Rainbow Mountain

Rainbow Mountain is known locally as Vinicunca (its Quechua name) or the 'montaña de siete colores' (seven-colored mountain). Turquoise, scarlet, and mustard-colored sediments drape down the mountain, and give it its striking appearance. These different layers of color represent distinct mineral contents and were formed over the course of millions of years before being exposed by the tectonic movements and intense wind erosion of the high Andes. Sadly, the only reason we can see the colours today is due to global warming - the mountain was once covered by a glacier which has recently melted.Read more