One Day Rainbow Mountain Hike in Peru

Rainbow Mountain Highlights 

• Mind-blowing  Andean landscapes
• Beautiful Rainbow Mountain colors
• Breakfast, Lunch, and snacks are included
• Snow-capped mountains, peaks, and valleys
• Pick Up and drop off from your hotel in Cusco
• Tour led to this remote region by Expert Guides
• See llamas, alpacas, and local Andean farmers along the route

 

Llamas at Rainbow Mountain

What to Expect

At 5,200 meters (17,060 feet) above sea level, Rainbow Mountain’s altitude is more than half that of Mount Everest. Those who wish to see this beautiful site for themselves must be prepared for a difficult 3-hour hike at a high altitude. Weather conditions can also complicate the journey, with both blistering cold temperatures and intense UV rays due to the elevation. But while getting there might be a little tough, the extraordinary view once you reach the top will make it all worthwhile.

Climbing to the summit of the Rainbow Mountain involves a steeply inclined trek that could be extremely challenging for individuals who are not fully acclimatized to the altitude. It is a very good idea to spend at least a couple of days in Cusco prior to taking on the Vinicunca visit. A myriad of tour companies offer a day trip that leaves Cusco at dawn and arrives four hours later to the towns of Cusipata or Chillca, found at the base of the mountain. You will have to hike 8 km for about three hours until you reach the summit.  The fact that you are at such a high elevation, with such thin air makes this a lot more difficult than it sounds. Local people even rent out horses and mules to take you and your backpacks up the mountain, should you feel the need.

Tours to Rainbow Mountain leave from the city of Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire and the closest major city to Machu Picchu and many of Peru’s most famous attractions. After departing from Cusco your tour will take you on a 3 -hour drive south of the city to the town of Cusipata. Not far from here is where you’ll find the Rainbow Mountain trailhead to start your hike.

Snow used to cover the colorful stripes of Vinicunca, Rainbow Mountain,  however, due to climate change, the snow covering the hills slowly melted away. Locals say the mountain was discovered in 2013, and since then, thousands of visitors looking to take a peek at the multicolored mountain make the difficult trek to see the site.

The higher elevation also means colder, freezing temperatures, so go well-prepared. If you decide to take a one-day tour, make sure you wrap up well.  Coca leaves are also a good idea to ward off altitude sickness and carry only essential items to make hiking a little easier. You will definitely come across other groups of trekkers by the time you arrive at the Rainbow Mountain as the vans start to arrive from Cusco.

 

Along The Trek

The Epic Rainbow Mountain Hike

The hike to Rainbow Mountain will usually take around 3 hours depending on your speed and level of physical fitness. The trail itself is mostly flat until the final ascent, but the high altitude is what makes it challenging. Because of the strain that high altitude can cause on the body, it’s generally recommended to walk at a relaxed pace (which you’ll want to do anyway so that you can enjoy the natural beauty around you). For those who prefer not to hike, there are usually horses available for rent along the trail. However, they can only bring you to the end of the flat part of the trail where you’ll have to dismount and climb the final stretch on foot to reach the summit.

Vinicunca

The local people who live near Rainbow Mountain also keep herds of llamas and alpacas, so you’ll have the chance to see many of these furry creatures along the way. Once you reach the summit’s lookout point you’ll have sweeping panoramic views of not only Rainbow Mountain but also the nearby Red Valley. 

 

Local Muleteer

Best Time to Hike the Rainbow Mountain

The Peruvian Andes are subject to two distinct seasons: the dry season, lasting from roughly April until October; and the rainy season, lasting from November until March (with the months of heaviest precipitation being January and February). April and October are also pleasant since it's usually when the seasons are transitioning.

Because of its high altitude and icy air, the rainy season in the region often turns into snowfall at Rainbow Mountain. Visitors to Rainbow Mountain should come prepared with clothes for all weather, as conditions can also change quickly.

 

Misty Rainbow Mountain

 

How High is Rainbow Mountain? What about Altitude Sickness?

The possibility of experiencing altitude sickness is one of the most common concerns for visitors to Rainbow Mountain. Altitude sickness is caused by a lack of oxygen at higher altitudes and can set in at altitudes above 2,500 meters (8,000 feet) above sea level, putting Rainbow Mountain’s altitude of 5,200 meters (17,060 feet) well above the minimum elevation where it can occur.

The symptoms of altitude sickness (known as “soroche” in Peru) can include headache, vomiting, dizziness, tiredness, and shortness of breath. In rare cases, these symptoms can develop into more serious illnesses. Due to the strain placed on the heart by lower oxygen levels, those with a history of heart problems should not hike Rainbow Mountain. If you are not sure whether or not you should hike Rainbow Mountain, make sure to discuss your concerns with a doctor before coming to Peru.

