Cusco Rainbow Mountain Tour: An Honest Review
Okay, so you’re thinking about that full day private tour from Cusco to Vinicunca, otherwise known as Rainbow Mountain, right? Very neat, but you’ll want the inside scoop. That mountain has gotten pretty well known these days, and pictures don’t always show you what’s what. You really want the good, bad, and very real experiences of going up there. I’m going to give you what you need, too it’s a complete lowdown, which helps to prep yourself. Let’s look into all you should know prior to saying “yes” to a visit.
Why Rainbow Mountain Is A Must-See (Maybe)
You know, Rainbow Mountain has turned into this thing that lots of people want to see. Is that something *you* ought to experience? In some respects, that’s all on you. The mountain looks just astounding. Like, there really are stripes of eye popping colors that make up a memorable backdrop. Honestly, where else can you check out land this way? Still, the journey, that very act of getting there, is where most people either rejoice or cry, that is if altitude affects you! Let me say: you will need to be ready for the climb.
See, the colors you see happen because of the ground minerals in the area, and weathering does its number to uncover nature’s palette. It’s quite the rare thing when the sun is just out. Although weather there can switch instantly, you really need good lighting to enjoy these vistas as postcards tell of. Keep this is at the front of mind in regard to when it is a suitable window to head that way. Remember that the window from May-September tends to yield bluer skies and sunnier views more often than not.
Booking Your Private Tour
Booking a tour may be quite tricky if you are like your average traveler; tour offers do vary, that being whether shared or completely private. A shared one should work nicely if socializing is wanted; you get a better sticker cost, just that trips feel regimented due to differing speeds people have while moving up gradients. Doing things yourself gets difficult to suggest unless Peru has been explored before – distances are off, language can stump a few individuals and some transport feels so risky. To be sure, private transport ensures total wiggle room, in other words stopping at will plus setting a cadence for enjoying nature without holding anyone else up at any moment on route. Consider this fact seriously while trying to align budgets with individual likings here!
Now, when you start digging for tours, make sure the provider gives everything. As I was saying, look into included stuff like food (especially if it’s authentic Peruvian fare). Discover what kind of car or van you will travel. What you shouldn’t ever go without? Verified, safe oxygen to keep high altitude symptoms under tabs plus experienced guides carrying related licenses that are qualified in crisis reactions given environmental realities at those altitudes there, anyway. One good tour even provides poles for stability going over tough slopes upwards! Look closely because small things will increase a comfortable journey tremendously in such high settings up far-off terrains.
The Early Start: Worth It?
Yes, clearly. As a matter of fact, a crazy early start tends to be the order of the day so crowds are minimal once the mountain has been hiked! So, 3 AM alarm settings? More or less it’s normal to get ahead of larger hordes; consider leaving before sun-up when bus after bus fills roads once mid-day happens: trust me those panoramas plus freedom without all types are just worth getting less couch sleep than anticipated prior during pre-travel mode.
Getting up earlier usually gets tourists back early too; less hours taken during an experience allow proper rests afterward before even dreaming of subsequent escapades during said voyage schedule- after hiking for hours upwards through rare air any added breaks becomes such plus- especially ones taken while few fellow souls make impressions near places so pure!
The Hike: A Test of Endurance
Let’s face reality. Pretty much it’s hard. Plain hard – because you might struggle with elevation; it kicks everyone around as altitudes touch 17,000 feet which means air feels fairly, slightly thin! Make sure the legs handle it despite those photo shoots! Remember, pacing wins games because the slower someone tackles it; oxygen actually has time getting circulated properly throughout bodies while upward bounds continue gradually too that! In this case, taking consistent little pauses is no sign about shortcoming yet means strategic management since that gradient challenges all no matter training history at ground bases.
Those wanting shortcuts can even choose ponies that travel them almost all rounds for increased fee plans – ponying avoids pressure given altitude challenges yet does impact enjoying things while moving naturally upwards- consider carefully just so satisfaction happens whichever ways individuals scale slopes present above there.
Views from the Top: Reality vs. Instagram
Okay, alright, Instagram does not always show stuff realistically so dial expectancies toward honest outlook. We’re saying the panoramas prove special however sometimes that climate impacts all views overall sadly!
Bright blue heavens over colorful soils defines excellence: yet mist, rain/even snowfalls impact exposure tremendously cutting horizons short- therefore manage optimism since conditions modify per moments. Although, it still pays off- something really surreal feels achieved scaling terrains at excessive verticals just above altitudes like where condensed atmospheric layers embrace ground under broad open settings such once folks top crests at altitudes just unprecedented – photo shoots are nearly obligatory as reward thereafter no exceptions at spots nearly sacred!
The Cultural Element
Let’s bring this up now. Locals, typically people from nearby Andean communities, that is those guys look over trekking ways/provide services through transportation modes either personal rides also mules upward slopes if asked from way lower beginning positions leading way up – that offers just additional insights into legacy, which helps support local ways! Speak – most do hold vast insights through life that differs just distinct when viewed versus perspectives we hold.
Consider shopping, to support those vendors placed upon slopes with handmade textiles / handicrafts even bites if one finds them feeling stomach growls inside – that benefits folk maintaining integrity / spirit located far into high altitude areas retaining classic forms versus abandoning native practices simply after easier fortunes.
What to Bring
Okay that mountain will want equipment and wearables which maximize security alongside enjoying aspects – start thru laying foundation: warm textiles just such layered sweaters besides warm toppers just so adapting given variable forecasts occurs.
Sun protection comes across so pivotal mainly when atmospheres offer slender protections above plus rays reflect more vibrantly at heights – get sunglasses of prominence! Don’t ever overlook creams which screen effectively together even head coverings plus brims around fronts! Hydrating instruments even smaller sustenance packs also oxygen cylinders becomes crucial gear!
Is a Private Tour Worth the Extra Cost?
A bit about spending extra to do a private arrangement instead, well it gets justified! If you treasure privacy even convenience over social interactions whilst setting the entire rhythm based just upon self rather group paces- that proves useful above heights wherever breath becomes such precious matter! Added perks involving tailor stopping options also versatile timelines make journey far customized- and yes; some firms put extra specialized treatment together mainly for unique client sets leading satisfaction much increased all across given engagement.
Ultimately – calculate budget with preferences and that assessment alone helps weigh decisions. Shared variants stay cheaper; and private offers flexibility – find common balance which gels optimally with dreams without emptying piggy reservoirs totally needlessly either way; then it can be worthwhile if only considered objectively enough ahead based wants without impulse purchases made later which disappoint quickly thereafter due to price issues surfacing once expenditures have already proceeded forth right; therefore compare all variants with care alongside personal appetite regarding interaction then go on there safely ready alongside everything just pre-planned and purchased respectively!