Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley: Full Day Excursion Review

Okay, so you’re probably thinking about checking out Rainbow Mountain, right? And maybe you’ve seen some unbelievable pictures. Well, it’s a pretty great experience, and this review is going to tell you what a full-day excursion to Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley from Cusco is really like. We’re talking about what to expect, from the early wake-up call to the unbelievable views, including tips that will really help you make the most of this unique trip. Is the elevation difficult? What should you bring? I hope this is very helpful, so let’s jump right in.

What To Really Expect From a Super Early Start

The day begins super early, and I mean REALLY early. Most tours pick you up around 3:00 to 4:00 AM. Very important is knowing this so you can prepare your stuff the night before. Getting up this early is, you know, somewhat tough, but think of it this way: you get to see the sunrise over the Andes. The ride itself can be long; often around 3 hours on some pretty bumpy roads. Use that time to catch up on sleep if you can, or maybe just enjoy watching the scenery start to come to life as the sun starts coming up. Keep in mind that, it is possible to feel cold since the air gets chilly that high up in the mountains. Anyway, it’s all part of the experience. Just try and relax as much as possible and try not to dwell on how tired you are; try and get ready for the beauty that you’re about to see!

Once you arrive at the trailhead, usually near the village of Cusipata, you’ll get a quick breakfast. This is often included in your tour package. Do you want to know what this is like? It’s usually a simple meal, something that you can eat quick such as bread, jam, maybe some coca tea. Coca tea, or mate de coca, is a super important part of trying to help you get adjusted to the altitude, so drink up! It doesn’t taste amazing, is that OK? But it really, truly can help you feel better as you get higher. Also, now is the time to use the restroom before your hike. Trust me, it’s something you really, really need to do, you probably won’t have another chance until you get back down.

The Hike Itself: Getting Up That Mountain

Ok, let’s talk about the hike itself. So it can be pretty challenging, specifically because of the altitude. Rainbow Mountain, which is also very well known as Vinicunca, sits at around 5,200 meters (17,060 feet) above sea level. I mean this can make even a relatively short hike feel way more difficult than it would at a lower elevation. Remember you will struggle breathing. That is just what to expect. Take it super slow, just real slow and steady, and don’t try to push yourself too hard, alright?

Now, for most of the hike, the trail isn’t too steep, and the views around you are really, truly amazing. You will pass through the beautiful landscapes, and see local people who live in small villages. You will likely also see a lot of llamas and alpacas, alright. Pause for a minute to catch your breath and just take it all in. It’s an incredibly special place. Now, toward the end, there’s usually a pretty steep climb up to the Rainbow Mountain viewpoint. This is arguably the most difficult part, is that ok? But believe me, it’s worth it once you reach the top.

Keep in mind that you do have options to make the hike a tiny bit easier, such as renting a horse for at least part of the way. It might be a really solid option if you’re concerned about the altitude or, too, if you aren’t really a super experienced hiker. You’ll still need to hike the last part though, but you can potentially save a lot of energy by riding a horse for the initial climb, very important point to remember!

Rainbow Mountain: Is It Actually Like The Pictures?

I think you might be asking yourself, does Rainbow Mountain really look like those crazy colorful photos you see online, or not? Well, it’s a great question, because, to be honest, sometimes pictures are heavily edited. But let me tell you, Rainbow Mountain is gorgeous, you know? The colors are certainly real. But it really is also dependent on the weather and the time of day. On a sunny day, the colors are vibrant and super clear, from the deep reds and oranges to the softer yellows and greens, you see?

When its cloudy, well then colors won’t seem nearly as intense. I suggest watching a very accurate weather forecast. Something to really know before booking your trip. But don’t let that discourage you at all. The views, I really, really promise you, are still very awesome. You’re up high in the Andes, right? The sheer scale of the landscape is amazing, rain or shine. Now, at the top, you’ll have some time to take pictures and explore the area. There are also local vendors selling souvenirs and drinks. Also, one little warning. This area is almost always super crowded, so you have to be prepared to share the space with many other people.

