Peak Performance in Peru: The Ultimate Rainbow Mountain Packing Guide
Are you ready to tackle the awe-inspiring Rainbow Mountain hike in Peru? Brace yourself for a journey to staggering high elevations, where the air is thin, and the scenery is nothing short of magical. Here you’ll learn my secrets with this ultimate Rainbow Mountain Packing guide!
To conquer the heights and fully indulge in the wonders of Rainbow Mountain, your packing prowess must be on point. Begin with the essentials: sturdy hiking boots and layered clothing. The chilly wind at 17,000 ft can catch you off guard. So layering your clothing is going to be your secret weapon.
Now, let’s talk gear! Opt for a backpack with ample space for essentials like water bottles, energy-packed snacks, and SPF – a must for any adventurer. Don’t forget your camera; the gorgeous scenery demands to be captured.
Your journey to the top is a dance with the elements. With this comprehensive packing guide, you’re ready for an adventure of a lifetime amidst the gorgeous scenery and dizzying high elevations of Peru’s Rainbow Mountain.
Thinking about hiking Rainbow Mountain in Peru? Read my ultimate guide to conquering the 17,000 ft elevation here.
What’s on my Rainbow Mountain Packing Guide
SPF 50
At this elevation you absolutely need a high SPF all over. Don’t forget your hands and ears like I did! I am super diligent about SPF on my face, neck and chest & wear it daily, but I didn’t even think about putting it on my ears or hands. One of my ears got so burnt because it was facing the sun the whole time and the tops of my hands got noticeably darker.
Also, if you have a part in your hair or men with bald or short hair I highly recommend putting SPF on your head. You are at such a high elevation on Rainbow Mountain you will get burned! Nothing is worse that a sunburnt part and the peeling aftermath on a vacation.
Protect your skin! The Nivea Aqua SPF 50 PA+++ is what we used and we reapplied it several times as we felt our skin start to tingle. I use the Nivea SPF every day and it is super lightweight with a gel lotion consistency and it is quickly absorbed with no white cast at all.
Warm Clothes in Layers
It was super sunny when we hiked Rainbow Mountain, but because of the high elevation it is decently cold and super windy on the trail. Once we got up to the very top it was VERY cold and VERY windy. I wore a puffy jacket, long sleeve Henley, thermal leggings, wool socks, & hiking boots. Once I got the top I put on my beanie to help keep me warm. It was the perfect outfit.
Snacks
While there are plenty of vendors on the trail we always bring our own snacks. The car ride to/from Cusco is 3.5 hours so by the time we were done we needed a snack to hold us over until we got back to our airbnb. Our favorite snack is cheese and peanut butter crackers. Seriously, they are so delicious and you can eat them at any time – for breakfast or even when you’re feeling nauseous!
Hiking Boots
While this isn’t a major hike through brush or jumping from rocks I still highly recommend hiking boots that have ankle support. I saw a lot of people in tennis shoes, but the trail is made up of dirt and rocks so it is very easy to take a tumbling step. You don’t want to risk rolling your ankle on this hike and jeopardizing getting to the top or other activities you have planned for your vacation!
Water
You need lots of water for this hike! The elevation will make you thirsty and if you are suffering from altitude sickness you need to keep hydrated. Bring some extra water for the car rides for snacks.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses is a must! It is SO bright at this elevation. You will absolutely need some protection for your eyes. I suggest polarized lenses! They are the best sunglasses lenses!
Hat
Honestly I wish I would’ve brought my baseball hat on this hike or a hat with a some sort of visor. Sunglasses alone will not block the sun 100% of the time. At the time we went to Rainbow Mountain the suns placement was right in the spot where it goes straight past your sunglasses in to your eyes! You know what I’m talking about! If I would’ve had a hat with a visor it would’ve blocked the sun out completely.
I also suggest bringing a warm hat especially for when you are at the very top peak of the mountain. It is very cold and windy up there! I am so glad I packed a beanie in our backpack. I would even suggest a scarf for those who typically get cold.
Rain Jacket/Poncho
The elevation being so high the weather can change dramatically in a matter of an hour. Always prepare yourself in case in rains or snows. I love my weatherproof packable down jacket – it’s a win win!
Trekking Poles
These are totally optional, but I will say I wish I had trekking poles while trying to keep my pace up with shortness of breath. Poles would have made it considerably easier. I saw many people using them. Here are some of my favorite collapsible trekking poles that are packing friendly!
Toilet Paper & Hand Sanitizer
This Rainbow Mountain packing guide wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t mention toilet paper! If you need to use the restrooms you can’t ever be sure if they will be supplied with toilet paper or hand soap. You definitely don’t want to be caught without it. When I travel I always carry these two essentials!
Cash/Soles
Last but not least, you need 5 soles per person to get entry through the gate and 25 soles per person for an entry ticket. Also, if you want to use the restroom or buy something while on the trail you will need soles to pay.
