![\"Complete](\"https:\/\/www.cuscojourneys.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/a.jpg\")
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A visit to Rainbow Mountain<\/strong><\/a> in Peru, known locally as Vinicunca (its Quechua name) or the\u00a0monta\u00f1a de siete colores\u00a0(seven-colored mountain), is an absolute must for all those who love stunning landscapes and gorgeous scenery. Nestled in a remote region of the Andes Mountains, Rainbow Mountain was once a spectacle only to be admired by trekkers along\u00a0the Ausangate Trek<\/strong>, but now you can witness this display of natural beauty in all its glory on a shorter 1- or 2-day hike as part of your\u00a0Peru vacation<\/strong><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n Overview:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n At 5,020 meters (16,466 fasl) above sea level, Rainbow Mountain\u2019s altitude is more than half that of Mount Everest. Those who wish to see this beautiful site for themselves must be prepared for 1-hour hike at high altitude. from here you will have an extraordinary view of the entire landscape and the wonder of the rainbow mountain.<\/span><\/p>\n How to Get There:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n All tours to Rainbow Mountain leave from the city of\u00a0Cusco, the former capitol of the Inca Empire and the closest major city to\u00a0Machu Picchu and many of Peru\u2019s 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 Phulawasipata. Not far from here is where you\u2019ll find the Rainbow Mountain trailhead to start your hike.<\/span><\/p>\n The hike to Rainbow Mountain<\/strong><\/a> will usually take around 1 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\u2019s generally recommended to walk at a relaxed pace (which you\u2019ll want to do anyways so that you can enjoy the natural beauty around you). <\/span><\/p>\n 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\u2019ll have to dismount and climb the final stretch on foot to reach the summit.<\/span><\/p>\n The local people of this region keep herds of llamas and alpacas, so you\u2019ll have the chance to see many of these furry creatures along the way. Once you reach the summit\u2019s lookout point you\u2019ll have sweeping panoramic views of not only Rainbow Mountain but also the nearby Red Valley<\/strong><\/a> (some extended tours also hike through the Red Valley itself via an alternate trail to the mountain). Make sure to take a lot of pictures of this amazing landscape!<\/span><\/p>\n Best Time to Visit:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n The Peruvian Andes<\/strong> are subject to two distinct seasons: the dry season, lasting from roughly April until November; and the rainy season, lasting from December until March (with the months of heaviest precipitation being January and February).<\/span><\/p>\n Because of its high altitude and frigid air, rainy season in the region often translates to snowfall for Rainbow Mountain. Visitors to Rainbow Mountain should come prepared with clothes for all weather, as conditions can also change quickly. For more information about when to visit, make sure to check out our blog on\u00a0the best time to visit Peru<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n What to Bring:<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n![\"Rainbow](\"https:\/\/www.cuscojourneys.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/76f64a5d-ac75-4bdb-8b1c-eb81b95d328e.jpeg\")
Turquoise, scarlet, and mustard colored sediments drape down Rainbow Mountain<\/strong>, or Vinicunca, and give the mountain its striking appearance. These different layers of color represent distinct mineral contents and were formed over the course of millions of years before being exposed by the tectonic movements and intense wind erosion of the high Andes. The mountain was once covered by a glacier which has since melted due to the effects of global warming. It then became a popular side excursion on the Ausangate Trek before shorter 1- and 2-day tour routes were developed in recent years.<\/span><\/p>\n![\"Rainbow](\"https:\/\/www.cuscojourneys.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/IMG_5912.jpeg\")
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