So, picture this: you’re standing 5,000 meters above sea level, freezing your fingers off, trying to snap a pic of rainbow-striped mountains while also wondering why you didn’t bring gloves. Welcome to trekking in the Peruvian Andes — beautiful, brutal, and absolutely worth every breathless step.
I spent a week jumping between high-altitude adventures — from a chilled-out 1 day trek to Palccoyo, to a ridiculously epic (and slightly chaotic) vinicunca rainbow mountain tour, to wrapping things up with a full day Sacred Valley tour with Maras Moray that honestly blew my mind.
And because I made a few rookie mistakes along the way (like wearing cotton socks — RIP toes), I’m here to help you not suffer like I did. This guide is for my fellow adventurers who want the raw truth, real packing tips, and good vibes only. Let’s go.
So… What’s the Deal With All These Mountains?
If you’re planning a Peru trip, chances are you’re staring at your map wondering which rainbow mountain is the rainbow mountain. Here’s the tea:
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Vinicunca: The OG. The one you see on Instagram. Steep, dramatic, super high altitude. Also the most crowded.
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Palccoyo: The underrated cousin. Less steep, way fewer tourists, and you still get those colorful vibes (plus some adorable alpacas).
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Sacred Valley: Not rainbow-colored, but full of ancient Inca ruins, salt pans, terraces, and cultural gold. It’s a whole different energy — peaceful, powerful, and less about elevation pain.
Each one offers a different experience. And guess what? You can do all three without burning out if you pack smart.
Packing for These Treks Without Losing Your Mind
Let’s get into the gear. This isn’t just a “bring hiking boots and water” situation. These mountains are out here playing games — sunburn at 7 AM, snowstorm by noon. Here’s what I brought, what I didn’t (but should have), and what I’d never bring again.
Must-Haves That Saved My Soul
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Layered clothing: Start with a thermal base layer, throw on a fleece, top it with a waterproof jacket. Weather changes fast. Be ready.
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Wool socks (x2): One for the hike, one backup for when the first pair gets wet (which it will).
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Good hiking boots: Don’t bring your cute city sneakers. You’ll cry. Make sure they’re waterproof and broken in.
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Gloves + beanie: Trust me. Even if it’s sunny at the start, it’s going to feel like a fridge up top.
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Sunscreen + SPF lip balm: Altitude = sunburns in 15 minutes flat.
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Sunglasses: Not just for style. The glare up there is real.
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Coca candy or tea: Absolute lifesaver for headaches and altitude weirdness.
Things I Regret Bringing
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Jeans: Wet, cold, and heavy. Huge no.
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Oversized camera gear: Phones take amazing pics. Don’t lug a whole DSLR unless you’re shooting for Nat Geo.
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Too many snacks: One protein bar and some nuts = enough. Don’t overpack food unless you’re hiking for days.
The Vibes of Each Trek: Real Talk
Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain Tour
This was the most intense one. The drive is long. The air is thin. The trail is steep. And yet… it’s so worth it. The colors are unreal, especially if you hit it on a clear day.
Pro tips:
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Go early — like 3 AM early — to beat the crowds.
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If you’re struggling with the altitude, horses are available (but book early, they go fast).
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Don’t rush. Walk slow, hydrate, and just vibe with the mountains.
Would I do it again? Yes, with better gloves.
1 Day Trek to Palccoyo
This one’s for people who want the rainbow views without gasping for breath every five minutes. It’s mellow, scenic, and just… peaceful. You see three different rainbow mountains here (not as vibrant as Vinicunca, but still gorgeous), plus stone forests and llamas everywhere.
Why I loved it:
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It’s under-the-radar — not packed with tourists
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Less hiking, more enjoying
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Perfect intro to high-altitude trekking
Full Day Sacred Valley Tour with Maras Moray
After all that mountain madness, the Sacred Valley was like a big exhale. You’ll explore salt flats that look like something out of a sci-fi movie and deep circular terraces that were Incan farming experiments. The landscape is magical, and the vibe is more spiritual than strenuous.
Highlights:
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Learning actual history instead of just chasing views
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Interacting with local artisans and markets
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Zero altitude pressure — it’s lower than Cusco!
If you can only do one chill cultural day, let it be this.
The Unspoken Rules of Trekking in Peru
Let’s keep it real for a sec. If you’ve never done high-altitude hikes before, you will feel it. And that’s okay. Here’s how to survive (and thrive):
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Acclimate in Cusco for at least 2–3 days before hitting any trails. Don’t dive into the deep end straight off the plane.
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Drink water like it’s your job. Altitude dehydrates you fast.
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Pack light but smart. No one’s impressed by your 70-liter backpack on a 3-hour hike.
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Don’t be afraid to ride a horse if needed. You’re not less of a traveler — you’re just prioritizing safety.
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Tip your guides and locals. They are the real MVPs behind your amazing experience.
If I Had to Do It All Over Again…
I’d still do all three treks. I’d just do them smarter:
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Start with Palccoyo, get used to the altitude.
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Tackle Vinicunca next, when you’re acclimated and ready to push it.
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Wrap with Sacred Valley, to rest your legs and feed your soul.
Mixing the mountains with some history and culture gave my Peru trip way more depth. It wasn’t just a photo dump — it was a real connection to the land, the people, and yeah, a bit of self-discovery along the way.
Final Take: This Ain’t Just About the Hike
Peru has a way of humbling you. One minute you’re crushing your steps goal, the next you’re bent over catching your breath. But that’s part of the beauty. It makes you slow down, look around, and appreciate every llama, every peak, every weird snack your guide hands you.
So pack smart, prep your lungs, and don’t stress the details too much. Whether you’re chasing colors at Vinicunca, taking the scenic route through Palccoyo, or wandering through salt terraces in the Sacred Valley — it’s going to be unforgettable.
Now go hike those rainbows.
