Three Things to Know Before Hiking the Rainbow Mountains

What up my people! If you are thinking about traveling to Peru anytime soon, chances are you will make a stop in the beautiful city of Cusco. If you do, you HAVE to hike the rainbow mountains! These spectacular peaks have been painted all colors of the rainbow thanks to unique weathering and mineralogy, which makes for a breathtaking vista every step of the way. Before you run to the hike, however, keep in mind these three things...

1. PLAN FOR THE ELEVATION

The elevation in many parts of Peru is no joke, ESPECIALLY at the top of the Rainbow Mountains. No lie, the highest points you will climb reach over 17,000 feet!! That is wildly high, especially for someone who lives close to sea level. My recommendation to handle this is to give yourself a couple of days to explore Cusco, before going out on the hike. Cusco sits at around 11,000 feet, so hanging out there and doing some relaxed exploring will help your body acclimate before going up an additional 6,000 feet!

2. IT'S A LONG DAY

Although the actual hike is only a few miles, and not all that difficult, this experience will take a whole day, most of it being in the van/car. Situated a ways outside Cusco, the Rainbow Mountains are a good 3.5-hour drive away. Add in a stop for a snack or a meal, and you are spending most of your day making this journey. That being said, have no fear! The spectacle of the peaks is definitely worth the travel time.

3. IT IS STUNNING

The Rainbow Mountains are unlike any other peaks this world has to offer. The natural beauty of mountains is stirring enough; the splash of color is a whole new experience entirely. When I say that, I mean it! Unlike Machu Picchu, the other major landmark in Peru, the Rainbow Mountains were only discovered by locals about 5 years ago! Nutty, right? In previous decades, these peaks were snow-capped year-round, and the beautiful colors were hidden. Thanks to recent climate change, we have warmed up the earth a bit, and now these peaks get uncovered almost all year round.

Well, there ya have it, folks! Three things to keep in mind before venturing to the Rainbow Mountains! If you are interested in traveling to Peru with us, you are in luck! We still have a few spots left for our Peru trip taking off this August 2020. Check it out!!