Insider Secrets for Conquering Rainbow Mountain Peru

Rainbow Mountain, Peru, also known as Vinicunca, is a natural wonder that looks like something out of a painting.

Located high in the Andes, this geological marvel draws adventurers and photographers from all over the world.

I visited during the high season when it was dry and cool, and the altitude certainly kicked my butt. I was not only sick but I also didn’t wear the right gear, so let’s make sure that doesn’t happen to you!

Here is my first-timer’s guide to visiting Rainbow Mountain, the best way to get there, what to wear, and how to prepare.

Why You Want to Visit Rainbow Mountain Peru

Why is Rainbow Mountain so famous? The vibrant red, yellow, green, and turquoise stripes result from mineral deposits exposed over millions of years. These colors were only revealed in 2015, after climate change caused the snow to melt, uncovering this beautiful landscape.

But beyond its visual appeal, Rainbow Mountain is a spiritual experience. Locals consider it a sacred place, and its high elevation and rugged terrain add a sense of adventure to the journey.

Cusco Region – Both Rainbow Mountains

In Peru, there are two well-known “Rainbow Mountains,” both famous for their vibrant, multi-colored slopes. I visited Viniecunca as it was closer to Cusco, where I stayed for several days before and after visiting Machu Picchu.

Vinicunca (Montaña de Siete Colores)

• Elevation: 5,200 meters (17,060 feet)
• Location: Located in the Andes, 147 km from Cusco (Approx 3.5-hour drive)
• Why Visit: This is the most famous Rainbow Mountain, often referred to simply as “Rainbow Mountain” by tourists.

Pallay Punchu

• Elevation: 4,791 meters (15,720 feet)
• Location: Situated in the Layo District, 190 km from Cusco (Approx 4-hour drive)
• Why Visit: Pallay Punchu is a lesser-known but increasingly popular alternative to Vinicunca, featuring distinct stripes of color.

Both of these Rainbow Mountains offer stunning geological formations and vibrant mineral layers, but Vinicunca remains the more commonly visited one.

This guide is for visiting Montana Vinikunka for a full day.

The altitude of the base of the mountain is 4,326 meters and the peak is 5,200 meters above sea level.

Rainbow Mountain is higher than any other mountain in North America and its summit is about the same altitude as the base camp of Mount Everest. That’s impressive!

My Personal Experience

Visiting Rainbow Mountain from Cusco is a full-day trip that takes you through stunning Andean landscapes, offering colorful views of the mountain’s mineral-rich slopes.

We booked a tour, however no one else was on our tour so we ended up being in a car with the driver and tour guide for over 12 hours. It was a VERY long day. We rode ATV’s part of the way up the winding mountain.

Once you get to the mountain base, you can choose between walking 45 minutes to the top, riding a horse for 30 minutes, or riding a motorcycle up the mountain for 7 minutes with a local driver.

Since it took over four hours just to get to the mountain, I opted for the bike ride. It was an additional $45 USD but since I was sick, I knew I couldn’t make the walk.

Once you are at the “top” you can need to hike up another 2,000 feet to get to the “actual” top. The trailhead starts at around 4,300 meters (14,000 feet) and climbs to just over 5,000 meters (16,400 feet).

Make sure you wear hiking shoes, regular sneakers are not going to cut it. It is the one time I wish I hadn’t worn my running sneakers!

The tour we booked: Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain ATV Tour with Meals

This is what our tour day looked like:

• Drive to Rainbow Mountain Base (to get the ATVs) 4 hours
• Ride the ATVs to the next base of the mountain for 1 hour
• Ride tandem on a motorbike for 7 minutes
• Hike to the very top of the mountain (another 2000 feet): 15 minutes
• Ride back to the hotel 5 hours (with traffic)

How to Get to Rainbow Mountain from Cusco

No matter which route you choose to get to Rainbow Mountain, just know it will be a long day. Bring phone battery chargers, water, snacks, and plenty of altitude sickness medicine. Here are three options to get to the mountain in one day:

1. Guided Tour (Most Popular)

Most people opt for a guided tour from Cusco, which is the easiest and most convenient way to reach Rainbow Mountain.

• Cost: $50–$100 USD (including transportation, guide, and meals)
• Time: 11 hours (car ride plus hike and return)
• Pros:
  • Hassle-free—you don’t have to worry about transportation or getting lost.
  • Tours usually include breakfast, lunch, and a guide who can provide insight into the area.
  • Many tours offer hotel pickup and drop-off.
• Cons:
  • Early start—tours usually leave at 4 a.m.
  • You must have small change and cash with you to pay for the multiple access points and if you need to use the bathroom.
  • Group settings might not offer the flexibility some travelers want.

2. Public Transport + Independent Hike

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to save some money, you can take a local bus and hike independently.

I personally would not take this option as the bus ride is up a windy road and I get car sick. I also found it very hard to find any online information to see a bus schedule so you will need to talk to your accommodations or host to help you ride the bus.

• Cost: $15–$20 USD (bus + entrance fee)
• Time: 3 hours by bus + 2-hour hike
• Pros:
  • Budget-friendly.
  • More flexibility with timing.
• Cons:
  • No guide—you’ll miss out on local insights.
  • You’ll need to arrange your own transport back to Cusco.
  • Navigating the bus system can be tricky if you don’t speak Spanish.

3. Private Car Hire

If you speak Spanish renting a private driver is an excellent option. They can speed along faster than the buses and stop when you want to stop. Speak to your accommodations host to book a driver. I asked our hostel about this option and the rates were given below.

• Cost: $150–$200 USD
• Time: 3 hours by car + 2-hour hike
• Pros:
  • Full control over your schedule.
  • Ideal for groups or families wanting privacy.
  • Comfortable and relaxing ride.
• Cons:
  • More expensive than other options.
  • You’ll need to plan your own meals and logistics for the hike.

