Hiking the Rainbow Mountain in Peru (outside Cusco) has been on my list since I saw the photos in National Geographic Magazine. I told myself that if ever I’ll be in Peru, there are two things I’d like to do/see: Visit Machu Picchu and Hike Rainbow Mountain. I conquered these two in July 2022!
For clarity, the locals call Rainbow Mountain by two names: Montaña de Siete Colores and Montaña Vinikunka. This is definitely, the second most incredible hike I’ve ever done in my life!
Where is the Rainbow Mountain in Peru?
The Rainbow Mountain is in the Peruvian Andes, about a 3-4 hour drive outside Cusco. The mountain gets its name from its colorful stripes, which are caused by mineral deposits in the rocks. The colors are incredibly vibrant after rain and in good weather.