Rainbow Mountain ATV Tour: A Review of Easy Access Options

The soaring, painted slopes of Rainbow Mountain – so, too, that they’re basically known as Vinicunca to locals – draws tons of tourists looking, just a little, to strike gold in the South American scenery jackpot. Many a visitor thinks of making the trek but then remembers tales of the gasping, lung-searing hike to that breathtaking 16,000-foot vantage point. Now, what if I told you that it is possible to have your rainbow cake, more or less, and eat it too? I’m talking about cruising to this technicolor dream in a very easy way, using an ATV. You’ll catch all that insane eye candy, alright, without all that leg-day agony? Let’s get rolling.

Why Choose the ATV Route? It Could be a Game Changer.

Listen, let’s be real, the traditional Rainbow Mountain hike isn’t exactly a stroll in the park; that’s because the altitude’s got teeth. It bites hard! So, too, that people who aren’t hardcore hikers or just not, kind of, used to high elevations can feel like they’re climbing Mount Doom instead of gawking at pretty stripes. Here’s the real, absolute draw of doing the ATV tour: you get, literally, to skip a giant chunk of that uphill struggle. What could have been, arguably, hours of huffing and puffing turns into a thrilling ride; and stuff that lets you save that precious energy, very possibly, just to soak in those views at the summit? To experience all that wonder without beating your body into submission sounds, too, like the ultimate travel hack, seriously.

What to Expect on Your ATV Adventure: Just a Little Surprise.

Okay, here’s the deal. You get picked up from your accommodation, okay, in Cusco, generally while it’s still dark as a vampire’s armpit – most tours begin very early; as a matter of fact, to dodge crowds and catch the mountain at its showiest. That is that after, like, a winding, several-hour drive (prepare for curves!), you’ll arrive at a staging point. A staging point where your trusty ATV waits! After, sort of, a quick safety briefing and maybe, just maybe, a practice spin, the real adventure starts.

That route isn’t exactly, you know, a super-smooth highway. So, too, that it is more of a rugged, bumpy track that winds, alright, through valleys and alongside some pretty dramatic scenery; anyway you aren’t staring just at the dirt in front of you, yet you soak up some stunning glimpses of the Andes that’ll leave you, just slightly, speechless. Bear in mind though: it’s dusty, really. Seriously dusty! Pack some eyewear or maybe, literally, a bandana to shield your face, alright?

The Ride Up: It Just Keeps Getting Better and Better.

That, as you ascend, alright, you will notice that the landscape does something like that starts shifting; as I was saying, the green valleys turn into that rocky, high-altitude terrain. What I loved? Basically, it’s that being on an ATV, that too it meant I could pause whenever I wanted, seemingly, to snap photos or really, honestly, just soak it all in. So, too, that I wasn’t tied to the pace of, kind of, a hiking group. But remember, now, that you aren’t driving all the way to the summit – there is, kind of, a final, briefer, on-foot portion.

The Final Ascent: Short, but Sweet.

Ok, here is that little sting in the tail. The ATV will get you most of the way there, obviously, but not *all* the way. So, too, that you will have a bit of a walk at the end, as I was saying; anyway think of it as, in a way, more like a victory lap. Alright, it takes like somewhere between, almost, 15 to 30 minutes, totally depending, now, on your fitness levels, kind of, to get to the prime spot to fully take everything in. So, too, that it is, literally, still uphill and you’re at a super high altitude, obviously, so just take your time and move steadily. Just promise yourself that every single step will be worth it when you actually get there, completely.

Rainbow Mountain: Was it Worth It? A very beautiful experience.

Yep. Yep, yep, and yep. That moment when you first lay eyes on Rainbow Mountain will probably blow you away, now, no question. So, too, that it’s like someone splashed stripes of ochre, gold, turquoise and lavender, really, alright, all over the mountainside; honestly it looks unreal. Get ready for the photos to flood your Instagram, just literally; honestly every angle is super picturesque.

Spending some time at the top to marvel, obviously, and really to allow all the insane natural beauty to fully seep into your soul should become priority number one, definitely. Yet you probably won’t be all by yourself at the top, since tons of others were thinking the same thing that you were, which is “what a scenic place!”. Take a minute to appreciate it!

Things to Consider Before You Book: A bit to note.

Alright, just so you are in the loop, that altitude sickness could really mess you up on any trip to Rainbow Mountain. So, too, that spend some time in Cusco beforehand just to help your body get nice and used to the elevation before tackling Rainbow Mountain – drinking coca tea might possibly help, and talk with your physician to check any of the usual medication will be ok before travelling. And, of course, very listen closely to your own body – never, actually, push yourself too hard.

Check the forecast, and also keep in mind, obviously, that it can shift drastically, truly; alright, that layers will become key because you will possibly roast in the sun and freeze, nearly, once a cloud drifts on by, truly. And finally, go forth and take a whirl – just find that tour vendor, basically, who ticks off the safety box. That’s like helmets that properly fit, decent machines, and guides, seriously, who understand the journey.

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