The Ultimate Rainbow Mountain Peru Guide

The Ultimate Rainbow Mountain Peru Guide

Why You Should Visit The Rainbow Mountain In Peru

No trip to Cusco can be complete without visiting the unique Rainbow Mountain, which has become viral in more recent times. It offers a much different kind of scenery for you to enjoy rather than the typical lakes and mountains you can see here. After all – it’s not everyday you can see rows of multi-coloured hills all right next to each other!

As well as enjoying the views and being able to take incredible photos to share back home, the Rainbow Mountain in Peru also has some nearby secrets which you can visit within the same trip. This includes the Red Valley, which is full of crimson red slopes that look like something from a distant planet.

Just like the Inca Trail, the Rainbow Mountain in Peru also offers a true adventure, and especially if you come here early on a tour. The surrounding region is home to various indigenous groups, and you’ll get to meet some when entering the famous site who can tell you more about the area. Keep your eyes peeled during the drive here too, since we’ll be passing by winding rivers and steep mountain passes along the way!

The History Of Peru’s Rainbow Mountain 

Whilst it’s easy to imagine that someone painted this mountain with their own bare hands, the truth is that it has existed this exact same way for more than 60 million years (since between the Tertiary and Quaternary periods).

Rainbow Mountain was known by ancient civilisations such as the Inca who performed many rituals here. It was believed by them to contain spiritual powers, and here they would ask their gods and deities for prosperity and fertility for their people.

Ironically, though, whilst this mountain and its interaction with past civilisations date back so far, our current knowledge of the Rainbow Mountain in Peru is much more recent. Somewhere between the Incas and today, the mountain was lost in time given there were no paved roads leading here. Only in the last few decades was it rediscovered, meaning that we really are lucky to once again be able to visit this epic site.

Why Is The Rainbow Mountain In Peru So Colorful?

By far one of the biggest questions we all ask is, well if humans didn’t do it, then where do all of these bright colors on Rainbow Mountain come from?

It all first began with the creation of the Andes Mountains, which was caused by the movement of the Nazca tectonic plate. Given the aggressive and volatile nature of this particular area, there was a lot of volcanic activity which led to many rare types of minerals being deposited in and around the mountains (including iron sulfide, calcium carbonate and iron oxide).

Over time new layers were formed over existing ones, which explains why there are so many different minerals found in Rainbow Mountain. Many of these layers have since been eroded by wind and water, which is why we can see a vast number of different colors on the mountain’s face.

Where Is The Rainbow Mountain In Peru?

Rainbow Mountain is located within the Cusco region of Peru, which is famous for its extensive towering Andes Mountain Range.

It’s situated outside of the Sacred Valley, and requires a hike up from the town of Chillca where you will be dropped off by either your public or private transportation. 

The closest major city to the Rainbow Mountain is Cusco, which is roughly 147 km away (and takes roughly 4 hours). Given this short distance, it makes for a perfect day trip to head on from the city of Cusco.

How To Get To Rainbow Mountain In Peru

Below we’ll explore your different options of getting to Rainbow Mountain, and explain which one is most ideal depending on your circumstances. 

Regardless of which one you pick, it’s important to remember that Rainbow Mountain will require at least a full day to get to and from Cusco (even if starting early).

Step 1: Arriving Into Cusco

You’ll first need to head to Cusco, and if in Lima you can find daily flights with either LATAM or Sky that take just two hours to make the trip. Alternatively, you can take the bus if you’re feeling adventurous (a cheaper option however can take up to 22 hours).

You may already be traveling within Peru whilst reading this, or will head to other destinations before reaching Cusco. If this is the case, then there are also shorter buses to arrive here from other places such as Arequipa (11 hours), Lake Titicaca (7 hours from Puno) as well as Nazca (12 hours)

Step 2: Getting From Cusco To Rainbow Mountain 

Now that you’re in Cusco, you can now reach Rainbow Mountain with ease given it’s a simple day trip to make. Below we cover your best options.

Option 1: Private Tour From Cusco

Heading on a private tour has many advantages over a group tour or heading independently. Firstly you’ll have a more flexible schedule, and won’t be rushed for time as you explore Rainbow Mountain (this means you’ll also have time to explore the nearby Red Valley).

Travel times will be faster too, given there will be no delays as you won’t have to pick-up other travelers from different accommodations around Cusco. You will also travel in a private comfortable vehicle, which is perfect for getting that extra sleep in early in the morning.

We highly recommend checking out our private Rainbow Mountain Tours, which include all transport, your official ticket, filling meals as well as a private local guide.

Option 2: Group Tour From Cusco

This is by far the most popular option for travelers in Cusco, and especially for backpackers and those who want to keep costs to a minimum.

