All about Rainbow Mountain: how to go, when to go, what to bring, and more
Rainbow Mountain is one of Peru’s most striking destinations, famous for its stunning colors that make it unique. If you’re thinking about including it in your itinerary, this article will help you plan your visit with all the information you need: what to expect, how to get there, and practical tips to make the most of your trip. Ready? Read on to discover must-see details for your adventure.
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General information
What is the rainbow mountain?
Rainbow Mountain is one of Peru’s most popular destinations, known and recognized by travelers around the world. Its surface features natural tones that make it visually stunning and unique.
Furthermore, it’s a popular destination for travel agencies, so visiting it has become an almost obligatory stop during your visit to Cusco.
Where is the rainbow mountain located?
The Rainbow Mountain is located in the Andes Mountains, on the border between the provinces of Canchis and Quispicanchi, specifically between the districts of Cusipata and Pitumarca, northeast of the city of Cusco.
What is the highest point of Rainbow Mountain?
The highest point of Rainbow Mountain is 5,036 meters above sea level —it’s truly steep! Despite this, many travelers’ motivation remains. Remember that those who managed to reach this point spent a day or two acclimatizing, ensuring their bodies were ready for this challenge.
Why does the rainbow mountain have those colors?
Rainbow Mountain owes its stunning colors to tectonic and volcanic activity that occurred approximately 63 million years ago, during the Cretaceous Period. This phenomenon led to the formation of mineral-rich sedimentary layers, giving it its multicolored appearance. Below are the mountain’s colors and their causes:
| Colors of the 7-color mountain | |
|---|---|
| Pink or fuchsia | Mixture of red clay, mud and sand. |
| Green | Clays rich in ferro-magnesium combined with copper oxide. |
| Red | Combination of argillites and iron-rich clays. |
| Whitish | Sandstones composed mainly of quartz and limestone. |
| Yellow | Mixture of limonites and calcareous sandstones rich in sulfide minerals. |
| Purple or lavender | Presence of marl, clay, calcium carbonate and silicates. |
How to get there
How to get to Rainbow Mountain from Cusco?
Let’s make it easy! We’ll follow the most popular route, used by both independent travelers and those who hire a travel agency.
- Step 1: Head to the town of Cusipata, located southeast of Cusco. The drive takes approximately two hours.
- Step 2: From Cusipata, take a shuttle to the village of Phulawasipata, which will take about an hour.
- Step 3: Once there, get off the vehicle and begin the hike to Rainbow Mountain. The hike takes approximately an hour and a half, depending on your pace.
- Step 4: You’ve arrived! Enjoy the scenery, take your time, and don’t forget to capture some unforgettable photos.
Can you go on your own or with a travel agency?
Of course, you can do it on your own , as there are no restrictions. However, to ensure your trip is a success, it’s important to consider a few details. First, you’ll need to arrange transportation to get you there and back safely. It’s also recommended to reserve a restaurant in advance.
Finally, if you want to make your trip more meaningful and learn more about your destination, I suggest hiring a tour guide. With these steps, your trip will be ready!
Whether you’re traveling on your own or with an agency, you’ll need to register and pay an entry fee at the checkpoint before visiting this tourist destination. Don’t forget!
Is there direct transportation to Rainbow Mountain?
Of course! First, you should know that transportation to Rainbow Mountain must be arranged with a transportation company that can pick you up from your accommodation or a nearby location.
Please note! There is no public transportation from Cusco to the mountain, so this option is not available. Therefore, it is recommended to hire a travel agency to handle all these details.
Best time
What is the best season to visit Rainbow Mountain?
One of the best times to visit Rainbow Mountain is during the dry season, which runs from April to September. This period is ideal due to favorable weather conditions, such as the absence of rain, allowing you to enjoy the mountain’s breathtaking views without any obstacles.
Why avoid the rainy season? During these months, the rains are more intense, creating fog and reducing visibility, making it difficult to appreciate the beauty of the mountains. Furthermore, the rains can cause setbacks such as landslides on the roads, which could delay your trip and make it last longer than planned.
Even though the rainy season isn’t ideal, it’s important to pack well to face its challenges. A rain poncho and waterproof clothing will be more than enough to enjoy your trip.
Can you visit Rainbow Mountain during the rainy season?
Of course, Rainbow Mountain can be visited during the rainy season. An important fact is that this destination is open 12 months a year, so finding availability is quite easy, as almost all travel agencies offer daily departures.
You may have heard that this destination is unavailable or closed for various reasons, but this is usually due to social situations that can arise overnight. If your travel agency ever informs you that you won’t be able to travel, it’s important to understand that they’re also concerned about your well-being and safety.
Is it cold on Rainbow Mountain?
If you’re planning to visit this area during the rainy season, keep in mind that it’s likely to be cold, with very low temperatures between approximately 0°C and 5°C. Therefore, it’s very important to bring warm, light clothing so you can move around comfortably.
