SPOILER ALERT!
14 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU VISIT RAINBOW MOUNTAIN IN PERU
You will have seen countless pictures of Rainbow Mountain on Instagram and, if you’re already in Cusco, its unmistakable seams of red, yellow, and orange will now be a common sight all over the city’s hostels and tour agencies.
This site - which is also known as Vinicunca, Winikunka, Montaña de Siete Colores, and Montaña de Colores - has blown up in popularity in the last few years and is arguably now well on its way to becoming the second most visited attraction in the Peru after Machu Picchu.
That said however, for a number of reasons we were reluctant to visit, deciding only at the last minute that we owed it to you, our readers, to provide an honest review of the experience, and what to expect.
So if you want to know what exactly a Rainbow Mountain day trip from Cusco involves (and whether it’s actually worth it), learn why the mountain has become so crowded, save a lot of money, and understand how to prepare for the insane Vinicunca altitude - plus appreciate some of the new realities of day tours to Rainbow Mountain in 2020 - this is the only post you need to read.
IT DIDN’T EXIST UNTIL 2015
We first travelled in Peru back in 2015, and were shocked only a few months after returning home to the UK when images of this spellbinding multi-coloured mountain started popping up everywhere. How on earth had we not known about it at all during our time in South America, let alone not added it to our list of things to do in Peru!?
It transpired that we hadn’t been totally oblivious.
Ausangate Trek had, of course, always existed but its most famous feature was hidden for centuries under thick layers of Andean snow and ice. And then, most likely due to climate change, it gradually melted away.
Instead of a wake-up call to worrying environmental shifts, the region of Cusco instead discovered it had yet another world famous tourist attraction to add to its already lengthy list; the first guided tours to Rainbow Mountain started in January 2016.
Its famous striped colours, vibrant in the sunshine, are largely due to weathering and mineral deposits.
This site - which is also known as Vinicunca, Winikunka, Montaña de Siete Colores, and Montaña de Colores - has blown up in popularity in the last few years and is arguably now well on its way to becoming the second most visited attraction in the Peru after Machu Picchu.
That said however, for a number of reasons we were reluctant to visit, deciding only at the last minute that we owed it to you, our readers, to provide an honest review of the experience, and what to expect.
So if you want to know what exactly a Rainbow Mountain day trip from Cusco involves (and whether it’s actually worth it), learn why the mountain has become so crowded, save a lot of money, and understand how to prepare for the insane Vinicunca altitude - plus appreciate some of the new realities of day tours to Rainbow Mountain in 2020 - this is the only post you need to read.
IT DIDN’T EXIST UNTIL 2015
We first travelled in Peru back in 2015, and were shocked only a few months after returning home to the UK when images of this spellbinding multi-coloured mountain started popping up everywhere. How on earth had we not known about it at all during our time in South America, let alone not added it to our list of things to do in Peru!?
It transpired that we hadn’t been totally oblivious.
Ausangate Trek had, of course, always existed but its most famous feature was hidden for centuries under thick layers of Andean snow and ice. And then, most likely due to climate change, it gradually melted away.
Instead of a wake-up call to worrying environmental shifts, the region of Cusco instead discovered it had yet another world famous tourist attraction to add to its already lengthy list; the first guided tours to Rainbow Mountain started in January 2016.
Its famous striped colours, vibrant in the sunshine, are largely due to weathering and mineral deposits.
Hiking in Peru: Machu Picchu Treks
Hiking to Machu Picchu is the goal of many travelers in Peru looking for an active outdoor vacation. But the popular 4-day Inca Trail isn't the only way to reach these ruins by foot. In fact, there are several alternative routes for trekking to Machu Picchu. Here are 5 different ways to get a workout while visiting Peru's most famous site.
Take the long way. The Choquequirao trek is usually done as a four or five day trek through the Peruvian Andes to the Inca site called Choquequirao. This massive mountainside ruin site was discovered relatively recently and is still largely overlooked by many travelers. That may be because the typical trekking route doesn't take you anywhere near the classic Incan site, which many want to see at some point during their Peru vacation. However, for very ambitious travelers booking with expert adventure companies, trips can be tailored to go past Choquequirao and all the way to Machu Picchu. This option can take up to 10 days and follows difficult terrain through some isolated parts of Peru.
Take the cultural way. The Lares trek is probably the easiest hiking trip near Machu Picchu. The trail meanders through the Sacred Valley allowing trekkers to see and interact with several rural Peruvian communities. The scenery consists of valleys, hot springs, rivers, and lagoons. The hike actually concludes in Ollantaytambo and from this town travelers take the train the rest of the way to famous Inca ruins.
Take the classic way. The classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the 4-day trek that concludes at the famous ruins themselves on the morning of the fourth day. Travelers who select this option enjoy a lovely sunrise view of the ruins as they enter the famous Sun Gate. Because this is the most popular Machu Picchu trekking option, permits sell out months in advance, especially during high season.
Take Rainbow Mountain Peru . The Peruvian highland and mountain scenery is beautiful regardless of which path you take, but the Salkantay trek is particularly stunning as it takes you near and over some of the highest passes in the region. The glacier covered peaks are especially breathtaking.
Take the comfortable way. If you have the time and money to spare, a truly unique experience is the Machu Picchu lodge trek. Rather than camping, you'll spend each night in a comfortable rustic lodge eating delicious meals prepared by expert chefs. During the day you'll hike through mountains and valleys before finally ended up at mountain top attraction after six days of traveling.
Take the long way. The Choquequirao trek is usually done as a four or five day trek through the Peruvian Andes to the Inca site called Choquequirao. This massive mountainside ruin site was discovered relatively recently and is still largely overlooked by many travelers. That may be because the typical trekking route doesn't take you anywhere near the classic Incan site, which many want to see at some point during their Peru vacation. However, for very ambitious travelers booking with expert adventure companies, trips can be tailored to go past Choquequirao and all the way to Machu Picchu. This option can take up to 10 days and follows difficult terrain through some isolated parts of Peru.
Take the cultural way. The Lares trek is probably the easiest hiking trip near Machu Picchu. The trail meanders through the Sacred Valley allowing trekkers to see and interact with several rural Peruvian communities. The scenery consists of valleys, hot springs, rivers, and lagoons. The hike actually concludes in Ollantaytambo and from this town travelers take the train the rest of the way to famous Inca ruins.
Take the classic way. The classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is the 4-day trek that concludes at the famous ruins themselves on the morning of the fourth day. Travelers who select this option enjoy a lovely sunrise view of the ruins as they enter the famous Sun Gate. Because this is the most popular Machu Picchu trekking option, permits sell out months in advance, especially during high season.
Take Rainbow Mountain Peru . The Peruvian highland and mountain scenery is beautiful regardless of which path you take, but the Salkantay trek is particularly stunning as it takes you near and over some of the highest passes in the region. The glacier covered peaks are especially breathtaking.
Take the comfortable way. If you have the time and money to spare, a truly unique experience is the Machu Picchu lodge trek. Rather than camping, you'll spend each night in a comfortable rustic lodge eating delicious meals prepared by expert chefs. During the day you'll hike through mountains and valleys before finally ended up at mountain top attraction after six days of traveling.
