The Call of the Rainbow

As a globetrotting DJ and music producer, my life is a symphony of beats and basslines, but every now and then, I crave a different kind of rhythm—the pulse of nature. When whispers of the Rainbow Mountain in Peru reached my ears, I knew it was time to trade the neon lights for the natural hues of Vinicunca. The allure of hiking at over 16,000 feet, just shy of the altitude of Everest’s Base Camp, was irresistible. So, I found myself in Cusco, ready to embark on an adventure that promised to be as colorful as the nightlife I adore.

The day began in the early hours, with a pickup that felt more like a midnight rendezvous than the start of a trek. As the van navigated the winding roads of Cusco, I was cocooned in a blanket, drifting in and out of dreams of vibrant landscapes. Our first stop was Cusipata, where a simple yet hearty breakfast awaited. The coca tea was a revelation, a warm embrace that prepared us for the journey ahead.

The drive to the trailhead was an adventure in itself. The roads clung to the mountainside, a thrilling prelude to the trek. Our guide, Nestor, and driver, Joseph, were the perfect duo, their expertise a comforting presence as we ascended into the clouds. The anticipation was electric, a crescendo building as we neared the Rainbow Mountain.

Ascending to the Colors

The hike began at the foot of the Ausangate mountain range, a path blanketed in snow, adding a touch of magic to the already mystical landscape. The air was thin, each breath a reminder of the altitude, but the promise of the Rainbow Mountain spurred me on. The trail was wide, accommodating the diverse group of adventurers, each step a note in the symphony of our shared journey.

As we climbed, the snow crunched beneath our boots, a rhythmic accompaniment to the whispers of the wind. The altitude was a challenge, a dance with nature that demanded respect and resilience. Walking sticks became my partners, steadying my steps as I ascended the steep, icy steps that led to the summit.

And then, as if on cue, the skies cleared, revealing the Rainbow Mountain in all its glory. The colors were muted by a dusting of snow, yet they sang a song of beauty and wonder. It was a sight that defied description, a masterpiece painted by the hands of time and nature. We captured the moment with photos, the llamas posing as if they knew they were part of something extraordinary.

Beyond the Rainbow

But the adventure didn’t end at the summit. Nestor led us to the Red Valley, a hidden gem that required a small fee but offered a view that was worth every sol. The landscape was otherworldly, a Martian vista painted in shades of red, dusted with snow. It was a scene that seemed to exist outside of time, a place where the earth itself seemed to breathe.

The descent was a gentle return to reality, the path leading us back to the parking lot where the world awaited. As we made our way down, the sky darkened, a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the mountains. Hail began to fall, a dramatic finale to our trek.

Back in Cusipata, a buffet lunch awaited, a feast that celebrated the flavors of Peru. The journey back to Cusco was a time to reflect, the memories of the day playing back like a favorite track. As we arrived in the city, the sun setting on the horizon, I felt a sense of accomplishment and gratitude.

The Rainbow Mountain was more than a hike; it was a journey into the heart of nature, a reminder of the beauty that exists beyond the dance floors and DJ booths. It was an experience that left me breathless, not just from the altitude, but from the sheer wonder of it all. If you ever find yourself in Cusco, I urge you to answer the call of the Rainbow Mountain. It’s a symphony of colors and emotions that you won’t want to miss.