Everyone dreams of wanderings off the beaten tourist path, of discovering hidden gems in a region of the world which has been explored at length. When travelling to Peru, you may well wonder if such a place still exists. In Latin America’s most popular travel destinations…can a new secret wonder still be discovered?

Rainbow Mountain is one of the most beautiful, and beautifully hidden, treasures of Peru. The earthly rainbow of vibrant colours is an indescribable visual feast, and the fact that it is also one of the least-known wonders of South America certainly adds to the appeal for discerning explorers. Only a handful of visitors to Peru manage to include a phenomenal trek to Cerro Colorado, or Rainbow Mountain, every year. Yes…the fact that one hikes multiple days to cast one’s eyes on this splendour of Mother Nature is arguably one of the most enticing aspects of all.

If you want to experience this beautiful Secret Wonder, you’re gonna have to work for it.

At first sight, you may imagine that pics of Rainbow Mountain Peru are Photoshopped but we can assure you that the REAL picture is just as vibrantly colourful. Like something straight out of a colour-me-in picture book, the candy-striped mountains of Vinicunca are a truly magical sight. The mineral sediments of millions of years of evolution have created this most glorious effect, which is visible on many peaks and in different colour combinations. Rainbow Mountain is actually only one in a wondrous collection of beautifully hued peaks hidden in the heart of the Peruvian Andes.

The Picasso peak appears as the icing on an amazing cake, one which takes days to prepare. Indeed, the highlights of a visit to Rainbow Mountain come long before you even reach it. Strikingly remote Andean communities, sublimely therapeutic hot springs, endless herds of llamas and alpacas and spectacular views over glaciers, verdant valleys and striking peaks are just some of the unforgettable sights you’ll experience before you reach Rainbow Mountain.

(www.chimuadventures.com)