7 Most Instagrammable Spots on Peru's Rainbow Mountain, Vinicunca

Vinicunca, better known as Rainbow Mountain, lies in the high Andes south-east of Cusco, its slopes streaked with red, yellow, turquoise and lilac bands caused by different mineral layers in the rock. The colours, and the altitude required to reach them, have made it one of the most photographed single hikes in South America. Here are seven spots that make up the walk.

1. The main summit ridge

The classic shot is taken from the ridge just below Vinicunca's high point, at roughly 5,200 metres, looking along the mountain's banded flank with the snow-capped Ausangate range typically visible behind it on a clear day.

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2. The switchback trail up

The final approach climbs a series of switchbacks up open, treeless slopes, and the trail itself, cutting across bare earth toward the coloured ridge, is as much a feature of most people's photos as the summit itself.

3. Red Valley, just over the ridge

Many tours now continue a short distance past the main viewpoint to Red Valley, or Valle Rojo, a less crowded, deep rust-coloured valley on the other side of the ridge that offers a genuinely different colour palette to Vinicunca's own striped slopes.

4. Grazing alpacas and llamas along the trail

Local herders keep alpacas and llamas grazing on the lower slopes near the trailhead, and the animals, generally undisturbed by passing hikers, are a common and easy foreground subject against the mountain backdrop.

5. The Ausangate range in the distance

On clear days, the glaciated peaks of the Ausangate massif, one of the highest points in Peru's Cusco region, are visible from the upper trail and summit ridge, giving the wider landscape shots a sense of scale beyond Vinicunca itself.

6. Horses at the trailhead

Horses are available for hire near the start of the trail for visitors unable to complete the climb on foot, and the line of saddled horses waiting at the base has become its own recognisable image from the hike.

7. Early morning light on the ridge

Tours typically leave Cusco between 3 and 4am specifically to reach the summit in the morning light, when the mineral colours read most clearly and cloud cover, common by midday, is least likely to have rolled in.

Traveller tips

• Vinicunca sits at roughly 5,200 metres; spend at least a couple of days acclimatising in Cusco (3,400 metres) before attempting the hike.
• The dry season, May to October, gives the clearest skies and most vivid colours; the trail is muddier and colours more muted in the wet season.
• The round trip from the trailhead is around 4 kilometres with a steady climb; horses can be hired near the start for those who need them.
• Dress in warm layers: mornings at the trailhead are often below freezing even though the midday sun can be strong.