Rainbow Mountain Horseback Ride & Buffet: A Real Review

So, you’re thinking of visiting Rainbow Mountain in Peru? Or maybe you’ve seen some fantastic photos, and you’re now daydreaming, right? The colorful stripes certainly look unreal. A pretty common way to experience this natural wonder is with a tour that combines a horseback ride with a buffet, which sounds, too it’s almost, like the perfect blend of adventure and convenience. This review will give you a feel for what that whole experience is like, talking about the good parts and also pointing out a few things you might want to think about before you book. In that case, let’s get to it.

What’s the Big Deal About Rainbow Mountain?

That Rainbow Mountain, locally called Vinicunca, is more or less located in the Peruvian Andes. Its claim to fame, by the way, comes from its hillsides splashed with bright colors, created by mineral deposits. Now, there was a time when these vivid colors were hidden beneath a blanket of snow, yet now the mountain’s beauty is pretty much accessible, especially since climate change has melted quite a bit of that snow. Very few things quite prepare you for the views. Seeing those striking layers of red, yellow, green, and blue, it is, too it’s almost, as though someone has painted the landscape. Very popular, now, it pulls travelers, arguably, from everywhere looking for that one-of-a-kind photo op and an unforgettable trekking adventure. So, if you’re up for amazing scenery, you’ve found the right place.

Choosing a Horseback Riding Tour: What to Expect

Going to Rainbow Mountain on horseback sounds rather luxurious, especially since the altitude can really make that hike more of a test. Usually, these tours go like this. First, there’s a pickup from your Cusco hotel in the early morning (think really early), as in that case, it’s quite a drive to get to the trailhead. By the way, most tours stop for breakfast somewhere along the way. Then, very likely, you’ll meet your horse and guide. Let me tell you, the horseback ride covers a large chunk of the ascent, that, is that, leaving you a somewhat shorter walk to the top viewpoint. It’s certainly still a climb, so get ready to feel that thin air! Many tours have a buffet included once you get back down from the mountain, allowing you to refuel after a strenuous day. In other words, if you don’t like hiking, that’s still a good option.

The Horseback Ride: My Personal Experience

Personally, that horseback part of the tour was actually the highlight. That first section is more or less a slow and steady climb, winding across the rolling hills. As a matter of fact, the horse was, arguably, a gentle companion, carefully chosen. It was great to sit back and take in the surroundings instead of completely puffing from the altitude. Even so, the last bit to the viewpoint still needed that climb on foot. When you get to the top, wow! The views are stunning, that’s a given. The colors were far better than what the photos prepared me for. Very useful, I think a horseback ride lets you save energy so you have more to spend enjoying the views. Though, in a way, it is a long day and it can get quite cold. So pack layers and hold onto your hat!

Digging Into the Buffet: Food for Thought

After the excitement of Rainbow Mountain, the buffet is surely what you need to recover. Keep in mind, this is not, apparently, your fancy hotel spread, yet that buffet serves its purpose. It mostly serves hearty, local Peruvian dishes—think soups, stews, rice, and maybe some chicken. You want warmth after a cold day up the mountain, very comforting foods are just what the doctor ordered. In the meantime, is that it is all flavorful and pretty satisfying? Yes. Would you rave about it as a gourmet experience? Well, maybe not. Just so you know, it’s included. Very practical, the buffet does make everything easier. Besides, when you’re extremely exhausted, that’s also all you want. At the end of the day, it helps refuel so that long trip back to Cusco isn’t too bad.

What to Keep in Mind: Altitude, Weather, and Crowds

Visiting Rainbow Mountain comes with a few points to remember. I’m talking about altitude. As a matter of fact, at such heights, altitude sickness is real. Arguably, spend a day or two acclimatizing in Cusco first, very helpful for the experience to actually be enjoyable. Weather up there, just a little, can change very fast, that is! Layering your clothes allows you to adapt as needed, whether it turns sunny, windy, or starts raining a bit. This is true for other places too, just saying. Be prepared to, too it’s almost, encounter crowds, particularly if you’re traveling during the peak tourist months. Going earlier in the morning often leads you to smaller groups of visitors.