Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain & Humantay: Detailed Review

Okay, so you’re thinking of visiting Machu Picchu, maybe throwing in Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake while you’re at it, right? Well, a trip to this neck of the woods is more than worth considering, and it has something for everyone! These destinations give a glimpse into not only Peru’s ancient history but it also displays its natural prettiness. You might just feel like you are experiencing some sort of spiritual awakening as you make your way through these amazing sites. This review gives you some solid insights so that you know just what awaits when planning that Peruvian getaway.

Machu Picchu: The Lost City of the Incas

Machu Picchu! Like, wow, right? It’s one of those places you probably see on postcards, but seeing it up close is seriously different. This ancient citadel, which is up high in the Andes Mountains, provides such a potent peek into the culture and talents of the Incan folks. Many are impressed at how this city, thought to have been made sometime around the 15th century, continues to stand proud, displaying some complex masonry and architecture. You will definitely feel that your experience goes beyond sightseeing: it’s actually some kind of interaction with history. It sounds sort of kooky, but most would agree.

The thing to do is plan. Book permits way early if you want to go on a guided hike like the Inca Trail. Seriously, they get snapped up pretty quick. Don’t miss checking out the Temple of the Sun or the Intihuatana stone; they’re very notable spots that speak to the Inca’s connection with astronomy. When you’re there, prepare to be somewhat amazed by all the stones, and definitely ready yourself for lots of other tourists also checking out this unique location!

Getting There and What to Expect

Getting to Machu Picchu typically goes something like this: You probably roll into Cusco first—it’s your acclimatization station because it’s super high up. Then, you take a train to Aguas Calientes, which some people call Machu Picchu Town. Finally, it is off on a bus to the entrance. Sure, it sounds slightly complicated, yet believe me, the reward you get as a return is way worth it.

Be ready for crowds! Like any popular destination, you may find the grounds somewhat “packed,” and you may only have a limited amount of time to see the main attractions. Book tickets and tours long before, so you’re not left outside the gate feeling rather bummed. It also is worth paying for a certified tour guide! They seriously know so much history and will point out many small tidbits that you’d perhaps miss all on your own.

Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca): A Colorful Spectacle

Oh, wow, the Rainbow Mountain, also referred to as Vinicunca, really seems like something out of a crazy, imaginative dream! Imagine, if you could, mountains decorated with strong streaks of red, turquoise, and gold. This is very different compared to most spots; this particular place can be found fairly close to Cusco. You could argue the striking shades of earth are because of different minerals and sedimentary layers.

Bear this in mind, the elevation! At something near 17,000 feet (5,200 meters), you could find it to be somewhat more than a walk around the block, and that altitude adjustment happens to be vital. Maybe invest a day or two in Cusco acclimatizing! Many people also tend to take coca tea or pills so that they have help minimizing altitude symptoms. This would seem like some good preventative medicine to ward off a terrible travel day.

The Hike and What to Bring

Prepare yourself, for it can be physically a little demanding. The whole hike generally is four or five hours up and down, right? Layers tend to be some good planning here: begin early with a jacket and end up sweating. Also, there is nothing to lose by taking water, snacks, sunscreen, plus some good hiking shoes. Don’t ignore a walking stick, particularly going downhill on all that gravel. It can really give you help with maintaining your steadiness. You are probably thinking the view is cool, it actually can be super gratifying when you think of what you have put into experiencing it.

Don’t be reluctant about getting a horse up part of the path, by the way. Very many folks wind up taking this route, in the event that they feel altitude sickness starting to sink in! Just because you utilize assistance isn’t any kind of indication that you didn’t make it happen. Enjoyment, is that not the whole point here?

Humantay Lake: An Andean Jewel

Ah, Humantay Lake is an additional eye-catching area found in the Andes Mountains. A number of would describe the lake water’s hue as practically hypnotic, in particular since the turquoise waters are located at the foot of the huge Humantay Glacier. A trip there feels serene; quite a contrast to busy destinations.

It’s seen as more or less a more tolerable trek compared to Rainbow Mountain, yet altitude can nonetheless play a role! The walk typically goes up to the lake from the trailhead, for approximately one to two hours. The trek definitely could be difficult as a result of steeper inclines; having said that, the view up from the glacier-fed pond certainly justifies all your attempts.

Planning Your Visit

Just in the way that Rainbow Mountain calls for particular prep work, consider this as well: for Humantay Lake, you wish to take comparable factors seriously. Acclimatizing, putting on layers, sporting high-quality trekking footwear, and having plenty of liquids all comes pretty high in priority! So that you understand, a multitude of operators located in Cusco present full-day travels to the lagoon. It really will take the trouble outside arranging transportation and frequently can incorporate lunch.

Be conscious the altitude also results in climate modifications very fast! Always expect sunlight and chill. And seriously give consideration to using the restroom facilities that may happen along the route! Facilities generally may be rudimentary at top, that way. The landscape has some rather good views on that route as well! Remember the lake also tends to be perceived to be sacred simply by regional societies, therefore it is also a great idea to behave in reverence. It does mean something in a place like this whenever you approach with kindness, not entitlement!

Things To Consider

Thus, prior to loading up those carriers and booking this travels, understand numerous further points:

Altitude is No Joke: That thin air, so, it is kind of challenging for a lot of people who aren’t utilized to the higher altitudes, it can catch you a little bit off guard! Do not attempt too many physically challenging issues straight off!
Best Time to Travel: Those drier times tend to stretch away from May as much as September so that you might actually acquire better trekking instances as that happens.
Pack Appropriately: That shift between bright sunshine to rain, which may be kind of wild there, very lightweight rain gear would generally be perfect! Bring warm, warm layers and high-SPF sun screen!
Book in Advance: Machu Picchu tends to be, at times quite in demand, it’s almost like some hot concerts you wanted to experience that will sell off quickly when they become available. Reservations and tickets can prevent aggravation!
Respect the Culture: Locals tend to be very glad when you learn a number of Spanish words. Try to observe community standards of habits and keep ecological locations as pristine and immaculate just as possible!

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