This is all the information you need to travel to Rainbow Mountain in Peru.

Peru might be somewhere over the rainbow. There are many breathtaking natural vistas in the South American country, but one in particular has gained enormous Instagram fame in recent years. With its vibrant stripes composed of layers of 14 distinct minerals, Vinicunca, sometimes called Winikunka or Rainbow Mountain, is a remarkable geological feature. The peak, which is situated in the Andes close to Cusco, is now a well-liked detour for tourists heading to and from Machu Picchu.

Even if a lot of the images of Rainbow Mountain that you see online are overly saturated and edited, it’s still a beautiful place.

The hues beneath Vinicunca, also known as Montaña de Siete Colores (Mountain of Seven hues), were unknown until 2013, when the ice that had always covered the mountain melted away. Vinicunca is located in the Andes in the Cusco area of Peru. In person, the colors appear more authentic, yet they are very vibrant. Even in gloomy light, the various layers of red, yellow, green, and purple are still visible.

The colors are caused by the ice that formerly covered the area, as reported by HuffPost. As it melted, the water combined with the minerals in the ground to create the variety of hues you see today. Iron sulfide causes yellow spots, rust mixes cause red spots, and purples come from

Rory Fuller/Travel + Leisure

The colors will be there rain or shine, but the photos you’ll get on a sunny day will always be better because the colors will appear more distinctly under direct light. You can increase your chances of catching the mountain on a good day if you plan your trip during the warmer months between November and March. At this time, snow and rain are unlikely, which also makes the trek to the site less difficult. The next thing you have to think about is the time of day you arrive. On a super sunny day, taking photos at high noon will probably also wash out your photographs due to the excess light. The best time to visit will be in the morning or evening hours, either after sunrise or before sunset.

How to Get to Rainbow Mountain

To get to the Rainbow Mountain trailhead in Qesoyuno, you will need to drive three hours from Cusco. From there, you will begin a trek that will take approximately three hours. Between the difficult terrain and the altitude, you should expect a challenging hike, and traveling with a guide is strongly recommended. If you do not spend a few days in Cusco acclimatizing to the altitude, you risk getting altitude sickness on the trail. This can be very dangerous. It’s possible to hike to Rainbow Mountain without a guide if you have your own transportation, but many people recommend going with someone who will be looking out for you along the way.

Getty ImagesRainbow Mountain Trail

Once you reach the base, it’s about a two- or three-hour hike to the top and another three hours down to the base. The trek is challenging because of the steep inclines and loose gravel, so it is not recommended for beginner hikers or people with limited mobility. Additionally, the mountain sits at a rather high elevation more than 16,000 feet above sea level — 17,060 feet to be exact — so bring plenty of water and take your time on the ascent and descent. If you are feeling the burn a little too much, you may be able to pay a small fee to travel part of the way by horse with a guide.

According to AllTrails, the out-and-back trail clocks in at 6.2 miles in total and it takes an average of three-and-a-half hours to complete. Don’t believe us on the altitude? Here’s what a few people have to say in the AllTrails comments:

“Altitude was no joke! Had to stop every half kilometer to catch our breath even though it’s relatively flat. The last kilometer to the peak is very steep and absolutely brutal,” one hiker wrote. “The altitude is very tough,” another added. “I recommend taking medicine beforehand. I took the official acetazolamide before going and I still had symptoms. This is a quick hike but tough because of the altitude.”

How to Get the Best Photo of Rainbow MountainGetty Images

It can’t be stressed enough: Many of the photos of Rainbow Mountain on social media have likely been heavily edited. While the mountain is most certainly gorgeous, it can rarely compare to the exaggerations you see online or in travel brochures. As long as you go into it knowing that the colors will be much softer than the most-liked social media post, you can still have an enjoyable experience and get your own photo of the remarkable Vinicunca.

For the best photo, start your hike in the early morning hours or around dusk. Not only will the temperatures be pleasant, but you’ll also have the best light. These two times of day are known as the “golden hour.” On a clear day, the light becomes a gorgeous burnt orange hue and makes everything it touches look equally stunning. You can also think of different ways to photograph the mountain. Maybe try taking an extreme close-up of the earthen colors or photographing some of the hikers and locals you encounter (with their permission of course), or think about how you can juxtapose a blue sky to the mountain’s many colors. Make it unique, and make it a special photo just for you without worrying about likes. That will end up being the best photo of all.

If you get home and are not happy with your image, you may consider downloading a photo editing app and softly editing your image — and we mean softly. Instead of changing colors completely, enhance the image by increasing the contrast and the exposure.