Travelogue from Peru: Birthday Bliss at Rainbow Mountain

In April 2024, our travel specialist Iida celebrated her birthday in the most spectacular way possible – at Rainbow Mountain in Peru. Read about Iida’s unforgettable birthday experience on her tour to Peru below.

Celebrating my birthday in Peru at Rainbow Mountain Palccoyo was beyond anything I could have ever imagined. Here’s a glimpse of the adventure I had on my birthday. 

I left early in the morning from our hotel, and after a long and beautiful drive, I arrived at the starting point of the hike to Rainbow Mountain. The journey to Rainbow Mountain itself was like stepping into a postcard, especially the closer to the mountain I got. Alpaca farms dotted the landscapes that were surrounded by the peaceful sight of mountains. 

I started the hike from a height of around 4800 meters. Even though I had woken up early, I was full of energy and more than ready for the experience. Equipped with a hiking stick, I began the ascent and with each step I was brought closer to the most stunning views that I had only seen before in pictures. The hike was easy and enjoyable, though I needed to move slowly due to the altitude. The path was lined with vibrant colours, hinting at the view that waited for me at the top. 

Reaching Rainbow Mountain was a surreal experience. The panoramic view of the mountains was streaked with red, orange, and yellow colours, and it kind of felt like stepping into a painting. When I stood there, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude. It seemed as if Pachamama, which means “the revered Mother Earth” (a word the guide kept using) had given me the perfect weather for my birthday – clear skies and sunshine. A cute llama added to the charm and made the experience even more magical. 

To remember this extraordinary day, I received a small glass bottle filled with the sand in the colours of Rainbow Mountain – bought at the base, as a gift from my colleague. A keepsake of nature’s beauty, and a reminder for me of this unforgettable adventure! 

If you’re thinking about visiting Peru, I cannot recommend this tour to Rainbow Mountain high enough.  

/Iida 

TourCompass – From tourist to traveller