Always take the time to acclimatize to the altitude for a day or two before attempting to hike Rainbow Mountain or complete any other strenuous physical activity.
Consult with your physician at home for any suggested medications you can take to ease your acclimation at high altitudes.
Drink coca tea, an herbal remedy for altitude sickness used by local peoples for thousands of years.
Avoid heavy meals, alcoholic beverages, and smoking cigarettes.
Make sure you keep well-hydrated.

View over Vinicunca

 

When booking a 1 day Rainbow Mountain tour, make sure it includes transportation, a professional, bilingual guide, meals and snacks, trekking sticks, and a first aid kit with oxygen, should you need it. The one-day Rainbow Mountain trek is a quick visit that may leave you wanting more, and there are other trekking options to see this kaleidoscopic mountain.

If you prefer a more relaxed and unique experience, you can sign up for a multi-day private tour that guarantees a much more spiritual and cultural adventure. Nights on the Ausangate will get cold with temperatures often dropping below freezing, so pack appropriately. The region should also be visited with a knowledgeable guide as weather conditions can often catch out even the most experienced of trekkers. The Ausangate with Rainbow Mountain trek offers the opportunity to hike around the base of the Ausangate, one of the Incas’ most sacred mountains. During these 5 to 6 days, you will trek through the unique Ausangate region to witness ice caverns, glaciers, lesser-visited Andean landscapes and crystal-clear lagoons. You also get to experience life with native villagers who are llama herders, visit ancient hot springs, and see Andean fauna such as condors, foxes, and vicuñas.

There is also an alternative trip to a more remote Rainbow Mountain called Palcoyo if you are looking to avoid the crowds.

Whether you choose the 1 day Rainbow Mountain trek or the more complete Ausangate adventure, visiting the Vilcanota mountain range means experiencing a whole new world of the Andes, an area mostly unexplored that is the perfect addition to any trekker’s itinerary!

 

Rainbow Mountain 

 

Preparation For The Rainbow Mountain Trek

The Rainbow Mountain Basics:

Acclimatize!

If you are planning to hike anywhere within the Andes Mountain Range, you are going to encounter high altitudes, so acclimatizing is extremely important before you exert yourself at even higher elevations. For those who have come from sea level, you will most definitely want to spend a couple of days getting used to it and if possible, go up gradually. Cusco stands at 3,400m so spend a couple of days there to aid acclimatization.

 

Photo Opportunity at the Top!

 

Sleep

It is a good idea to get an early night before the trek. You will be waking early and have a day of trekking ahead so get your rest!

 

Along the Route to Vinicunca

 

Investigate!

Choose a responsible trekking company and if budget allows, go with a private tour. Quite often cheaper tours or group tours are pooled together so you do not necessarily get what you paid for. A private trip ensures your needs are met and offer attention to your specific needs on the trek.

At the Peak

 

Drink coca tea

The Andean people chew coca leaves or consume them as a tea, dating back to Inca times. You should probably follow their lead on this hike! In addition, you can go to the pharmacy and pick up altitude sickness pills, although many of the ones you get over the counter and take them a couple of days before the trek. Make sure that you drink plenty of fluids as you can dehydrate quickly at high elevations and take high-energy snacks such as energy bars, nuts, and dried fruits to help you along the way.  Altitude affects people in many different ways so always check with your guide if you start to feel strange in any way.

 

Coca offering to the Apus

 

Distance vs time

You may look at the distance and the time allotted and think that you’d be able to do the trek in a quicker timeframe. Remember fitness will help however the altitude will slow you down so take your time along the hike and take in the impressive views the transport at the bottom will always wait for you!

 

Hiking The Trail

 

Reality vs Instagram

Many photos are rather obviously photoshopped to make this stripy-colored mountain more spectacular. However, the journey up there is also magnificent, especially when the sun is shining and reflecting off the kaleidoscopic  Rainbow Mountain, enhancing its colors.

 

Filters?

 

Choose the Winter season

It’s highly advised not to go to Rainbow Mountain during the rainy season. During the summer months of November to March, the path becomes more challenging and eventually turns into a mudslide, which makes it very slippy. Rain will of course affect your visibility of the mountain itself, which is the reason why you are trekking, and often rain turns into snow at high elevations... especially in The Andes!

 

Misty Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain

 

If you are fascinated with a visit to The Rainbow Mountain in Peru, you can add this one-day trip to your Peru itinerary! We generally recommend at the end so that your body is well acclimatized for this high altitude day trek. Book the 1-day Rainbow Mountain trek here!