Rainbow Mountain

Rainbow Mountain, or Vinicunca, is one of Peru's most striking natural sights, a high Andean ridge striped in vivid bands of red, gold, green and turquoise, coloured by different mineral-rich sediments and revealed in recent years as the snow that once covered it melted. Reached by a long day trip from Cusco and a strenuous hike at extreme altitude, above 5,000 metres, it rewards the effort with an unearthly, colourful spectacle.

The landscape

• The striped ridge - the bands of red, gold, green and turquoise earth.
• The high-altitude hike - the trek to the viewpoint above 5,000 metres.
• The Red Valley - the crimson valley nearby, quieter than the main ridge.
• The Andean setting - the snow peaks and alpacas of the high altiplano.

When to go

May to September, the dry season, for clear skies and safe trails; the colours are most vivid in dry, sunny conditions, while rain, cloud or snow can hide them. Go acclimatised, as the altitude is extreme.

Practical notes

It is extremely high, above 5,000 metres, so altitude sickness is a real risk; acclimatise in Cusco for several days first, go slowly, and horses are available for those who struggle. It means a very early start and a long drive. Its recent fame brings big crowds, and cloud or snow can hide the colours entirely, so it is a gamble.

Nearby

Cusco and the Sacred Valley are the base; the Ausangate trek passes nearby.

Key facts