Things to know about Rainbow Mountain Peru

Rainbow Mountain, also referred to as Vinicunca or Montaña de SieteColores, is a colorful peak in Peru, rising 17,060 feet (5,200 meters) above sea level. It isn’t easy to enter, situated in the Ausangate mountain area of the Peruvian Andes, although its sight is undoubtedly worth the trek. The view and experience of a lifetime are offered to those who brave the ever-changing weather conditions, high altitudes, and lack of roads.

His location among a cluster of oddly colored summits is what makes this mountain so unique. Some are rich terracotta, others are lavender, and some stand out in a vivid turquoise hue, their pigments being affected by the region’s sediment and atmosphere. Though, none are as impressive as Rainbow Mountain, which, as you guessed, reveals on its slopes a spectrum of colors. To top it off, the trail winds through hot springs, small villages, and shops to Vinicunca and provides breath-taking views of the Ausangate Glacier, along with plenty of llama and alpaca sighting opportunities.

How did the mountain rainbow become so popular?

When the mountain’s presence was known beyond the local areas, it began to draw locals and tourists alike, first having a few dozen people and now bringing in hundreds of visitors a day. The first thing that caught everybody’s attention was, once again, you guessed it, and the colors were seen nowhere else. That wasn’t the only thing, however. It’s one of those places where the whole trip is as good as the destination. Throughout the range, lamas, horses, and alpacas are scattered, with local people still living much the same life as before but now also helping tourists explore the colored mountain. The scenery along the trek is just like the videos, and sometimes even they do not do it justice. Add geological and local history to this, and it is not surprising that it is gaining popularity!

Although the itinerary can be a challenge for even seasoned hikers, anyone can make the trek if they train themselves. Before overcoming the “painted” peak, here’s what you need to remember.

· Rainbow Mountain is situated just three hours from Cusco, nestled in the Willkanuta mountain range of the greater Andes.

· Its base altitude is 4,326 metres (14,189 feet) and its top altitude is 17,060 feet (5,200 meters).

· During the dry months, between May and September, Rainbow Mountain is the best time to climb, although the April and October shoulder months may also be fun. You should expect cold, rainy weather and mudslides if you want to move outside of those months.

· The local community of Ausangate is one of the world’s few remaining shepherding communities (raising llamas and alpacas).

Between April and October, the mountain is best visited

Peru is a microclimate-laden region. Although weather at 5000-odd meters above sea level can be unpredictable anywhere, the best time to visit Rainbow Mountain is usually between April and October. This region of Peru is the dry season, meaning you will have the best chance of good weather for hiking and seeing the many colors of the mountains at their best.