Explore the Colors of the Andes at Rainbow Mountain

This time, I will introduce you to climbing Rainbow Mountain in Peru.
It is a mountain characterized by its extremely beautiful colored strata, belonging to the Andes mountain range.

Rainbow Mountain, higher than Mount Fuji

Walking through the streets of Cusco, Peru, you see colorful mountain photos everywhere.
Curious, I asked a local old man, and he said, 'It's Rainbow Mountain!' I wanted to enjoy the unparalleled scenery in the world. Decide the date for your climb.
However, upon further research, I found that Rainbow Mountain is a high mountain over 5,000 meters in elevation.

As a beginner climber, I was nervous, thinking, 'What?! Isn't that higher than Mount Fuji?! Can I climb it?!'
Also, imagining it as colorful as the photos, I heard it could be a disappointing spot if it's not colorful at all...
With a tinge of anxiety, I headed to the trailhead!

Don't neglect to take precautions against altitude sickness!

First, I prepared for altitude sickness by thoroughly replenishing with coca tea.
Coca tea is made from the leaves of the coca plant and is a common beverage for the people of the Andes.
It is believed to help alleviate the symptoms of altitude sickness.

After about an hour of a bumpy bus ride on winding mountain roads, we arrived at the trailhead.
The first thing I said after getting off the bus was, 'Hey, isn't the air thin?'
Despite acclimatizing for several days in Cusco, which is over 3,000 meters above sea level, I still felt breathless.

A sudden steep slope

For a while, I walked on a flat trail, thinking, 'Oh, this is easy,' not knowing the hell that awaited me later.
On the left side of the path, locals in traditional costumes were running with horses (running here seems like a suicidal act...).
Apparently, you can ride a horse partway up the mountain.
At the time, I was a poor student, so I decided to walk quietly.
Suddenly, from the middle of the mountain, a steep slope appeared that felt like it could snap my Achilles tendon.
I was overwhelmed with the desire to squat down from the pain, but I kept moving my feet, healed by my beloved llamas along the way.

An incredible sense of accomplishment

Just when I thought the steep slope was over, the final challenge, a staircase to the heavens, appeared.
Step by step, I finally reached the summit and looked back...
A beautiful seven-colored mountain surface spread out before me.

Here, there was evidence of various colorful minerals that had accumulated over many years.
I remember vaguely feeling, 'It was tough, but I'm glad I climbed,' with my oxygen-deprived brain.

Extra

On the way back, I felt more at ease and walked down energetically.
You can see cute alpine plants and birds, so it's enjoyable to look around as you walk.

I strongly recommend getting plenty of sleep, eating well, and being in top physical condition before taking on the challenge.
Whether you're an experienced climber or a beginner like me, please make sure to climb it at least once in your lifetime!
See you next time, ciao!