The Best 2025 Travel Guide To The Amazing Rainbow Mountain Peru

Would you like to hike atop an explosion of colors with a fascinating, soothing pattern that stretches to miles as far as your eyes can see? This article will discuss what you need to know about Rainbow Mountain Peru.

Vinicunca, also known as Rainbow Mountain, is located near Cusco, Peru, and boasts stunning panoramic views of rolling hills with layers of lavender, red, turquoise, and gold hues. As you trek in this colorful terrain, you might get lucky and chance a rare fauna, such as the condor, chinchilla, vizcacha, and vicuña.

At 17,060 feet (5,200 meters) above sea level, Rainbow Mountain has formed 24 million years ago due to a tectonic plate collision. The vibrant colors come from minerals such as sandstone, limestone, halite, and gravel, which were preserved by ice. However, global warming and decreasing temperatures in recent years melted the ice to uncover the true beauty of nature. 

Let’s learn more about how to climb up and walk across Rainbow Mountain, Peru, and where to stay when you are in the area.

Hiking in Rainbow Mountain Peru

Weather at the Rainbow Mountain

The Peruvian Andes has 2 seasons throughout the year. The rainy season lasts from November to the end of March. The weather in this season is quite pleasant as rain makes the whole atmosphere pop. 

However, most people prefer to visit between April and October. In these months, the weather is warm and dry, with blue skies and sparkling sunshine lighting up the beauty of the mountains. 

Another reason why people do not travel in the rainy season is snowfall. Temperatures sometimes drop extremely low, turning rain into snow. Regardless of the season, we advise you to come prepared with all your warm clothes in the backpack as you cross the 16,000 feet (5,000 meters) mark. 

When Not to Visit Rainbow Mountain

We recommend not traveling to this place in January. The transition from dry to rainy season begins in November, but rain starts to show it might after the new year. January receives the most rainfall, making the trail to the top wet and muddy. 

The visibility of the mountain becomes poor due to mist, so you won’t be able to capture the moment by taking photos with panoramic views. Sometimes, the route to these mountains is also blocked due to landslides. 

Check the routes and weather before you leave for Rainbow Mountains in January.

Things To Expect at Rainbow Mountain, Peru

If you choose to travel in the dry season, you will most probably come across large crowds of tourists at the mountain. Rainy season reduces this number by a huge margin, but again, it comes with its cons mentioned in the previous section. 

No matter when you visit, the panoramic views will make you forget almost everything you have gone through to reach the place. Even before reaching these colorful mountains, you will see many flowing streams along the way. Looking further would fill your eyes with the sensational views of snow-capped mountains covered with clouds. 

The beauty of this place doesn’t end here, as there is still something special waiting for you on these lands. If you are an animal lover, don’t forget to bring your camera because many llama, vicuna, and alpaca herds roam the area.

For most of the hike, you will be walking uphill. However, the last 300 meters of your walk would be much steeper than the rest of your trek. Once you reach the viewpoint of Rainbow Mountain, all your exhaustion will vanish instantly. 

You can take horseback rides if you don’t feel like climbing anymore. A horseback ride would cost you around 76 Peruvian sol (20 US dollars) for the return trip from the top. 

What To Pack 

As mentioned above, the weather on Rainbow Mountain can be very unpredictable, so it is advised to pack all the necessary stuff to avoid any unwanted scenarios during the trek. 

The first and the most obvious one is some good quality hiking shoes. You can get these and a poncho (native cape or cloak) from Cusco at the San Pedro market. 

Other necessary items include: 

• Sunscreen is one of the most important things you must bring with you on your visit to these mountains. The high altitude means you are much closer to the sun, which can have a harsh effect on your skin. I particularly love this sunscreen with SPF 50, which is ideal for sports and active use. 
• For a 3-hour hike, keeping yourself hydrated is a must. We advise you to bring a reusable water bottle to refill to prevent dehydration. If you want to get motivated as well, you might want to check this water bottle with a sleeve carrier included for your hiking activity. 
• A good quality camera to capture all the mesmerizing colors of the mountain and the surrounding beauty is definitely a need. I recommend Panasonic LUMIX G7KS, a mirrorless camera that is perfect for traveling. It is handy and not bulky like the traditional DSLR cameras, but it works similarly. 
• Buy some snacks for a little dose of energy on your hike. Here is an oatmeal bar that will keep you energized throughout the trip. 
• A raincoat is a must to fight the unpredictable weather. We advise you to pack one even on a clear sunny day, as the weather can change almost instantly. There is a hooded rain poncho perfect for men and women that we recommend. 
• Some cash to pay for a horse ride and other activities. 
• Warm clothes in case you can’t fight the cold temperatures at high altitudes. 
• A good hat or cap to cover your head from the cold. We advise you to use a beanie to cover your ears. 
• A pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes from harsh sun rays. We recommend these sports sunglasses, ideal for outside activities like cycling, golfing, etc. 
• Some pills for altitude sickness. Make sure to buy them before leaving Cusco. 

Costs and Time To Stay

The cost to hike Rainbow Mountain in Peru can vary based on several factors, like the time of year, the type of tour you choose, and the level of comfort and services included. However, on average, the cost for a 1-day hike can range from around 50 to 100 PEN ($15 to $30) for a basic tour and up to 150 to 200 PEN ($40 to $52) for a more premium tour. 

