A Guide to the Rainbow Mountain Hike

The Rainbow Mountain hike seems to be on top of the list of things to do for travelers visiting Peru–especially for those who want some great Instagram-worthy photos. The Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca or the Seven-Color Mountain, is now Peru’s second most-visited tourist attraction after the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu.

After already visiting Peru once, I was eager to get a chance to check out the hike for myself. I knew it could be a difficult hike, so preparing was essential to truly enjoying the experience and getting the most out of it.

Before you go

Standing 17,620 feet above sea level, the peak of the Rainbow Mountain is not for the faint of heart. The hike is best suited for those who are fit and healthy and who do not have any breathing conditions. Before considering a Rainbow Mountain hike, get used to the elevation of the Cusco region and explore the city for at least 48 hours. Taking the hike on your first day of arrival might lead to altitude sickness, and this might cause you to have to abandon the hike altogether. The trail to the peak of the mountain is approximately seven miles, so it can be difficult on your body if you don’t feel fully prepared for it.  

What to pack

Be prepared to experience all four seasons on this hike.  The weather around this area is hard to predict and it’s worth it to bring an extra layer of clothing you can strip off if needed. You should be able to fit everything into a daypack. Here’s what you should have available for the day:

• Warm clothing
• A rain jacket
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Camera
• Hat
• Lip balm with sunscreen
• Reusable bottle water
• Sweatshirt
• Hiking poles (if needed–many tour companies provide them, as well)

I also recommend using a quality hiking boot. While the path is clear of any shale, it can get a bit slippery–especially when wet. This is also necessary if you are planning on hiking the Red Valley afterward. I saw some hikers in tennis shoes and regular boots, but having shoes specifically designed for hiking helped a lot.

Is it worth it?

Hiking the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain is a remarkable experience and you should at least giving this hike a try. Be prepared to meet plenty of other tourists along the way since the trail has become more popular every year. The best time to plan your trip is between May and October during Peru’s dry season. If you don’t like the crowds, then plan your trip between November and April during the rainy season, though you should be mindful of the weather conditions during these periods.

You can experience Rainbow Mountain without crowds, but you will need to book a tour at off times. Plan your trip a few hours before sunrise by getting on the the earliest tour you can.

Booking online vs. booking in Cusco

There are dozens of tour operators and offices in and around Cusco that can help you arrange a Rainbow Mountain hike. To avoid being overcharged, pre-book your excursion ahead of time online. We used Rainbow Mountain Cusco, though almost all companies should be fine when you book in advance.

You can wait till you get to Cusco to book your tour if you are unsure about whether or not you want to make the hike. You might be able to pay less, but you do run into the chance of a less-reputable tour company taking you up to the mountain. Overall, it comes down to what you feel most comfortable with.

Whichever booking option best suits you, make sure that you can alter the dates of the tour at last minute. Some days offer better views while others can be hazy. Also, rain and snow can also cause problems with the conditions of the trail, causing your tour to be canceled. It’s worth looking up the weather a few weeks before your trip to see which days might be best for you to book your hike.

What to expect

Along the trail, you’ll see abandoned villages built from stone, herds of alpacas, locals in traditional dress, and snow-capped mountains, among other things. If you tire out and can’t go any further on foot, opt for the horseback rides for an extra charge–though you won’t be able to take them up the last stretch. After you have finished reaching the peak of Rainbow Mountain, you can also opt for a chance to see the Red Valley (definitely take it).

Keep in mind that the altitude is quite challenging, so it helps to have a basic level of fitness before you take these hikes on. Your tour company will likely supply you with water, breakfast and lunch, and snacks along the way. Most companies even offer oxygen if you find yourself in need.

Check out the Red Valley

Personally, my favorite part of the hike was not Rainbow Mountain itself, but the nearby Red Valley. For an extra 20-minute hike, you can get some amazing views without the crushing crowds. It’s worth it to take a deep breath and make the extra effort to see this geological wonder, so make sure you book a tour that factors enough time in for you to see it.

Have you ever attempted Rainbow Mountain or the Red Valley?