The Red Valley: Another Great Landscape

Most tours to Rainbow Mountain also include a visit to the Red Valley, which, really, is something you really, really shouldn’t miss at all. After you take in Rainbow Mountain, your group will go over to the Red Valley. The views here are very, very unique, in a different way compared to Rainbow Mountain. The landscape here is like entirely red, which has occurred due to the high iron oxide content in the soil. The hike through the Red Valley is usually pretty easy, that ok?, a lot less difficult compared to Rainbow Mountain. Also, there are normally fewer people around, which provides a more peaceful and private experience.

Taking a stroll through this otherworldly landscape really feels a little bit like walking on Mars. Very important: remember to bring your camera, right? It’s impossible to take bad photos in the Red Valley, almost, just due to the insane scenery. As a matter of fact, It’s also a really solid place to just pause, breathe, and just completely enjoy the peace and beauty of the Andes Mountains.

Altitude Sickness: Preparing for the Height

Alright, so, altitude sickness is really something you have to worry about here, it is a legit concern when you’re visiting Rainbow Mountain. The altitude is crazy high, as was mentioned. The air has very little oxygen, you know? This can lead to headaches, shortness of breath, nausea, and exhaustion. So you might think, what could one actually do? Well, I have a lot of ideas. Acclimatizing to the altitude before doing the hike is always a good thing, maybe planning to spend a few days in Cusco (which sits at 3,400 meters, or 11,152 feet) before your trip.

Drinking plenty of water, it can certainly help. Staying properly hydrated will do you some good, at any rate. Now, avoid drinking alcohol and eating a large meal before the hike is advisable, ok? Consider chewing coca leaves or drinking coca tea. And I really do think this actually helps a little. And talk with your doctor, too, regarding medications like acetazolamide (Diamox) that will, perhaps, prevent altitude sickness. Most important: listen closely to your body. Don’t try to push yourself too far, and take breaks any time that you’re feeling dizzy or exhausted, that alright?

What To Actually Pack for Your Trip

So, you might ask yourself, what do you actually need to take with you on a full-day trip to Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley? So, knowing what to pack can have a massive influence, and makes a difference, ok?, in your experience. Now, here are some ideas for what I consider to be the super important items:

Layers of Warm Clothing: In the mountains, the weather can change very fast. Be sure you’ve got thermal underwear, a fleece jacket, and a waterproof jacket, got it?
Hiking Boots: Solid hiking boots will supply you with some support and traction on the trail. Do you want something super durable and broken in before you go, alright?
A Daypack: This would come in very handy in helping you bring all of your essentials, right? It’s perfect for hauling water, snacks, and extra layers.
Water and Snacks: Bring a lot of water to remain properly hydrated. Also bring energy bars, nuts, and fruit so that you will stay energized.
Sunscreen and a Hat: The sun at this elevation can certainly be extremely strong. It can damage the skin, which I want you to prevent at all costs! You want to protect your face and your skin.
Sunglasses: Sunglasses, too, can protect your eyes, you want to remember these.
Coca Leaves or Coca Tea: I do still think it’s pretty helpful, coca will assist with altitude sickness.
Cash: Small bills come in handy if you intend to get souvenirs or make use of the restrooms at the trailhead.
A Camera: Trust me, you will certainly want to document the amazing views.

Is The Full-Day Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley Excursion Actually Worth It?

Is the journey to Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley actually worth the trouble? I believe, without any doubt, that it’s an awesome experience. Despite the tough hike and the early wake-up call, seeing the unbelievable landscapes of Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley, arguably, something that can’t be compared. In case you’re an outdoorsy individual and, that, like you like amazing views, then, really, really do I recommend taking this excursion, right?

One suggestion. Get yourself ready for a physically difficult journey, be sure you pack appropriately, and consider strategies for coping with altitude sickness, and that alright? You’ll have memories of one of the more impressive places you’ve actually ever been. I promise, this trip provides an opportunity to see the Andes’ beauty. This really shows Peru’s natural beauty at its greatest level. You’re getting both an adventure and a unique cultural experience that you simply will not have anywhere else at all!