As a beauty queen, I’ve often been asked about the most breathtaking places I’ve visited, and until recently, my answer would’ve been a glitzy cityscape or a pristine beach. But nothing could’ve prepared me for the raw, untouched beauty of Rainbow Mountain in Peru. This two-day trek was more than just a journey through the Andes; it was a journey within, inspiring me to discover the true colors of life.
Day 1: Cuzco - Llamachimpana
The day began with an early morning pickup from my cozy Cuzco accommodation, setting the tone for an adventure unlike any other. The drive through the South Valley was a visual feast, with rolling hills and traditional villages painting the landscape in vibrant hues. A delightful lunch in Pitumarca provided a taste of local flavors before we reached Quesoyuni, the trailhead of our hike at a staggering 4,326 meters above sea level.
As we embarked on our trek, the air was crisp and invigorating, filling me with a sense of anticipation. The path led us through charming villages where I had the pleasure of meeting local residents who greeted us with warm smiles and open hearts.
Along the way, we were graced by the presence of chinchillas and vicuñas, whose delicate grace mirrored the elegance of the landscape. After 3-4 hours of hiking, we arrived at our campsite near Llamachimpana, where the night sky revealed a blanket of stars. It was under this celestial canopy that I drifted into a serene sleep, feeling a deep connection to the world around me.
Day 2: Llamachimpana - Cuzco, Peru
The second day began with an early ascent up the majestic Rainbow Mountain, a natural masterpiece that left me speechless. Each step brought me closer to a vista so stunning it felt surreal. The mountain’s vibrant stripes of color, formed by mineral deposits over millennia, seemed to tell a story of time itself. Standing there, I felt as if I was gazing at the very essence of the earth.
From Rainbow Mountain, we made our way to the Red Valley viewpoint, a hidden gem that offered another layer of awe to the experience. The contrast between the fiery red earth and the serene blue sky was nothing short of magical. Our descent took us past two beautiful lagoons, Cochayoc and Yanacocha, where the reflection of the surrounding mountains created a mirror-like effect on the water’s surface. It was a sight that will forever be etched in my memory.
After a hearty lunch back at Llamachimpana, we began our journey back to Cuzco, my heart full of gratitude for the beauty I had witnessed and the inspiration it had ignited within me.
Realizations
This trek was more than just a physical journey; it was a spiritual awakening. As a beauty queen, I’ve always believed in the power of outer beauty, but this experience taught me that true beauty lies in the untouched, the natural, and the pure. The vibrant colors of Rainbow Mountain reminded me that life, much like nature, is a tapestry of diverse and rich experiences, each adding its unique shade to the canvas of our existence.
Final Word
Rainbow Mountain inspired me in ways I never imagined. It showed me that beauty isn’t just something to be seen; it’s something to be felt, lived, and cherished. This trek was a reminder that no matter where we come from or what we do, we all have our own colors to add to the world. And sometimes, it takes a journey to a faraway land to truly see them.
If you ever find yourself in Peru, take the path less traveled. Climb Rainbow Mountain, and let its beauty awaken the vibrant colors within your soul.
Check out the free adventurous itinerary to Rainbow Mountain by Bamba Travel:
Guest post written by Mariah Fenley
With a stethoscope draped around her neck and a passport in hand, Mariah embarks on adventures around the globe, seamlessly blending her love for medicine with her wanderlust spirit.
