The Ultimate Guide to the Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley, Peru
Are you planning on visiting the recently discovered Rainbow Mountain from Cusco? Our Rainbow Mountain hiking guide covers essential things to know before traveling to this beautiful place in Peru. Includes how to get from Cusco to Rainbow Mountain (also Vinicunca) with a tour or independently, Red Valley hike, what to pack, how much things cost, and tips to acclimate to high altitude.
If you plan a trip to Peru, you've probably already seen many pictures of one of the most magnificent geologic wonders in the world, the Rainbow Mountain, all over Instagram.
It is more than possible that these captivating photos keep you thinking about whether the colors of the Rainbow Mountain are real or if the effect is only a work of well-skilled photoshop users.
After our day trip from Cusco, we can confirm that photos of Rainbow Mountain are not that far from reality. The colors are real, but to enjoy Rainbow Mountain in its glory, we recommend you to plan your visit on a sunny day when colors are the most vivid.
When it is raining or cloudy, colors can be darker, the contrast lower, and it would be hard to avoid disappointment.
Although Peru already has its top tourist destination, Machu Picchu, which is hard to match, the latest addition, Rainbow Mountain, breaths down top attractions' necks and slowly becomes the most popular stop on every Peru travel itinerary.
In the recent past, the destination became overly popular; this is why we decided to take the route less traveled and extended the trip with Red Valley hike.
That's why we can say that, according to us, the visit to Rainbow Mountain wouldn't be complete without hiking through Red Valley, and if you have the option to reserve this alternative, go for it.
Until today, we can't even believe how a place similarly beautiful (for us even more beautiful) as Rainbow Mountain may be so scarcely visited, although the site lies only 15 minutes walk from the heavily visited viewpoint.
If you plan on visiting Rainbow Mountain and, by extension Red Valley, keep on reading.
The fact that Rainbow Mountain is often listed among the top activities to do in Peru, unfortunately, hides one of the most important things to know.
Rainbow Mountain viewing platform sits at a high altitude, and the trip is not that easy as it could seem at first, therefore it is necessary to be well-prepared.
This is the reason why we've put together this travel guide where we share everything you need to know before visiting Rainbow Mountain based on our experience.
WHERE IS THE RAINBOW MOUNTAIN
Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca and Montaña de Siete Colores (Mountain of Seven Colors), lies in a remote region of Peruvian Andes, approximately three hours drive from Cusco, the former capital city of Inca empire.
It is a part of the Vilcanota Mountain range and Ausangate Mountain, which is with 6384 meters, the highest mountain in the Cusco area.
The location of Rainbow Mountain was a big surprise for us. Because everyone is focusing only on the colorful mountain, honestly, we had never thought of its surroundings.
But when we turned our heads from the main attraction, we realized that the view of the other side of the valley is equally astounding, which was certainly unexpected.
If there's one thing you should know about this trip, we would point out that you should travel with your mind open.
Yes, the shining star here is definitely the Rainbow Mountain, but the surroundings should not be overlooked by any means.
HISTORY
Before you set off, you might wonder how the big boom of the Rainbow Mountain may have started just recently.
A multi-day, also increasingly popular Ausangate Trek leads around this mountain, so how come that no one (even local people) knew about it earlier, especially when the colorful stripes are so hard to overlook?
The answer is maybe more obvious than you would have expected: global warming.
About five years ago, global warming had caused the ice to melt, and the colorful mountain has appeared underneath.
It didn't take long until hikers and guides walking the Ausangate Trek noticed the new attraction and shared it with the world. Since then, approximately 1000 people visit Rainbow Mountain every day.
As usual, the popularity has its positives and negatives.
At the end of the day, it will be only on us (travelers) on one side, and the Peruvian government and people involved in the tourism industry on the other side, and hopefully, the sustainability of this place will be well-managed.
WHY IS THE RAINBOW MOUNTAIN SO COLORFUL
When looking at the valley leading to the Rainbow Mountain and the mountain itself, we couldn't stop wondering where all the colors come from.
The explanation is more complicated as there are many reasons why the Rainbow Mountain is striped with multiple colors such as yellows, greens, reds, and purples, but two main reasons that stand behind this phenomenon are called weathering and mineralogy.
Different layers of sediment rock change colors when exposed to environmental conditions such as wind or water, and we cannot forget that the high altitude also plays an important role in this process.
