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Rainbow Mountain facts you need to know before your visit

Reading : 3 min January 26 2023

The Rainbow Mountain, or Vinicunca, is a natural wonder located in the highlands of Cusco. It has seven different colored stripes that amaze all travelers, wherever they come from. Its unique landscape has made it one of Peru's most popular tourist attractions, and every year thousands of people visit the mountain to witness its beauty.

10 Facts about Rainbow Mountain

Here are 10 facts about this incredible destination:

  1. The Rainbow Mountain of Peru is located in the Andean Mountains and stands at 17,060 feet above sea level, making it one of the highest peaks in the region you can hike. It's officially called Vinicunca Mountain, although locals often refer to it as the Rainbow Mountain due to its multicolored stripes.

  2. The mountain's colored stripes are created by the mineral deposits in the area. The minerals oxidize and create different colors, including yellow, red, purple, green, and pink.

  3. The Rainbow Mountain is located on the slopes of the Ausangate snow-capped mountain. It takes about three hours by car to get there from the city of Cusco.

  4. The Rainbow Mountain is part of the Ausangate National Park, which was declared a protected area in 1975.

  5. In 2015, the Rainbow Mountain was added to the World Monuments Fund’s list of endangered cultural and natural sites, called World Monuments Watch.

  6. The Rainbow Mountain is a very popular tourist destination and it's recommended to get there early in the morning to avoid the crowds.

  7. Hiking Rainbow Mountain can be challenging and requires a certain level of fitness. Remember that it is very important to wear appropriate clothing and bring plenty of water.



  8. The best time to visit the Rainbow Mountain is between May and September. During this time, the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller.

  9. The Rainbow Mountain is a sacred site for local people. It's believed to be a spiritual entity full of magical energy that has been used for ancient rituals even before Inca times.

  10. The Rainbow Mountain is an incredible sight and a must-see destination for anyone visiting Peru.

With its stunning colors, spiritual significance, and breathtaking views, it's no wonder why it's becoming increasingly popular with travelers.

Going from Machu Picchu to Rainbow Mountain

The tour from Machu Picchu to Rainbow Mountain is a great way to know the land of the Incas. The trip starts with a bus ride from Cusco to the town of Ollantaytambo, where travelers can take a train to Machu Picchu Town, formerly known as Aguas Calientes. Machu Picchu Town is the gateway to the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, which is one of the most important archaeological sites in South America.

Once travelers have explored Machu Picchu and it's indescribably beautiful surroundings, they can continue their trip to the amazing Rainbow Mountain. The journey to the mountain is filled with breathtaking scenery, passing through small villages and the majestic snow-capped peaks of the Andean territory.

The trek takes about four hours and is a fairly easy hike, although it is recommended to bring plenty of water and snacks. The trail is surrounded by beautiful mountain views and is also inhabited by herds of alpacas, making it an ideal place for a picnic.

Once travelers reach the summit, they will be rewarded with a stunning view of the Rainbow Mountain, featuring seven vibrant colored stripes of red, yellow, purple, green, blue, and orange, due to the minerals that have been deposited over time on the soil, because of the wind, rain, and snow.

The tour from Machu Picchu to Rainbow Mountain in Cusco is an unforgettable experience that allow travelers to explore two of the most stunning sites in Peru. It is an experience that can be enjoyed by travelers from all around the world and provides an opportunity to explore the beauty of the Andes.

The Rainbow Mountain Trail

The hike to Rainbow Mountain starts at the town of Chilca, located at 13,123 feet altitude (4,000 meters). The trail is a challenging 4.3 miles hike (7 kilometers) with many steep ascents and descents.

Along the way, visitors will be rewarded with stunning views of the Andes Mountains, as well as the opportunity to spot llamas and alpacas grazing in the fields. The trail culminates with a stunning view of Rainbow Mountain and its seven colors. 

Rainbow Mountain is simply beautiful. Its unique landscape has made it one of the most popular tourist attractions in Peru, and each year thousands of visitors go to the mountain to witness its beauty.

Visit The Full Experience and find more fascinating destinations in Cusco. Live the Inca experience with us and be safe every step of the way.

Travel with the experts, travel safe with Inca Rail.
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