Our Peru Adventure - Rainbow Mountain

As most of you have been following along.. we started our Peru adventure in the lovely village of Ollantaytambo, from there we took a day trip to Machu Picchu. On day four we left Ollantaytambo to tour the Sacred Valley of Peru which we ended in the city of Cusco.                  

On the fifth day we headed out on our most challenging trip.. Rainbow Mountain aka Vinicunca, a mountain in the Andes of Peru with an altitude of 5,036 metres above sea level. Meaning in one day we were going to jump a whole 1500 meters in elevation. 

M and I were most on the fence about this hike. Many many people complained about altitude sickness, very few people brought their kids along but many people also did perfectly fine.. a handful did bring their kids and well we would never know if we didn't try.. right? We could always stop mid way if it got too much also the guides carried oxygen tanks if needed..  you could also rent a horse to take you 3/4 of the way.

In the end we decided to go for it. We booked a tour with Rainbow Mountain Travels

We had a 3am wake up call.. we slept on the bus for the hour and a half drive to Cusipata where we stopped and had breakfast. And then back on the bus for another hour to the base of Rainbow Mountain. 


We decided against the horse and see how it went. 


The Rainbow Mountain became known to the world in 2015. The melting of the snow due to climate change played a crucial role in exposing the mountain's vibrant colors to the world.


Tourists were trekking the Ausangate snow-capped mountain behind us when they spotted the colors of the mountain and took pictures. The photos became so popular tourists came to Peru photos in hand asking to be taken there.

This was not possible as it was a challenging 9 mile hike with no paved roads or trail markers. A possibility of severe altitude sickness and no guides with the training to take them.   

So in 2015 Peru set out to locate able bodied English speaking natives to train in order for them to conduct tours. There are only 3 official tours companies allowed to operate tours to the Rainbow Mountain. Our tour guide Andy was one of those first guides.

The government created a better infrastructure around the mountain shortening it to a 4 mile hike with bathrooms and snack shops.  


Our early morning wake up call gave us the advantage making us the only group on the mountain. It was so peaceful. At the halfway point a thick fog rolled in making it hard to see..


The climb was also getting harder.. every ten steps and we had to stop to catch our breath. The fact that we couldn't see the mountain.. couldn't see our goal made it frustrating. But to see these local woman marching up and down the mountain with a horse.. wearing sandals on top of it.. 


There were alpacas that made it all a little better.. our guide was also so kind. We had two. Flora and Andy.

There is a tea and a mint that helps with the altitude sickness.. it is made with cocaine leaves. Yup.. you heard right. While everyone around us were popping these candies into their mouths we refrained.. 

Also a little funny bit about the bathrooms. You have to pay a sole to get in, for your sole they hand you a small wad of toilet paper. Many of the public bathrooms in Peru were like this. Mostly all required payment. We saw some people carry their own toilet paper rolls and in the more urban cities rolls were sold on street corners as well.. lol. 

We huffed and puffed our way to the base of the rainbow mountain..  a few of the 7 colors barely visible through the still very thick clouds which would be dissipating soon Andy assured us. He did this hike 5 times a week. Ahead us were a large number of steps before we finally reached the top. 

But we did it. There were vendors up there and more alpacas.. dressed up in sunglasses.. I felt a little bad for them.





the corn is huge.
 

We hung around waiting for the fog to clear and then it did. 


Each color in this chromatic spectacle has a unique story:
The delicate and subtle pink comes from red clay, mud, and sand.
The white originates from substances rich in calcium carbonate, such as quartzite, sandstone, and marl.
The intense red is composed of clays and shale.
The greens and blues comes from a combination of phyllite and clay rich in ferro magnesium.
And the earthy brown originates in rocks and magnesium.
While the yellow is a canvas of iron sulfide layers.



Just last year tourism to the Rainbow Mountain had been restricted. Conflicts between local communities, primarily due to disputes over control of tourist access and the economic benefits derived from tourism. These conflicts had escalated to violence, including casualties. Things have settled down and agreements were reached but our guide Andy said the locals were still not entirely happy. 


At 9:30 am more people were starting to arrive just as we started to head down.


That red circle is where we started.. Once we made it down 1/4 of the way Andy asked if we would like to visit the Red Valley just another short hike away but with an addition entry fee of $8. My head was starting to pound but we had made it this far and Andy said it was worth it.. so we agreed.

We are very happy we did.. 


Can you say WOW. No photoshop.. these were the real colors..
 



Around 10 am we started to make the trek back to our bus. The hike took less time on the way down. By 11:30 am we were in the bus on our way back to Cusipata. 

