Rainbow Mountains often known as Vinicunca or Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain, located in the Vilcanota mountain ranges in the Cusco region of Peru. One of the interesting points here in these mountains is its 7 unique stunning and vibrant color. Naturally occurs due to the mineralogical composition of the soil.
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Why is Rainbow Mountain, Peru Colourful?
There are some mysteries that hide behind the unique color formation. There are some elements of natural combinations that are the core reason for making its color different.
1. Minerals
Obviously minerals are the prime elements and adversely affect its color. Basically minerals arise from the various rock layers. Iron oxide is the reason for mountains Red color layer, yellow by the Sandstone or sulphur, green color by the malachite or copper, white color usually made by the quartz and other sediments and brown color from iron and organic materials.
2. Erosion
Erosion is another reason why Rainbow Mountain is so colourful. Over a period of time, due to weathering and Erosion Mountains different layers witnessed different color segments. Different layers of minerals created the rainbow effect as sunlight hits the mountains and reveals its unique color.
3. Geological Activities
Due to earth’s ecological activities it adversely affects Rainbow mountains color. Regions geological history, like sedimentation process and tectonic effects which directly or indirectly affects its massive changes to the unique hues of the mountains.
Rainbow Mountain, Peru Height
Vinicuna or Winikunka, simply called “Mountain of Seven Colours), is a mountain located in the Andes of Peru with altitude of 5,036 meters or 16,522 feet above sea level.
Rainbow Mountain is close to the Machu Picchu, which is considered as the one of the 7wonders of the world. Just 354 km away, usually visitors can reach Machu Picchu from Rainbow Mountains in just 6 hours and 56 minutes.
Hiking to Rainbow Mountain
Hiking to Rainbow Mountain could be the next level of adventurous activity to backpackers. These are some of the things you should remember before going to plan you’re hiking options.
1. Duration of Hiking
Hiking here in Rainbow Mountain usually requires 1 to 2 hours from the trailhead. Mostly depending upon where you started and hike includes around 10 km round trip.
2. Mode of Hiking
Since Rainbow nested above the 16,522 feet sea level, surely hiking passes from moderate hiking trail to difficult trail routes. Due to high altitude, it is very important to keep all essential requirements like first aid boxes, water bottles and camping essentials. It’s very essential to acclimatize to avoid altitude sickness.
3. How to Prepare for Hiking?
It is not like other hiking journeys, Rainbow Mountains includes well prepared and planned hiking preparations. Initially backpackers spend a few days in Cusco or other high altitude areas before taking trekking. After spending time with Cusco, you should understand weather conditions in different dimensions under Rainbow Mountains.
Such a versatile weather condition includes cold in morning and afternoon, sunny and rainy. Despite that, keep essential requirements like footwear’s and water bottles. Wearing footwear’s or Travel shoes can be friendlier while you pass through sturdy hiking boots, especially in rocky and steep places. Along with keeping water bottles is also crucial for keep yourself more hydrated in places like dry climates.
Rainbow Mountains Weather
If you want to visit Rainbow Mountains you should be ready to adapt your body into cold and windy weather conditions. The sun is very intense and you often get some snow, especially during the rainy season. Visitors can expect 0 ℃ to 10℃ temperature year round.
Best Time to Visit
Since it is an adventurous destination, it is better to visit when it is the right time to hike. From May to September is usually the “Dry season” in Rainbow Mountains, generally the best time for trekking, as the paths are more accessible and weather is clean and clear to hike and explore the surrounding colourful landscapes and beauty.
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