Rainbow Mountain Tour: Is the Breakfast & Lunch Worth it?

So, you are thinking about taking a Rainbow Mountain tour from Cusco, right? Very likely the photos have completely captivated you, right? And of course you saw that most, if not all, the tours mention that they include both breakfast and lunch. This leads to an understandable question: are those meals worth considering as you pick your tour company? As somebody who has, in fact, experienced this rather striking and challenging trip, let me give you the real lowdown on what to reasonably anticipate when it boils down to food provided during the adventure. I will touch on the quality, the quantity, and the general experience, and honestly tell you what I thought of it.

The Early Bird Gets the…Breakfast? What to Expect

Most Rainbow Mountain tours begin super early, typically around 3 or 4 AM, basically to beat the crowds, you know? And too, it gets you to the mountain, still, before the weather seriously turns, right? Since that’s before sunrise early, it means the breakfast part of the tour is extremely significant. I found that tour operators tend to aim for simple, but also nourishing, options when it comes to the first meal of the day.

I’d say you are likely to find something like bread rolls — pretty standard in Peru — along with some jam, too it’s usually locally made, right? As well as that, expect a hot beverage, might be coca tea — honestly amazing at altitude — or maybe just classic coffee. Honestly don’t anticipate a fancy omelet station or something! It’s more of a quick, something to tide you over while en route to the main destination. Some tours very possibly do throw in some fruit or cookies. Think of it, perhaps, as something that will definitely keep your stomach from grumbling as you make your way up those mountain trails.

Personally, I discovered that while breakfast probably won’t be the highlight of your entire Peru experience, the warm drinks were pretty welcome given that pre-dawn chill! So, it’s almost a great way to get the blood pumping, alright?

Lunchtime: Refueling After the Rainbow

By the time you descend from Rainbow Mountain, you are apt to have exerted some real physical energy, very possibly feeling like you truly accomplished something kind of amazing, alright? Then, lunch is seriously a very welcome sight. Now, lunch locations are frequently in a village or a restaurant stop somewhere on the way back to Cusco.

I noted that meals leaned really hard on providing carbohydrates, might be to replace those energy stores! I typically saw dishes such as rice, potatoes (big in Peru, you know?), as well as some kind of meat, right? Like chicken or maybe beef. Veggie options sometimes exist. That all depends on the tour company and, honestly, you really might need to double-check that whenever you make your reservation, right? Soup usually makes an appearance. It is seriously satisfying following those high altitude treks.

Flavorwise? Now, don’t anticipate Michelin-star levels! Remember that you’re probably in a rather remote area. They really strive for home-style meals. I found that the food genuinely hit the spot after hiking. It’s always pretty satisfying to sit down with other folks who underwent similar challenges, as well. You’re very likely sharing travel stories. To me it’s the thing of camaraderie really added to the experience!

Considering Dietary Needs and Preferences

Now, if you’re someone who has particular dietary requests – such as you are a vegetarian, are gluten-free, or honestly, if you simply have some food restrictions because of allergies – it’s rather important that you communicate this while booking the tour, right? I’ve learned a great deal about how smaller local operators sometimes, too, lack similar flexibility which a bigger, much more international organization possesses. When booking, it would possibly be best to really verify, check again, and confirm one last time. This makes your requirements totally clear.

And too, it never hurts when packing a few snack items of your own! These tend to be protein bars, dried fruit, or some trail mix? If perhaps you get peckish in between meals, this really can be beneficial. I discovered on one of my excursions in the Andes that I was happy I’d carried those supplemental things. It’s something that could bring about a difference during long outings with limited meal opportunities.

Is it Worth It? Weighing Food Against Tour Costs

Now, so you may ask: Do those meals cause the overall tour costs to go up significantly? Should I even regard those meals being a feature when picking my operator? After considering my experiences I believe most often, food provides a solid added value and honestly don’t inflate costs considerably.

Think of what exactly goes inside those costs: transportation as well as entrance fees. You will pay for a bilingual guide plus meals, right? Now those breakfasts and lunches will most likely be practical and won’t really reach gourmet standard, alright? Having them already prepared tends to make logistical sense overall — primarily once you think about locations. Getting decent meals up there is actually not as simple as finding restaurants around, let’s say, Cusco!

Also you are supporting some communities while these tour services employ local restaurants — therefore there may exist indirect economical advantages in these inclusive meal choices which extends far beyond just individual tastes.

Here are some bullet points to bear in mind:

• Breakfast: Typically simple. Warm beverages might honestly prove to be a real treat.
• Lunch: Refueling by way of some local-style staples which are carb-heavy – suitable following demanding treks
• Dietary limitations: Notify in advance! Check! Double check! Never believe anything to a T, honestly! It always helps to pack snacks.
• Added value: Meals tend not to hike expenses greatly, and really incorporate some practical as well as community benefits!