Are you looking for an adventure that will take you outside of the ordinary and immerse you in a kaleidoscope of colours?
Witnessing the majestic natural beauty of Peru’s Rainbow Mountain is sure to trigger your sense of awe as your feet travel over trails steeped in ancient Incan history. This guide will highlight all that this magical location has to offer, from its impressive formation, striking hues and astounding views, making it easy for visitors to plan their perfect Peruvian excursion.
Whether you’re an experienced mountaineer or a novice explorer, get ready to delight in one of the world’s most stunning spectacles — Rainbow Mountain.
In this ultimate explorer’s guide to Vinicunca in Peru, we’ll uncover everything from fun activities to interesting facts about this special place. So grab your gear and let’s explore Rainbow Mountain together!
📍Quispicanchi, Peru
📝 Reasons to Visit Rainbow Mountain
Rainbow Mountain in Peru is a stunning natural wonder that can be found in the Andes Mountains. It boasts incredible views of snow-capped peaks, lush green valleys and dazzlingly vibrant colors which are contrasted by the stark white snows of the surrounding mountains. The area has become increasingly popular among travelers because of its remarkable beauty and proximity to major cities such as Cusco and Lima.
Arriving at Rainbow Mountain may be quite the voyage, but the vast beauty found in this mountain region makes the adventure worth it. In fact, you’ll catch some of best views and sites along the trip in.
Here are just some of the reasons you’ll want to visit:
- Breathtaking beauty. The mountain is painted with an array of colors including reds, yellows, oranges, pinks and purples due to its mineralogy, which creates a mesmerizing landscape unlike any other place in the world. In addition to this visual feast, you’ll also be rewarded with sweeping views of glaciers, lagoons and lush vegetation.
- Unique cultural experience. Not only is Rainbow Mountain home to some amazing scenery but it also holds immense spiritual and cultural significance for many Peruvians. Locals often gather at the summit for traditional Inca ceremonies or even hikes across its slopes in tribute to their ancestors. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to learn about local customs and traditions during your visit here.
- Thrilling activities. As well as admiring nature’s beauty from afar, you can also get close up by taking part in some exciting activities such as trekking, horseback riding and ATVs. There’s no better way to experience Rainbow Mountain than getting up close while enjoying some adrenaline-fueled fun!
- Diverse wildlife. As well as being home to people, Rainbow Mountain is also home to an array of interesting wildlife species such as llamas and alpacas that roam freely on its slopes. Spend some time here spotting these animals or take a hike through one of the many natural trails that run alongside the mountains – it’s sure to be a memorable experience.
- Natural escape. This hidden gem tucked away in the Andes Mountains offers perfect peace and tranquility – perfect if you’re looking for a break from all your responsibilities back home! Come here for long walks through beautiful landscapes and rejuvenate.
- World-famous site. The destination became more famous after National Geographic magazine featured it as one of the 100 Places to Visit Before You Die.
Rainbow Mountain is a must-see in Peru, and will leave you breathless. Luckily, it’s not far from Cusco and there are plenty of options for getting there.
📜 A Brief History of Rainbow Mountain
Vinicunca, otherwise known as the Mountain of Seven Colors, is nestled in Peru’s breathtaking Andes.
Its name comes from two Quechua words – ‘Wini’ meaning black stones abundant at its peak and ‘Kunka’ which refers to a bottle-shaped neck due to its unique shape. Millions of years passed before this natural wonder was discovered again early in 2000 with adventuring tourists witnessing it for what it truly is — an awe inspiring landscape steeped with life-giving minerals that produce vivid colors providing onlookers with unforgettable memories.
Geology experts rule out that the place where the mountain currently stands was a glacier at some point in time, as some wanted to interpret, arguing that it was the deglaciation that revealed the mountain and its red stripes.
However, the inhabitants of the area specify that approximately 70 years ago, the mountain was partially covered by snow. Even today, when in the rainy season the snow falls heavily, you’ll witness the mountain covered in snow.
The mountain is made up of seven colors, which the SGP (Geological Society of Peru) explains are made up of:
- Pink/fuchsia: Red clay, mud and sand
- White: Quartz sand and limestone
- Purple/lavender: Clay plus calcium carbonate and silicates
- Red: Argillites and clay
- Green: Clay rich in ferromagnetic minerals and copper oxide
- Yellow-brown/gold: Sulfides and calcareous sandstones rich in sulfur
- Earth brown: Fanglomerates made up up manganese rocks
After millions of years in hiding, nature revealed a stunning secret to the world—the seemingly painted slopes and peaks of Cusco’s most famous mountain. Rich with minerals that form layer after shimmering layer, this majestic peak proudly displays its array of vibrant hues throughout much of the year thanks to climate change melting away longstanding blankets of snow cover.