Here you will travel in a shared minibus or larger bus, and pick-up times are usually around 3:00am (given you will need to then pick-up other travelers from other hostels and posadas around the city).

Depending on the tour provider you may or may not have lunch included, so it’s worth asking when booking. It’s also a good idea to bring a blanket or extra warm clothing with you for the bus, given it can get cold (especially in the early morning).

Option 3: Heading Independently From Cusco

If you’re organized and eager, you can also make your own way here from Cusco. You’ll first need to catch a bus that heads to Ocongate, and you’ll want to ask to get off at the town of Checacupe.

From here you can then get a taxi to the start of the hiking trail up Rainbow Mountain, which in total should take between 4-6 hours one-way (unless there are issues with demonstrations or floods due to traveling in the wet season).

Whilst you can sleep-in more and leave later since there’s no earthly tour departure time, try not to leave it too late since the weather is best in the morning and early afternoon (and especially so in the wet season where thunderstorms are likely after noon).

What To See And Do Around The Rainbow Mountain In Peru

A must-visit site, you’d be surprised to learn that there’s more to see here than just the bright multicolored peaks (although they’re still incredible in their own right). Below we’ll explore the very best sights to explore in and around Rainbow Mountain.

Witness The Peak Of Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain)

Of course we must start with the star attraction itself, which stands at a total dizzying altitude of 5200m. As we covered earlier, millions of years of erosion and tectonic activity has led to a variety of rich minerals being exposed on the top of the mountain.

This has resulted in the bright colors that we can see today, including various shades of yellows, reds and greens. You’ll want to hike up early to the mirador viewpoint which is located on the adjacent mountain for the best views (by following the trail up).

Explore The Lesser-Known Red Valley

Right behind Rainbow Mountain is a Red Valley which is tucked away between different peaks, and unfortunately is missed by quite a lot of tourists who don’t know it exists.

All you have to do is keep walking after the mirador down the other side of the hill, and turn left and keep going until you reach this otherworldly site. Here you’ll be able to enjoy the bright red landscapes with hardly anyone around!

Enjoy A More Cultural Experience Around Rainbow Mountain

Although there will most likely be crowds of tourists here (especially in the late morning and early afternoon), there’s still lots of authenticity to enjoy here.

There are several indigenous communities from the region who live and work here, and you can strike up a chat with these friendly locals to learn about the history and legends of the area (on our tour we can translate if you don’t know Spanish yet, and also share our own knowledge of the mountain).

See Alpacas And Other Andean Animals

Along the hiking route you’ll see many wild animals grazing on the area, as well as locals who are walking their alpacas and llamas around. If you’re keen to get that memorable Cusco photo, then you can pay a small fee and get a nice shot with the Rainbow Mountain looming in the background.

They also have Burros at the start of the hike which can take you up, which are helpful if you’re not feeling your best or haven’t yet acclimated to the higher altitudes of the region.

The Best Time To Visit Rainbow Mountain Peru

Once you’ve decided that you want to visit the incredible Rainbow Mountain, you’ll now need to decide when is best to come here. It’s important to know that there is both a dry and wet season here, which can really vary the kind of experience you’ll have.

Visiting During The Dry Season

Running between May and October, the dry season is by far the best (and most popular) time to visit Rainbow Mountain. Here rainfall is very little, meaning we can expect clear blue skies and dry weather the vast majority of the time. This is ideal since there won’t be any clouds or mists that can otherwise obscure views, which makes it easy to get that perfect photo shot of the multicolored peak. 

The absence of rain will also mean that the trail up to the peak won’t be slippery, which can otherwise be an issue during the wet season. We still recommend wearing comfortable hiking boots regardless though to make it easier for your feet.

The dry season however is much colder as it coincides with the Peruvian winter season. And as Rainbow Mountain is located up at a much higher altitude, you’ll want to make sure you bring a warm coat, a hat and gloves. It’s also the most popular time to visit, so crowds will be larger (and especially around the late morning and early afternoon). 

If you are planning to head anywhere between these months, then we suggest booking your tour in advance where you will arrive early before the hoards of tour buses arrive in the late morning. You can check out our different Rainbow Mountain tour options here.

Visiting During The Wet Season

Beginning in November and lasting until April, we now have the wet season for Rainbow Mountain (and the surrounding Peruvian Andes). Rainfall as you can imagine is much higher, and it’s possible that you may have showers during your trip. 

It’s important to know that the rains here can lead to waterlogged roads and travel disruptions, so your best bet is to head on a tour that leaves early in the day rather than later. Snowfall and mist are also possible on the mountain (which may obscure views), however these are temporary and we’ll just need to be patient as the snow melts and the mists clear.

