May 15, 2025, 9:21 am | Read time: 4 minutes
For several years now, Rainbow Mountain in Peru has been rivaling Machu Picchu. National Geographic magazine even included it on its list of the “Top 100 Places to Visit Before You Die.” TRAVELBOOK shares tips on what to keep in mind when climbing this colorful mountain.
For a long time, the Rainbow Mountain, known as Vinicunca, was unknown. It was only when climate change caused the snow on the mountains to melt that the colorful rock layers were discovered a few years ago. It didn’t take long for tourists to discover the natural phenomenon for themselves—also thanks to the numerous, vibrant photos on Instagram. According to the AP news agency, thousands of vacationers are now guided to the mountain every day. It is located in the Peruvian Andes in the Cuzco region, just 3 hours from the historic center of Cusco, and consists of 14 different colored minerals.
Good Preparation for the Ascent
The area is very sparsely populated; for decades, hardly anyone lived here. It was only with the tourism boom that the indigenous people of the region, the Pampachiri, returned and reactivated the formerly unused paths as a gateway to Rainbow Mountain. However, while the impoverished population partially benefits from tourism, the fragile landscape suffers. Vacationers who visited the region more than three years ago report untouched nature and narrow, overgrown paths. Where there was once a swamp serving as a retreat for geese, there is now a parking lot. The formerly narrow path has become a wide, worn-out trail full of potholes.
Anyone who wants to climb Rainbow Mountain must prepare well in advance. Many attempt the climb with exaggerated expectations and without the correct equipment. It is often forgotten that Vinicunca is at an altitude of 5,200 meters. For comparison, the highest mountain in the Alps, Mont Blanc, is only 4,810 meters high, and the northern base camp on Mount Everest is only slightly higher. This underscores the need for thorough preparation for a tour of Rainbow Mountain.
Equipment Is Key
The official site for Rainbow Mountain offers tips for a safe ascent. Sufficient water should be in your backpack, as the body needs plenty of fluids due to the altitude difference. To combat nausea, you can take and chew coca leaves, a well-known aid for better coping with the altitude. Additionally, it’s important to book with a reliable organizer, as trekking on Rainbow Mountain is not easy.
As Rainbow Mountain becomes increasingly popular, there are now many unqualified providers who make the hike to the mountain anything but interesting and pleasant. When choosing an organizer, ensure that the guides have completed first aid training and that oxygen bottles are available.
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Temperatures Drop Below 0 Degrees at Night
The best time for hiking the mountain is from March to November. From June to August, a blue sky is almost guaranteed, making an ascent during these months most sensible. In January and February, however, it rains a lot, making trekking more difficult. Despite the rain, tours are offered even in these months—but whether they are worthwhile is debatable.
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Temperatures can drop below zero at night, so warm clothing is essential if you plan to visit Rainbow Mountain on a multi-day hike. Even in the summer months, the weather is never reliable—within an hour, it can change from snow to rain to blazing sun. Weatherproof clothing is, therefore, a must.
Unlike Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain currently has no restrictions on the number of tourists who can climb it. Whether the region can handle mass tourism is another matter. As with Mount Everest, reports of piles of trash in the midst of nature are becoming more frequent. To keep the mountain accessible to everyone, nature should be treated with respect, and it seems almost obvious that any trash should be taken back with you.
Conclusion? A visit to Rainbow Mountain is worthwhile but should be well thought out. Additionally, the right equipment, a professional and responsible guide, and environmental responsibility are mandatory.