A Little History About Rainbow Mountain

Although Rainbow Mountain was only discovered by mainstream tourism in 2015, its history goes back much further.

The mountain’s unique colors come from different types of minerals: iron oxide (red), copper sulfate (green), and yellow due to sulfur. For years, it was hidden under snow, and only when the ice melted, the colors were revealed.

The mountain is also spiritually significant to the local Quechua people. It’s considered an “apus” or sacred mountain, and many locals still make offerings here, believing that the mountains are the homes of powerful spirits.

Best Time to Visit Rainbow Mountain

I visited in August and it was warm during the day and cold at night so layers were imperative. At the top of the mountain it was very cold and windy so bring a hat to keep your hair from flying around!

Dry Season (May to September):

This is the most popular time to visit, especially for trekking to Rainbow Mountain. The days are sunny and warm, but nights can get chilly. Temperatures range from 35°F (2°C) at night to 68°F (20°C) during the day. You’ll have clear skies for those stunning mountain views.

Rainy Season (October to April):

While the rainy season sees more downpours, it’s also when the landscape turns lush and green. It’s a quieter time to visit, with fewer crowds. Temperatures range from 41°F (5°C) to 64°F (18°C), but be prepared for occasional showers.

What to Expect: Elevation, Hike Difficulty, and Time

Rainbow Mountain sits at an elevation of 5,200 meters (17,060 feet), so altitude sickness is a real concern.

If you do not take the ATV tour, the hike itself is about 7 kilometers (4.4 miles) round-trip, which takes most people around 2 to 3 hours to complete. It’s not technically difficult, but the altitude can make it feel more challenging than it looks.

I will not sugarcoat it, since I was already sick before I got there, I struggled. The hardest part was the short distance from the base to the highest point. I had to stop a lot and I am in decent shape.

Make sure to take your time and listen to your body. Coca leaves or altitude sickness pills can help, but it’s essential to acclimatize in Cusco for at least a day before attempting the hike.

How to Manage Altitude Sickness

Managing altitude sickness is important due to its high elevation. Here are a few tips to help you acclimatize and minimize symptoms:

1. Take it Easy on Arrival: Avoid strenuous activities for the first 24-48 hours. Rest and allow your body to adjust to the high altitude.

2. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, as dehydration can worsen altitude sickness symptoms. Herbal teas, especially coca tea, are also commonly consumed in Peru to help with acclimatization.

3. Avoid Alcohol and Heavy Meals: Alcohol can dehydrate you and make altitude symptoms worse. Stick to light, easily digestible meals while you adjust.

4. Use Oxygen or Medications: Some hotels provide oxygen tanks for relief if symptoms persist. You can also take medication like acetazolamide (Diamox), which helps prevent altitude sickness. Always consult your doctor before using medication.

5. Ascend Slowly: If you plan to hike or travel to higher elevations, ascend gradually to allow your body more time to adjust.

Look for a pharmacy (pictured below) and use Google Translate to ask for altitude sickness medicine. It is the brown pills at the bottom of the image.

What to Wear and What to Bring

I created an entire packing list for every trip, below are the additional items you will need for your day visiting Rainbow Mountain.

Clothing: Layers are key. Wear a moisture-wicking base layer, a warm fleece, and a waterproof jacket. Temperatures can change quickly, especially with the altitude.

Footwear: Hiking boots with good grip are essential, as the terrain can be rocky and uneven.

Hat, Gloves, and Sunglasses: The sun is strong at high altitudes, and mornings can be freezing. A hat also keeps your hair in place as it is very windy at the top.

Tissues – You will need tissues for two reasons. The food vendors do not provide napkins. In addition, you need to bring your own toilet paper to public bathrooms.

Cash – All of the entry fees, riding a horse or bike, and public toilets only take cash. I use the Charles Schwab Debit Card when I travel as they reimburse you for all ATM fees.

Snacks: While most tours provide meals, it’s good to have some high-energy snacks like nuts, fruit, or protein bars.

Water bottle – I never leave home without my Hydro Flask water bottle. Hydration is crucial at high altitudes.

Portable Phone Charger: There is no cell service once you get in the mountains so your phone battery will drain quickly. Get a charger with the cables attached to it so there is less to carry in your bag.

4 Tips to Survive Rainbow Mountain

Acclimatize First

Spend at least a day or two in Cusco before tackling Rainbow Mountain to adjust to the altitude. Even after spending 3 days in Cusco I still wasn’t ready for it.

Start Early

Most tours leave before sunrise to avoid the midday crowds, and the morning light makes the colors more vibrant. My tour didn’t leave until 8 am and then we didn’t get back until after 7 pm so next time, I will take the earlier tour.

Consider Renting a Horse or Motorbike

If the altitude is getting to you, locals offer horse rentals for around $20–$30 USD or you can ride with a local on a motorbike for around $45 USD.

Wear Layers

I forgot a hat and didn’t wear the right shoes but at least I had on layers to bundle up when we got to the top of the mountain!

Final Thoughts on Visiting Rainbow Mountain Peru

Rainbow Mountain isn’t just about the destination—it’s about the journey. From the moment you leave Cusco in the pre-dawn hours, you’re on an adventure that takes you through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Peru.

Yes, the hike can be challenging, especially with the altitude, but the rewards are worth every step. The colorful layers of Rainbow Mountain will leave you in awe, and you’ll return with stories to share and photos to treasure forever.

Whether you go on a guided tour or brave it on your own, this experience is one you’ll never forget. Just remember to prepare well, take your time, and enjoy every moment of the trip!

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