That's why sediments of iron oxide turn red or iron sulfide turn into bright yellow.
Nature is sometimes unbelievable, right?
ALTITUDE
You cannot and shouldn't ignore the fact that the Rainbow Mountain and the whole trail lies at a high altitude. The hike starts 4600 meters above sea level, and the viewpoint lies even over 5000 meters; at 5036 meters above sea level, to be precise.
Because of the eye-catching and almost unreal colors, travelers sometimes can't wait to see the Rainbow Mountain and sign in on tour the very next day after arriving in Cusco.
But this very often happens to be a big mistake.
We cannot stress enough how important is acclimatization before you do the trek because altitude sickness is no joke, and by not following a few simple rules, you can ruin your entire stay in Cusco or Peru overall.
We met a girl who hiked the Rainbow Mountain trek two days before the Inca Trail starting day, but she got seriously sick during the hike, and she couldn't, in the end, walk the Inca Trail and spent several days in the hospital instead.
Although you can never know how the altitude will affect you (it has nothing to do with physical ability or how your body reacted to altitude previously), there are several rules you should follow to maximize your chances to enjoy the trek.
ACCLIMATIZATION
What should you do to enjoy the Rainbow Mountain hike the best?
Stay in Cusco at least two or three days before the hike to adjust your body to a higher elevation.
Thankfully, there are plenty of things to do in Cusco.
During this time, drink enough water, avoid alcohol, do not eat heavy meals, and try some light physical activity.
Do not forget that health and safety always go first, so in case you start feeling dizzy or a headache gets stronger during the hike, do not continue and get back to a lower altitude as quickly as you can.
No photo is worth serious consequences.
If there's one thing we can recommend to you, there are several best day trips from Cusco, and it is wise to keep the Rainbow Mountain hike for the end of your stay.
Walk to the Sacsayhuaman Ruins is a perfect activity for your body on your second day in Cusco.
Then we would say visiting the Sacred Valley or Pisac Ruins hike will help with gradual acclimatization.
Keep in mind that even places such as Humantay Lake or the highest point on Salkantay Trek are lower than the highest point on the Rainbow Mountain.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
WEATHER
Weather high in the Peruvian Andean mountains can be unpredictable, and you should come well-prepared.
The advantage is that you can always pack many layers and, according to the current situation, leave stuff you don't need for the hike in the van.
Don’t be afraid to overpack a bit this time.
The dry season in Peru is from April to October, but it can rain (or even snow) any time of the year at this altitude. Apart from the rain, you should also expect cold winds and strong sunshine (don't be fooled by clouds).
The dry season is known as Peruvian winter, which means it rarely rains, the sky is cloudless, temperatures are higher, but the number of visitors increases, the same as rates. The low season starts in October and ends in April.
The chance of rain is higher, especially in the afternoon, but it does not mean you cannot enjoy a sunny day as we had (we traveled in November).
Always remember that the weather at the Rainbow Mountain can be different from the climate in Cusco, and it is often more severe.
TRAIL
The Rainbow Mountain trail is not extremely hard or long in case you are used to walking a bit, but what makes it difficult is the early morning start and altitude.
Either way, it’s a hike of less than five kilometers with an elevation gain of 400 meters.
The path is easy to follow, can be slippery at places (especially after rain), and climbs gradually to the top apart from the last section, which is pretty steep.
RAINBOW MOUNTAIN HIKE
It is important to set your own pace and climb steadily to the top, do not worry about others and their speed.
Stop frequently and enjoy the beauty around because the journey to Rainbow Mountain is equally beautiful as the site itself.
Trekking poles do wonders for your pace at this altitude.
It should take you about two hours to reach the famous viewpoint from the parking lot.
It is only up to you how long you want to spend admiring the colorful mountain, but always make sure you see your guide around if traveling with an organized group.
In general, we think half an hour is enough because of the cold wind and altitude, and then you can slowly return to the parking lot.
The walk back is super-easy as it leads all the way downhill.
READ MORE:
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RED VALLEY HIKE
Although Rainbow Mountain deserves the hype, it is not the only fascinating attraction in the area.
Rather the contrary.
Only several hundred meters from the colorful mountain lies the valley that offers incredible views and a narrow trail that can take enthusiast nature lovers to an entirely different world.
Although the name suggests you will be overwhelmed by shades of red, that's not the only thing that can be seen here. You will be blown away by the mixture of red color shades and astonishingly lush green patches of grass.
