Wondering if the Rainbow Mountain Peru is worth the visit?
Known for its incredible and bright multicoloured shades, you’d be forgiven for thinking this mountain peak was a top notch photoshop job. However it really is real – formed over millions of years ago by natural tectonic processes – and visiting this wonder is much easier than you think once you arrive into Cusco during your vacation in Peru.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Rainbow Mountain Peru. This includes whether it’s worth visiting, as well as how difficult the elevation and trek really is. We’ll also answer your most frequently asked questions in our FAQ section.
Everything You Need To Know About Rainbow Mountain Peru
Is It Worth Going To Rainbow Mountain Peru?
Yes it is 100% worth going to Rainbow Mountain in Peru during your trip. This is because it is one of South America’s most iconic natural mountain formations, and the bright greens, reds and yellows really do take your breath away when you arrive at the top of the peak. And that’s without mentioning the Red Valley which sits just behind – where we can also see bright red mountains and otherworldly valleys.
The hike itself is also very scenic, where the surrounding Ausangate Mountains rise even higher than where we are on the trail (which is hard to believe since we are already up at 5000m+ in altitude here!). It’s normal to see snow covering the mountains, and at the top of Rainbow Mountain we can find many friendly alpacas, indigenous locals selling warm meals, and many awesome viewpoints.
The Altitude Of Rainbow Mountain
Rainbow Mountain is located up within the Vilcanota Mountain Range in Cusco, at a total altitude of 5200m. It’s one of the highest elevated destinations you can visit in all of Peru, and it’s common to see snowfall on the surrounding Ausangate peaks in the background, and even sometimes snow around Rainbow Mountain and the adjacent Red Valley (especially if visiting between November and April). Proper preparation and acclimation is essential before your visit, which we’ll now cover in the next section. You can also read our Cusco altitude sickness preparation guide for more expert advice.
How To Properly Prepare For Your Rainbow Mountain Hike
Rainbow Mountain should be treated as one of the final destinations you visit when in Cusco – ideally after 3/4 days spent in the region. While with just two days your body will acclimate to the altitude of Cusco city just fine (3399m) – making trips around the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and some mountain treks completely fine – Rainbow Mountain however is much higher and therefore requires more time to acclimate naturally. Drinking Coca Leaf Teas or taking altitude sickness medications (like Diamox or Soroche Tablets if cleared for use by your doctor) are also recommended on the day of your hike.
For the trek itself, we highly suggest wearing good quality hiking boots or comfortable shoes, as there is an hour of walking up the trail at a steady incline. The climate can vary wildly here, so both thin hiking layers and a coat are needed, while a hat and gloves are also essential for the cold mornings. If visiting Rainbow Mountain Peru during the wet season between November and April, then you will also need to bring waterproofs or a poncho.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Rainbow Mountain Peru
In this section we’ll now explore the most frequent questions we get about the Rainbow Mountain Peru, as well as anything else you need to know.
What Is Special About Rainbow Mountain?
The multicoloured stripes of Rainbow Mountain (which includes bright yellows, vivid greens and dark reds) are by far the most special feature of this incredible site. These colours were formed over millions of years of heavy tectonic activity, which left behind rich mineral deposits such as iron oxide, copper sulphate and magnesium among others within the mountain face. They are clearly visible even from far away – which allows for both incredible close-up as well as far panoramic views.
Is Rainbow Mountain Better Than Machu Picchu?
Both of these iconic sites rank as some of the best to visit in all of Peru – and it really depends on each person what they prefer. While Rainbow Mountain is great for those who want to see a beautiful natural phenomenon next to the snowy peaks of Ausangate – Machu Picchu is ideal for those who want to see mysterious ruins built by the ancient Inca, as well as the surrounding misty cloudforests. Even better is to see both on an Unforgettable Multi-Day Cusco Tour, where expert tour guides will show you the very best spots for both incredible sites.
How Difficult Is A Rainbow Mountain Hike?
The Rainbow Mountain Hike is considered a moderate to difficult trek, mostly because of the high altitude (above 5000m). The actual walk itself up is a gradual incline – and is usually managed just fine by most travellers who have acclimated properly in Cusco and take appropriate altitude sickness medications. If you are worried about the difficulty or altitudes, then you can also take a private ATV or donkey ride up for more comfort.
Overview Of Visiting The Rainbow Mountain Peru
And that’s all for this guide on everything you need to know about the Rainbow Mountain Peru.
One of the most iconic wonders you can visit in all of South America (let alone in just Peru), Rainbow Mountain is well-known for its natural multi-coloured stripes and surrounding snowy Andean peaks – and is well worth the visit. While the trek itself may seem daunting due to the higher altitudes, it’s actually very simple to visit, and especially so when acclimating properly back in Cusco and following the advice mentioned in this article.
Ready to explore Cusco and the most unforgettable destinations within this famous region of Peru? Join Our Five Day Cusco Tour Now, where we include privately guided hikes up to Rainbow Mountain, a visit to Machu Picchu, explorations of the ancient ruins and mountain towns of the Sacred Valley, and much more.