Rainbow Mountain
- Base Elevation: (4,638 m / 15,216 ft)
- Upper Elevation: (5040 m / 16,535 ft)
- Difficulty: Moderate – difficult hike
- Walking distance: (7 km / 4.35 miles round trip)
- Walking time: Approx. 1 hour 20 minutes for the ascent, and 45 minutes for the descent
- Elevation difference during the hike: (400 m / 1318 ft)
🔭 Observations
Here are just some of the things you might observe along the way while meandering through the Rainbow Mountain region:
Giant Rock Formations
Multi-colored spires of sedimentary rock reach as high as 40 meters into the sky — their rustic hues made up of deep reds, oranges and greens. This incredible landscape was formed over centuries by the elements, including wind and rain, that have chiseled away at the slopes of the Andes Mountains.
White River
This picturesque river offers a breathtaking view, especially when contrasted with the spectacular colors of surrounding landscape.
River Valley
Stop on the side of the mountain roads and experience the beauty of nature in the majestic river valleys. The banks of the river are home to llamas and alpacas which graze on the lush green grass.
Mountain Gorge
On the road to Peru’s Rainbow Mountain, one will traverse a spectacular landscape of jagged peaks and lush mountain gorges. These magnificent ravines are steep and narrow, cutting a deep path through the high-altitude desert plateau. The surrounding terrain is an awe-inspiring mix of barren red rock formations and thick green vegetation, providing an unforgettable experience.
Winding Mountain Roads
The views along the winding mountain roads are a site to behold. Travellers along this route will be rewarded with breathtaking views of towering cliffs, waterfalls cascading down rocky slopes, snow-capped mountains in the far distance, and a journey full of surprises.
Montaña Vinikunka Sign
When you get to the top of the mountain, you’ll see this sticker-covered sign that marks the peak and is home to the best views of the Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley in the distance.
Rainbow Mountain
The vibrant colors of the mountain are mesmerizing — it’s as if it has been painted in striking shades of red, purple, yellow and green. At the summit, a spectacular panoramic view of the majestic Andes Mountains can be seen, with snow-capped peaks standing tall against the bright blue sky.
Photo Opportunities
Take advantage of the views and the locals that frequent the area to to capture some long-lasting memories. For a small tip, you can pose with alpacas.
Giant Hand Lookout
On your journey down the mountain, you’ll see this lookout where you can take in the views of the surrounding Andes mountains.
Red Valley
From the peak of Rainbow Mountain in Peru, the views of Red Valley are stunningly beautiful. The valley is a sea of red and pink dirt, crisscrossed with winding trails and dotted with tiny villages in the distance.
Glacier Mountains
The white glaciers of the surrounding mountains stretch for miles, their slopes glistening in the sun’s rays. The air is cold and crisp, a reminder of the altitude and snow-topped peaks visible on every side.
Hidden Glacier Lagoon
Venture along some of the nearby trails and you might discover this hidden lagoon. It’s beautifully clear, reflecting the vibrant colors of the mountain and sky above. Fed by an underground spring, the waters of the lagoon are cold and still. The area surrounding the lagoon is mostly steep hillsides and rocky cliffs, with temperate grasslands in its lower reaches. A variety of wildlife can be found in this area: wild vicuñas strutting through the grasses, condors soaring overhead, and small mammals like foxes scurrying through the bushes.
Various Landscapes
Along the roads on the way into the region, there are rolling hills tufted with yellow grasses and dotted with herds of alpacas grazing peacefully.
Alpacas
The alpacas grazing in the mountains are a sight to behold. Their wooly coats of white, grey, brown, and black provide a stunning contrast against the lush green grasses and azure sky.
More Alpacas
The animals can often be seen forming groups in the sunshine, chewing cud as they leisurely make their way over the hillside. They have an impressive adaptation to survive in cold temperatures enabling them to thrive in this high-altitude environment.
Llamas
You’ll also see llamas and vicuñas alongside the roadways, always giving curious looks.
Even More Llamas
While you watch the animals graze on the steep mountainsides, you can’t help but feel awe at their majestic beauty.