The main benefit of visiting Rainbow Mountain in the wet season is that the crowds will be minimal, which is great for a more authentic experience. Temperatures will also be warmer, although it’s still important to bring layers, a hat and gloves for the early morning given it will still be very cold at this time. 

It’s important to know that thunderstorms are common during the wet season on Rainbow Mountain, which occur in the afternoon (usually after 13:00 although it can sometimes vary). This makes it dangerous to be on the mountain, so we again recommend visiting earlier in the day when it’s safer.

Choosing A Rainbow Mountain Hike

Booking a hike in advance is really ideal, and especially if coming during the more popular dry season months. It’s important to browse properly before committing to any tour you see, given the trip styles can be different (as well as what is included in each).

The most important things to check for the Rainbow Mountain hike are the type of transportation, whether meals are included as well as the departure time (earlier is better in order to avoid the crowds who arrive later).

The 1 Day Rainbow Mountain Tour 

By far the most popular option, the 1 day tour is perfect for those who are on a busy schedule or plan to visit many different destinations when in Cusco. Leaving early in the morning, we’ll reach Rainbow Mountain in a private minivan (which means we’ll get there before others begin to arrive later). Also included is breakfast, lunch, a private guide as well as oxygen if necessary. Be sure to read more about our 1 Day Rainbow Mountain Tour.

The 2 Day Rainbow Mountain Tour (With An Overnight Stay)

If you have more time free and want a more authentic experience, then we highly recommend an overnight Rainbow Mountain tour. Here you will spend the first day visiting the incredible glacier of Ausangate, where you can spot lots of wild Alpacas that roam these more remote areas. We’ll then spend the night in a private mountain hut before visiting the star attraction itself early the next day. Learn more about the 2 Day Rainbow Mountain Hike.

The Full 4 Day Ausangate And Rainbow Mountain Trek (The Complete Hiking Experience)

Those who are looking for the most memorable experience can join our Ausangate Hike, where we will visit some of the most epic alpine landscapes that Peru has to offer. On our final day we’ll then visit Rainbow Mountain before heading back to Cusco. All meals and accommodation for all days are included, as well as a personal porter to help you carry your items. Be sure to read more about the 4 Day Ausangate And Rainbow Mountain Trek.

How To Plan Your Rainbow Mountain Trip

The Essential Rainbow Mountain Packing List

Making sure you pack everything you need for a trip to Rainbow Mountain is very important. This is because it’s one of the highest altitude treks you can experience around Cusco, where conditions can be more extreme. 

Below is what we recommend wearing, as well as packing in a day pack when making the trip.

Clothes:

• Warm Base Layers (vests and t-shirts to keep you warm in the morning).
• A Thick Coat (also to keep you warm and shield you from the cooler winds).
• A Poncho (necessary for the wet season where showers can arrive out of nowhere).
• Trekking Pants (which are ideal for the trek, and will also keep your legs warm).
• A Hat (to keep your head warm and prevent sunburns).
• Sunglasses (the sun can be intense here and hurt your eyes, and especially so if there is snow leftover during the wet season).
• Gloves (your hands and fingers will be the first body parts to get cold, so keep them covered!).
• Thick Socks (to keep your feet and toes warm during the hike).
• Quality Hiking Boots (necessary for the hike up, and if heading during the wet season then make sure they have really good grip).

Miscellaneous Items:

• Sunscreen (at over 5000m in altitude, you can burn quickly here so be sure to reapply several times throughout the day).
• Lip Balm (to keep your lips from cracking due to the colder temperatures).
• Cash (in case you want to buy snacks or tip any of the staff).
• Toilet Paper (you never know when nature may call, and there’s only bathrooms at the start of the hike).
• Coca Leaves / Soroche Tablets (to help prevent getting sick from the altitudes).
• Trekking Poles (useful for keeping your balance during the hike up, and recommended if you have difficulties hiking up at these altitudes).
• A Water Bottle (whilst we’ll provide lunch and a drink, you should also bring a full bottle to last you for the day).
• Fully-Charged Camera / Phone (to take those awesome mountain shots).
• A Portable Power Bank (in case your devices start running low on battery, which is common when out in the cold for long periods of time).

Preparing For The High Altitudes Of Rainbow Mountain

One of the most important things to remember about Rainbow Mountain is that it’s a high altitude trek. Located up at a total altitude of 5200m, the conditions here coupled with the lower levels of oxygen can make things more challenging than other lower altitude hikes.

