A Day Trip to Rainbow Mountain
Whether you've landed in Peru with Rainbow Mountain already topping your must-see list or this is the first time you've ever heard of it, our guide is your go-to resource. We've compiled everything you need to plan your visit, covering essential topics like arranging a tour and what is involvedd, the ideal time of year to experience it and how to cope with high altitude!
Chances are, you've scrolled past countless Instagram photos showcasing Rainbow Mountain's stunning red, yellow, and orange hues. If you're in Cusco, those unmistakable colors are likely dominating the restauraunt or hostel walls or even from the many brochures being shoved in front our your face by some of the tour guides! Known by various names like Vinicunca, Winikunka, Montaña de Siete Colores, and Montaña de 7 Colores, Rainbow Mountain It has swiftly become the city's second most sought-after tourist attraction, just behind Machu Picchu!
Want to know more about this destination and what a day trip to Rainbow mountain looks like? Then read on!
Key Rainbow Mountain Essentials:
Distance: Around a 1h/1h30 hike awaits!
Altitude: A challenging 5,000m—acclimatization is a must!
Health: Pre-acclimatization is crucial! Coca tea is always good too!
Crowds: Incredibly popular—but our tour had us beating those!
Preparation: Bring warm clothes, comfortable shoes, cash, water and a sweet snack as a pick me up!
When did Rainbow Mountain become so famous?
While the mountain itself has existed for eons, its most renowned feature remained concealed beneath layers of Andean snow and ice for centuries! Then, likely due to climate change, it gradually revealed itself and gained the popularity of tourists only a couple of years ago, in 2015.
Rather than serving as a warning about environmental shifts, the Cusco region found itself blessed with another world-famous tourist attraction to add to its already extensive list. Guided tours to Rainbow Mountain commenced in January 2016. The vibrant striped colors, illuminated by sunlight, result from weathering and mineral deposits. Depending on the time of day and year, these colors can undergo a mesmerizing transformation, rendering Rainbow Mountain a constantly evolving spectacle!
When's the best time to visit?
Checking the weather forecast before visiting is ALWAYS a good idea. Though rainbows are usually at their brightest during a shower, this mountain is an exception to that rule! Rain and mud dampen this mountains sparkle! During our visit in Peru's rainy season in late November, we were told we were likely to have snow and rain, but fortunately only had to survive a bit of cloud!
In general, the optimal time to visit Rainbow Mountain is between March and November, the dry season. Although the weather may be slightly cooler and you may even get snow, the prevalence of blue skies significantly enhances the overall experience. So, before you set out on this picturesque journey, take a moment to consult the weather forecast—it could be the key to transforming your Rainbow Mountain trek into a truly magical experience.
Whats the tour like?
Thanks to a dedicated road carved into the hillside since the discovery of Rainbow Mountain, the trek is a manageable 7 kilometers round-trip. While variations exist in tour departure times, the standard day trip to Rainbow Mountain typically unfolds as follows:
Hostel Pick-up (3:45 a.m. - 5 a.m.): Brace yourself for an early start as your adventure kicks off with a pick-up from your hostel/hotel.
Two-Hour Drive: Embark on a scenic two-hour drive, immersing yourself in the breathtaking Peruvian countryside. Or if you prefer, (like we did!) take a quick nap!
Breakfast Break (20-30 mins): Enjoy a buffet breakfast stop, fueling up for the exciting day ahead.
1.5-Hour Drive to Rainbow Mountain Car Park: Resume your journey with a 1.5-hour drive to the Rainbow Mountain car park, the starting point of your trek.
Trail to the Mirador/Viewpoint (1.5 - 2 hours): Begin the trek along the trail to the mirador/viewpoint, a steep but enjoyable journey that takes 1.5 to 2 hours.
Viewpoint Pause (30-45 minutes): Soak in the mesmerizing scenery, spending 30 minutes at the viewpoint, or wander around the surroundings to the hand sculptures and up to the summit to capture the essence of Rainbow Mountain.
Trail Back to Tour Bus (1 hour): Retrace your steps along the trail, enjoying the landscapes once more on the return journey, which takes about 1 hour.
