RAINBOW MOUNTAIN IN FEBRUARY 

February is considered the worst month to visit Rainbow Mountain. Even though Inca Trail, Salkantay Trek, and Choquequirao Trek are closed in February, Rainbow Mountain is open all year around. February is the month in which not many people go to it due to constant rains and the high probability of seeing the site covered in snow. The temperatures are usually slightly warmer than in the dry season, in the afternoon hours, it tends to get chilly and windy, which makes it a bit colder.

When is the best time of the day to visit Rainbow Mountain in February?

The best time to visit Rainbow Mountain in February is from 09 am – 12 pm because most of the time early in the morning Rainbow Mountain stays cloudy so if you go for 6 am, you have to wait 3 hours to take a classical picture and in the afternoons it usually rains.

Things to Know

• Don’t go to Rainbow Mountain in January in the afternoon because of the lighting. Since the high concentration of minerals. There is a high chance of getting struck by lighting.
• The temperature in Rainbow Mountain fluctuates between 22°C (71°F) and 6°C (42°F).
• Towards the end of February, the crowds are minimal at the viewpoint.
• This month is perfect to see the Mountain half snow and half Rainbow.
• The mountains are green.
• February is the wettest month in Rainbow Mountain. It usually rains for 6 days continuously then there are always 2 days or 3 days with a sunny day called Veranillo.
• Many travel agencies stop offering multi-day treks to Rainbow Mountain during February.
• Carnaval takes place across the country, generally in late February. Local people who work as horsemen play with water balloons in the Rainbow Mountain area. Watch out! You might get wet.
• Rain: On average, rain falls  21 days of month.

Pros

• The surrounding views are still breathtaking including the actual rainbow mountain, despite the mountain being covered with snow.
• No need to battle the Rainbow Mountain viewpoint for pictures as there will be fewer people or no one at times.
• Any time of the year is an excellent opportunity to meet furry alpaca creatures. In February, there will be Alpacas and their newborns grazing across the valleys, just up or down the trail.
• The red river running the valley looks great before it mixes with much water in the main river. It usually occurs after heavy rains.

Cons

• It can rain the night before and leave snow on the mountain so you won’t see the colorful mountain.
• If you have a foggy day, you don’t see anything.
• Getting up the mountain in the rainy season would be difficult when the trail gets muddy.
• If taking a horse ride option, the horse is indeed sure-footed, but when you ride on a muddy trail, you may fall off the horse when the horse slips on its legs.
• There are times when clouds rise that leave just brief moments for you to see the stripped mountain.
• With snow, the final part of the trail is difficult to hike because the trail is steep.
• Muddy dirt road for the vehicles, the last part of the road is steep and the drivers have to be careful.
• Soft roadside ridges can slide and block the road.
• Strong hail storms in the mountains can form a powerful river that may wash the little bridges on the way.

Recommendations

• Due to the weather changes, make sure to bring layers, a warm hat, gloves, sunglasses, and good hiking boots.
• Bring hiking sticks; these are going to help your balance and avoid you from slipping on the wet uphill trail.
• Bring a dry bag for smartphones and other devices.
• As soon as the clouds reveal the colored mountain, get your camera and shoot pictures before the cloud covers the view again.
• Leave the metal rings and earrings at hotels; there is a danger of being caught by a lightning strike. Especially if you are doing an afternoon Rainbow Mountain hike.