![Lady wearing a beanie and smiling at camera on top of Rainbow Mountain, Peru](https://images.followalice.com/6PDhD3ZoS6LAyBI1zezoCR/389d284f307f2cc5e8b5ad0dd6423e40/IMG-20231011-WA0015.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=1200&h=1200)
What to bring and wear to hike Rainbow Mountain
Here's a list of everything to pack and wear for the short but tough hike up Peru's famed Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain!
What equipment should I bring?
A pair of reliable and water-resistant hiking boots. A small backpack for carrying drinking water and rainproof gear. Trekking poles, if you have them.
![Scree and loose rocks on the side of Rainbow Mountain Peru](https://images.followalice.com/w3WYHCfWV8OoGbIxw5DZH/cb8936162da077c43f9b917f63eb2850/Scree_and_loose_rocks_on_the_side_of_Rainbow_Mountain_Peru.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=533)
![Rainbow mountain or Vinicunca Montana de Siete Colores and beautiful sky, Cuzco or Cusco region in Peru, Peruvian Andes mountains](https://images.followalice.com/7mPls2Vsd4pVYuPuFomq6z/abfc8b93ca857164cf0cb7293018de59/Rainbow_mountain_or_Vinicunca_Montana_de_Siete_Colores_and_beautiful_sky__Cuzco_or_Cusco_region_in_Peru__Peruvian_Andes_moun.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=529)
What clothes should I wear?
You climb to 5,040 m (16,535 ft) on a Rainbow Mountain hike โ that's much higher than Mt Blanc, which reaches 4,809 m (15,777 ft) above sea level.
![Happy hikers at Rainbow Mountain, Peru](https://images.followalice.com/6q1gRGIVxUyBsF4QnsrMCZ/a27b7a9e5748abd5322bd79161ce187c/Happy_hikers_at_Rainbow_Mountain__Peru.jpeg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=600)
Trekking pants (trousers) โ this will keep dust and dirt from finding their way into your boots. Long johns or thermal leggings. Warm hiking socks. A long-sleeved thermal vest. A fleece. A winter jacket. Gloves. A warm heat like a woollen beanie. A scarf or snood.
A poncho (or a rain jacket, backpack rain cover and maybe rainproof over pants). A sports cap or sunhat in case the sun's rays are more of an issue than the cold. Sunglasses.
![Hikers walk the road to Rainbow Mountain, a place very visited by tourists in Cusco, Peru.](https://images.followalice.com/3Hajkm4QndqWRzayUh4jvY/ecc945fa1fc2d0e9dabdc81d68bd6c04/Hikers_walk_the_road_to_Rainbow_Mountain__a_place_very_visited_by_tourists_in_Cusco__Peru..jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=600)
What else should I pack?
10 Peruvian soles for the entrance fee (unless covered by your tour operator). Broad-spectrum sunscreen and lip balm (as UV rays are more potent at high altitude). Drinking water. A high-energy snack. Your camera, of course! Tissues (in case the wind gets your nose running). Two soles in cash (to use the toilet). Toilet paper (you're given only a very little bit). Hand sanitiser or wet wipes (hand soap usually isn't provided).
![Young girl in front of the Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain with two llamas on it, Peru](https://images.followalice.com/1pMeo1m16H8AsK5DnOsuJl/bdd792ac0b18cc05d626f405d0c57ed0/Young_girl_in_front_of_the_Vinicunca_Rainbow_Mountain_with_two_llamas_on_it__Peru.jpg?q=80&fit=fill&f=center&w=800&h=489)