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Rainbow Mountain Tour: All you need to know about this amazing destination

Reading : 3 min December 27 2022

The Rainbow Mountain in Cusco, Peru, is a natural wonder that is not to be missed. The mountain gets its name from the colorful stripes that can be seen on its surface. These stripes are caused by different minerals in the rock that are exposed to the elements. The mountain is located at an elevation of 3,817 meters (12,524 feet) above sea level, making it one of the highest mountains in the region. Rainbow Mountain is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Cusco. 

Despite its high elevation, the Rainbow Mountain is actually quite easy to hike. There are a few different trails that lead to the summit, and the views from the top are truly breathtaking. The best time to hike the mountain is from May to September, when the weather is milder.

Hiking the Rainbow Mountain is an experience that you will never forget. The view, the fresh air, and the sense of accomplishment that comes with reaching the summit are all worth the effort.


How was the Rainbow Mountain formed?


The Rainbow Mountain in Cusco was formed over millions of years by the weathering and erosion of the Andes Mountains. The different colors of the mountain are caused by the different minerals in the rock that are exposed to the elements. The reds and oranges are caused by iron oxide, the yellows and greens are caused by copper oxide, and the blues and purples are caused by manganese oxide.


Rainbow Mountain Hikes


A must-do when visiting Cusco is to go on a tour to see the Rainbow Mountain. There are a few different ways to hike Rainbow Mountain. The most popular way is to take a guided tour. Guided tours typically include a bus ride to the base of the mountain, a short hike to the top, and a short break at the top to take photos and enjoy the views.

Rainbow Mountain is a great place to hike for all levels of hikers. There are many different routes to choose from, so you can pick a route that is right for you. If you are looking for a challenge, you can try the longer and more difficult ones. If you want an easier hike, you can take one of the shorter and easier routes. No matter what route you choose, you will have an amazing experience.

Hiking tours usually last around 4-5 hours. You'll start off early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds. The hike itself is not too difficult, but it is a bit of a climb. The views from the top are stunning, and you'll be able to see the different colors of the mountain up close.

If you are interested in a full-day experience in the Rainbow Mountain, you can enjoy our Hiking to Rainbow Mountain tour. It requires 3 hours of driving each way and 3.5 hours of hiking. We will depart very early in the morning and pick you up from your hotel in Cusco. From the historic center, we embark on a two-hour drive along paved roads to Cusipata in the South Valley, followed by one hour on dirt roads to the town of Phulawasipata.

Phulawasipata, is located over 15,000 feet , rests beneath the majestic Ausangate peak and is the starting point of the Rainbow Mountain hike. The route follows a photogenic stream through remote Andean villages and croplands surrounded by abundant regional flora and fauna, including llamas, alpacas, and the occasional Andean cat.

After 90 minutes of hiking, the spectacular Vinicunca, the Rainbow Mountain, comes into view. The hike continues a little farther to the peak, where you can spend 30 minutes cherishing the scenery, taking photographs, and replenishing your energy.
The return hike follows the same route back down the mountain and takes approximately 1 hour.

The most popular way to see the mountain is by hiking, but you can also go on a horse tour. These are a great option if you don't want to hike, or if you want to take it easy. The ride is around 2 hours, and you'll be able to enjoy the views without having to worry about getting tired. Plus, it's a great way to see the countryside.


How to prepare for the Rainbow Mountain tour?


When it comes to hiking you must always be prepared, and even more if it's about Rainbow Mountain Cusco, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. First and foremost, it is important to remember that this is not a casual hike. The Rainbow Mountain tours are designed for those who are looking for a challenge, therefore, you should be prepared for a bit of a workout. 

That being said, there are a few things that you can do to make the hike a bit easier on yourself. First, be sure to wear comfortable, supportive shoes. This is not the time for fashion, as you will be doing a lot of walking. Second, be sure to pack plenty of water and snacks, as you will need to keep your energy up. Third, be sure to start the hike early in the morning, as the sun can be quite intense at high altitudes. Wear sunglasses, sunscreen lotion and a hat to keep you from sun burning.

By following these simple tips, you can be sure your hike up the Rainbow Mountain will be a total success.

Let us be with you along your trip to Cusco. Visit our The Full Experience website, explore our tourism packages and choose all the best experiences for you.

Travel with the experts, travel safe with Inca Rail.

#TheMagicofPeru

 

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