Peru’s most Instagramable spot gets mixed reviews, with some saying it’s not worth the effort and others (aka me!) saying Rainbow Mountain was the highlight of their trip. Read on to hear my honest opinion on whether Rainbow Mountain is worth it.
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About the tour
A trip to Peru is full of early starts, but when I heard that I would have to be up and ready to go by 3am to make this tour I did wonder whether it would be worth it.
Rainbow mountain isn’t the most accessible place to get to, with no direct public transport options, the easiest thing to do is take a tour.
My tour started at 3am, stopping an hour and a half in for breakfast before carrying on for one more hour along a windy and bumpy dirt road. It then took about an hour and a half walking to reach the top where we spent an hour taking in the views before heading back down. On route home we stopped at the same restaurant for lunch before returning to Cusco at 3pm. I would 10/10 recommend Rainbow Mountain Travels if you’re thinking of going.
There’s no doubt it’s a long day but lets get into why you should (or shouldn’t) go.
Is Rainbow Mountain worth it: why I think it is
1. There are not many places in the world with such a colourful landscape
The photos really speak for themselves, views don’t get much better than this!
While the colours may not appear as vibrant as the highly edited photos seen on Instagram, the reality is still pretty remarkable (the picture below has been left unedited).
2. You can experience this place without all the crowds
Getting up at 3am meant that we were the first bus to arrive at the base of Rainbow Mountain.
This in turn meant that we didn’t have to queue to reach the top, which I know many people complain about.
3. There is so much more to see than the Rainbow Mountain
Most posts only highlight Rainbow Mountain itself. However, when I got to the top I was surprised by the 360 views. Rainbow Mountain is surrounded with many other colourful mountains and you can even see the Ausungate Glacier in the distance.
Is Rainbow Mountain worth it: things to consider
1. You need to be there early
There are several tours leaving later in the day, however with this comes crowds. When walking down the mountain, I saw hundreds of tourists working their way up and I can see how this would ruin the experience. I heard reports of people waiting over 15 minutes just to get the perfect photo only for it to be filled with others in the background.
2. The altitude
Sitting at 5,036m (nearly as high as Everest base camp) the altitude is no joke! You are even encouraged to not spend more than an hour at the top.
It is worth considering whether you will have had enough time in Cuzco to acclimatise.
Top tip: save Rainbow Mountain till your last day in Cuzco to lower your chance of getting altitude sickness.
3. The weather
For the colours of the mountain to really pop the sun needs to be out.
If the weather isn’t looking great you may be disappointed by what you see when you reach the top. It is also not uncommon for the mountain to be cover with snow during the rainy season.
Top tip: due to the altitude it gets very cold at the top so make sure you take lots of layers.
Rainbow Mountain FAQs
1. What is Rainbow Mountain?
Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca or Montaña de Siete Colores, is a stunning geological formation located in the Andes of Peru. It’s famous for its vibrant and striated colors that resemble a rainbow, making it a popular tourist attraction.
2. Where is Rainbow Mountain located?
Rainbow Mountain is situated in the Cusco region of Peru, near the Ausangate Mountain. It’s relatively remote and requires a journey from Cusco to reach the trailhead.
3. How do I get to Rainbow Mountain from Cusco?
Travelers typically start their journey from Cusco and head towards the town of Pitumarca, where the trailhead for Rainbow Mountain is located. The journey includes a combination of bus and trekking.
4. Is a guided tour necessary to visit Rainbow Mountain?
While it’s possible to visit Rainbow Mountain independently, most people opt for guided tours. Guides can provide essential information, ensure safety, and assist with acclimatisation to the high-altitude conditions.
There is also limited public transport running from Cusco to Rainbow Mountain, with no direct options available.
5. What is the best time to visit Rainbow Mountain?
The best time to visit Rainbow Mountain is during the dry season, which is from May to September. These months offer clear skies and more favorable trekking conditions.
6. How difficult is the hike to Rainbow Mountain?
The hike to Rainbow Mountain can be physically demanding, especially due to the high altitude. You should be prepared for steep ascents, varying weather conditions, and the challenge of walking at over 5,000 meters above sea level.
There is the option to get a mule to take you most of the way up, but note that you will have to walk the final, steepest bit yourself.
7. Do I need to acclimatise before visiting Rainbow Mountain?
Yes, acclimatisation is crucial. Most tours include stops at higher altitudes to help you adjust to the thin air. However, I highly recommend visiting Rainbow Mountain on your last day in Cusco.
8. What should I pack for a Rainbow Mountain trek?
Essential items include layered clothing, sturdy hiking boots or trainers, a good backpack, a rain jacket, sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water. It’s also a good idea to bring snacks.
9. Are there any cultural considerations when visiting Rainbow Mountain?
You should respect the local culture and customs. The area is inhabited by indigenous communities, and it’s important to be mindful of their way of life and the natural environment.
10. Can I take a horse or mule ride to Rainbow Mountain?
Yes, for those who find the hike too challenging, there are options to hire horses or mules for part of the journey. This can make the trek more manageable, especially at high altitudes.
11. Are there any restrictions on visiting Rainbow Mountain?
As with many natural attractions, there are guidelines in place to protect the environment. You are expected to stay on designated paths and respect local regulations regarding waste disposal.
Concluding remarks
Personally, Rainbow Mountain was everything I hoped for and more. The views are unmatched and 100% made up for the early start. Having spent a week in Cuzco the altitude was not as bad as I expected and getting to take in the scenery without swarms of people around was truly magical.
What do you think, is Rainbow Mountain really worth it?
Where next?
How to visit Machu Picchu (without hiking)
This looks amazing and we love the idea of beating the crowds!!
Well worth the 2am start!