Rainbow Mountain, or Vinicunca, is a mountain striped with colorful bands formed by minerals, in the Vilcanota range southeast of Cusco. You get there on a full-day trip that combines three hours on the road with a high-altitude hike.
How hard is it?
The climb takes an hour and a half to two hours, with a moderate elevation gain, but at more than 4,600 m above sea level. The challenge is the thin air, not the distance. Being acclimatized is key: do this trip after at least two days in Cusco.
Weather and best time to go
Mornings are very cold, and it can be windy or snowy at the top. The best time to go is from April to November. In the rainy season, snow can cover the colors.
What to bring
- Warm layers, gloves and a hat.
- Hiking shoes with good grip.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and water.
- Cash for the community entry fee and for renting a horse, if you need one.
