December 2, 2024 09:38 AM

Why Peru's Rainbow Mountain is More Than Just an Instagrammable Place

When you look through a list of Peru's most famous attractions, chances are you will find the Rainbow Mountain on the list. Chances are, as well, that you've probably already seen it on Instagram or TikTok.

Undoubtedly a place that is worth taking a photo (or multiple photos) of, Rainbow Mountain has drawn its fair share of travelers since it first revealed its true colors. But did you know that there is more you can do on Rainbow Mountaina aside from taking photos and selfies?

Here's a clue: you'll need hiking shoes

Peru's Rainbow Mountain

Why Peru's Rainbow Mountain is More Than Just an Instagrammable Place
Roi Dimor on Unsplash

Before we get to that, let us first talk a little bit more about Rainbow Mountain itself.

Locally, it is known as Vinicunca or Montaña de Siete Colores (Mountain of Seven Colors). It is actually only fairly recently that the mountain revealed its colors to the world. This is because it was previously covered in snow, which eventually melted.

Rainbow Mountain is located in the Peruvian Andes in Cusco, which is around three hours away from the historical center. Many travelers visit it before or after going to Macchu Picchu.

Bring Your Hiking Shoes

As previously mentioned, Rainbow Mountain offers more than just a picturesque scenery. It is especially a must-visit for those who enjoy hiking and want to conquer this particular mountain.

It may be beautiful to look at, but it is actually a very challenging hike due to its steep inclines. It will take you around two to three hours to get to the top from the base. Getting back to the base will also take a while as you will spend three hours hiking.

For your convenience, it is recommended to book a tour instead. Tours typically include transportation, necessary equipment, and even bilingual guides.

Tags
Peru, Hiking
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