We returned to the same restaurant we had breakfast at for lunch. By this point H had thrown up once and I had a really bad headache. But a light lunch and some chamomile tea plus painkillers were already starting to work their magic. By the time we got to Cusco everyone felt better.. we even stopped for ice cream and took the long way to back to the hotel. 

Was it worth it.. hell ya. In fact it showed us all what we could do and maybe we could be up for more challenging hikes in the future. Maybe. 

          
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Comments

  1. Tea with Marijuana? That is new for me. I had no idea it could be used for such a purpose. Mint I am aware of. The alpacas are delightful 😊 I laughed 😅 🤣 😂 when I saw them wearing sunglasses 👓 That Trek looks quite amazing. I loved seeing your smiling faces as well.

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  2. What a wonderful journey you all had, and you all did so well to make that height. Well done.
    Certainly, is a beautiful unique place, and the colours are breath taking. The red valley is good also. Well done.

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  3. Those mountains look incredible! Thanks for sharing them and their gorgeous colors.

    https://www.kathrineeldridge.com

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  4. That jump in elevation sounds intense, but it looks like the breathtaking views were absolutely worth it. The photos are stunning , those colors are unreal. So glad you decided to go for it, even with the altitude challenges, and that you got to experience the beauty of both Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley. What a memorable day.

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  5. Spectacular! What an adventure as a family. Thank you for sharing. The photos are incredible!

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  6. The chromatic colours are just STUNNING! How wonderful to see that in person.

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  7. The pictures after the fog cleared! That mountain is just gorgeous!

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  8. boy did the terrain change! LOL the bathroom thing doesn't sound fun...

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  9. Wow is right for Red Moutain and the all the other photos ~ what special place ~ You and your family are blessed to visit Peru ~ hugs,

    Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
    A ShutterBug Explores ~ clm
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

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  10. Anonymous5/19/2025

    Absolutely beautiful.
    www.rsrue.blogspot.com

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  11. The colors on the mountain and the valley are amazing! I'm glad you explained what created the rainbow colors.

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  12. I enjoyed this post. Thank you for sharing all the information as well. Violence and casualties ... wow, that is sad to hear. Very interesting about the bathrooms.
    I will say, it is beautiful and amazing to see. And I agree with you, sunglasses on the alpacas ... not a fan.

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  13. What a pleasure to see such remarkable wonders of nature!

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  14. Lovely photos and descriptions Hena!

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  15. Good for you and your family. It's a remarkable area.

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  16. Oh wow; those colors are incredible!

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  17. Oh, the poor alpacas, but it's also funny. Can you see tourist trap? But, where else are you going to see it?! I agree, the additional hike was incredible! Love all the pictures, thanks for sharing your adventures with us.

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  18. WOW! Those colors are indeed gorgeous! Good for you all making the hike. I remember struggling somewhere in Tennessee but I'm sure that was minor compared to what your experience sounds like. Glad you all were able to enjoy despite hte difficulties. :)

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  19. Wow, those views are worth the hike. Sounds like you got a touch of altitude sickness, but since it was just a day, I bet it didn't last long.

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  20. What an amazing journey! I've heard taking aspirin helps with altitude sickness. I've done Half Dome in a day a few times with an altitude gain of 4,800 feet and didn't have any problems, but a friend I was hiking with did. Those alpacas are cute, but I feel a little bad for them, too.

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  21. How awesome to see such remarkable wonders of nature!
    Love the alpacas!

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  22. I am so glad that you were able to go and could share this amazing place with us. And equally glad that you recovered quickly. I just asked my partner whether Rainbow Mountain had been opened when he visited. No - and he was blown away by your photos. Thank you from us both.

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  23. Congratulations. Your efforts were certainly worthwhile. Both the Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley are stunning and unique.

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  24. Beautiful family trip photos, I love the snow capped mountains and the rainbow mountain. Gorgeous views and the alpacas are cute. Have a great day and happy week ahead.

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  25. Wow, those colours are amazing! Well done for making it to the top! How funny about the bathrooms and toilet paper rolls :-) xxx

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  26. The weather was not on your side but what a journey ! The colors of the mountain are amazing !
    Thanks for sharing !
    Anna

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  27. What an adventure and what a beautiful area! Good for you guys for pushing through and making it. We have a goal of doing the Grand Canyon someday.

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  28. This is so incredible! It's absolutely beautiful, both the mountain and Red Valley. Although a bit disheartening that we can see it now due to climate change.

