Rainbow Mountain Cusco Tour: An Honest First-Hand Review

OK, you’ve probably seen pictures that just explode with color from Rainbow Mountain, also called Vinicunca, right? Very well, going there in person from Cusco, Peru, well that’s quite the undertaking. I want to walk you through exactly what you need to know, things that I figured out the hard way, to make it a trip of a lifetime as opposed to, well, a total disaster. Trust me, this stunning place is more than Instagram pictures, even if that’s how you found out about it like your truly!

Is Rainbow Mountain Worth the Hype? Here’s my Two Cents

Is Rainbow Mountain really as jaw-dropping as the photos make it seem? So, to give it to you straight, the answer kind of sits in the middle, but it depends a bunch. When the sun’s out, after the clouds have scattered just right and the light hits the mountain, oh my god, it just radiates! All the striking colors are something that will stop you in your tracks. The red, gold, lavender—it’s honestly pretty unreal. I saw one person comparing the rock formations to a painting created with huge brushstrokes. Which seemed true. Yet, there’s the flip side: the mountain sits high in the Andes, the weather up there tends to get nasty real quick. So, that means clouds, fog, even snow can mess with your view. Which means, when the weather sucks, those iconic colors might look somewhat muted, or you might not even be able to see them well at all. It’s still striking scenery, for sure, since the Andes mountains are something to look at regardless. OK, the colors are most certainly a massive part of its appeal, of course. Ultimately, is it worth the trip? Very, very possibly. However, go there with a good attitude and an idea about what could happen, and you are all set!

Picking the right Rainbow Mountain Tour Operator, from Cusco

There’s a ton of companies providing tours from Cusco, so you have some homework to do. Here’s a few lessons I have learned:

Go for small group tours. Being packed into a bus with 30 people, that doesn’t tend to sound that relaxing, now does it? Small groups typically are way more chill and also provide a far more individualized experience.
Verify what’s included, so that nothing comes as a surprise Does the rate cover entrance fees? Is the breakfast real food and not some nasty, packaged cookie? And very, very possibly more important, do they give you oxygen if you are struggling?
Ask questions. Toss the company an email and gauge their response. Did they answer your question quickly and in detail or did it just feel like an automated answer? Basically, trust those instincts.

Preparing for that High-Altitude Hike.

I’ll admit, the elevation just about kicked my butt. Rainbow Mountain sits around 17,000 feet, higher up than what some people will experience at any time of their lives. Here’s a little info:

Give yourself time in Cusco to acclimate. You ought to spend at a minimum two or three days in Cusco before the hike. The city sits at 11,000 feet, this way, so it helps you get a bit acclimated.
Drink water like it is going out of style. Being hydrated really does a number on reducing altitude symptoms. I brought a water bottle and just had at it all day.
Coca leaves are really very effective, so embrace them. You’ll spot them being sold just everywhere in Cusco. You just chew on them –it tastes a little grassy—they can help stave off the altitude problems. Plenty of people, you see, just brew them into a tea, which is just fine too.
Don’t be shy about taking it slow. You are very possibly not in a race. Stop as frequently as you need. It just takes most people longer at that altitude so don’t feel like you have to press yourself so that you “look strong.”
Think about grabbing altitude sickness pills. Talk this through with your doctor beforehand, obviously. There are some prescription meds that really give a jumpstart to your body getting adjusted to thin air.

What To Expect on Your Rainbow Mountain Tour: A step-by-step.

Wake up Super Early: Loads of tours will get going as early as 3 AM. It’s nasty, I know. The thought tends to be you’ve got a long drive, and it is designed to try and beat the throng of people.
Scenic Drive: The drive goes through valleys, mountains, and lots of countryside sights. Honestly, just catch up on some sleep if you can.
Breakfast Stop: Most tours stop in a little village for breakfast, this is real early still. Do not have huge hopes, food is fuel for the trek ahead.
Starting the Trek: The bus has the ability to drop you at the starting point. Okay, so, that’s where the tough part starts. The trail is pretty easy to follow but it’s nearly always uphill, and again, so it is really high.
The View: Seeing those striped mountains is quite a reward. Enjoy the scenery, snap pics, pat yourself on the back that you even made it!
Heading Back: The trek down might be simpler on your heart but tough on the knees. It feels never ending, but it is. At the base, that bus ride back is really welcome.

What to bring for the trip up Rainbow Mountain

Layered clothing. The weather is ever so changeable. Be sure you can put on and shed clothes quickly.
Sturdy Hiking boots: The ground can be really uneven, but it helps if your ankles have strong support.
Sunscreen and a hat: The sun at that altitude, well, it will find you. Be certain to protect your skin.
Snacks and Water: Bring along treats and something that you drink. Stay hydrated and give yourself fuel.
Money (Soles): Some of the little local stands that you can find are not equipped to accept credit. Be sure that you bring change so that you can tip the guides too.
Camera.: Seriously, don’t even forget your camera and an extra battery because you want to capture this.

Common Concerns on a Rainbow Mountain Hike

Before you even book that ticket, let’s handle a couple of frequent worries:

How hard is the hike for real? Here’s what I have found. So, I stay in decent shape, but that altitude really got to me. The air feels thin, that is the thing. Even people who you know are athletes are apt to have issues. Think about it as slow and steady.
So, what about those crowds? Yeah, well Rainbow Mountain really is liked a lot and the secret’s out, right? So, expect other people to be there. Going in the off-season can bring down the number of folks around you and the earlier you can make it there will mean way fewer faces.
Could you just rent a horse for the uphill climb? So, there is an option to just ride part of it. It really can come in handy when you have worn yourself out.

Final Advice

Hiking Rainbow Mountain, that is a thing that stays with you. Okay, you have to just prepare, listen to your body, plus admire those views. Yes, it can be quite the task, yet standing on the top, is something that I shall never forget!