An array of colours dwarf visitors to the Rainbow Mountains in the Andes Cordillera in Peru, which owes its colours to the minerals contained in the soil.
Photographer and high school sports teacher Guillaume Astruc, 34, said, "I was amazed by such a natural beauty. At first, when I got there it was foggy, I couldn't see anything so that was frustrating. After a while, the clouds disappeared and we could see the wonderful colours. It made this moment even more magical. It...
more »An array of colours dwarf visitors to the Rainbow Mountains in the Andes Cordillera in Peru, which owes its colours to the minerals contained in the soil.
Photographer and high school sports teacher Guillaume Astruc, 34, said, "I was amazed by such a natural beauty. At first, when I got there it was foggy, I couldn't see anything so that was frustrating. After a while, the clouds disappeared and we could see the wonderful colours. It made this moment even more magical. It seemed unreal to witness this kind of natural show, so I took my time to enjoy it."
"This was my first time visiting these mountains, visiting Peru for the first time. These mountains seemed endless and they are all magnificent, but this very colourful part is definitely the best one. The altitude there is exactly 5200m above sea level, so the hike to get there is quite challenging because of the lack of oxygen, but well worth it."
"The area has only very recently been discovered, so scientists haven't had much time to make some very accurate reports but we know that these colours are due to the accumulation formed by layers of sediment for centuries and centuries. The sulfur offers the yellow colour, iron oxide gives the red and copper sulfate is green. In total, it is made up of 14 different minerals. It was probably caused by weather and volcanic activity."
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