Overview

Take your hiking boots and let it explore the most beautiful geological formation in Cusco: The Rainbow Mountain or the Apu Winicunca as the locals name it. Located in the Peruvian Andes of Cusco, just 3 hours from the historic center, the Rainbow Mountain is becoming the main attraction to see after or before Machu Picchu. As you could guess, the mountain is famed for its natural, multi-colored beauty at a staggering 5,200m above sea level. This rainbow-like appearance is created by the sediment of minerals throughout the area giving the mountain the turquoise, lavender, gold and other colors. It was only recently discovered due to melting snow, which revealed the hidden gem that many still consider sacred. Since its discovery, Rainbow Mountain has slowly begun to gain popularity and has even been included in National Geographic’s list of “100 Best Places to Visit Before You Die.”