2 Day Rainbow Mountain Trek or Montaña Arcoiris (Spanish) has become one of the top natural attractions and most important hikes in Peru. Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca, is hiding off in the Ausangate region until recently. It gets its name from the weathered strips of colored minerals that paint the hills like a rainbow. Maroon (iron oxide) and gold (iron sulphide), and other resplendent elements. It’s also a sacred mountain visited by about 20,000 Quechua pilgrims each year. The sacred mountain is Apu Ausangate god.

The typical trip involves a 3:30 wake-up call, a 4 hour drive to the start, a 5-hour walk along a path following a small communities, lunch and 3-hour trekking to Anata Camp site. the next day wake up early and see the beautiful landscapes of the mountains. We contine the trek 4-hour climb up along a path until the high of the mountain, then apprecitate the Rainbow Mountain, take a break 10 min, a 3-hour back down and then the drive to Cusco.

Everyone who sees the photo of the colorful Rainbow Mountain wants to see it and all longing to attain that crystal clear image for Instagram. But after doing even the slightest amount of research many travelers give up on visiting Rainbow Mountain. Why? The hike to the top is no joke. Constantly changing weather conditions, combined with high altitude, can be a challenge for experienced hikers. But if done right it’s manageable even for those who don’t hike much.

Departure Point: Cusco – We pick you up from your hotel.
Departure Time: 04:30
Briefing Point: Our guide will visit your hotel 2 or 1 day before the trek 
Briefing Time: Between 17:00 – 18:00
Return Point: Cusco – Our driver will drop-off in your hotel or Airbnb department

Day 01: Cusco – Quesuno – Anata
Day 02: Anata – Rainbow Mountain – Cusco

Note: This itinerary is subject to change without prior notice according to weather conditions, strikes, roadblocks, or other events which are beyond our control. We will always do our best to follow the itinerary as closely as possible. 

Rainbow Mountain Weather Peru

The attractions of each area are discussed in greater detail in the before to go introductions. Picking the best time to visit  any of them. however, is complicated by the country’s physical characteristics. In the Andes season are more clearly marked, with heavy rains from December to March and a warm relatively dry period from June to September Inevitably, thought, there are always some sunny weeks in the rainy season and wet one in the dry. If you plan to visit Rainbow mountains (Andean mountain range), then we recommend you to take some trousers suitable for hiking, shorts, T-shirts and trekking shoes for the days; and sweaters, fleeces, hats, scarves and warm jackets for the nights. You also should take a sun protection cream, sun glasses and in some cases, mosquito repellent (depending on a route chosen). It is very convenient to have a light rain-gear available in a daypack (e.g. a waterproof poncho or jacket and/or waterproof trousers) as weather changes quickly and rains can suddenly occur.

When is the best time to go to the rainbow mountains in Peru?

The best time to visit the mountains is in the dry season, you can see more clearly the majestic mountains with their colors

Rainy season, usually in the mountain is cloudy and you can’t appreciate the mountains