This Colorful Mountain in Peru Was Once Hidden by Snow—Now It’s One of the World’s Most Popular Hikes

Hidden beneath layers of snow until just a few years ago, this colorful mountain in Peru is now one of the most popular and photogenic hikes in the world. Known as Rainbow Mountain, its natural stripes of red, gold, turquoise, and purple look almost unreal in person.

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 8 years ago.

In this updated Rainbow Mountain post for 2025, 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.

First up, a little background on Rainbow Mountain

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 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.

During your time in Cusco:

2. Stay consistently hydrated by drinking plenty of water

3. Opt for light, easily digestible meals rich in carbs

4. Get enough rest and sleep to help your body recover

5. Avoid alcohol and smoking

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.

And if you want some ideas about how to spend your time in Cusco, check out my fun things to do in Cusco video, below!

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.

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!

• If you’re someone who gets cold easily, I would say to also wear a sweatshirt or sweater over your shirt. (This is a great opportunity to break out a new alpaca sweater!)

• Scarf or neck gaiter – these can be nice to help keep warm and also to keep the dirt and dust off your face.

• 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.

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 renting 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.

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 Mountain Trail 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 with no problem, but took at least 3 breaks during that last 20 minutes of the Rainbow Mountain hike.

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.

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.

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.

And Rainbow Mountain is just one of the many incredible experiences you can have in Peru. If you’re planning a trip, I’ve also put together a detailed Peru packing list to help you know exactly what to bring (and what you can skip). And if you’re thinking of taking on an even bigger adventure, be sure to check out my guide to hiking the Inca Trail—it’s one of the most rewarding treks I’ve ever done. For even more inspiration, here’s a roundup of things to do in Peru and my Peru travel video (below) that brings it all to life. Happy hiking!