Chasing Rainbows in Cusco

[icon_text box_type=”normal” icon=”fa-check” icon_type=”normal” icon_position=”left_from_title” icon_size=”fa-lg” use_custom_icon_size=”no” separator=”no” title=”Rainbow Mountain is located high in the atmosphere. At 4,700 m above sea level (about 15,500 feet), that’s more than half way up Mt. Everest. To prepare for the high altitude, the best thing to do is drink lots of water while you acclimatize yourself in Cusco for 1-2 days. Cusco is located at about 3,500 m above sea level (11,500 feet). Altitude pills are also helpful and we purchased our pack at a local farmacia in Lima before flying to Cusco. Another option to prevent getting sick (headaches, fatigue, nausea, etc.), is chewing coca leaves or drinking coca tea, a natural remedy used by the locals.”][icon_text box_type=”normal” icon=”fa-check” icon_type=”normal” icon_position=”left_from_title” icon_size=”fa-lg” use_custom_icon_size=”no” separator=”no” title=”There are two places where you can see the Rainbow Mountain(s): Vinicunca and Palccoyo. Vinicunca is the main Rainbow Mountain, but it was closed to tourists when we were there. Our only option was the alternative mountain, Palccoyo, but after learning about both, I’m glad we visited Palccoyo. Here’s why:”] [icon_text box_type=”normal” icon=”fa-check” icon_type=”normal” icon_position=”left_from_title” icon_size=”fa-lg” use_custom_icon_size=”no” separator=”no” title=”The colorful mountains were discovered recently (about 10 years ago) after the glaciers began to melt, revealing the vivid sediment below.”][icon_text box_type=”normal” icon=”fa-check” icon_type=”normal” icon_position=”left_from_title” icon_size=”fa-lg” use_custom_icon_size=”no” separator=”no” title=”The mountain is made up of different minerals which creates the dramatic sight.”][icon_text box_type=”normal” icon=”fa-check” icon_type=”normal” icon_position=”left_from_title” icon_size=”fa-lg” use_custom_icon_size=”no” separator=”no” title=”The drive from the city of Cusco to the newly discovered natural wonder takes over three hours and most of the drive is unpaved and bumpy.”][icon_text box_type=”normal” icon=”fa-check” icon_type=”normal” icon_position=”left_from_title” icon_size=”fa-lg” use_custom_icon_size=”no” separator=”no” title=”Plan to spend about two hours on the mountain; while the trail is not that steep, it will take a little while to climb since each step can be strenuous on the body due to the high altitude.”][icon_text box_type=”normal” icon=”fa-check” icon_type=”normal” icon_position=”left_from_title” icon_size=”fa-lg” use_custom_icon_size=”no” separator=”no” title=”Temperatures can change rapidly on the mountain. At night, overnight lows drop to below freezing and during the day, you can experience rain, wind, snow and sun…all within the same hour. My advice: wear layers! I wore two pairs of leggings, a long sleeve thermal shirt, a puffy vest, hat, gloves and a jacket. Good hiking shoes and sunglasses are a must.”][icon_text box_type=”normal” icon=”fa-check” icon_type=”normal” icon_position=”left_from_title” icon_size=”fa-lg” use_custom_icon_size=”no” separator=”no” title=”There are two seasons: the wet season and dry season”]