This combination is really captivating, and in case you're planning on visiting the Rainbow Mountain, you should also add Red Valley into your Cusco itinerary.
Instead of walking back the same way, take a 2.5 hours detour through this natural marvel.
You won't regret this decision.
Not only you don't have to return the same way as you came from, but you will also avoid the majority of travelers, which is something we really valued here as Rainbow Mountain was one of the most touristy places we've visited in Peru.
WAYS TO VISIT RAINBOW MOUNTAIN FROM CUSCO
Currently, there is no public transport running between Cusco and Rainbow Mountain parking lot. Still, you have two options on how to visit this place.
If you travel in a group of four (or don't mind splurging), it is actually a good idea to book a taxi in Cusco at least one day in advance.
The cost for a taxi to Rainbow Mountain should be around S/300 including the waiting time.
Do not forget that you still have to pay for food and entrance fees. And keep in mind, that Rainbow Mountain admission is not included in Boleto Turistico.
Taxi ride gives you the advantage that you don't need to get up that early, and you can visit the Rainbow Mountain after the morning rush when all tours will be gone.
Second way to get to Rainbow Mountain is more budget-friendly.
Most of the travelers visit Rainbow Mountain on a day trip from Cusco.
We have opted for the tour ourselves because traveling independently did not make sense to us this time as there was no additional value.
RAINBOW MOUNTAIN TOUR
The most popular way how to visit the Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley is by taking a tour.
The itinerary is almost the same for every tour operator (only if you wish to walk through Red Valley, you must specifically ask for it) in the city.
Consider purchasing the Rainbow Mountain Tour in advance.
On a classic Rainbow Mountain tour, you will be picked up around 4:30 AM at your hotel, and the drive to the base of the hike takes about three hours, with a stop for breakfast.
Or check out Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley Tour that starts early in the morning in order to beat the crowds.
Then you hike approximately 3.5 hours to the viewpoint and back, or in case you chose to carry on to the Red Valley, it is 2.5 hours to the viewpoint of the Rainbow Mountain and another 2.5 hours walk via Red Valley to the parking lot.
Then it takes another three hours drive to Cusco with a short break for buffet lunch in the same restaurant you stopped in the morning.
The tour finishes near Cusco's main square Plaza de Armas around 5 or 5:30 PM.
Pretty long day, but the experience is well worth the early wake-up, long time spent in the uncomfortable van on an uncomfortable road, and the exhausting hike.
PRICE
We booked the full-day tour directly with a travel agency in Cusco one day ahead.
Included were English speaking guide, transport, entrance fees, breakfast, and lunch for S/100 (the original proposal was S/120).
You can see different prices for the same trip around Cusco, but do not forget to reconfirm with an agency what is in the price (and ask the agency to write it down for you on a voucher).
If the price is too low, you will most likely have to pay entrance fees on the spot.
WHERE TO STAY IN CUSCO
If you want to make sure that the company's bus will pick you up on time before visiting Rainbow Mountain, it is often better to stay closer to the city center.
Cusco is a perfect base for many day-trips as it offers an excellent infrastructure for travelers, quality hostels and hotels included.
We've handpicked some of the top accommodation options in Cusco for every type of traveler, so you can start planning your trip.
Budget | Cusco Bed and Breakfast - Spacious and clean rooms, comfortable beds, very quiet at night, excellent location.
Mid-range | Tierra Viva Cusco Centro - Providing a tranquil environment, beautiful rooms and also has one of the top-rated locations in Cusco.
Luxury | JW Marriott El Convento Cusco - This hotel features impressive interiors, has a charming colonial courtyard, luxury rooms, and Cusco’s cathedral or main square are only three blocks away.
CROWDS
In the high season (in July and August), Rainbow Mountain is visited approximately by 1000 people daily!
And we must mention that we were there at the end of November, and things did not seem very quiet by then either.
In short, Rainbow Mountain day trip has become one of the most popular things to do when in Cusco, so do not expect to have it for yourself.
If you want to enjoy the tranquil beauty of this place, instead of hiking the same way back, choose the Red Valley option. Only a fraction of all hikers (basically only our group) did this extension, although we still don't know why.
This section was the absolute highlight of this trip.
There's an additional entrance fee to the Red Valley (around S/.10), so make sure it is included in the tour to avoid an unpleasant surprise.