Some tours may include transportation to and from the trailhead, a professional guide, meals, and entrance fees, while others may only include basic services. It’s best to research and compare different options to find the tour that best fits your budget and preferences.

Here are some of the tours we recommend: 

• Ride a quad bike with a small group during the day tour
• Hike to the top of Rainbow Mountain for a day
• Discover Rainbow Mountain through a horseback riding 

If you prefer to hike Rainbow Mountain in Peru without a guided tour, you can still expect to pay some costs associated with the experience. The main costs will be transportation to and from the trailhead and the entrance fee to the Ausangate Trek and Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) area, typically around 70 PEN ($18).

Please note that hiking without a guide can be challenging, especially for those unfamiliar with the area or with limited hiking experience. It is important to be prepared for the altitude, which can affect some people, and to be aware of the trail conditions and potential hazards.

How To Get to Rainbow Mountain Peru

Location 

Rainbow Mountain is located 85 miles (137 km) southeast of Cusco, Peru. To get there from outside Peru, you must land at either Cusco’s Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport or Callao region’s Jorge Chavez International Airport in Lima, the capital of Peru, which gets the most international flights. 

Route

From Lima

There is no direct route to Rainbow Mountain from Lima, so you will have to get to Cusco first. 

You can choose 2 transportation options – buses or airplanes – according to your budget. Most people prefer to travel by bus due to the amazing views, but if you want a quick ride to Cusco, choose an airplane. 

A 1-way flight from Lima to Cusco takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes to reach Cusco, costing around 190 to 381 PEN ($50 to $100). However, traveling by bus would be much cheaper, costing only 69 to 76 PEN ($18 to $20), but it will take 18 hours to reach Cusco.

From Cusco 

Once you reach Cusco, traveling to Rainbow Mountain becomes much easier. 

For adventure lovers, traveling to Rainbow Mountain will be an experience of a lifetime, as it involves 3 hours of trekking. Make sure you are physically strong enough to walk for that long. 

For hiking, get a taxi to Pitumarca and head towards Qesoyuno. 

Where To Stay in Rainbow Mountain Peru 

There aren’t any hotels in the Rainbow Mountain area, so the closest you can stay is at Cusco. Cusco has numerous accommodation options in the city. Some of the best ones include:

Budget-Friendly: El Ave Azul 

El Ave Azul hostel guests can stay in a soundproofed double room with various views, a double bed, an en suite private bathroom, a private kitchen, and a coffee machine.

Mid-range: Tambo del Arriero Hotel Boutique

This charming colonial boutique hotel is located in the Nueva Alta neighborhood, just 5 blocks from Cusco’s main square. It offers a standard room with a double bed, a private bathroom, a view of the inner courtyard/garden, and various other amenities.

High-end: JW Marriott El Convento Cusco

The interiors of Marriott are impressive, with a colonial-style design featuring antique exposed bricks and modern designer furniture. 

A room in the Inca wall style, accommodating 2 guests, is available with elegant furnishings such as parquet floors, dark wood accents, comfortable upholstered chairs, and the added benefit of oxygen enrichment.

For more accommodation options, you may click on the map.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Rainbow Mountain Peru 

Why Is Rainbow Mountain Peru Colorful?

Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca Mountain, in Peru is colorful due to the presence of multiple minerals such as sandstone, limestone, halite, and gravel in the terrain. Over time, these minerals combined to create striking layers of red, lavender, turquoise, and gold hues. 

The ice covering the mountain for several million years helped to preserve the minerals and their colors, protecting them from erosion.

How Long Does It Take To Hike Rainbow Mountain?

After you reach the starting point of the trek, it takes about 2-3 hours to reach the Rainbow Mountain viewpoint. 

The length of time it takes to hike Rainbow Mountain in Peru can vary depending on several factors, such as your level of fitness, acclimatization to the high altitude, and the pace at which you hike.

It’s important to note that the high altitude can pose a challenge for some people, and allowing yourself time to acclimate before attempting the hike is recommended. You must be prepared with adequate water, food, and clothing and have a good fitness level, as the hike can be strenuous.

How Do I Prepare For a Rainbow Mountain Hike?

Pack a reusable water bottle and some medicines for altitude sickness. Also, don’t forget to put on sunscreen at this altitude. 

On the other hand, some warm clothes with a raincoat would be highly recommended as it gets cold up there. 

Tips To Stay Safe During Your Visit In Rainbow Mountain

Ensure you’re adequately prepared with proper clothing, sunscreen, and plenty of water for the journey. Additionally, stick to designated trails, hire experienced guides if needed, and be cautious of sudden weather changes to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit to this breathtaking natural wonder.

Additionally, consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing, which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay. Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs and travel with peace of mind knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!

When Should I Go to Rainbow Mountain?

We highly recommend you visit Rainbow Mountain between April and November, which is considered a dry season with low rain probability.

Conclusion – Rainbow Mountain Peru

Rainbow Mountain is an experience of a lifetime. The views of the mountain, combined with a scenic trek toward the top, make it worth it. 

Keep the tips shared in the article in mind and you’ll conquer Rainbow Mountain with flying colors.

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