🚶 Experiences
When visiting Rainbow Mountain, come and explore a world of possibilities! Here are just some of the things you can do here:
Take in the Views
Enjoy the panoramic views of the snow-capped Andes, undulating valleys and immense desert plains. The jagged contours of the mountainside are illuminated in a spectrum of russet, pink and orange hues, creating an unnatural but breathtakingly beautiful landscape. In the distance, herds of alpacas roam across the terrain, their thick coats providing a glimmering contrast against the dusty backdrop.
Hike in the Mountains
Hike through the mountains and gaze across the horizon at vibrant red hills that contrast beautifully against the bright turquoise sky, and the snow-capped peaks of the Andes Mountains. As you make your way up the winding trails, you can feel a sense of accomplishment as you gain elevation and soak in spectacular views of the Red Valley below.
Discover the Hidden Lagoon
The hidden lagoon at Rainbow Mountain in Peru is a breathtaking sight. Its vibrant turquoise color stands out against the backdrop of the snow-capped mountains and desert landscape, making it a sight to behold. The crystal clear water of the lagoon is fed by an underground river, creating a tranquil oasis beneath the Andes. You can find it by veering off at the fork in the road when climbing up from the Pitumarca route, or by walking up and beyond the viewpoint if coming from the Cusipata route.
Explore on Horseback
Riding horseback at Rainbow Mountain in Peru is an unforgettable experience, and can be a great option for those who are not yet adjusted to the altitude. Once you reach the top of the mountain, you can marvel at the spectacular view of snow-capped peaks and sprawling plains. You’ll feel a sense of freedom as your horse gallops along the trails.
Ride an ATV
If taking the Pitumarca route, you have the option to rent an ATV. If doing so, you only have to walk 2-3 minutes to the top after parking, leaving you more time to take pictures and take in the views.
🧳 Items to Pack in the Suitcase
- Small backpack. Bring a backpack to comfortably pack all the items you’ll need for the day.
- Light shoes. Make sure your shoes are comfortable and fit for a walk.
- Warm clothes. Winds can be unpredictable and intense, so warm clothes are recommended including a scarf and a hat.
- Wool gloves. You won’t regret bringing gloves, since the brisk winds can get intense.
- Camera. Be sure to pack a camera to take some photos of the incredible scenery.
- Sunscreen. Bring sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun. Despite the cold temperatures, at this altitude, you will easily burn.
- Chapstick. Take chapstick with you to protect your lips from the elements.
- Water. Be sure to bring lots of water so you can stay hydrated along your journey.
- Snacks. Pack some food with you so that you can energize when needed.
- Cash. Bring along extra money for your personal expenses, snacks, water, rentals, tips and other expenses.
🧭 How to Get to Rainbow Mountain
Rainbow Mountain is located in the Vilcanota mountain range on the territorial limit of the provinces of Canchis and Quispicanchi, between the districts of Cusipata and Pitumarca.
There are two main routes to arrive at the mountain.
Cusipata Route
The quickest way from Cusco (ex. Plaza de Armas) is as follows:
- Take Av Tullumayo to Alameda Pachacuteq/Av del Ejército/San Martin
- Continue on Alameda Pachacuteq/San Martin to Av. los Pinos
- Take Vía de Evitamiento to Carr. Cusco – Paucartambo/Route 3S
- Follow Route 3S to Cusipata
- Follow the dirt road to the Rainbow Mountain Trail Overlook Deck
Public Transport
To take public transport, go to the Cusco bus terminal on Avenida Huayruropata nearby the Garcilaso Stadium. Buy a ticket for your stop in Cusipata (approx. 6 soles).
Once you arrive in Cusipata, search for transport to the mountain. It may take some time to find, but you’ll save yourself the 3+ hour walking time along this route.
Pitumarca Route
The quickest way from Cusco (ex. Plaza de Armas) is as follows:
- Take Av Tullumayo to Alameda Pachacuteq/Av del Ejército/San Martin
- Continue on Alameda Pachacuteq/San Martin to Av. los Pinos
- Take Vía de Evitamiento to Carr. Cusco – Paucartambo/Route 3S
- Merge onto Carr. Cusco – Paucartambo/Route 3S
- Continue to follow Route 3S
- Take CU-124 to CU-124 / Vía a Vinicunca
Public Transport
To take public transport, go to the Cusco bus terminal on Avenida Huayruropata nearby the Garcilaso Stadium. There are several companies that can take you, and buses leave roughly every 20 minutes or so.
