Adventure Travel
Marvel at the vibrant hues of Peru's Rainbow Mountain, a natural wonder like no other. Learn how to plan your visit, from the best times to go to essential tips for an unforgettable adventure
by Cheryl Strayed
19-07-2024
Peru might be that magical place above the rainbow. The South American country boasts a dizzying array of breathtaking natural attractions, but there's one that has gone viral on Instagram in the last several years. The multicolored stripes formed by strata of fourteen different minerals give Vinicunca, Winikunka, or Rainbow Mountain its distinctive geological identity. Travelers passing through Cusco on their way to or from the ruins of Machu Picchu often make a detour to see this peak, which is situated in the Andes Mountains.
You should still visit Rainbow Mountain in person because many of the photographs you see online are over-saturated and heavily edited. Even when it's pouring outside, the mountain's unique mineral stripes stand out. Here is all the information you need to visit Vinicunca and capture the beauty of Peru's Rainbow Mountain for yourself.
Vinicunca, commonly known as Montaña de Siete Colores, is a mountain in Peru's Cusco area that is situated in the Andes. Its true color was unknown until 2013 when the ice that had long covered it thawed. In person, the colors appear more subdued, although they still have a vibrant quality. Even in gloomy light, the layers of red, yellow, green, and purple are discernible.
The ice that originally blanketed the area is responsible for the colors, according to HuffPost. The melting water combined with the minerals already present, transforming the earth into its myriad colors. Rust mixes cause red regions, iron sulfide causes yellow areas, goethite or oxidized limonite causes purple areas, and chlorite causes green patches.
The colors will be there in any weather, but you'll get better shots on bright days because the light makes the colors pop more. If you want to maximize your chances of catching a good day on the mountain, it's best to plan your vacation between November and March, when temperatures are milder. The walk to the location will be easier now because snow and rain are not forecast. The time of day you plan to arrive is the next consideration. Taking pictures during midday on a really sunny day will likely also result in photos that are washed out from the excess light. After sunrise or before sunset, in the morning or evening, are the ideal times to visit.
After leaving Cusco, it will take three hours to reach the Rainbow Mountain trailhead in Qesoyuno. The hike, which should take around three hours, will start from that point. Hiking at this altitude and over such rugged terrain will be no picnic; getting a guide is your best bet. You run the danger of experiencing altitude sickness when hiking unless you spend a few days adjusting to the altitude in Cusco. This is really risky. If you have your own means of transportation, you can hike to Rainbow Mountain without a guide, however many hikers advise bringing someone with you so they can keep an eye out for danger.
After you get to the base, the trek to the top takes around two or three hours, and then it's another three hours down to the base. This hike is inappropriate for anyone without experience or mobility issues due to the difficult terrain, which includes steep inclines and rough gravel. In addition, the mountain is located at a rather high elevation, exactly 17,060 feet above sea level, which means you'll need to bring a lot of water and take your time climbing and descending. If the pain becomes too intense, you can hire a guide to accompany you on a horseback ride for a nominal charge and cover some ground.
The out-and-back track, which typically takes around 3.5 hours to finish, measures 6.2 miles in total, according to AllTrails. Disbelieve us when we say we're high up? Some folks have said the following on the AllTrails comment section:
It was no laughing matter how high we were! The terrain is rather level, but we had to stop every half kilometer to regain our breath. Sigh. "The last kilometer to the peak is very steep and absolutely brutal," wrote one adventurous hiker. "The altitude is really difficult," someone else commented. It is advised to take medication prior. Even after taking the prescribed acetazolamide, I had side effects while traveling. The altitude makes this short climb challenging.
We cannot stress this enough: It is quite probable that many of the Rainbow Mountain photographs shared on social media have been significantly manipulated. Although the mountain is stunning, it is hard to believe the pictures you see online or in vacation brochures. You can still have a great time and get a personal photo of the beautiful Vinicunca if you enter it with the understanding that the colors will be much muted compared to the most popular social media post.
Commence your hike either just before sunrise or just before sunset for the most picturesque photos. You will have the greatest light and the weather will be perfect. This period between sunrise and sunset is called the "golden hour." The light takes on a beautiful burnt orange tone on clear days and illuminates everything it touches. There are many other angles from which to capture the mountain in your photographs. Perhaps you could capture the earthy tones in a super close-up shot, snap a few shots of the inhabitants and hikers you meet (with their OK, of course), or even contrasting the mountain's multicolored landscape with a blue sky. Stop thinking about how many likes it will get and focus on making it meaningful for yourself. That picture will turn out to be the most amazing one.
We recommend using a photo editing program with a gentle touch if you're not satisfied with the final product when you reach home. Raising the contrast and exposure levels will do the trickier work of improving the image than changing the colors entirely.