1.5-Hour Drive and Lunch Stop: Hop back on the bus for a 1.5-hour drive, punctuated by a well-deserved lunch stop.
Return to Cusco: Conclude your adventure with a drive back to Cusco, completing a day filled with stunning views and memorable experiences.
While the journey encompasses a full day, with a significant portion spent on transportation, the scenic landscapes along the way offer a glimpse into the beauty of Peruvian countryside. For those seeking a quieter experience, with an early wake up, a tour such as this one, provides a golden opportunity to evade the crowds and be the first to see the wonder of the mountain. However we took this tour here, and we were probably the 5th bus there and still got to see the mountain with lesser crowds.
Solo trekking to Rainbow Mountain is of course an option, but we believe with the cost of a taxi to and from and the addition of breakfast and lunch - a guided tour is a much easier way to experience it! Plus, you get to meet new people along the way!
How hard is the hike?
The hike spans approximately 2.5 miles (4 km) one way, translating to a round trip of 4 1/2 to 5 miles (7-8 km) with an elevation gain of about 3937 feet (1200 meters). For those already acclimatized and reasonably fit, the journey is manageable. While you'll find yourself breathless and fatigued, the majority of the path is relatively flat.
The challenge intensifies in the final stretch, the last 300 meters revealing a steeper incline. Although your breath may quicken and your heart rate be fastening with every step (our 2 day hangover didn't help), the breathtaking views make every step worthwhile! The descent is very straightforward and nothing to be afraid of, typically taking 45 minutes to an hour.
Yes, you should prepare yourself for the altitude. When we did this hike, we had already completed both the 2 day Colca Canyon hike and the 5 day Salkantay hike, so already had a certain level of acclimitisation. The mountain viewpoint perches at a staggering 17,060 feet (5200 meters) above sea level, with the hike commencing around 13,779 feet (4200 meters). To put this in perspective, the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak, stands at 19,340 feet (5895 meters) and typically requires 5-7 days to conquer and even Mount Everest's base camps: South Base Camp is at an altitude of 5,364 metres (17,598 ft), while North Base Camp is in China at 5,150 metres (16,900 ft)! Who knew?!
Altitude sickness is a real challenge, and many struggle on this hike due to insufficient acclimatization and fitness. Though if you choose to go with a guide, they should have certain things that may help with sickness such as coca leaves and smelling salts. To really enhance your experience and ease the journey, acclimate in Cusco for a few days before attempting Rainbow Mountain. Maybe do as we did and try a couple of other hikes too, or go to Machu Picchu for a couple of days!
What if I'm not up for the hike?
For those on the brink of exhaustion, there's a silver lining. Touts, ever-watchful, trail behind the weary, offering a welcome helping hand. For a fee of 70 Soles ($19 USD) per person, you can opt for a horseback ride, allowing you to ascend to the summit with ease. It's a gentle solution for tired legs and a chance to savor the beauty without the strain.
If horses aren't your preferred mode of escape, there's another option in the form of motorbike rentals. For a reasonable sum of 60 Soles ($16USD), you can secure a return journey, whisking you away from the fatigue of the trek. It's a convenient alternative, providing both relief and a quicker return to base!
Or if you prefer more of a fun tour mixed with a bit of adrenaline! Why not take this tour, you can ATV around the mountains and all around those glorious landscapes!
So, whether you choose the grace of a horse or the speed of a motorbike, these options cater to the truly exhausted, ensuring that the journey up Rainbow Mountain remains a memorable adventure without unnecessary wear and tear.
Was it worth it?
In a nutshell, conquering Rainbow Mountain is another one of those hikes that you feel better for accomplishing. The colors, the landscapes, the llamas and alpacas roaming around freely—every step will be a page in your memories. But, for some people this trek demands guts, stamina, and a nod to Mother Nature's altitude rules. It's a challenge worth embracing, and if you're not feeling up to it, you still have other options to get you to the top to live out your Rainbow Mountain fantasy!
Ready for the challenge? Rainbow Mountain awaits! Don't forget to follow us on our Instagram page @twoeejitsabroad so you can see all our daily spends, adventures and travels around the world!
Comentários