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  29. What incredible photos, that first one looks more like a painting, those tones are incredible! xxx

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  30. Rainbow Mountain looks so majestic! Good on you guys for rising to the challenge of that trek

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  31. That is awesome! I love your attitude of you'll never know unless you try. You may never go back there, but you did it!!!! I love fog. We have our painted hills in Oregon too, considered one of the wonders of Oregon, yet I"ve not been there. Largely due to constant car issues.

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  32. Wow, what a view! Thanks for sharing!

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  33. The alpacas are adorable. We love fresh corn and have it at least once a week during peak season. Thanks for sharing!

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  34. That hike does sound super intense, but wow those pictures are definitely breathtaking!

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  35. I have to say the view is incredibly! Amazing. But I have to think that hike would be way too much for me. Kudos to you for not only going for it - but also finshing! And without the tea:) Thanks for sharing the photos and the experience. Stunning!

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  36. What a beautiful place! Thank you for sharing your travels with us. Your pictures are amazing.

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  37. Wow indeed. That is magnificent. I'm thrilled you made the trek ( I know I couldn't have managed the altitude) but what a glorious joy to see what you did! That's a serious hike and I'm glad after headaches and hurling it all felt wonderful and worthwhile!

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  38. Oh wow that is crazy long hike, but glad you all were able to do it and that the clouds lifted so you were able to see the beauty up there, Congrats to you all for hanging in there and making it through it all!

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  39. It's so awesome that y'all were able to do that hike! The mountain is beautiful!

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  40. Anonymous5/20/2025

    You had me at the adorable alpacas, but oh the coloring of the landscape is just unbelievable.

    Carrie
    curlycraftymom.com

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  41. The photos from Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley are beautiful! The hike does sound intense with the elevation change, but it definitely seems worth it!

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  42. What an incredible trip! Your photos are beautiful!

    Jill - Doused in Pink

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  43. OMG the alpacas are so cute!

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  44. What an accomplishment! You guys did so good- and the those views are beyond amazing!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

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  45. Wow! What an incredible adventure as a family. I am so in awe. Now that's going on my wish list of things to do and see in my lifetime, probably sooner rather than later if the hike is that difficult. Good for you and the views are definitely beyond words beautiful and a natural wonder.

    bosbodaciousblog.blogspot.ca

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  46. You guys did amazing!! And that view is unbelievable.

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  47. Wow, amazing! Those colors are truly incredible. Congratulations on a successful simmit. That is some serious altitude!!

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  48. Wow! I've never seen anything like that. I'm so happy the fog lifted for you and you could see the colors. That has happened to me more times than I'd care to admit, where I was hiking a mountain and it was clear and beautiful below but I reach the summit and it's foggy and I can't see anything. So depressing.

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  49. one of my dream places to visit....
    Thank you for sharing fantastic pictures....

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  50. Wow the views are stunning! And the mountain wow beautiful!
    Have a great weekend!

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  51. Wow! Those colors! And I love hearing the geology for all the different layers. As a former science teacher that speaks to me. This looks like such a wonderful trip. Love the sunglasses on the alpacas!
    https://lisalovesliterature.bookblog.io/2025/05/25/weekly-wrap-up-225-may-25th-2025/

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  52. Oh that is an amazing trip
    Wonderful photos the landscape is Wonderful

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  53. What a fabulous family trip.
    Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley are stunning.

    All the best Jan

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  54. Sounds like such an adventure! Hiking up to Rainbow Mountain is no joke — those steps must’ve felt endless, especially with the clouds hiding the colors at first. But knowing Andy does this five times a week, I’m sure he kept everyone motivated and hopeful. Can’t wait to hear how the view looked once the clouds cleared! That moment always makes all the effort worth it.

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  55. What a remarkable journey, and such a testament to your determination. Tackling Rainbow Mountain at that altitude isn’t for the faint-hearted, but you faced it with steady courage—and great company, it seems. I can almost feel the mix of challenge and awe, especially with the fog and those colorful peaks finally revealing themselves. Truly an adventure to remember.

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  56. I love seeing how many amazing experiences you are able to give your children. And that we all get to come along for the ride!

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  57. oh my word that is amazing. I've never heard of this mountain before but wow! so beautiful. i can understand the locals being cross about tourists and where the money goes tho. Very adventurous of you and your family to do this!
    cheers
    sherry https://sherryspickings.blogspot.com/

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  58. I know another Rainbow Mountain nothing at all like this one, and what a trip you had!

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  59. Wow that looked amazing. I had never heard of Rainbow Mountain. You guys were brave but it seemed doable and of course you're glad you did it!

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