If you love outdoor activities as much as we do, then you’ll surely be glad to know there is a magical place waiting for you right at the heart of the Vilcanota mountain range. The Vinicunca Mountain, also known as the Rainbow Mountain of Peru, is the most sought-after day trek near the Imperial City of Cusco.
This colorful mount originated millions of years ago, and even though it has been there all along, it wasn’t until 2015 that it was discovered by locals and put on the tourist market at the beginning of 2016.
The Rainbow Mountain hides in plain sight since it is a snow-capped peak in the Andean region. However, due to climate change, the thick layers of ice and snow that once covered it melted away, unveiling its true colors to the world.
The imposing mountain sits on an elevation of 5,200 meters above sea level and it’s surrounded by the mighty Apu of the Andes, the Ausangate Mountain, as well as the Red Valley and an impressive natural scenery.
It is worth mentioning that even though the trail may seem partially flat and easy, the altitude is a factor that can’t be ignored. Therefore, if you’re planning to do this trek, make sure to be properly acclimatized before venturing out to this otherworldly location.
In this blog, we’ll tell you everything about the trail to Rainbow Mountain, including some tips to get used to the altitude, what to bring, and other recommendations so you can experience this awe-inspiring landscape at its fullest.
Trail to Rainbow Mountain: Step-by-Step
For those looking to trek all the way up this undeniably beautiful peak, most tours start from the city of Cusco. Each company has a set departure time, though it is best to arrive as early as possible since this natural wonder receives over 1,500 travelers per day.
Luckily for you, our Rainbow Mountain Trek starts early in the morning, between 04:00 and 04:30 a.m. You’ll have time to have breakfast, climb up the mountain, and take some awesome pictures without it being unbearably crowded.
The trek up the mountain takes up to 2.5 hours, depending on your physical condition and pace, however, that’s plenty of time to complete the trail since it’s only 3 km long.
However, what makes it really difficult is the altitude since you’ll be ascending from 4,800 m.a.s.l. until the very peak of Vinicunca.
Therefore, we highly recommend taking the walk slowly and calmly so you can appreciate the breathtaking scenery of the Andes as you make your way to the mountain’s summit.
If you’re feeling adventurous, and most importantly, you have what it takes to finish the trail, here’s what you should expect:
Rainbow Mountain Tour
Before starting the hike, our expert guides will share tips and make sure you’re fully prepared for the high altitude.
The trail begins gently but gets steeper as you approach the summit—over 5,000 meters above sea level—so it’s important to pace yourself and enjoy the stunning scenery along the way.
You’ll pass colorful hills, grazing llamas and alpacas, and views of snow-capped peaks. Once at the top, take in the incredible panoramic views of Vinicunca and the towering Ausangate Mountain.
If you’re up for it, you can also spot the trail to the vibrant Red Valley. There will be time to snap photos and meet local people dressed in traditional attire—just remember to offer a small tip for photos.
Afterward, the descent will feel much easier. Once back at the transport, we’ll head to a local restaurant for a delicious buffet lunch featuring regional flavors.
Finally, we return to Cusco, with your camera full of memories and your heart full of awe. This day trip is a must for nature lovers and adventurers seeking one of Peru’s most iconic landscapes!
Important Note
As we said earlier, our team is highly capacitated of assisting you in case of any inconvenience. In case you’re feeling any altitude sickness symptoms, make sure to talk to any of our guides so they can assist you right away.
If you want to visit the Red Valley, make sure to let your travel agent know upon booking. The day before the trek, our team will give you a briefing about the activity ahead. You’ll also be provided with a walking stick and an identification vest for the trip.
Altitude Sickness: How to Prevent and Deal With It
If you’re planning a trip to Peru, you surely have heard of the so-called “Soroche,” a condition that affects most tourists and residents who travel to places that surpass 2,500 meters of elevation.
Therefore, some travelers may experience dizziness, tiredness, shortness of breath, and headaches upon arrival in these high-altitude places; those are the most common symptoms of altitude sickness.
We’d like to highlight that this condition may affect anyone, including those who have lived over 1,000 meters above sea level. For that reason, we highly recommend taking things slowly on your first 2-3 days in Cusco before committing to a physically demanding activity. Luckily for you, we have gathered some tips that will help you prevent and deal with altitude sickness:
What to Bring for the Trek?
As you already know, the rainbow mountain is located at 5,200 meters above sea level, which is why it tends to be really cold up there, even if the sun is out. Here we have prepared a packing list with all the essential things you should bring with you for this trek:
- Water. As we mentioned above, you will need this to prevent any altitude sickness symptoms and clearly because you biologically need it.
- Be prepared for the cold. Make sure to bring warm clothes and to be prepared in layers. As you walk up the mountain you might want to take a layer or two off.
- Bring snacks for the way. Although you’ll have breakfast and lunch, it’s good to pack plenty of healthy snacks.
- Rain poncho. If traveling during the rainy season (December – April), make sure to bring this in your backpack since it can either snow or rain up there.
- Hiking boots or comfortable sneakers. Although hiking boots should be the go-to option, not everyone is doing many treks during their adventure through Peru. If you do, then you can either rent or buy them from any trek gear shop in Cusco. Otherwise, some good sneakers will do the job!
- Small Backpack. Bring a daily pack with you, you’ll want to have your hands free during the hike, or at least just to take pictures.
- Sun protection. Make sure to bring sunscreen and to apply it every 45-50 minutes. Also, don’t forget your sunglasses and sun hats at the hotel! The sun can be really aggressive at this elevation.
If you’d like to know what’s the best place to rent trekking gear, make sure to ask our travel agents, they’ll provide you with the best options to do so!
How to book the Rainbow Mountain Trek?
Cusco is the main travel destination of Peru since it comprises so many natural and historical attractions. For that reason, there is a sea of tour operators that offer this and other excursions in the Cusqueñan region.
Keep in mind that there are hundreds of companies that offer this trek, which is why we recommend doing proper research before choosing one.
That’s because not all of them are reliable or may not include the things we’ve mentioned before. Going cheaper isn’t always the option, remember that you’ll get the service that you’ve paid for, no more no less.
Going with a compliant tour operator will make things a lot easier, and you’ll feel safer while walking over 5,000 meters above sea level.
If you wish to include it in your travel itinerary, make sure to contact our team and we’ll take care of all the details so you can just worry about having fun.
Peru is undoubtedly one of the perfect travel destinations in South America and we’d love to show you everything about it. In case you’re planning a trip to our country, check out these travel packages and live an authentic experience with Viagens Machu Picchu.
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