Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley – Hotspot for international tourists in Peru

Peru – Blessed with a wealth of Tourist Attraction

Peru is the former capital of the Inca Empire, with a beautiful array of tourist attractions. This country offers world-class tourist attractions with major cities like Lima, Cusco, Puno, Arequipa, Trujillo, Chiclayo, etc.

Peru – is one of the world's most diverse destinations and home to thousands of international tourists from all over the globe is famous for its awe-inspiring landscapes, colonial architecture, arts, museums, parks, rainforests, restaurants, and hotels.

Peru adventure is about magnificent Andean landscapes, thermal lakes, magical glaciers, green mossy passes, and massive snowy mountains. Along the route, you'll see condors, chinchillas, and vicuna groups, among other intriguing animals. Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, the Amazon Jungle, Ausangate Mountain, Rainbow Mountain, and The Red Valley are hotspots for national and international tourists.

Ausangate Trek to Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain Peru

Among the sacred mountains of the Andes, the Ausangate Trek is one of the most important treks in the Peruvian Mountains, located near Cusco at a 70-kilometers to the south in the Peruvian Andes, with an average elevation of over 4000 meters. The trek's highest point is 16,800 feet above sea level, with the highest campground at 15,255 feet.

The Ausangate trek takes hikers over several passes and valleys, passing through stunning scenery, snow-capped peaks, glaciers, a herd of llamas, multicolored alpine lakes, and Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley. The road of Ausangate Mountain passes through the Vilcanota Mountain Range, or Cordillera Vilcanota, and offers natural beauty, live history, and ancient spirituality to those who travel there.

Spiritual Significance of Ausangate Mountain

Local Peruvians see Ausangate Mountain, known as Apus (lord in Quechua), as a holy mountain and is adored and thought to contain a spirit that protects the local villagers.

Salkantay, Mama Simona, Pillku Urqu, Manuel Pinta, Wanakawri, Pachatusan, Pikchu, Saksaywaman, Viraqochan, Pukin, and Sinqa are among the 11 Sacred Apus of Cusco Region. Since pre-Inca times the mountain has been a location of worship and offerings, and this tradition continues today. The locals believe that these powerful spirits protect them.

The Ausangte mountain is known for the Qoyllur Rit'I Festival, which takes place annually. About 10,000 pilgrims attend the celebration in honor of Andean spirituality in late May or early June. On this festival, a spiritual pilgrimage observes the constellation of stars to celebrate the reappearance of Pleiades (seven daughters of Atlas), which symbolizes the start of the harvest season.

The Rainbow Mountain – Mountain of Seven Colors

Rainbow Mountain is found in the Andes Mountains of Peru, known initially as Vinicunca (a Mountain of seven colors). The mountain is considered a sacred location in Peru and has become a popular tourist destination for local and international travelers, and is currently the second-most visited attraction in the Cusco region after Machu Picchu. These mountains are a prime attraction for adventures all around the world.

Rainbow Mountain is located at an altitude of 5,200 meters above sea level, touching the blue sky with incredible scenic landscapes. Rainbow Mountain is breathtaking, with a mosaic of rustic alpaca farms and arid valleys filled with lakes and snow plumes emerging under the shadow of the rugged Andes range.

• History of the Rainbow Mountain

The history of Rainbow Mountain is not that much old. None of the adventures knew about these mountains till 2015. Most of Peru's adventures will likely visit Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail, which gained popularity in the 1970s. Until 2015 no one was familiar with Rainbow Mountain; these Mountains were covered with snowdrifts and permafrost. Eventually, rising temperatures and global warming eventually exposed the majestic Rainbow Mountain to the world.

For many years, the mountain and its beauty remained concealed behind snow and the ice of Peruvian glaciers. They have recently become more apparent and, as a result, more popular with tourists.

• Trekking Rainbow Mountain

Trekking Rainbow Mountain is now one of Peru's most famous trekking adventures, having scenic landscapes. The hiking track is almost 2-3 hours, with unforgettable memories. The ascent to Rainbow Mountain begins as soon as you leave the parking lot, skirting a large, rust-tinted hill to the west. You'll notice the rocks start to change color at this point. The Summit of Rainbow Mountain is also a perfect place to glance at the Colossal Glacier of the Nevado Ausangate. These Mountains are 20,945 feet above sea level.

Mountain bikes can be rented for thrill-seekers or as a different way to experience Vinicunca in all its splendor. The excursion can rent a horse at numerous spots along the trail for those who don't want to go on a long hike.

• Best time to do Rainbow Mountain Trek

The best time to do Rainbow Mountain Trek is from June to August. This is the dry season in Peru, so you'll have clear skies and incredible mountain views. The temperatures during this time are also mild, so you won't have to deal with extreme heat or cold. If you want to avoid crowds, September to November is an excellent time to visit Rainbow Mountain. It's still relatively dry during this time, although there is a chance of rain. The temperature is also starting to cool down, so you'll need to pack some warm clothes.

Peru's high tourism season is between June and August, and up to 3,000 people (per day) hike Rainbow Mountain in these months.

• What should you expect to see?

 The trek is challenging, but the views are more than worth it. Here's what you can expect to see on the Rainbow Mountain trek.t

- The trail takes you through various landscapes, including wildflowers, glaciers, and lagoons.

- You'll also see some local wildlife, including llamas and alpacas.

- As you hike through the different landscapes, you'll see some of Peru's most iconic mountains, such as Ausangate Mountain.

- The Rainbow Mountain trek is the challenge level. The trail is rugged, and it's not for everyone.

- If you're not used to hiking at high altitudes, you may struggle to catch your breath.

- You'll be rewarded with some of the most incredible views in Peru.

- The scenery is breathtaking, and the challenge level will give you a workout.

The Red Valley – Stunningly Beautiful

Red Valley is one of the most impressive mountains in the world, with incredible red color due to the iron-rich soil that covers almost all of the area. Sometimes the mountains are covered with snow, but it gives an eye-catching view of the valley.

Red Valley lies behind Rainbow Mountain. It is just 3 hours from Cusco City and 20-30 minutes from Rainbow Mountain, which is in the district of Pitumarca. The Red Valley is almost 5,200 meters above sea level. It is gaining attention from locals as well as foreigners. Travelers and visitors move towards these prime locations to see and enjoy the different shades of nature.

• Significance of name – the Red Valley

These mountains are called Red Valley because of their physical appearance, and the sediments of minerals make this mountain ionic and colorful. These mountains are a wonder for the whole world. Red Valley is gaining some positive attention from the world.

Someone having better physical strength can complete this adventure according to the stamina and capacity of his body. Still, it takes a day to complete the adventure by having beautiful scenic landscapes and saying something to the local community while entering the Red Valley. Mainly the Red Valley is part of the Pampachiri and Chillhuanu communities.

• Best time to visit Red Valley

The best time to visit Red Valley is between May and September. The warm and dry weather during these months makes it the perfect time to enjoy all the valley offers. 

If you prefer fewer crowds, consider visiting between November and April. The weather is cooler during these months, but you will still be able to enjoy all the activities the valley has to offer.