Rainbow Mountain

5.0

Address

Suecia 348, Cusco 08000, Peru

Website

http://www.rainbowmountainperu.net/

Telephone

931 197 083

Fun Facts

1. Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca, gets its vibrant colors from the sediments and atmospheric conditions, giving it a rainbow-like appearance.
2. It's located at an impressive altitude of over 5,200 meters, giving adventurous hikers intimidating yet exhilarating challenges.
3. Due to its remote location, it was largely unknown until it was discovered by melting glaciers in 2015.
4. It's sacred to the local people, who hold annual festivals to honor Pachamamma, or Mother Earth on the mountain.
5. Popular folklore existed among the locals that the mountain's colors were a result of it being the place where the rainbow was formed by spirits.

Tips

1. Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit Rainbow Mountain is during the dry season (April to September). During this period, the trails are easier to hike and you're more likely to get clear views of the mountain.

2. Money-Saving Tip: Booking a group tour is usually the most economical option. Group tours include transportation, guide, breakfast, and lunch. Also, buying souvenirs in Cusco instead of on the trail to Rainbow Mountain can save you money.

3. Itinerary Planning: Set aside a full day for this trip as it generally involves a 2-3 hour drive from Cusco and a 3-4 hour hike. It's also crucial to acclimatize to the altitude in Cusco for a couple of days before undertaking the trek.

4. Dining: Consider packing a packed lunch for the trek as it is a long day and dining options are limited. However, you mustn't miss trying traditional Peruvian cuisine in Cusco, like ceviche or alpaca steak.

5. Popular Spots: Besides the Rainbow Mountain, don't miss out on the Red Valley. The views are incredibly stunning, and it's less crowded than Rainbow Mountain. Moreover, if time allows, the nearby Ausangate Glacier is also worth a visit.

Reviews

1) Positive: A customer highly praised Rainbow Mountain for its stunning views and vibrant colors. They loved the overall experience, mentioning the refreshing and invigorating atmosphere the mountain has to offer. They strongly recommend it for nature enthusiasts.

2) Positive: Another reviewer complimented not only the captivating beauty of Rainbow Mountain but also the informative guides. They admired the guides' professionalism and knowledge about the location and found their assistance invaluable.

3) Constructive feedback: A visitor noted the trail's difficulty due to its high altitude. They suggested future visitors to prepare physically and mentally, and recommended the use of walking sticks. They also recommended the management to highlight the intensity of the trek more.

Nearby POI

Google Map

Monasterio, A Belmond Hotel, Cusco, XIMA CUSCO HOTEL, Loki Cusco, Sonesta Hotel Cusco

AI

Machu Picchu: An iconic Incan city set high in the Andes Mountains in Peru, above the Urubamba River valley. Known for its sophisticated dry-stone walls filled with historical value.
Sacred Valley (Valle Sagrado): A region in Peru's Andean highlands that's famous for its steep, terraced landscape that's layered with fertile fields and dotted with colonial-era towns and villages.
Sacsayhuamán: A renowned historic site that boasts a great Inca fortress with walls of massive stones constructed in a variety of interlocking shapes.
Cusco Cathedral (Catedral del Cuzco): Located in the city's heart, it's a perfect site for experiencing Peruvian baroque architecture.
Qorikancha: One of the most stunning examples of architectural appropriation in Cusco; originally, the Golden Temple was a critical temple in the Incan Empire.
Maras Salt Mines: A collection of salt mines that pre-date the Inca empire. This unique geological formation provides spectacular views.
Moray Terraces: The site contains unusual Inca ruins, mostly consisting of several enormous terraced circular depressions.
Pisac Market: A renowned market famous for its textile arts, ceramic, jewelry and traditional Andean music instruments.
Ollantaytambo: An exceedingly well-preserved Inca settlement where you can still live in the houses of the nobility of the time.
San Pedro Market (Mercado Central de San Pedro): A local food and goods market that gives a snapshot of Cusco’s vibrant daily life.