Rainbow Mountain Peru

Overview

Rainbow Mountain Peru, locally known as Vinicunca, was hidden in the Andes mountains under deep snow until recent climate changes melted the ice, revealing the hidden gem to the world. What makes it so special are the 14 different colored minerals that form rainbow-like layers due to erosion, oxidation and other geological factors. Since its discovery in 2015, Rainbow Mountain has gained popularity and now receives travelers from all over, looking to see the colorful mountain with their own eyes.

General information:

• Elevation: 17,060 feet / 5,200 meters
• Hike difficulty: Challenging, but definitely worth it
• Known as: Vinicunca, Winikunka, Colored Mountains

Where is Rainbow Mountain located?

Rainbow Mountain is located in the Vilcanota mountain range in the Andes of Cusco. It’s roughly 100km, or a 3-hour drive, southeast from the city of Cusco.

How to get to Rainbow Mountain Peru

The most popular way by far to get to Rainbow Mountain Peru is with a tour operator. The tour will usually consist of a 3-hour drive to the starting point of the trek. From there it’s a 2 to 3 hour walk up the hill until you reach the peak where you’ll witness Rainbow Mountain in all its glory.

If you’re looking to be one of the first groups to arrive in safe way, then we suggest you check out our award-winning Rainbow Mountain Full Day tour!

Best time to visit Rainbow Mountain and weather

Being part of the highlands, Rainbow Mountain gets divided into 2 seasons:

Dry season

This season occurs between the months of May to November. The weather tends to be a little more stable and the days are sunnier in addition to beautiful clear skies. It is for this reason and many more that the influx of tourists increases in Cusco. When traveling during this season, you can take advantage of more activities in the city; making the experience more welcoming.

It must be taken into account that the months of June, July and August are where the high season takes place. So there will be a large number of tourists visiting the mountain, so it is advisable to leave Cusco as early as possible (luckily with us you’ll leave early and get to the mountain first).

Rainy season

In the high Andean areas, this season is very marked. During these days the weather reaches low temperatures and there is more presence of winds and rain.

During these months, there’s a chance for the mountain to be covered in snow which just adds to the mystic view (according to many travelers). In addition, the presence of tourists is low so you can enjoy the visit more.

Rainbow Mountain facts

• You’ll come across llamas, alpacas and other wildlife during your trek
• It was listed in National Geographic’s “Top 100 Places To Visit Before You Die”
• Rainbow Mountain is also part of the not-so-famous multi-day Ausangate Trek
• Many local communities live around the mountain and welcome every visitor joy
• You’ll be able to see the dominating Ausangate glacier from the Rainbow Mountain peak