#1 Rainbow Mountains
Peru's Rainbow Mountains, also known as Vinicunca or Montaña de Siete Colores, are a geological spectacle characterized by their distinctive multicolored striations. These hues, created by the sedimentary mineral layers exposed by erosion, paint the mountain in a rainbow of colors, from deep red to turquoise. Located in the Andes, it has become a popular hiking destination, providing visitors with breathtaking views of this natural wonder.
#2 Huayhuash Ridge
The Cordillera Huayhuash is a mountain range within the Andes of Peru. Known for its sharp, ice-clad peaks and high-altitude trekking, the Huayhuash is often considered one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the world. The ridge features several mountains over 6000 meters, including Yerupajá, the second highest peak in Peru. The trek around the Huayhuash Ridge is challenging due to its high altitude and harsh weather conditions, but those who undertake it are rewarded with awe-inspiring views of turquoise lakes, towering peaks, and dramatic landscapes. Despite its remoteness, the region is rich in biodiversity, hosting a variety of flora and fauna.
#3 Cordillera Blanca (White Ridge)
Known as the "White Range" in Spanish, the Cordillera Blanca is a mountain range in Peru and part of the larger Andes range in South America. With 33 peaks over 6,000 meters (19,685 feet), it's the highest tropical mountain range in the world. The range's name stems from its extensively glaciated peaks, which give it a distinct "white" appearance.
The Cordillera Blanca includes Huascarán, the highest mountain in Peru, along with many other notable peaks such as Alpamayo and Artesonraju. It's a popular destination for mountaineering, trekking, and adventure tourism, offering breathtaking high-altitude landscapes, turquoise glacial lakes, and opportunities to observe unique flora and fauna.
#4 Machu Picchu
Considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu is an iconic Incan city situated high in the Andes Mountains of Peru. Built in the 15th century, the city remained hidden from the outside world until its rediscovery in 1911 by Hiram Bingham. A marvel of ancient engineering, it features intricate stone constructions, terraced fields, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains, making it a popular site for tourists worldwide.
#5 The Red Valley
The Red Valley, or Valle Rojo, is a natural wonder also located in Peru. Not far from the Rainbow Mountains, the valley's iron-rich soil gives it an intense red color that provides a striking contrast to the green high-altitude grassland. The area is known for its unique, Martian-like landscape, and has become a popular alternative route for adventurous tourists visiting the Rainbow Mountains.
#6 Rainbow Mountains
#7 Huayhuash Ridge
#8 Mount Huascarán
Mount Huascarán is the highest peak in Peru and the fourth highest in the Western Hemisphere, reaching a stunning altitude of 6,768 meters (22,205 feet). It's located in Huascarán National Park, in the Cordillera Blanca range of the Andes. The mountain is covered with glaciers and has two distinct summits: Huascarán Sur (South) and Huascarán Norte (North), with the southern summit being the highest.
Climbing Mount Huascarán is a demanding and technical endeavor, attracting experienced mountaineers from all over the globe. Despite the challenge, climbers are rewarded with incomparable views of the surrounding snow-covered peaks and deep valleys.
#9 Huayhuash Ridge
#10 The Red Valley
#11 Rainbow mountains
#12 Pastoruri Glacier
Located in the Huascarán National Park within the Andes of Peru, the Pastoruri Glacier is one of the few remaining glaciers in the tropical areas of South America. This glacier, often a highlight of the "Route of Change" tour, provides a unique opportunity for visitors to witness the direct impacts of climate change, as it has been shrinking noticeably over the years. Despite its retreat, the glacier remains a popular destination for tourists, offering stunning panoramic views, ice climbing opportunities, and the chance to see the rare Puya raimondii, or Queen of the Andes plant, that grows in the area.
#13 Huayhuash Ridge
#14 White Ridge