WHAT TO PACK
Because of the unpredictable weather in the Peruvian Andes, it is necessary to pack a bit of everything.
Morevoer, the aircon in the vans in Peru often does not work, so it is usually either too hot or too cold, so be prepared for that as well.
Visiting Rainbow Mountain includes a strenuous climb, and having sturdy hiking boots is a must. Definitely do not wear sneakers.
Also, make sure to pack a rain jacket to stay dry in case of a sudden change of weather.
We even had with us a down jacket, which we wore on the top to keep ourselves warm when taking photos.
Long hiking pants or leggings are a must, same as a hat, sunscreen, lip balm, and sporty t-shirt.
Take plenty of water (at least 1.5 liters per person) and some snacks (bananas, quinoa bars, or consider nutrition energy bars).
The water in the souvenir shops close to Rainbow Mountain is overpriced, you should bring your reusable water bottle.
You can also use SteriPen or water bottle with integrated filter during the trip to purify water on the go.
Try to avoid using single-use plastic bottles and reduce your plastic footprint when traveling.
A fully charged travel camera should go without saying as it is very likely you'll take here photos of your life.
RENT A HORSE
The new hiking trail means new business opportunities. Except for souvenir shops, only a few meters from the parking lot, wait plenty of local people that offer horses for rent for S/80.
This is the price for a ride to the base of the Rainbow Mountain. In case you don't feel fit enough or want to enjoy the mountainous beauty from the horseback, go for it.
Only be prepared that horses can take you approximately two-thirds of the trail but can't continue on the steepest part, so you will have to walk anyway to get to the viewpoint.
To be completely honest, if you suffer from a serious headache caused by altitude, we would not have opted for renting the horse and stayed in the lower elevation instead.
OVERTOURISM
Before our visit to the Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley, we've read numerous articles pointing out mass tourism's negative impact on the Rainbow Mountain and its surroundings.
Those articles were quite negative, and the conclusion was usually strict. Tourists, do not visit Rainbow Mountain or you will ruin it soon.
We respect everyone's opinion, even though it can collide with ours, but the situation is not black and white.
Moreover, it's hypocritical to say don't visit a place you have just visited yourself.
We think that we must ask the question differently. Will poorly managed tourism ruin Rainbow Mountain?
One thousand visitors per day is indeed a lot.
Especially when you realize that people in the area only five years ago (some of course until now) worked as lama shepherds and lived (we think this hasn't changed yet) in such poor conditions we cannot even imagine (tents you can see on the hill close to the parking lot are not for animals but are actual homes).
In short, they have no idea how tourism work and have no experience dealing with foreign visitors - and we can't blame them.
Tourism has already brought several hundred people back to their homeland, and they now offer horse services, sell handicrafts or offer refreshments along the path.
Unfortunately, in our opinion, they at the moment don't know how to handle the situation, and tourists can sometimes feel like walking wallets, especially when locals obviously only want money, but there is a lack of extra value.
But there are two sides to every story.
We believe that local tourism companies or the government should deal with this problem and educate local people how the system works - that locals can make money when offering a quality service and visitors will leave happy.
But sadly, today, we could only see that the only concern of the Peruvian government is to build a modern booth to sell tickets.
Although they haven't even made a much-needed infrastructure to the site yet, or a proper hiking trail, so tourists could actually stay in the designated areas.
Also, visitors should be aware of the fragile ecosystem, walk on the designated path (there is not an official way, so try to follow the most obvious way), use toilets along the way (for S/1), and climb only the viewpoint, not the Rainbow Mountain itself.
It should go without saying, but take only memories and pictures, leave only footprints.
To answer the question: will tourism ruin the Rainbow Mountain?
Hopefully not, but both sides, tourists and local people involved in tourism, must work hard on it.
And that's also a reason why being a responsible traveler is so essential.
IS RAINBOW MOUNTAIN WORTH IT?
We believe that it's worth visiting Rainbow Mountain, but you should lower your expectations before you go.
Some colors on Rainbow Mountain photos don't indeed reflect the reality (wink, saturation slider), and the results look more like a coloring book.
Also, on a cloudy or rainy day, the mountain is not that colorful.
As we have already mentioned above, altitude sickness is a real thing, and by not following acclimatization tips and rushing things, you can make your trip very uncomfortable.
Apart from these things, Rainbow Mountain is one of those rare out of this world places that make you admit that Mother Nature is the greatest artist.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