And what about the dry season? You’ll be lucky enough to enjoy relatively warmer weather with the sun, although the cold will also be present. It won’t be intense, but it will be noticeable. This is one of the reasons why many travelers choose this season. Take note!
Difficulty and health
Is it difficult to climb the rainbow mountain?
Visiting Rainbow Mountain is considered a challenge in terms of difficulty. Why? This mountain is located at a high altitude, which presents challenges for many travelers coming from places below 2,000 meters above sea level.
It’s important to keep this information in mind, so even seasoned travelers don’t underestimate the importance of preparing physically days in advance and bringing the right gear, such as good trekking shoes.
Is it dangerous to climb Rainbow Mountain?
If you’re a conscientious and careful traveler, this tourist destination isn’t at all dangerous. Therefore, it’s highly recommended to always follow your tour guide’s instructions to avoid any unwanted setbacks.
On the other hand, you may be injured if you don’t wear the right footwear, which could cause falls and discomfort during your trip. Be careful!
Can you climb Rainbow Mountain with children or the elderly?
Climbing Rainbow Mountain can be a challenge, so it’s important to take care of the well-being of those accompanying you. You can hike with children and the elderly as long as they are in good health and adequate physical condition. If they don’t meet these requirements, it’s best to avoid the trip, as it could be dangerous.
Don’t worry! The Cusco region has many accessible tourist destinations suitable for everyone. Don’t forget!
How to prevent altitude sickness on Rainbow Mountain?
One of the biggest fears many travelers face when visiting Cusco is the dreaded soroche, also known as altitude sickness. Your first step to prevent its onset or reduce the symptoms caused by this illness is to acclimatize to the city beforehand. You should spend at least one or two days in the city; this time will allow your body to adapt to the altitude and allow you to overcome the challenges of the Rainbow Mountain.
One detail you shouldn’t overlook is your diet, which should be light, low in fat and sugar during this period. It’s also important to avoid alcoholic beverages, as these can intensify the symptoms of altitude sickness or even cause them to appear. You don’t want to suffer, do you?
Price and tours
How much does it cost to enter Rainbow Mountain?
The entrance fee for the popular route, which passes through Cusipata, varies according to nationality. For nationals, the cost is 25 soles per person, and for foreign tourists, it’s 30 soles per person.
Should I be worried? Don’t worry. If your travel package doesn’t include entry fees, travel agencies will usually remind you so you’re prepared. Some agencies already include this cost in the package, or you can ask them to take care of it for you. So, relax!
How much does a tour to Rainbow Mountain cost?
You’ve probably already started searching online, or you’re already doing so. Prices for this tour vary, starting at 70 soles and up, depending on the type of service and level of comfort you’re looking for.
The lowest prices tend to be offered by agencies that offer group tours. What does this mean? You’ll be traveling with other people you don’t know. On the other hand, there are also agencies that offer private services, where only you and your friends or family will enjoy the tour. The choice is yours!
Is it worth hiring a travel agency?
Of course! To visit this place, it’s very important to have an agency. Why? One of the main benefits is that they take care of all the logistics of the trip: transportation, food, guides, and any other necessary elements, especially in case of setbacks.
It’s possible to do it on your own, but keep in mind that all the logistics will be your responsibility, and it’s up to you how you organize your trip. Important! There’s no public transportation to Rainbow Mountain, nor are there guides available at the entrance.
What to bring
What to bring to Rainbow Mountain?
This is a trip that usually takes a whole day, so it’s important to bring only what you need. Why? If you bring too much, your backpack will be heavier, and you’ll likely not use many of the things you’ve packed. Be careful with that!
Here’s a short list of what you could bring on your trip:
- Warm and waterproof clothing
- Trekking shoes
- Camera
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Small backpack
- Water bottle
Is it necessary to carry trekking poles?
It’s not strictly necessary to carry trekking poles, but they can be a great help during the hike , especially if you need a little extra support to reach the summit and tackle the challenges of the trail. Some travelers use them for better traction, as the area can be somewhat muddy, and they’re also useful for the short climb you’ll have to make.
Take note! Some travel agencies offer free loans of trekking poles, both regular and homemade. So, your trip to Rainbow Mountain could be much easier than you imagine!
Is there food or water on the way?
I see you’re a curious traveler. To clarify, you should know that when you get off your vehicle, in the parking lot, you’ll find small tents run by local residents selling snacks. During the hike, you may find people selling alcoholic beverages, such as beer (it’s recommended to avoid them). Near the viewpoints, there are also vendors selling boiled corn with cheese, llama or pork cracklings, and other snacks.
Now that you know this information, nutrition won’t be one of your biggest concerns. However, if you’re one of those travelers who prefers specific foods, we recommend buying them in Cusco and bringing them with you. Remember! It’s best to avoid alcoholic beverages and sweets, as these could cause altitude sickness. You don’t want to deal with those symptoms, do you?