Rainbow Mountain

Vinicunca, better known as Rainbow Mountain, owes its bands of red, ochre, yellow and green to layers of minerals exposed by erosion. The viewpoint is at around 5,000 metres, higher than any peak in the Alps, so this is a serious outing despite its short distance.

Tours leave Cusco before dawn for a drive of about three hours, followed by a hike of an hour and a half to two hours each way on a well-worn path. Horses can carry you much of the way up, and the nearby Red Valley adds another dramatic view.

Only attempt it after at least two or three days at altitude, and not if you have heart or breathing conditions. Dress in layers, as the weather can swing from sun to snow within an hour.