A previously little-visited mountain outside of Cusco has quickly become one of Peru’s most popular hiking destinations. While the hike itself is nothing to rave about, it’s the view at the top that has tourists flocking for the perfect photo. 

Rainbow Mountain’s Colors

In the Quechua language, this mountain is called Vinicunca, which means “colored mountain.” Since going viral on social media a few years ago, most tourists know the mountain as Rainbow Mountain. With over 14 colors coloring the mountain, it is deserving of its new nickname and notoriety.

For centuries Rainbow Mountain wasn’t colorful, it was covered by snow most of the time. Only ten years ago, minerals began to show their true colors as the snow melted. The colorful phenomenon occurs when the mineral sediments mix with other natural elements like sun, ice, and wind.

In addition to its colors, Rainbow Mountain is known for its altitude and the challenge it adds to the hike.

Rainbow Mountain’s Altitude

Rainbow Mountain is located at 5,200 m or 17,600 ft and the main viewing area’s altitude is 5,036 m or 16,522 ft. This is much higher than the altitude we faced at Dead Woman’s Pass on the Inca Trail.

The effects of altitude sickness can begin at over 8,000ft. Hikers need to be well-acclimated before hiking Rainbow Mountain. This was our final hike after spending 8 days in and around the Cusco area.

How to Get to Rainbow Mountain

Tourists can only access the Rainbow Mountain trailhead with an approved guide/tour agency. There are several checkpoints on the drive from Cusco through Rainbow Mountain’s closest town of Pitumarca to the trailhead parking lot.

Be prepared to leave Cusco very early in the morning since it is a bumpy and twisty 2.5-hour drive to the trailhead.

To be honest, the out-and-back hike itself is rather boring. The surrounding environment is harsh and consists of brown hills and snow-covered mountains. The trail is wide and made of hard-packed dirt and gravel.

Initially, the incline is gentle but becomes dramatic and very difficult towards the last half mile. However, even on the flatter surfaces, my breathing felt stressed.

Closer to Rainbow Mountain, views of the stunning Ausangate Mountain come into focus.

In this same area, there were locals with alpacas and llamas posing for photos with Rainbow Mountain in the background. Always offer a couple of Sols to these people if you are taking photos of or with their animals.

If you are not up for the full hike, there are horses available for rent. A local will guide the horse for you to the lower viewing platform. Tourists who opt for a horse will still need to hike the steepest part of the mountain (¼ mile).

The hike back to the parking lot is easy and quick.

The hike to Rainbow Mountain is sometimes used as a textbook example of the phrase “Instagram v. Reality”.

If you aren’t familiar with this saying, it is used on social media to describe an experience that appears more perfect, serene, or beautiful on Instagram than it is in real life.

How to have a positive experience at Rainbow Mountain

A quick Google search will bring up many opinions about whether Rainbow Mountain is worth the hype or not. Many are overwhelmingly negative.

Based on our personal experience, hiking Rainbow Mountain and seeing the unique, colorful mountain in person was worth it. But I also believe that our tour agency, Valentine’s Pachamama Journeys, was the primary reason for our “Instagram” worthy experience.

An early start

At the very least, use a tour agency that only offers small or private group tours and pick up in Cusco before 4 am. These details are crucial for having an enjoyable Rainbow Mountain hike.

Valentine’s Pachamama Journey picked up our group at 4 am from Cusco. We arrived at the trailhead by 6:30 am and were hiking by 6:40 am.

4 am might seem early but you can sleep during the car ride. We brought pillows and blankets with us for comfort.

Rainbow Mountain to Ourselves

When we arrived at the parking lot, we were the first van there. When our group reached the highest viewing area for Rainbow Mountain around 8 am, only four other people were at the top. This group was actually hiking the Ausangate Trek, which visits Rainbow Mountain as part of a longer hike.

We had the top viewing area almost to ourselves for nearly 20 minutes after the other four hikers left. Our group didn’t have to wait in line to reach the top. We didn’t have anyone in the background of our photos.

In fact, we took dozens and dozens of photos without feeling pressured by a crowd of people to hurry up. The whole experience was laidback and memorable.

Once we began to descend, it was a totally different story.

Descending into the Masses

After enjoying some coca tea, we started to make our way back to the parking lot around 8:45 am.

By this time in the morning, the trail was so densely crowded it looked like a pilgrimage was taking place. Our group of five could barely get through the oncoming traffic of hikers.

We passed hundreds of people. These hikers must have arrived at the trailhead about 60 or 90 minutes after us. Our arrival time compared to the majority of hikers’ arrival time was key to having the best possible experience hiking Rainbow Mountain.

I feel confident in saying that unless your tour agency guarantees an early arrival at the Rainbow Mountain trailhead, the negative online reviews and reels highlighting the hike’s “Instagram v. Reality” aspects have validity.

The hike will be like a conveyor belt. At the top, there will be a line and stress involved with getting the perfect Rainbow Mountain photo. And there will most likely be people in the background of all the photos too.

1. Arrive at the trailhead before 6:30 am
2. Check the weather forecast. Heavy snow is possible at this altitude and sometimes covers up the colorful mountain
3. Dress warm and in layers. It was in the upper 30s when we started the hike but eventually warmed up.
4. Use hiking poles but don’t forget gloves!
5. Bring Sols for the bathroom, tips for photos, and drinks and snacks at the top
6. Bring your patience!

Don’t let the Instagram vs. Reality curse scare you away from visiting Rainbow Mountain. This hike is a super unique experience and one that deserves to be on your bucket list. 

Have more tips for visiting Rainbow Mountain in Peru? Share below in the comment section!