Why Is The Rainbow Mountain In Peru So Colorful?

The colorful Rainbow Mountain in Peru has recently become one of the most iconic destinations that you can visit in South America.

Known for its wide variety of bright and bold colors, all travelers want to head here and get their own shot of this Peruvian wonder. However the questions still begs – why is the Rainbow Mountain of Peru so colorful, and is it really as good as photos suggest?

In this guide we’ll explore why Rainbow Mountain is colorful, as well as the distinct geographical processes that took place to create it this way. We’ll also explore what each of the colors are made from, as well as answering any burning questions you may have in our FAQ section.

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Why Is Rainbow Mountain Peru Colorful?

Also known locally as Vinicunca, Rainbow Mountain looks like it has been painted over by an artist. However the varying colors we can see today are actually a result of different environmental processes, which were all entirely natural.

Each color is actually a different mineral which was deposited within the rocky layers, some millions of years ago when they were formed due to tectonic activity. The greens are made of magnesium compounds, the red of iron oxides, and the yellows of sulfurous minerals.

The History Behind Rainbow Mountain’s Colorful Formation

Below we’ll take a look at the main processes that have caused this jaw-dropping natural phenomenon, some of which took millions of years (whilst other events were more recent that actually led to the discovery of Rainbow Mountain).

Bubbling Tectonic Activity

Firstly we need to understand how these actual colors were formed (that we can see today), as well as the actual creation of Rainbow Mountain. Located on top of the Nazca tectonic plate, the Andean Mountains were formed millions of years ago as the plate subducted. This caused many giant peaks and volcanoes to form, including that of Rainbow Mountain. Over time different coloured minerals such as Iron Oxide and Copper Sulphate were added into each layer, which is why we can also see many brightly coloured mountains in the surrounding region.

Erosion From The Harsh Weather

Once Rainbow Mountain had formed, it was then the local weather which took its turn in exposing this colorful peak. Millions of years of heavy winds and rains began to chip away at the rock face, causing the different coloured striations to appear above ground. This is also the same reason we can see other red mountains like the Red Valley nearby – however in the case of Rainbow Mountain it was sheer luck that these minerals were all deposited and exposed so close together. 

Why Is Red Valley Peru So Colorful

Altitude And Changing Temperatures 

So now that the mountain’s bright colors had been exposed for all to see, many wonder why Rainbow Mountain was only discovered so recently back in 2012. It was said that locals had known about Vinicunca for many years prior, but even then it was hard for them to see. This is due to the high altitudes, which caused this colorful peak to be unviewable given the layers of snow covering it for most months of the year. In the more recent times, however, global warming has warmed up this area causing the mountain (and other peaks nearby) to be more easily seen throughout the year.

Rainbow Mountain Peru FAQ

Below we’ll now answer some of the frequent questions we get about why Rainbow Mountain in Peru is so colorful, as well as anything else important that you need to know.

What Is The Most Colorful Mountain In The World?

Whilst there are many colorful mountains across the globe, Rainbow Mountain takes the crown given that we can see bright reds, greens and yellows all right next to each other. Having said that, there are new colorful mountains in the Cusco region that are beginning to be discovered and are alternative options, such as Pallay Punchu and Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain.

How Was Rainbow Mountain In Peru Formed?

Millions of years of tectonic activity caused different minerals such as Iron Oxide and Copper Sulphate to be deposited in the rocky layers. Over time these layers were compressed together and began to surface, whilst the rest of the giant Andean Mountains were being created. Once above ground, they were then exposed to the air by harsh winds and heavy rains.

What Is Unique About Rainbow Mountain?

Whilst photos can sometimes be edited or deceiving, the Rainbow Mountain really does cause jaws to drop when tourists arrive here. The multi-coloured peak looks just like that of a Rainbow, and its appeal is heightened since we can also see the giant Ausangate Mountain over in the distance. We also have the local cultural appeal too, given wild Alpacas roam around whilst locals also prepare fresh Andean meals right on the site.

Rainbow Mountain Colorful Peak And Culture

Overview Of Why Is Rainbow Mountain Peru Colorful

And that’s all for this guide on why Rainbow Mountain is so colorful.

Only recently discovered back in 2012, this multicolored peak is quickly becoming one of the hottest destinations you can visit in Peru. Here we can see bright greens, yellows and reds, which were all caused by millions of years of tectonic activity and erosive processes.

Are you looking to explore Rainbow Mountain? Check out our different day tours now, which include all transportation and a professional guide to show you around these iconic Peruvian mountains.

 

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