Rainbow Mountain Tour: Honest Review of a Shared Cusco Experience

So, you are thinking about checking out Rainbow Mountain near Cusco, Peru, right? It is that very Insta-worthy place, yet what is the experience actually like, you know? I went on the shared full-day tour, so let me give you my honest opinion of, very, very what to anticipate.

Booking Your Rainbow Mountain Adventure

Arranging my tour wasn’t, like, too tough. I, typically, checked around online on a couple of websites and found a few different tour operators providing pretty, much the same package. You are looking at prices that kind of start around $25-$35, could be more relying on the company and, in a way, what’s included. I would suggest reading reviews carefully, that is if you value having a guide that is pretty informative and transportation that does not seem as if it’s, actually, about to fall apart. Ultimately, I selected one that had solid reviews and also felt fairly priced. Booking just a day or two ahead, seemingly, works great, very possibly even the day before, but during the crazy busy season, booking ahead of time might be something to think about to avoid it becoming fully booked.

The Early Morning Start

Okay, the day begins early—really early, and it’s almost no joke. Most tours will grab you from the place you are staying somewhere around 3:00 AM to 4:00 AM. Yep, that might be right. You may think you love to get up at the crack of dawn. Wait until this. I attempted to catch a bit more sleep before, yet I was too jazzed up with concern that I’d somehow sleep through it and be left! They packed us into a minivan. It felt pretty cozy, really, yet consider that you’ll be spending the next 3-4 hours riding in that. Therefore, attempting to sleep some more could prove to be tricky. That ride may feel like quite a blur as you make your way up into the hills.

Breakfast and Acclimatization

The trip involves, arguably, a pit stop for breakfast in a humble area town. It typically involves very basic fare, almost such as bread, jam, and coca tea—it should really help to beat altitude, I think. Coca tea tastes a bit earthy. Give it a try! It would not wind up being your cup of tea, okay, yet it may help to get your head feeling alright. It could be your possibility for stocking on any drinks and snacks you should need later on because prices only skyrocket near Rainbow Mountain.

The Hike Up Rainbow Mountain

When you get to the trailhead, you will feel the altitude at 16,000+ feet above sea level straight off, right away, I suggest pacing yourself. The climb generally has a length of around 3 kilometers (a bit under 2 miles), which may not feel very far, really, unless you are gasping for each breath of air. Some bits can be a little tough, yet lots of the trail is reasonably steady. You may, actually, be able to rent a horse if walking feels, too, much; in fact, there are some local residents who deliver this particular service for a cost. Consider, though, is that a horse probably will not take you to the summit, very; really, you will still need to do a bit of climbing by yourself. When taking photos, don’t be afraid of the llamas, they are very friendly!

Reaching the Summit and the Views

Getting to the top provides a satisfying sense of accomplishment, to be honest. Plus the vistas really happen to be, very amazing! Vinicunca, as it’s referred to as in the neighborhood, explodes with stripes of shades: that, red from iron oxide, yellows because of sulfur, plus other minerals making these unbelievable colors. I feel like they are the best on sunny days. That’s the time colors basically explode. The crowds may lessen the satisfaction, at times, though. Rainbow Mountain, clearly, draws travelers from around the world. As a matter of fact, anticipating sharing this amazing place with others could save you disappointment if that appeals to you.

The Descent and Return Trip

Going down could be kinder on your lungs, anyway, still might be a bit more rough on your knees. Take it slowly, really, and watch where you step. After you have gotten back to the starting place, the minivan, actually, takes you back to that very same location where you had breakfast, and so you might grab lunch. Ordinarily, it is also part of your tour deal: pretty, really basic food to get some fuel into your body once again after that hike. The ride back to Cusco, I think, has a tendency to feel pretty long after an exhausting day, and so I, typically, found myself sleeping nearly the entire way.

What to Bring on Your Tour

Layers: Basically, it can become pretty cold up high, even on a bright day, and so layers happen to be vital. Bring that, almost such as a warm jacket, fleece, and hat.
Water and snacks: It is advisable to keep some treats handy, mostly because you will really require those extra calories. And stay hydrated, very, especially since of the altitude!
Sunscreen and sunglasses: The sun happens to be really intense up there, you know. Protect your skin and eyes.
Hiking boots: Using hiking boots is, really, ideal for maintaining balance and, you know, support for your feet through the walking.
Coca leaves or candy: Coca helps beat altitude, and sweets can easily offer a fast power boost.
Cash: Basically, you might want cash for souvenirs, toilet fees (you know, the public ones are seldom free), or even in the event you are thinking about horse-riding to climb that hill.

Is a Shared Tour Worth It?

Okay, in my experience, the shared tour is the option to go in case you have a constrained budget. Just bear in mind that you’re vacationing according to a timetable not solely made by you. Having a private trip might give far more flexibility and also enable you to dodge the crowds, anyway it really will cost considerably more. For me, the shared tour was a cheerful medium; anyway, you get to visit the rainbow mountain while fulfilling some other tourists who have come from other locations around the globe, basically.

Final Thoughts: The Rainbow Mountain Experience

Thus, is the Rainbow Mountain tour from Cusco worthwhile, could be? I suppose so, very. Although the very early wake-up plus the physical work certainly happens to be difficult, that vista when you achieve the summit will become the payoff. Only consider your own fitness plus become all set for loads of other people sharing that view with you, basically. When it comes down to that cost as well as comfort, really; the shared trip may likely be a good option for a number of travelers wishing to see a number of Peru’s incredible natural attractions.