For this reason we recommend hiking Rainbow Mountain near the end of your trip, once you’ve already spent some time acclimating to the altitudes of the Sacred Valley (and ideally have already headed on other treks). If you are really strapped for time, then you could hike Rainbow Mountain on your second/third day upon arriving into Cusco (provided you follow the following advice).

Altitude Sickness Medications are important to have at these altitudes, which will prevent any nasty symptoms such as headaches, vomiting and dizziness. Coca Leaves can be chewed which are provided in most accommodations in Cusco, which can also be infused into a tea for the same effect. You can also take Soroche Tablets which are more powerful, however you’ll first want to consult your doctor prior to make sure you’re safe to take them.

You can read this guide for more advice on how to prepare for high altitude hiking in Cusco.

The Alternative Rainbow Mountains In Peru (Pallay Punchu And Palcoyo)

In recent years, other multicolored mountains have been discovered within the remote depths of the Cusco region – so we are not limited just to Vinicunca.

These are Pallay Punchu and Palcoyo, both of which are becoming more famous as more and more travelers are posting unbelievable photos of them on Instagram and other sites. Both are much more quiet when compared with Vinicunca, so are ideal if you are after a more authentic hike with less tourists around.

The Pallay Punchu Mountain

Pallay Punchu is definitely the up-and-coming mountain to visit in Cusco, and is worth visiting now before the hordes of tourist buses begin arriving! This mountain looks a lot different to both Vinicunca and Palcoyo, with a giant multicolored mountain shard piercing out over the surrounding earth. Here we will see more bright reds, as well as the incredible views of an alpine lake that sits just beyond Pallay Punchu mountain.

Again like the others it’s a simple one day hike, although at an altitude of 4791m it’s also worth doing after a few other hikes in the Cusco region (once you are fully acclimated). Take a look at our Pallay Punchu Day Hike, which includes all meals, transport as well as a private guide to lead you around this unbelievable site.

The Palcoyo Mountain 

This mountain looks much more similar to the more popular Vinicunca, however with a larger wave of colors interlocking on its peaks (that sit up at an altitude of 4900m). Here you will see all of the same incredible bright yellows, greens and reds as you would with the other mountains, however here you will also have an incredible vantage point view over the other surrounding peaks too.

During the one-day hike you will pass many Andean villages and also see wild Alpacas grazing the lands, before reaching the spectacular peak. On our Palcoyo Mountain Tour we include return transport from your accommodation in Cusco, all meals as well as all entrance fees.

Our Top Rainbow Mountain Tips

Having operated Rainbow Mountain hikes and treks for many years now, we know how to best prepare for a trip here. Below we’ll share our own insider tips to help you have the best experience possible here.

Arrive Early In The Morning

Whilst you can get away with leaving later for Pallay Punchu and Palcoyo, Vinicunca will get really busy in the late morning. This is why we recommend heading on tours that depart early around 3:00am, as uncomfortable as it may sound. However remember that you can sleep in the vehicle as you drive here, and can then enjoy the site with little tourists around. In the wet season it’s even more important to leave early in order to avoid getting caught out in thunderstorms later in the afternoon. 

Hike Rainbow Mountain During Your Final Days In Cusco

As with other treks such as Ausangate and the Salkantay Trek, Rainbow Mountain is also a high altitude hike which can be difficult to summit. Given the body needs a few days to adjust, we recommend leaving it until last on your trip so you are already used to the lower levels of oxygen. Even better is if you can do some hikes before to help you adjust, which will make the final hike up here even easier. We recommend visiting the Sacred Valley, and also some of the lakes of the region such as Humantay Lake for solid altitude preparation.

Visit During The Shoulder Months For Peru

If possible, we recommend visiting Rainbow Mountain within the shoulder seasons for Cusco. These months are sandwiched between the dry and wet seasons, which are the months of April and May (Autumn), as well as September and October (Spring). Rainfall will still be low, and temperatures a little more moderate so you won’t get so cold in the mornings. The best advantage though is that there will be less crowds so you can enjoy this site in more peace and quiet!

The Ultimate Rainbow Mountain Peru Guide

And that’s all for our comprehensive, ultimate guide to Rainbow Mountain in Peru.

This impressive mountain is well-known for its striking contrast of colors, not to mention the history of the site and the ancient civilisations who once interacted with it.

In this guide we’ve covered everything you need to know about planning your own trip here, including the best time to visit, how to get here as well as booking the best tours to Rainbow Mountain. We’ve also included our own personal tips and tricks to help you have the best experience possible.

We highly recommend bookmarking and revisiting this article for safekeeping, and also to take a look at our Rainbow Mountain Day Tour which includes all transport as well as our own private knowledgeable guides.