Cusco Rainbow Mountain Tour Review: Meals & Red Valley Option

The Rainbow Mountain in Cusco, or Vinicunca as it’s known locally, has turned into, that is, really quite the sought-after spot for travelers hitting up Peru. That too it’s almost magical appeal, what with those stripes of color painted across the mountainside, is quite the draw. Yet, planning a trip there needs a bit, just a little bit, of thought. The ‘Cusco Rainbow Mountain Tour with Meals Red Valley Option’ seemed just a bit too good to pass up, so, very, very, naturally, I booked it. I’m just going to break down my whole experience here, talk about what stood out, and, in some respects, give you the lowdown, more or less, alright? Then hopefully, this helps you decide if it’s the ticket for you.

What to Expect on the Rainbow Mountain Tour

So, this whole thing, the Rainbow Mountain tour, it usually starts super early – we’re talking maybe 3 AM early. Now, the main reason for that too it’s almost a wake-up call is to beat the crowds. Early rise aside, the upside, of course, is avoiding too, very, very, many folks clogging up the paths, which, you know, is genuinely quite great for those snapshots. Expect a good, long drive, could be like three hours, maybe three and a half hours, through some genuinely quite pretty scenery over to the trailhead. As I was saying, some tours, like the one I picked, wrap meals right into the package, which, I mean, honestly, it makes life way, way easier. Lunch is typically a buffet-style spread, serving up a taste of Peruvian dishes, very, very, pretty, after all that hiking.

The Hike: A Challenge Worth Taking

Alright, that actual hike is arguably quite tough. As a matter of fact, you begin at a serious altitude, and then you’re going to climb a fair amount over a short distance. Seemingly, that air gets pretty thin, alright? Thus, taking things slow is kind of vital, and drinking loads of fluids, so, too it’s almost like that keeps altitude sickness just at bay. Anyway, what keeps you going, just at the end of the day, is this just stunning mountain scenery. First, there’s those valleys stretching out seemingly forever. Next, there are these views you have that are just unlike something you’d see somewhere else. By the way, the total hike distance, it’s not too bad, seemingly just a few miles, but that incline, honestly, can make it a serious workout, you know?

Reaching Rainbow Mountain: A Visual Feast

Oh, reaching Rainbow Mountain is just, it really, really is quite something. Like your, the first time you look over at those hills and all those colors just pop, very, very, incredibly, I felt quite a sense of accomplishment, I can say that, after all that climbing. So, you want to soak it all up? Take some snaps? And I suppose just breathe in this moment? Oh, it’s just pretty priceless, truly, definitely. Instead, be mindful about that altitude, alright? Because honestly, it still can get to you, very, very, obviously. Thus, pace yourself, don’t just run about like there is no tomorrow. That area there at the top can sometimes get truly busy, so, in short, try to find yourself your spot, just to take that scenery in.

Exploring the Red Valley

After Rainbow Mountain, you’ve got seemingly an option of hitting up, very, very, frankly, the Red Valley. Like your, I would, I can say this, say yes to this one if you can. To be honest, that Red Valley has these landscapes? Those are just wild. By the way, I’m talking rolling hills of deep reds, oranges and browns, okay? Also, what’s different from Rainbow Mountain is arguably not as many peeps make it out there. It’s actually kind of peaceful. Naturally, this Red Valley trek, so, in fact, it does usually have extra fees attached, I think it’s actually worth stumping up a bit more. Frankly, getting the opportunity to walk, you know, kind of through that place there? This is a serious plus, I’m saying.

Meals Included: What to Expect

So, that lunch portion, seemingly that comes bolted onto most of these tours? You can probably expect Peruvian cuisine, which usually means quinoa soup, I can tell you. What about that rice? Also, you have chicken options? Maybe veggies as well, right? Seemingly, they cater for most. To be honest, remember it probably ain’t some, absolutely the fancy eatery. At the end of the day, it does cover the basics after some, very, very, frankly, an extremely long morning and hike. Besides, they do often have, so, okay, they usually supply bottled water which helps with all that altitude. By the way, snacks wise? Take yours, of course!

What to Bring: A Packing List

• Hiking Boots: If it is the trails, there is seemingly loads of them to take! Plus, these boots can deal with any landscape shifts.
• Layers: Naturally, that altitude shifts rapidly. Therefore, layers of clothing, definitely helps big time.
• Sunscreen: Now, even under cloud, that sun? Arguably, it burns. As a matter of fact, SPF, really, really, definitely matters.
• Hat and Sunglasses: Like sunscreen, these accessories offer safety against bright days as well as glare, you know?
• Water: Hydration at high altitudes, alright? Absolutely vital, actually, very, very, completely. Take loads.
• Snacks: Energy snacks, okay? The ones they sell there probably ain’t your thing. Plus, they’re quite pricey! So load up first.
• Coca Leaves or Altitude Sickness Pills: Well, just in case!
• Cash: Like the bus? Just take loads to use it. Small expenses are rife!
• Camera: Photo-snapping options, naturally? It’s genuinely a must! After all, memories have more longevity, right?

Is the Rainbow Mountain Tour Worth It?

Yeah, this is what I did just mull over afterwards! By the way, the question is – I can be straight up – were the memories something quite awesome? If, I am just stating, if it had great organisation? Then definitely this whole thing gets my nod! What about altitude struggles? Oh yeah, maybe this trip there, literally just tested it! Just after all that early, that long drive too and hike? Seemingly, seeing this vista unfold like magic? Priceless and genuinely it is pretty unique. In conclusion, what does this offer you? Why bother with this?

Key Insights From My Rainbow Mountain Experience

• Book tours there early – beating the crowds really just increases enjoyment loads.
• Layer up as it changes lots during the trek up there – it can vary.
• Say yes when someone asks you, to do that extra trek for Red Valley – such beauty there really, very, absolutely captivates all travellers.
• Train and adapt early – those heights? Respect them totally.

So there you go! I hope just you can actually work this all in for your upcoming tours. Plus, do enjoy, obviously, all those colours on mountains!

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