You’ve seen the photo. A strikingly beautiful palette of colors is presented atop one of the summits on the Ausangate trek. A peak that rewards hikers with views for miles at its crown, stretching over the vast sierras of the majestic Andes. Know as Vinicunca, Winikunka, Montaña de Siete Colores, Montaña de Colores, or simply, Rainbow Mountain, the colorful peak found on the world’s longest continental mountain range has recently claimed a spot as a must-see attraction in the Cusco region. So what should you know before you go?
We’re glad you’re here. Hopefully, we can answer some questions on what to expect before you ascend. Prepare to conquer the vibrant mountaintop located in the ancient capital of Peru’s Inca Empire.
A Recent Discovery
Somewhere around 2015, mass tourism became attracted to the holy site when the mountain showed its colorful stripes. This is due to the mineralogical composition present on the slopes and summits. Locals say the mountain was once covered in glaciers. They now have melted as of late due to global warming, exposing the colors beneath.
The exposed minerals and sedimentary deposits caused the sandstones to acquire a red rust-like color that contrasts the yellow, maroon, and turquoise stripes. The presence of these unique minerals combined with weathering over time makes it a truly unique geological wonder. Attracting visitors from far and wide Rainbow Mountain will get crowded, receiving up to 1,500 visitors per day. It shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
The popularity of such remote areas of the world may be a direct result of social media and geotagging. Geotags are increasing vehicle traffic, foot traffic, environmental degradation, and leading to the intrusion of wildlife’s delicate ecosystems. These landscapes are under threat from mass visitation as sightseers are easily lured in by the beautiful vistas posted on the gram. In due time, this can lead to over-tourism and the destruction of such coveted scenery.
A double-edged sword that provides income and jobs for locals but in return may damage Pachamama’s gift to us. In hindsight, we now are very particular about the locations we visit and aim to travel sustainably whenever possible.
How To Get There
Cusco is typically your home base for the journey to Vinicunca, which is a 3.5-hour drive southeast to the trailhead. A majority of travelers opt for the one-day excursion, and tickets can be easily booked online or in Cusco where there is no shortage of tour operators. You can expect to pay around 100 Peruvian soles or $30 for a round trip with all your meals included.
You can probably bypass the tour and hire your own car service for around the same price, but we opted for the latter and left the logistics to the experts. Multi-day excursions are also available, giving you access to more exclusive treks and trails on the path less traveled. The peak season for Rainbow Mountain runs from April to December, so keep the crowds in mind and don’t expect to have the view all to yourself. Weather can be hit or miss and when we visited in June got lucky with bluebird skies.
BROS TIP: Bring some cash with you as the price for an admission ticket is taken at the entrance of the site. This fee is not included in the price of most tours and will cost you 10 Soles, roughly $2.96. Additionally, it’s also a good idea to lower your expectations for the mountain’s colors, as many photos you will come across are highly saturated, edited, and manipulated.
Day Trippin’
Be prepared for a very long day, somewhere around 16 hours long. Most full-day tours will begin with a pick-up from your hostel or hotel anywhere from 3 – 4 am. The earlier the better, increasing your chances of being one of the first groups to the top. Around three hours to the drive, you’ll stop for breakfast to fuel your body for the climb. Our tour stopped in Pitumarca at a local family’s house and restaurant called El Locazo.
A highlight here was interacting with the local children versus the bread and jam breakfast. The bus ride from here will have you hanging on the edge of your seat as the driver navigates hairpin turns on the edge of a mountain before you reach the trailhead. These roads are gnarly and rival some of the most dangerous in the world!
The hike is approximately 6 miles round trip and will take roughly 3 hours to reach the top depending on you how physically fit you are. From the base, you will gain 1,200 meters, which is almost 4,000 feet in elevation with the final push to the top being the steepest and most challenging.
Once you reach the summit, you’ll have around 40 minutes or less to get that perfect photo you imagined. This is more than enough time because the altitude here is no joke and any longer than that, your head will start to spin.
As you bask in the views, the struggle to the top will be a distant memory before your group is herded like cattle to head back down. After the descent, you will stop for dinner most likely at the same place you had breakfast before the bumpy journey back. The tour concludes with a drop-off at Cusco’s city center, arriving around 6 to 7 pm.
Prepare For Altitude
Peaking at an altitude of 5,200 meters above sea level, the summit reaches 17,060.37 feet. That’s just 500 feet shy in elevation of Mount Everest’s Base Camp. Altitude sickness is serious and can get the best of you when not approached cautiously. Symptoms may include headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping, and nausea.
Upon arriving in Cusco, it’s best to just chill, stay hydrated, eat good, take it easy and generally slow down. It may be tough when you’re staying at a party hostel but we highly advise not to attempt the hike hungover or after a bender.
A major reason for altitude sickness is going too high too fast. You want to give your body time so it can adapt to the decrease in oxygen molecules at a high altitude. This process called acclimatization generally takes 1-3 days at that specific altitude. You will be gassed quickly but chewing coca leaves and staying hydrated will be key to your success. It’s always nice to have travel insurance just in case shit happens.
BROS TIP: The coca plant has been used for medicinal purposes for over 4,000 years by the Andean People. They are an excellent aid to help with a throbbing headache and breathing difficulty. You can stock up on them at any market in Cusco. All you have to do is chew on them, they can even be used to make coca tea and even come in candy form. If you’re really struggling, you can hire a horseback ride from one of the many locals on the trail, running you anywhere from 30-80 ($8-$25) Soles dependent on the location. Honestly, you’d rather just tough it out once you see how poorly treated the horses are.
Expect Crazy Weather
The weather can change quickly in the mountains. One moment you will be sweating from the strenuous hike in the sun and freezing from the whipping wind the next. Layering and moisture-wicking fabrics are essential to being comfortable. At altitude, the sun is much more intense and will burn you quickly if not careful. Keeping your face covered or applying sunscreen is important.
Rainbow Mountain is often surrounded by snow which can reflect up to 80% of the suns’ UV rays vs. 20% of solar radiation reflected on rough surfaces (think ski goggles here). Sunglasses are very helpful! There is always a chance of rain, snow, or hail in the forecast. Planning accordingly will ensure your hike is not miserable.
Trip Essentials
- Well-Rested
- Sunscreen
- Layers/Rain Gear
- Sunglasses
- Snacks & Coca Leaves
- Plenty Of Water
- Toilet Paper
- Proper Footwear
Is It Worth It?
That’s up for you to decide, but just know what you’re getting into. It’s a long day, it’s crowded, and the site may be at risk for over-tourism. There are other alternative options that could be more enjoyable and sustainable. Maybe try Palccoyo, the Red Valley Trail, or the Ausangate Trek. However, these options are more expensive and will require more time.
But, maybe you’ll get to enjoy the peace and serenity of the mountains without being hurried to take a picture and get back on a bus. Or even find yourself discovering on the path less traveled, a hidden gem missing from the travel guides.
For the money, Rainbow Mountain is a good deal and an action-packed day for $30. It’s incredibly scenic and an easy day trip to pencil in your schedule if you’re crunched for time in Cusco. While it’s certainly different than a traditional hiking experience where you’d be the only one on the trail, spending time alone to relish the joy of nature in serenity…reaching the top of a mountain by pushing yourself mentally and physically always comes with a great sense of accomplishment.
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