Trekking has always held a special place in my heart, and the allure of the Rainbow Mountain Trek in Peru had beckoned me for quite some time. I had heard countless tales of the magnificent natural wonder that awaited at the end of this adventure, and I couldn’t resist its call any longer. So, with my backpack ready and excitement bubbling within me, I embarked on the Rainbow Mountain Trek, a 2-day journey that promised to be nothing short of spectacular.
Day 1: Cuzco - Llamachimpana
The journey began with an early morning pick-up from my accommodation in Cuzco, the heart of the ancient Inca civilization. As the sun cast its warm glow on the cobblestone streets, our small group of fellow trekkers and I boarded our vehicle, ready for the adventure ahead. The drive through the South Valley was a delightful introduction to the stunning landscapes that awaited us. The majestic Andes rose on either side, their peaks shrouded in morning mist.
Our first stop was the charming village of Pitumarca, where we would refuel with a hearty lunch before continuing our journey. It was here that I got my first taste of Peruvian cuisine, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The flavors were a tantalizing mix of indigenous ingredients and Spanish influences, a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Peru.
As we left Pitumarca behind, the landscape began to change. We ascended further into the Andes, and soon, we reached the trailhead at Quesoyuni, standing at an impressive elevation of 4,326 meters (14,189 feet). The air was noticeably thinner, a reminder that we were venturing into high-altitude territory. But with each step, I felt my excitement overpowering any hint of altitude sickness.
The hike commenced, and it wasn’t long before we were surrounded by the quiet beauty of the Andean countryside. Our travel passes let us wander through quaint villages, where curious children greeted us with warm smiles. It was heartwarming to interact with the local residents, to glimpse into their way of life and hear stories from their traditions. The Peruvian Andes have a rich cultural tapestry, and I was grateful to be a part of it, even if only for a brief moment.
But the most thrilling part of the day was yet to come. As we trekked higher, we had the chance to spot some of the Peru region’s unique wildlife. Chinchillas, small and endearing, scurried about, a testament to the abundance of life in this seemingly inhospitable terrain. And then there were the vicuñas, the wild cousins of llamas, alpacas, and guanacos. Their presence was a special treat, for they are the only non-domesticated members of the llama family in Peru.
The hours seemed to pass quickly as we made our way towards our campsite, located near the village of Llamachimpana. The sun began its descent, casting a warm, golden hue over the rugged landscape. As we reached our camp, our tents were already set up, and the scent of a hot meal greeted us. The simplicity of our surroundings, the sheer absence of modern distractions, was profoundly liberating. When night fell, I lay under a canopy of stars, feeling a sense of tranquility I hadn’t experienced in a long time. I have confirmed why the travel reviews here are mostly positive.
Day 2: Llamachimpana - Cuzco, Peru
The second day of the Rainbow Mountain Trek promised to be the climax of our journey. After a peaceful night’s sleep under the celestial dome, our local travel expert woke us up early, eager to start the day. Breakfast was a simple affair, yet it provided us with the energy needed to conquer the upcoming ascent.
The highlight of our adventure lay ahead – Rainbow Mountain itself. We began the climb with the first light of day, and as we ascended, the beauty of the Andean landscape unfolded before us. The scenery was nothing short of magical. Lush valleys stretched as far as the eye could see, adorned with vibrant hues of green and golden fields. The mountains towered like ancient sentinels, their peaks kissed by the morning sun.
As we continued upwards, the path became steeper, and the thin air at such high altitudes made every step a challenge. But the rewards were worth it. The sight of Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca, was a moment that will forever be etched in my memory. The mountain’s name is fitting, for its slopes were adorned with an array of colors that seemed almost otherworldly. Stripes of red, pink, yellow, and green painted the mountainside, a result of unique mineral deposits that have been exposed over millions of years.
The view from the top was simply breathtaking. I stood there, taking in the grandeur of this natural masterpiece, feeling humbled by the forces of nature that had created it. It was a moment of serenity, a connection with the Earth’s ancient history, and a reminder of the immense beauty that exists in this world.
But the adventure wasn’t over yet. After soaking in the incredible views at Rainbow Mountain, we continued our trek to the Red Valley viewpoint, just about 30 minutes away. The Red Valley, true to its name, was a striking landscape of deep red hues, contrasting with the green valleys below. It was a sight that further emphasized the astounding diversity of nature in the Andes.
Our descent from the heights was no less enchanting. We made our way down, crossing two beautiful lagoons, Cochayoc and Yanacocha. The crystal-clear waters of the lagoons reflected the surrounding mountains, creating picture-perfect scenes. It was impossible to resist the urge to capture these moments, to preserve them in photographs and memories.
Our journey concluded back in Llamachimpana, where we enjoyed a well-deserved lunch. The meal was a fusion of flavors, incorporating the traditional tastes of the Andes with a modern twist. It was a reminder of the culinary diversity that Peru has to offer, a reflection of the country’s rich cultural heritage.
After lunch, it was time to bid farewell to the mountains and begin our return to Cuzco, where our adventure had started. The drive back was a reflective one. I gazed out of the window, watching the mountains gradually recede, feeling a profound sense of gratitude for the experiences I had gathered in these two days.
Final Word
The Rainbow Mountain Trek had been an adventure like no other. It was a journey that took me through the heart of the Andes, introduced me to the warmth of the local communities, and left me in awe of the natural beauty of this region. The rainbow-striped slopes of Rainbow Mountain and the striking vistas of the Red Valley were sights that will forever remain etched in my heart.
But more than the landscapes, it was the experience of the trek itself that was truly remarkable. The physical challenge of the climb, the moments of quiet contemplation, the connections forged with fellow trekkers, and the gracious hospitality of the local people all combined to create an unforgettable adventure.
The Rainbow Mountain Trek was a reminder that there are places on this planet that can take your breath away, not just because of their physical beauty but because of the deep sense of wonder and connection they evoke. It was a custom trip that rekindled my love for the great outdoors and left me with a renewed appreciation for the power and majesty of nature. If you ever find yourself in Peru.
Check out the Rainbow Mountain Trek 2D/1N Adventure itinerary from Bamba Travel.
Guest post written by Bill Hasan
Bill Hasan loves flying around the world while documenting his travels in engaging articles.
