Cusco Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain Hike & Tour Review

Thinking about hitting up Rainbow Mountain in Cusco? You know, Vinicunca? That vividly striped peak has gained fame, and people head there for that ‘gram-worthy snapshot. This, too, is my take on whether it lives up to the buzz, plus some things to be mindful of before you lace up your hiking boots. So, stick around; that way, you can get the full scoop before you go.

What You Need to Know About Rainbow Mountain

Okay, Rainbow Mountain, very much also called Vinicunca (or sometimes, Montaña de Siete Colores), has reached the spotlight as that must-visit locale near Cusco, Peru. Yet, what is the big deal, that you ask? Well, that would be the unique, rainbow-like coloring of its slopes. Layers of different minerals created this stripy appearance, making it super picturesque.

The trek to Rainbow Mountain is very, very no picnic. We are talking high altitude — higher, actually, than Machu Picchu. In some respects, that adds to both the challenge and the reward. So, you would want to check how good you are with higher elevation. Very much, you are going to feel it! Still, the view from up there, anyway, if the weather plays nicely, it’s kind of like something you are going to remember for a long while.

The Altitude Is, Too, Very Real

Listen, if you’re not used to elevations that make the air feel thin, that trek to Rainbow Mountain will very much humble you. The summit hits over 16,000 feet (nearly 5,000 meters), so it’s even way higher than Cusco itself. Often, people underestimate the altitude’s impact, anyway, and end up struggling, feeling sick, or both. As a matter of fact, spending a couple of days in Cusco to get your body accustomed, that seems important before considering a trip to Vinicunca. That, and anyway, drink loads of water, skip heavy grub, and you could even ask your doctor about altitude sickness pills.

Picking the Right Tour Operator

A whole load of tour operators will offer a trip to Rainbow Mountain, so how do you sort that out? The main differences frequently boil down to price, that size of the group, and frankly, what extras they toss in. That said, a few things you should peek at are how experienced their guides are, what they do if someone is battling altitude sickness, and how decent their gear is. You are going to want a group that looks after its people and is upfront, and honestly, legit.

My Experience with the Hike

As a matter of fact, that morning started early, so it’s almost three a.m. early. Most tours collect you early for that reason; it is a pretty long drive from Cusco to the start of the path, anyway. The drive is mostly comfy, yet a tad twisty close to the finish. Basically, after a pair of hours or so, the group pulls over to have breakfast, and you also fill your gut up before the hard work actually starts.

The Initial Stretch

Okay, that first segment of that path is fairly gradual, yet the air still feels pretty thin. You will start huffing and puffing sooner than you expect. That scenery, at least, will keep your mind busy; rolling mountainsides are filled with little communities and bunches of alpacas very much wandering around. People offer horses to shuttle you for part of the trip, anyway, if you are not feeling up to that whole hike.

That Final Push

Brace yourself. The last section is super steep. Everyone winds up walking slow as a snail. Still, reaching the crest and witnessing Rainbow Mountain spread out there makes all that gasping seem very worth that effort. Just remember to walk slow, so very much breathe, and drink loads of water.

The View from the Top

Supposing the sky is doing you a solid, the scene from up there, truly, is glorious. Those intensely colored stripes across the slopes are really something. Everyone there shoots way too many pictures, just trying to seize the splendor of the scenery. Spend some minutes simply drinking it all in. Anyhow, the cold and that wind could send you scurrying back down pretty swiftly!

What to Pack and Wear

Packing properly actually could decide whether you relish the hike or mostly just wish it was over. I want to provide a rundown of some things I, personally, suggest dragging with you:

Layers are very much what you want: Very early and very high, it gets awfully cool. Basically, having layers that you could shed as you start heating up is wise.
Sturdy Shoes: Those hiking boots are ideal, however sneakers that feature excellent grip will do too. Anyhow, don’t dress like you are walking on sand.
Loads of water: Really, that altitude sucks the moisture away. Drink often, anyway, even if you do not feel thirsty.
Snacks: Actually, energy bars, nuts, dried fruit – everything super easy to snack on when you want an energy surge.
Sunscreen and hat: The sun at that altitude truly can scorch you even when it feels very cool.
Sunglasses: Basically, shielding your eyes will help versus the sun’s glare.
Rain gear: That weather at high altitude could switch suddenly, so having a rain jacket could save your hike.

Tips for a Smoother Hike

Here is the inside skinny for guaranteeing a hike that does not suck.

Get Acclimatized: You should not think about hiking Rainbow Mountain, frankly, until you have hung around in Cusco for no less than a day or two. That really could dial back that consequence from altitude sickness.
Think about Coca Tea: Many citizens tout coca tea to actually alleviate that indications because altitude. It is extremely an acquired taste, yet give it very much an honest attempt.
Go slow: Actually, speed does not triumph on this path. Walking little by little truly could conserve energy and allow you to adjust much better.
Listen to Your Body: Whenever you are feeling terrible, relax. It is okay not to force the situation. The point truly is getting through it unharmed and having some fun.
Inspect Weather Conditions: Anyhow, trekking while rain, very dense fog, pretty just outright awful. Monitoring that climate predict actually might just let you choose that appropriate time for the journey.

Is It Worth It?

Basically, if it really “is worth it” hinges on the thing you actually anticipate. Those colors are wonderful, that is so. However that’s additionally seriously crowded, and seriously difficult as well, which is some stuff to bear in mind. If you enjoy hiking, actually if are up just for the difficulty, and that don’t worry too extremely in the area of that mass, in that case actually probably yeah, you really must attempt to consider attempting.

Still, in the event that, anyway, altitude affects you fairly roughly, and just for example if are looking for the rather even more “solo and far” type action and time in that part, for instance Machu Picchu rather may in general become additional your personal style.

Other Options If Rainbow Mountain Is not For You

And suppose Rainbow Mountain basically won’t exactly align perfectly for someone. Maybe take something into consideration:

Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain: Commonly viewed given something even more relaxed difference; that, anyway, does involve quite a few mountains and rather a bit diminished throngs.
Humantay Lake: In that part this also presents amazing color of that turquoise colored body linked to something even rather more easier path, yet basically can find crowds.
Ausangate Trek: The multiple daytime stroll actually leads during beautiful mountainous ground lacking those intensive crowds for Vinicunca although you may desire basically just as, rather, substantially fantastic body shape.

Final Thoughts

Visiting Vinicunca demands somewhat just getting ready – like learning that limitations on altitude, bundling that perfect accessories, and definitely only at most definitely understanding particularly so whatever journey type specifically meets your personal wishes of each of us – that still has that wonderful potential for something that you very personally appreciate.

Be sure and do one’s own analysis into the kind, discover which exactly best serves most as your type or just whatever appears appealing or potentially at all, so very much guarantee that all could possibly simply go in some suitable way by merely arranging as per, which may even really become that experience that we could definitely ever remember in general – which absolutely is actually a long lived moment basically no problem in most regards.

#RainbowMountain #Vinicunca #Cusco #Peru #Hiking #TravelTips