Rainbow Mountain in a nutshell? No electricity. No reception. No civilization. No nothing. Not even enough air. Away from everything. Only you. Nature. Llamas. And fantastic views.
This is roughly how the hike up the famous Rainbow Mountain , or Vinicunca as it is actually called, can be described. Peru has much more to offer than just Macchu Picchu. A hike at the limit of one’s strength. Thoughts of just turning back. Proud to go through with it and to go beyond one’s own limits.
Already in the early morning, when even the sun in Cusco does not even think about rising, the approx. 4 hour drive from Cusco begins. First it goes to a small village immediately near the starting point of the hike.
Coca! Coca!
After a tasty Peruvian breakfast and some coca tea, we’re off to the starting point at an altitude of just over 4,000 meters. Basically, Peruvians recommend drinking coca tea against altitude sickness. Should apparently help. Actually, it tastes kind of like peppermint tea and is definitely something for the todo list for any Peru trip.
Personally, I’m lucky that aside from the crisp air, I’m fine even at altitude and have no problems. There are some people who can’t handle the altitude at all. Even some who are actually professional athletes. It’s often genetic and either you’re lucky or not.
After breakfast in the village, and after a short drive, the hike begins. Already after a few minutes the first Peruvians are ready and offer you the possibility to choose the comfortable way and to sit on a horse and to be carried to the top.
I hope that I don’t have to tell you what a pity it is to choose this option. Hiking is the unique experience of jumping over your own shadow, reaching the top and being damn proud of yourself for it. Nevertheless, not everyone thinks so, so even some young people choose the easy way, and then proudly take a few selfies of themselves at the top. Well!
For everyone else, it’s a hike of about three hours up over breathtaking nature. Other travel enthusiasts will accompany you on the way to the top, while you can enjoy the hike together. The way up is very varied due to the location weather-wise. Not ideal conditions to choose an optimal outfit for the hike.
Sometimes it’s really cold and you’re glad to have gloves and a hat with you. Then again, it’s hot and you take off everything but your T-shirt. Having a windproof jacket with you is definitely not a bad idea. Even if the temperatures are sometimes quite cool, it is enough to wear a few layers of shirts and sweaters underneath and if it’s windy, to unpack the jacket against the somewhat biting wind.
Exactly these conditions are also the ones that show you new personal limits and let you grow beyond them. To be accompanied by breathtaking scenery and to meet some cute llamas or sheep on the way, make the whole experience something unique. Unforgettable!
The only thing you might miss during the climb is a little more air. The closer you get to the top, the tighter the air supply becomes. On the one hand, because the hike itself is quite strenuous. On the other hand, because at an altitude of 5,200 meters, the air is generally a bit tighter.
But in return, at the top you get a view like in a dream. From seven different, parallel colors the Rainbow Mountain appears in full beauty. The somewhat different rainbow. Once you’ve reached the top, you simply have to sit down and enjoy the unforgettable view. And be damn proud of yourself!
How many people can claim to have hiked at this altitude? You are one of them! Break your limits!
One dollar!
Every time I think about the hike to the rainbow mountain, this one specific encounter comes into my mind. Right before I have reached the peak, there was a lady sitting and selling some sweets. In a situation like I was at this moment, I would give everything to eat something and gain some energy for the last few meters.
When I asked here how much the chocolate bar was, she said: One dollar! Then I asked her how much the bonbons are and she answered: One dollar!. Ok, and how much are the cookies? “One dollar!” This moment gave me such a smile on my face and stays as one of those travel memories in my head, which I will never forget. 🥰
For pleasent climate conditions and little to no rain, the best time to hike the Rainbow Mountain is between April and May or from September to October. During this period you will also encounter less other tourists which will make your experience even more enjoyable.
Of course it is also possible to explore the Rainbow Mountains during other months throughout the year. Just make sure in advance that there are tours taking place since this area can be covered in snow as well.
