THE RAINBOW MOUNTAINS OF PERU
The Rainbow Mountains of Peru, also known as Vinicunca or Montaña de Siete Colores (Mountain of Seven Colors), are a stunning natural wonder located in the Andes Mountains near Cusco. Their vibrant colours come from the sedimentary mineral layers that have been exposed over time due to erosion.
How Were the Rainbow Mountains Formed?
The colours of Vinicunca come from mineral deposits in the rock layers, exposed over thousands of years due to erosion. Each colour represents a different mineral:
Red: Iron oxide (rust)
Yellow: Iron sulphide
Green: Chlorite (rich in magnesium and copper)
Brown and Purple: Manganese and claystone
White: Quartz and sandstone
Key Facts about the Rainbow Mountains:
Altitude: Approximately 5,200 meters (17,060 feet) above sea level
Location: Around 100 km (62 miles) southeast of Cusco
Vinicunca was covered by ice until about 2015 when climate change and melting ice revealed its colorful layers!
