4 degrees Celsius to about 16 degrees Celsius. And at night time, temperatures can drop below 0 degrees Celsius and you will need warm clothing and shoes. Make sure to bring layers of clothing if visiting in cooler months as the weather can change quickly.
The warm months of Rainbow Mountain are typically from May to October, and the cooler months are from November to April.
What to bring when Hiking Rainbow Mountain?
Hiking Rainbow Mountain can be quite a journey and you want to be as prepared as possible!!
- Bring the right hiking gear: You will be walking for quite a few hours and your feet will be hurting by the time you are back. If you have the wrong pair of shoes, you will not have a great experience.
- Be ready for different weather: Peru can get very cold during their winter time and the summer is really hot! you will be hiking for some time, so make sure you prepare and bring lots of light layers!!
- Maps: if you are going on a tour, this part will not be as necessary. But having a map will make it easier for your walk! there is plenty of people walking around, so you will not be by yourself. But make sure you do not get lost.
- Water & Snacks: 6 hours is a long time to be hiking a mountain! sometimes there will be vendors, but it will not always be the case. Your companies can provide refreshments but do not go unprepared.
- Sunscreen & Hat: 6 hours of walking in the sun is a lot!! make sure you are protected in every way possible. Depending on the season, the temperature varies! but you will still need to have sunscreen regardless of when you visit.
How do I prepare for Rainbow Mountain Peru?
The rainbow mountain is not any simple hike, you want to make sure you are as prepared as possible! There are three things I recommend that will help you the most. prepared:
1. Make sure you are in your best fitness condition! or at least work out a few weeks prior! if you have a hard time walking for long hours, this will be a very challenging activity for you! Keep in mind, Higher altitude means less oxygen, be prepared to feel like-headed. Practice, or learn breathing techniques since they are really helpful while on the trail.
2. Coordinate the tour guides! getting to the rainbow mountain is not as easy as getting a taxi ride and just hiking! this trail can be dangerous if you are not sure where you are going. I recommend securing your ride to and from the mountain. Trust me! you will be very exhausted on the way back. You also want to have someone guiding you along the trail. Unless you are an expert and have done this before, you do not want to get lost.
3. Make sure you bring the right gear! Wear comfortable, yet warm clothes! Bring comfortable hiking shoes. Bring plenty of snacks and at least one water bottle per person for the hike! be careful not to bring too many things on you, since it will get harder to hike. One last important thing to bring is medication, it is easy to have altitude sickness! Bring some headache medication in case the hike gets tough.
Do you need hiking boots for Rainbow Mountain Peru?
No, but hiking Rainbow Mountain in Peru will be much easier with the proper pair of hiking shoes. The Rainbow Mountain’s altitude is 17,060 feet (at the summit), and its trail is quite rocky so hiking shoes will definitely help.
Know before you go, the tough part about this trek is not the rocky hike, but the lack of oxygen due to the high altitude. If you are set to visit Rainbow Mountain, be prepared to get tired way faster than usual and feel light-headed.
Should I do Rainbow Mountain before or after Machu Picchu?
You could do the trip to Rainbow Mountain before or after Machu Picchu, and It doesn’t really matter in the order you do them. Unless, you are doing the Inca Trail, in which case, I would do the Rainbow Mountain experience first so your body can get used to the altitude.
The Inca Trail and Rainbow Mountain are both beautiful places to visit, but they are very different experiences. The Inca Trail is a longer hike (3-4 days) with the highest altitude of approximately 13,828 feet, while the colored mountain is a shorter hike (3-6 hours) at a higher altitude of 17,060 ft.
Is Rainbow Mountain worth it?
YES! It is totally worth it. This is truly a magnificent and unique adventure and a must if you are planning a trip to Peru. The rocky mountain roads will lead you to the top of Rainbow Mountain, but remember to prepare for this visit! there are many things to keep in mind when hiking this mountain, and be careful not to get altitude sickness which really common for tourists.
Last Tips
These are the most important things to know if you are going for a tour to Rainbow Mountain: The Rainbow Mountain tour starts in Cusco, and the whole tour takes about 12 hours from start to finish. This includes from the moment you depart from your hotel to the time you come back to Cusco. It takes from 2 to 4 hours to reach the top of the colorful mountain. I have said this many times before, but due to the altitude of the rainbow mountain hike, it is extremely tiring and would consider it a tough hike.
Some of the following symptoms of altitude sickness are really common: shortness of breath! this can get really exhausting. Your chest will begin to feel heavy and you will get tired really easily. Some of the most common effects are also headaches or feeling light-headed, and some people get nauseous and throw up.
The mountain of seven colors is well known for its altitude at a summit of 17,060 feet (5,200 meters). The altitude of the start of the trail is 13,828 feet (4,200 meters) above sea level, meaning that you will be hiking around 1,000 feet. This mountain has become really popular in the last couple of years, but it is important to go slow and take your time to adjust to the altitude. It is recommended to take snacks for the hike and bring a lot of water with you. Nonetheless, do not forget to start your hike traveling light since you will feel the extra weight the closer you get to the peak of Rainbow Mountain.
What you need to know before visiting rainbow mountain
If you are planning to travel to Peru or more specifically, visit the Cusco region of Peru, there are so many amazing things to see. For more information o a Cusco itinerary, click here. Among the many wonders that Cusco has, there is a unique Rainbow Mountain. You will not want to miss visiting this experience and have the great challenge to tackle rainbow mountain.
Visiting Rainbow Mountain can be amazing! it is important to do your research and prepare for the journey. A lot of people are not prepared or even know it is actually a long hike! Remember, this will be a 6-hour long journey. Make sure to know a few details, including when to go, what gear you need, and how long it will take, all key pieces of information that should not be overlooked.
With proper preparation, going on a hike up Rainbow Mountain can become one of the most memorable experiences in Cusco! Additionally, if hiking isn’t possible due to time or physical constraints there is still a way to enjoy this incredible view by taking a taxi ride out to the viewpoint near the mountain or you can even get an ATV or get to the rainbow mountain by horse! Also, next to rainbow mountain is the red valley which is worth visiting if time allows. There are many rainbow mountain tours available if you want a tour guide to help you.
However, if you decide to explore this area make sure you bring sunscreen and plenty of snacks as well as other items recommended above so that you have everything necessary for an enjoyable trip!
FYI! The rainbow mountain, or in Spanish “montaña de siete colores” is a beautiful mountain in the Cusco Region, enjoy yourself and take a lot of pictures!