A ticket to the Checacupe bus stop should cost about 7 soles. Once you arrive in Checacupe, you can transfer to another bus that goes to the Pitumarca district.
Once you arrive, you need to find a truck that can take you to the community of Chillca. They’ll let you off at the Qesoyuno sector, which is where your walk begins. You can, however, hire a private taxi from here to get to Pitumarca.
Costs
At the time of writing, costs for activities and entrances to Rainbow Mountain were:
- Entrance to Rainbow Mountain (foreigners): 20 soles
- Entrance to Rainbow Mountain (Peruvian nationals): 15 soles
- Exit fee for road repairs: 5 soles (only Pitumarca route)
- ATV rental: 150 soles/couple (rental time: 3 hours)
- Horse rental: 60 soles (one way), 90 soles (round trip)
Recommendations
To ensure you enjoy your time at Rainbow Mountain, here are our recommendations:
- Make sure you are acclimatized to Cusco’s altitude before heading out on the Rainbow Mountain trek. For a pleasant and smooth trek we recommend spending at least two days in the city of Cusco before venturing to this region.
- If you experience symptoms of altitude sickness, descend to a lower altitude as quickly as possible.
- High elevations also mean frigid, near-freezing temperatures, so be prepared. Whether you’re going for a one-day or two-day visit, be sure to pack warm clothing.
- Carry as light a weight as possible in your backpack to make for an easier hike.
- If you don’t consider yourself in good physical condition or for some reason you think you can’t make it up the mountain, you have the option of renting a horse, or even an ATV.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rainbow Mountain
What is the best time to visit the Rainbow Mountain?
When considering the best time to visit Rainbow Mountain, experts recommend planning for a trip during the dry season from April to October. During this period of time, rainfall is minimal meaning that travelers will find clear blue skies and mostly sunny days on their excursion up towards Rainbow Mountain. These months will also provide you with cool temperatures, perfect for hiking up these heights, but not so cold that snow covers the colorful landscapes.
Are there hotels near the Rainbow Mountain?
The closest hotels to Vinicunca, which is the official name of Rainbow Mountain, are located in the towns of Cusipata and Checacupe. Depending on your mode of transport, each town is about 1-1.5 hours away from Rainbow Mountain along the mountain roads. The hotels in the towns are simple but nice.
When does it snow in Rainbow Mountain?
Generally speaking, snow falls at Rainbow Mountain in Peru from November to March, the rainy season for this region. The elevation of Rainbow Mountain means that the temperature drops and snowfall becomes more common during these months. It’s not necessarily consistent throughout those months, however some years are colder than others and often you’ll see more occasional light dustings rather than anything significant or long-lasting.
Is Rainbow Mountain in Peru worth it?
Rainbow Mountain in Peru is absolutely worth the voyage. From the desert plains to the skies, Rainbow Mountain made us realize that beauty can be found in places we would never expect. Its quietude and serenity juxtaposed against its vivid hues and vivid oranges was unlike anything any of us have ever seen before, and it left a lasting impression on all of us. Amidst the seemingly infinite mountain ranges that defined Peru’s landscape, Rainbow Mountain’s crest remained true to its colorful characteristics, even as far away onlookers could spot it from miles away. This mountain will always remain in our memories as one of our favorite travel destinations and journeys that has truly enriched us with incredible experiences that cannot be replicated elsewhere.
Can you drive from Cusco to Rainbow Mountain?
Yes, you can drive from Cusco to Rainbow Mountain. The trip will take approximately 4 hours and the distance is just over 80 miles (130 kilometers). It’s a long but stunningly beautiful drive that takes you through the Andes Mountains, past incredibly diverse wildlife, and through rural towns full of Peruvian culture.
Parting Words
The best way to truly experience the majesty of Rainbow Mountain is to see it firsthand. It’s an extraordinary privilege to witness a place so rugged and untamed, but also so beautiful. You’ll undoubtedly find yourself mesmerized by its strange beauty.
While Rainbow Mountain may require long hikes at high altitudes to arrive, it’s rewarding for when you reach the top. Seeing the stunning landscape blanketed in multi-colored hues leave you feeling inspired.
If by chance you’re unable to make it to Peru, we hope your vicarious journey through this guide provided some insight into this breathtaking area.
Leave us a comment if you have any further questions about Rainbow Mountain and what it can offer you on your next travel adventure!
Originally Published: February 20, 2023
✍️ Panama City, Panama
