Ready to visit one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world? Rainbow Mountain in Peru is a must-see destination that’ll leave you in awe. This colorful mountain range, with its stunning striped patterns, has become a favorite spot for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.
Part of the HCWT group tour to Peru!
I’ve been fortunate enough to hike to Rainbow Mountain multiple times over the years. (You may have seen my first post about Rainbow Mountain way back in 2017.)
Things have changed a bit since then; it’s no longer a secret! Everyone knows about Rainbow Mountain. And they’ve opened up a new hiking trail that I dare say is easier than the one we used 7 years ago.
Our first trip to Rainbow Mountain in 2017!
In this updated Rainbow Mountain post for 2024, you’ll get the lowdown on preparing for the hike and the high altitude, what to wear and pack, and what to expect on the trail. I’ll also share insider tips to make sure your experience is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca, did not become a tourist destination until 2015. This is because, up until then, it was covered in snow. When that snow melted due to climate change, it revealed the beautiful colors underneath.
The mountain was formed over time by weather, different environmental factors, and layers of dirt and minerals. These minerals make the mountain look like it’s painted with colors like gold, purple, red, and turquoise, all stacked in layers reaching up into the sky.
When I first visited back in 2017, there were only a handful of visitors making the journey to Rainbow Mountain. Now, there are hundreds of people visiting every day.
How to Prepare for Your Hike to Rainbow Mountain
While the hike itself is really not difficult, it is a very small incline for the majority of the hike and only takes about 3-4 hours max. The altitude is what will be the most challenging for people, no matter how good of shape you are in. Rainbow Mountain is 5,200 m or 17,060 ft above sea level. You’re going to feel very out of breath on this hike no matter what.
The trail is very wide and flat, with only a slight incline.
The best you can do to prepare is make sure you are walking or doing some form of light cardio on a regular basis, and if you plan to carry a day backpack, make sure you are also walking with this, so you are used to using it by the time you go to hike.
And of course, always consult with your doctor before you go on this hike.
Preparing for High Altitude – Acclimating in Cusco
Before you head up Rainbow Mountain, it’s important to give your body time to adjust to the high altitude. Cusco sits at around 3,400 meters (11,150 feet) above sea level and is the perfect starting point to get acclimated. Plan to arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before your trek to Rainbow Mountain. This will allow your body time to adapt to the reduced oxygen levels.
The Have Clothes, Will Travel group in Cusco, Peru!
During your this time in Cusco:
Be sure to take it easy
Stay consistently hydrated by drinking plenty of water
Opt for light, easily digestible meals rich in carbs
Get enough rest and sleep to help your body recover
Avoid alcohol and smoking
Coca tea.
The locals will also tell you to drink Coca tea to help with the altitude, and this does work for some people. I, however, did not have luck drinking Coca tea and still had altitude sickness the first time I went up Rainbow Mountain.
However, the last time I went, I spoke with my doctor, and they gave me a prescription to help with altitude sickness. This was a huge improvement for me! I hardly noticed the altitude this time! There are, of course, risks and side effects with this medication, so be sure to discuss this all with your doctor prior to going.
Our Rainbow Mountain hike outfits!
What to Pack and Wear for Rainbow Mountain
The most important thing to keep in mind for this hike, and really for what to wear in Peru in general… is layers, layers, layers! You’re going to go through a lot of temperature changes throughout your hike. You’ll be freezing one second and sweating like crazy the next.
Here is what I recommend wearing and bringing with:
Bring a day pack you’re comfortable using. This is to keep your snacks, sunscreen, water, and extra layers in. If you’re traveling as a couple, only one person really needs to carry a pack. Just be sure there is plenty of water in it for both of you.
Cash. This is for your entrance fee, and if you want to buy any snacks or take photos with an alpaca, those pictures aren’t free!
Toilet paper! The outhouses will not have this, so be sure to throw a roll in your bag.
A small bag to put any trash in.
And if you’re someone who sweats a lot like me, having a clean shirt and socks to change into for the long drive home can be divine. Highly recommend considering bringing that along.
My Rainbow Mountain hiking outfit. I am always warm, though.
Zac’s Rainbow Mountain hiking outfit (he gets colder than me!)
Now, What to Wear on Your Rainbow Mountain Hike
Wear a waterproof jacket, just in case. You’ll also want to wear something to block the wind when you are at the viewpoint taking photos. It’s always windy and chilly!
