Happy Monday traveler!

This week, we’re staying in Peru to bring you to a place that blew our minds. If you've been dreaming of otherworldly landscapes and high-altitude thrills, Peru’s Vinicunca, otherwise known as Rainbow Mountain, is calling your name.

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A message from Passport Inspiration

Looking to plan an inspiring adventure right now?

Planning an international trip can be overwhelming but it doesn’t have to be.

How?

You just need a plan for your plan.

It’s important to prepare with enough time for things like:

• Visas

• Dining

• Lodging

• Passports

• Excursions

• Travel Arrangements

  If you want a head start planning, we can help you prepare for an amazing trip.

🙌🏼This Week’s Inspiration

Just a few hours from Cusco, Rainbow Mountain is one of the most photographed spots in South America, and for good reason.

The reason why it is so colorful is because it’s made up of different layers of minerals in the ground. Over time, wind and rain wore away the surface and exposed these layers.

Each color comes from a different mineral — like red from rust and green from copper — creating the rainbow effect you see today.

🌈Your journey begins in the historic city of Cusco. It’s about a 3-hour drive through winding Andean roads and small villages from there. Most travelers leave Cusco before dawn to see the golden light on the colorful ridges.

⛰️The trail to Rainbow Mountain is relatively flat and short unlike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. However, don’t let it fool you. Rainbow Mountain sits at an altitude of 5,200 meters (17,060 feet). The high elevation is no joke, and altitude sickness is a real risk here.

*Hydrate, acclimate in Cusco for at least 2-3 days, and consider taking prescribed medication before you go.

🐎 The hike to Rainbow Mountain typically takes between 3-4 hours roundtrip, and while that may sound easy, the thin air makes every step feel twice as hard. Luckily, local Quechua people offer horse rides for a fee. It's a great way to support the community and get some help if the altitude is slowing you down.

*Know that horses don’t go all the way to the top, so you’ll still need to hike the final incline.

📍 Most travelers stop at the popular viewing platform, where you’ll get the postcard-perfect angle of Rainbow Mountain’s striped flanks. But if you're up for a real challenge, keep going.

A further 20-30 minute climb brings you to an even higher ridge with panoramic views of the Red Valley and far fewer crowds. The trail is steep and exposed, but the reward is absolute solitude and unforgettable scenery.

⚠You should not spend more than 20 minutes at the top though if you are not used to the elevation.

Set a timer on your phone to keep track of how long you’re up there.

😍The beauty of Rainbow Mountain can literally take your breath away.

Be mindful of symptoms like dizziness, nausea, or headaches. 

If you feel unwell, descend immediately. Bring warm layers, snacks, water, and sunscreen, and don’t underestimate the intensity of the sun at this elevation.

Rainbow Mountain isn’t just a hike — it’s a full-body, high-altitude experience. Whether you ride partway or hike the whole thing, this journey will challenge and inspire you in equal measure.

Are you ready to see the colors of the Andes?

How to Get to Rainbow Mountain:

Fly into the city of Cusco.

It is crucial to get there at least a few days ahead of time to start acclimating to the elevation.

It is highly recommended to go to Rainbow Mountain with a guide. They know the terrain incredibly well and often bring oxygen in case you need it.

We went with Salkantay Trekking.

It was incredibly helpful having all of our logistics (hotel pickup, the drive there, breakfast/lunch, permits, etc.) taken care of.

Where to Stay:

Stay in Cusco and definitely take a few days to acclimate to the high elevation.

Cusco’s elevation is 11,100 feet, so this is a great starting point for you. Here are our recommended places to stay in Cusco:

• Munay Wasi Inn 

• San Agustin Internacional Hotel 

• Palacio del Inka

• Chakana Boutique Hotel

What to eat:

Have healthy, energy providing foods prior to the hike. Our tour included a breakfast buffet. We had:

• eggs

• potatoes

• sausage, bacon, ham

• bread, butter

• pancakes

Don’t eat too much but make sure you get enough carbohydrates. We tried to keep it hearty but reasonable, so our stomachs were feeling satisfied and not bloated.

Bring snacks like granola and fruit you can eat along the way.

You’ll be plenty hungry when you return assuming you’ve done well with the altitude.

What to Pack:

It is crucial to dress in layers for Rainbow Mountain.

The weather can change instantly and it’s very cold at the top. We went in June and wore winter coats and snowpants with several layers of thermals underneath. If you’re looking for our specific gear, here they are:

• Men’s winter coat

• Men’s snowpants

• Women’s winter coat 

• Women’s snowpants 

• Women’s hiking boots

👋 Have an Inspiring Week

Here are a few more of our affiliate links to help you when at Rainbow Mountain. It’s no extra cost to you and helps us keep this email free for everyone. 😀

• Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley day trip with meals

• Rainbow Mountain via ATV’s - zero hiking

• We also saw plenty of people with these sticks while hiking up the mountain.

See you next week,

Trisha & Bob