Cusco Rainbow Mountain & Humantay Lake: Detailed 2-Day Tour Review

Dreaming of those striking photos you have come across, those that show Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake? You know, like your entire social media feed has come to be filled with them lately? Well, it may be that you, too, have thought about seeing these oh-so-picturesque locations in person. Like, taking a two-day trip from Cusco? I went for it, and now, very, I mean, very I am here, so to say, with the details on whether or not this trip is that dream come true that is painted for you on those perfect images.

Why Do the 2-Day Tour?

I pondered a lot about doing it that way, like just going to Rainbow Mountain or Humantay Lake as single-day excursions. Still, the deciding point very much was that altitude, so to speak, really. Cusco is already rather up there, yet Rainbow Mountain is noticeably even higher. Humantay Lake isn’t really too bad, like it’s lower than Cusco. The idea is that spending two days and one night, like around that altitude, allows your body just a little to sort of adapt before hitting the tougher hike on day two. Doing them together, is that it might be, can also be a really great way to just get both places checked off your list efficiently. Because, in a way, who has all that unlimited vacation time, basically? This seemed, more or less, to potentially be the best of all scenarios.

Day 1: Humantay Lake’s Serene Beauty

Like, we started our first day super early, and as a matter of fact that is at around 4:00 AM, because obviously everyone wants to beat the crowds. So, the drive to Soraypampa, where the hike starts, is that it’s pretty long, about three hours or maybe so. Most of that part, for me anyway, like ended up as nap time. So, once there, after breakfast, like we started the climb. Arguably, the hike up to Humantay Lake can be challenging due to the altitude. The views are totally worth the effort, but if you think you might have trouble with that, maybe consider renting a horse for a portion of the trek. That bright turquoise water, that it is sitting beneath the glacier-capped mountains, it really, you know, does create the type of scenic landscape everyone raves about. I very, very spent some time just taking pictures and basically soaking it all in. After hiking back down, we actually had lunch and drove to our overnight location close to Rainbow Mountain.

Day 2: Conquering Rainbow Mountain

So, Day 2 starts even earlier; 3:00 AM this time! Still, the goal is always, obviously, like to get to Rainbow Mountain before everyone else. After an extremely early breakfast, the drive is rather just a little bit to the trailhead. Right away, I can confirm, that this hike is more difficult than Humantay Lake, mostly because, to be honest, you are much higher up. This is something that they don’t tell you very, very frankly. Anyway, like it’s about a 3-hour hike (roundtrip) with a good portion of it pretty steep. Like I highly, and very I mean, highly recommend acclimatizing in Cusco for at least two days before this tour. When you finally, at last, like reach the top and see that view…oh my! Like those vibrant stripes of color are absolutely something else, and, just a little, it’s just completely gorgeous in person. Take pictures, have a rest, and enjoy the surreal vista. After this, like the hike down felt much, and really I mean much faster. It might be, so to say, due to knowing that the hardest part has already gone!

Choosing the right tour operator, arguably

Not every tour is created equal. So, shop around and actually compare what is included. This tour operator is not just someone selling this tour to Rainbow Mountain or Humantay lake for the cheapest, like very seriously look at those things! Very, in short, I was wanting a very tiny group. Also, I was definitely hoping to find one where there would, arguably, be oxygen available should I be finding I am having issues with the altitude. Check to see that meals, and just a little entrance fees, is that they’re actually included. Read all of the reviews, like especially look out for mentions of how the guides handle altitude sickness and how knowledgeable the guides happen to be.

Tips to Make the Most of Your Trip, as a matter of fact

Acclimatize: Actually, that means spending at least 2-3 days in Cusco before, you know, going on the tour to sort of get your body used to the elevation, seemingly.
Pack Smart: Layers are totally key. So, bring warm clothes (it’s cold up there!), hiking boots, gloves, a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Do not, seriously, even very don’t even forget the rain gear!
Altitude Sickness Prevention: You might be wanting to talk to your doctor, could be, about altitude sickness pills. Drink a crazy amount of water, and take it extremely slowly. The coca tea is, I would say, also very, very great, so to speak.
Snacks and Water: It seems that you should Bring lots of snacks that will give you a nice and real burst of energy, and refillable water bottle.
Cash: It is seemingly a good idea that you have small bills for restrooms or the potential for souvenirs from people along the trail.
Camera: That, arguably, goes without actually ever needing me to mention it, I would assume. This area is stunning. As I was saying, you’re going to want tons and tons of shots, totally.

Is the 2-Day Tour Worth It? basically

Absolutely, totally, and absolutely positively. Both Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain is that they are some stunning sights to behold. Very, I would say that I felt pretty well looked after during the trip. Because of the altitude, of course the hikes are a little on the rougher side. That is not saying they are unmanageable. Being able to, basically, acclimatize a little overnight I found very useful, like especially, maybe, given I live closer to sea level. Those views alone make this very much worthy of the expense and the time and every bit of physical challenge. This might just be a great way, too, like to see two things from your bucket list in just one trip, you know?

As a matter of fact, Key things I learned:

Acclimatization is, maybe, actually super important. Be sure, in that case, you allocate enough time in Cusco beforehand.
The right tour, I’ve realized, is crucial for having an, what I would call, enjoyable and absolutely completely safe adventure.
Those views…those views are totally, honestly, epic, actually, literally!

#RainbowMountain #HumantayLake #Cusco #Peru #TravelReview #AdventureTravel