It has been there for millions of years, but it is only recently that anyone has been able to see the true beauty of the 6,384-metre Mount Ausangate, hidden within the Peruvian Andes. Because of climate change, the snow and ice that once covered its peaks have melted, revealing the most colourful mountain in the world. Most people today call it Rainbow Mountain.

Just 100 kilometres southeast of the Peruvian city of Cusco, Rainbow Mountain is not an easy place to find or travel to. It’s impossible to find without a local guide. A two-hour bus journey takes you fairly close, but you will still have to hike a further five kilometres before you can enjoy the natural beauty of this exceptional mountain.

Rainbow Mountain forms part of a chain of volcanic mountains that run along the edges of South America. Because of the rich and rare minerals found within the mountain range, an array of different colours spread across the mountainside. Colours include pink from red clay, mud and sand, white and turquoise from sandstone, red from iron oxide, and orange and yellow from iron sulphide. The effect of the colours is astonishing.

Unsurprisingly, many locals treat Rainbow Mountain as a religious site. In 1783, a rock was found within the mountain which many believed carried an image of Jesus Christ. The Snow and Star Festival was created and has taken place at the end of May ever since. Thousands of pilgrims travel there each year to worship.

Since the snow disappeared, a brand-new industry has opened up for the local community. Today, over 1,000 tourists arrive each day in Cusco hoping to be taken to see Rainbow Mountain. They each pay about US$20 for the day’s tour. The annual income from tourism now amounts to nearly US$400,000, which offers new jobs and opportunities.

However, even though there are benefits to this new tourism industry, Rainbow Mountain is already showing signs of decay as footpaths begin to erode the mountainside. Greenery is being destroyed by over-adventurous tourists and the local wildlife, including llamas and alpacas, are disturbed. A number of tourism websites now encourage travellers to keep away.

Whatever the pros and cons may be for this new tourism trade, there can be no doubt that Rainbow Mountain is stunningly beautiful. However, in the interests of the environment, it may be better to enjoy the photos rather than embark upon the long journey to witness them in person.

Question:

Sit down, relax and enjoy the views of Rainbow Mountain

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