Scarf or neck gaiter – these can be nice to help keep warm and also to keep the dirt and dust off your face.
Sunglasses
Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots – I’ve used both for this hike. If you have your hiking boots along – great! Wear them. Otherwise, if this is the only hike you’re doing in Peru, you’ll be fine wearing comfortable sneakers.
I also would say you DO NOT need hiking poles, I had them for the Inca Trail but did not feel they were necessary to bring for this hike.
Side note: with all packing lists, I’m giving a shoutout to Milan Laser Hair Removal! They keep me from needing to pack razors and shaving cream when I travel, plus no painful waxing appointments anymore. No matter where you are traveling to, this is a great investment! Read more about my Milan Laser Hair Removal experience.
The Rainbow Mountain Trek – What to Know
First up, I highly recommend booking a tour to Rainbow Mountain from Cusco. You can do this right in Cusco at any of the tourism agencies, there are quite a few in Plaza de Armas.
Most of these tours are less than 30 USD, which is absolutely worth it vs renting a car or trying to take a bus and then rent a taxi. These tours will also likely include both breakfast and lunch. Your guide will also likely carry an oxygen tank in case anyone gets altitude sickness, which is a good precaution to take. Just book a tour they’re so worth it in this instance.
A lunch spread we were served on a tour to Rainbow Mountain.
Now, I personally like to have everything booked before I go on a trip; it greatly reduces my anxiety, so I have always booked my transportation or a tour online ahead of time. This, however, is more expensive than waiting until you get to Cusco to book, just FYI.
Rainbow MountainTrail Description
Your Rainbow Mountain adventure will begin with an early morning pick-up, usually around 3 or 4 am. The journey starts with a 3-hour drive from Cusco to the trailhead. Once you arrive, you’ll need to pay a small entrance fee of 30 soles that goes directly to the local community maintaining the trail.
The trek itself is about a 4-kilometer (or 2.5 miles) hike that typically takes 3-4 hours to complete. You’ll start at an altitude of 4,326 meters and climb to a breathtaking 5,200 meters above sea level.
The trail consists mostly of a wide gravel path with some stairs as you approach the viewpoint. The final stretch to the upper viewpoint has loose gravel and rocky sections but is generally not slippery when it’s dry.
The first half of the hike is relatively flat or a gradual uphill, while the last section becomes quite steep. This last part takes about 20 minutes to complete. Don’t be afraid to take breaks! I hiked the Inca Trail no problem, but took at least 3 breaks during that last 20 minutes of the Rainbow Mountain hike.
Don’t be afraid to take breaks!
Stretches are always good to do too lol!
If you find the trek too challenging, you can rent a horse for about 100 soles to take you through the flatter sections. However, you’ll need to complete the final ascent on foot. It’s also important, in my opinion, to make sure that the horse you ride appears well taken care of and not overworked. For the most part, the horses I was seeing recently were in much better condition now than I had remembered.
The Best Months to Visit Rainbow Mountain
Timing can be everything to make the most of your Rainbow Mountain experience. The best time to visit is during the dry season, which runs from April to November. You’ll have a better chance of enjoying blue skies and stunning views. The dry weather also makes for more pleasant and safer hiking conditions. Plus, the sunshine really enhances the mountain’s famous rainbow hues.
This was taken in November.
For an even better experience, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of late April, May, September, October, or early November. During these months, you’ll enjoy dry weather and pleasant temperatures, with the added bonus of smaller crowds.
It’s best to avoid visiting in January, especially late January, as this is when the rainy season is at its peak. Heavy rains can lead to muddy trails, poor visibility, and even road closures due to landslides.
This was taken in September.
I’ve personally visited in September and November and had absolutely perfect sunny weather in September, but there were far fewer people during late November! It was a little rainy and cloudy during that time. That said, though, even a cloudy rainy day at Rainbow Mountain is incredible!
Seeing Rainbow Mountain is an absolute must when you visit Peru. It’s one of the most incredible places I’ve ever been to, and I would visit it again in a heartbeat.
If anyone has any questions about my experience hiking Rainbow Mountain, please don’t hesitate to reach out in the comments.
Hi! I’m Lindsey, the voice behind Have Clothes, Will Travel. I’m an online shopping aficionado from a small town in Wisconsin who has also lived in Russia, Argentina, Japan & Australia.
Very informative, thank you!