Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley: A Detailed Day Trip Review

So, thinking about heading to Rainbow Mountain and maybe Red Valley in Peru for just a day? You know, it’s one of those spots that pops up all over social media. This review goes over what the day is actually like. What I want to do is to offer some useful thoughts and suggestions, very, for anyone thinking of giving it a go.

What’s the Big Deal with Rainbow Mountain Anyway?

It’s almost like everyone who goes to Peru ends up seeing pictures of this brightly colored mountain, Vinicunca, also sometimes just called Rainbow Mountain, that, too. The colors are really pretty special. Basically, you’ve got these stripes of different minerals that, in a way, give the mountain a painted kind of look. It is gorgeous, that’s for sure. What you should keep in mind is, it has gotten super-popular in recent years, so it won’t exactly be a secret, secluded spot.

Booking Your Tour: What to Consider, You Know?

Okay, first, there are like a million tour operators out there all promising the exact thing, more or less. How do you even choose? What I did was read, very many reviews. Then I checked to see what’s included. Stuff like meals, transportation, and if they give you oxygen. Some of the companies provide it, that is. That last bit can be pretty key cause you’re heading pretty high up, and some folks struggle with it. Comparing what different tours offered really helped me decide.

Early Bird Gets the Worm: Departure Times

One important thing that I think, sometimes people overlook is that these tours leave seriously early. So we’re talking like, 3 AM early. Yeah, that’s tough. The reason is that everyone is trying to get to the mountain before the crowds do. So if you hate mornings like I really, really do, set several alarms and just prepare yourself mentally for a rude awakening.

What About the Red Valley Option?

Loads of tours give you a choice to add on a visit to Red Valley after Rainbow Mountain, almost. Should you do it? You, I think, totally should. By the time you’re done at Rainbow Mountain, you are already up there. I would do it. Red Valley gives off these rich, red views, totally unlike Rainbow Mountain, and typically, there are way, way fewer people around, that, too.

Getting There: The Ride and the Altitude, It’s Almost a Double Whammy

Alright, so get prepared for a drive. And, in some respects, the drive can feel quite long. A bumpy ride sometimes, but in general, you will get through it. What I mean to suggest is you should take something with you that might just help make you, slightly, more comfortable. The altitude is something that a lot of people don’t really get, or underestimate. Cusco is already high, but Rainbow Mountain is way higher. Seriously. So if you are not used to the air being thin, prepare yourself for that part of the journey too, you know?

Dealing with Altitude Sickness

Okay, listen: altitude sickness isn’t something to play around with. Lots of the tour operators provide oxygen if you need it. You can also ask your doctor before your trip for some altitude sickness pills. Drink loads of water, too it’s just essential, so much water. Skip heavy meals and avoid alcohol both before and when you arrive. It really makes such a big difference, almost.

The Hike: How Hard Is It Really?

Now, here’s the bit everyone asks about: is the hike a breeze, or just really killer? Well, that sort of depends on you, in a way. You know, the trail itself is not too long, but it’s steep and you are super high up. Take breaks. And take it slowly. Lots of people trot along fine, and yet others are just sucking in the air. There’s absolutely no shame in moving slowly or maybe taking a breather, okay?

Horsepower: Should You Ride?

So, if you seriously don’t think that you are able to hike it, or even want to save yourself a bit of energy, there are horses available to hire for the first chunk of the trail, arguably. It isn’t the most comfortable way to go, to be honest, and you will still have to walk the very last bit, yet, if the thought of hiking that incline just sounds awful, then, in that case, it’s an choice worth looking at.

Rainbow Mountain: Is It as Colorful As the Photos?

Right, here’s the tricky question. So, yes, Rainbow Mountain is multicolored and pretty cool to see. However, the pictures you see online are often, very edited and the conditions affect the colors that you can really see, to be fair. So on a clear, sunny day, yeah, the colors pop out pretty amazingly. If it’s cloudy or snowy? So it is way less vibrant. Still, it’s quite awesome being up there. You can see this for yourself.

Respect the Mountain: Leave No Trace

This is so that the place remains awesome for everyone: please, pretty please, do not leave trash. Pack everything you take in, back out with you. Stay on the designated paths in order not to ruin anything, and just respect the locals and their land. Okay?

Red Valley: Is the Side Trip Worth It?

I think, Red Valley might have even been a lot cooler, so. Once again, I really do think you should do it if you are going all the way to Rainbow Mountain, okay? The scenery is amazing, this deep rusty-red. Plus, there are so very few other people there compared to the Rainbow Mountain crowds. You might almost feel as if you have got the spot entirely to yourself.

Photographing Red Valley

Red Valley gives you different opportunities for photos, in some respects. What I would suggest is wander around a little and look at spots for these awesome shots. You’re getting this red earth with the vast sky behind you. And you see llamas hanging out on the hills. Okay?

What to Pack for a Day at High Altitude

Right, let’s speak of that bit you need. Okay, the weather can change quickly up there, honestly. So bring layers. You will want a warm jacket, just layers, a hat, gloves, and sunscreen (because the sun at that elevation is not nice), just layers upon layers of these necessary items. Do not forget water and snacks (even if the tour provides meals) and any medications you might need.

Don’t Forget These Essentials

Water: Stay very hydrated.
Snacks: Quick energy is just crucial.
Sunscreen: Really defend that skin.
Hat and Gloves: You really will be happy you have these.
Layers: Because the weather can change so fast, that is just what I found.

Final Thoughts: Was Rainbow Mountain Worth It?

Okay, so, wrapping this up: Was the day trip to Rainbow Mountain worth all that very early morning and the challenging hike? For me, it really was. You see those amazing views, you’re accomplishing something physically tough, so it’s fulfilling, basically. You are, still, need to be set for the crowds and the altitude, or rather, prepare for them, just because you can get some unbelievable memories if you’re ready.

#RainbowMountain #RedValley #Peru #TravelReview #AndesMountains