Rainbow Mountain

This unbelievable seven-colored mountain in the Cusco region was only discovered less than a decade ago; due to global warming and the melting of snow. In fact, the first guided tour was only in 2016. Since then, throngs of tourists have made their way up to get their Instagram-worthy shot.

Tours usually leave Cusco at 4: 30 AM, stop at a village on the way for breakfast, and start the hike up around 8am. The roughly 2 hr trek is extremely tough due to the altitude. The trailhead starts at 4600m and rises up till 5200m – the spot where everyone gets their photo.

The view up the mountain is breathtaking – both metaphorically and literally. The stripes of the seven colors and its surrounding red and green valley will make you think you are on another world. Yet, the altitude makes you lose your breath and freeze.

Fret not if you’re not fit, because you can hire horses along the way to ride up to the base of the Rainbow Mountain. From there it is just a short climb up.

The weather high up at 5200m is also unpredictable. It could be sunny one moment, and snowing the next. Be sure to layer up!

Of all the day trips from Cusco on this list, the Rainbow Mountain is the one to go for if you’re a nature and adventure lover!