Rainbow mountains in Peru
You might be surprised to learn that Rainbow Mountain in Peru only became a popular tourist destination during the past decade.
That’s because it used to be covered in snow and ice year-round, but due to climate change, the glacier caps have melted to reveal the colorful mountain underneath. Its colors are the result of different types of minerals in the earth, such as iron, copper, and manganese.
Rainbow Mountain in Peru is known by several names, including Vinicunca, Winikunka, and Montaña de Siete Colores.
The peak of the mountain is 5,200 meters (17,100 ft) above sea level, so some altitude sickness is to be expected when trekking the mountain – but more on that later.
In Peruvian culture, Rainbow Mountain symbolizes masculinity and fertility and is considered to be a very sacred place that protects the local villages from evil.
That’s because it used to be covered in snow and ice year-round, but due to climate change, the glacier caps have melted to reveal the colorful mountain underneath. Its colors are the result of different types of minerals in the earth, such as iron, copper, and manganese.
Rainbow Mountain in Peru is known by several names, including Vinicunca, Winikunka, and Montaña de Siete Colores.
The peak of the mountain is 5,200 meters (17,100 ft) above sea level, so some altitude sickness is to be expected when trekking the mountain – but more on that later.
In Peruvian culture, Rainbow Mountain symbolizes masculinity and fertility and is considered to be a very sacred place that protects the local villages from evil.
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