Late Start Rainbow Mountain Tour: Review
Okay, so you’re thinking about visiting Rainbow Mountain in Peru, that pretty, striped peak that’s all over social media, right? It looks like it might be super worth it, too, but you are not thrilled about the super early wake-up call of the usual tours. That sounds absolutely awful. Well, it’s almost like there’s an answer: the 08 am Departure Rainbow Mountain tour, pitched as a “late morning” option. Is that really a better plan? Does it save you from the crowds? Or is it sacrificing something important in the experience? Let’s take a look at it.
What’s the 08am Departure Rainbow Mountain Tour All About?
Basically, this tour option attempts to offer a gentler start to what could otherwise be a pretty brutal day. The standard Rainbow Mountain tours usually require you to get up super, super early—we’re talking 3 am or 4 am to get going. Very, very early indeed. The appeal of the 8 am departure is obvious: more sleep. You might actually feel fairly functional when you start your day. It might seem really, really attractive if you’re not exactly a morning person or just value getting some rest on your vacation. Also, this “late morning” departure hopes to skip at least part of the massive crowds that usually build up during peak times on the mountain. Does it work, though? Let’s look closer.
What the Itinerary Looks Like
You are looking at a more leisurely beginning, in some respects. Pickup from your Cusco hotel would probably happen around 8 am, skipping that pre-dawn craziness that’s really characteristic of the usual tours. This could already feel like a win. Anyway, after pickup, expect a drive. A rather lengthy drive, about three hours, towards the trailhead. Just a bit long. That drive often includes a stop for breakfast in a town. From the trailhead, you start your hike. It’s often around a two to three-hour hike to the summit, depending, obviously, on your fitness level and how well you adjust to the altitude. So take that into consideration. Spending time at the summit is next for viewing the Rainbow Mountain and its landscapes. That, usually, is limited to about an hour, because it needs to be, due to weather conditions and just timing everything else. Afterward, you are hiking back down to the trailhead, then grabbing lunch before the long ride back to Cusco, where you’re possibly going to arrive in the early evening. That sounds exhausting, to be honest.
The Potential Benefits: Sleep and Maybe Fewer Crowds
Let’s explore those perks a bit. More sleep really does sound amazing, especially when you’re on vacation, right? Let’s get into the crowds situation. The biggest problem with Rainbow Mountain is its own popularity. Early morning tours, even though they require waking up so darn early, get there ahead of all of the other tours. Theoretically, anyway. By starting later, the hope is that you would miss the peak of the crowd. Possibly, but it could really depend on the day, what time of year it is, and just pure luck. A lot of people like going there at all times, you know? If you go super late, the weather conditions might be shifting on you, and I’m saying that from personal experience. I’m betting that most times this late tour is going to coincide with those folks who maybe slept in just a bit on the standard tour, but probably won’t be empty. Keep that in the back of your mind. Early arrival often gets better lighting for photos too, without all that midday sun. That should be a major consideration if your focus is to take photos for memories. Maybe the late departure isn’t the best idea.
Potential Downsides: Weather and the Risk of More People
There could be downsides, for sure. The weather in the mountains may get very, very unpredictable. Early mornings tend to be clearer, providing clearer views and safer hiking conditions. Later in the day, clouds may roll in, obscuring the colors of the mountain and even bringing rain or snow, which would really make the hike much tougher and way less visually interesting. So think about that. Then there’s the crowd issue: If the “late morning” tour basically arrives right when all the early tours are at their peak, you might encounter even more people. So it seems rather obvious to arrive earlier.
Altitude: No Matter When You Go, It’s a Challenge
Okay, regardless of when you decide to start, altitude sickness is a genuine problem. Rainbow Mountain sits at an elevation of approximately 17,060 feet (5,200 meters). I hope you know that! That is extremely high, and many folks will really feel the effects, even if they have already spent some time in Cusco (which sits at a rather high elevation itself). Common symptoms include headaches, shortness of breath, dizziness, and fatigue. The hike itself is physically hard due to the elevation, regardless of what time you set off. Consider getting acclimatized for at least a couple of days in Cusco prior to your tour and talking with your doctor about medications such as acetazolamide that might possibly help prevent altitude sickness. So think of that too. The most important tip is just taking it slowly during your hike; there’s no shame in stopping to catch your breath.
What to Pack
Packing correctly may totally help improve your experience on Rainbow Mountain. So it’s rather simple, layers, layers, layers. Seriously! The temperature can really swing wildly, so bring moisture-wicking base layers, a fleece or insulated jacket, and a waterproof outer layer. Next is sturdy hiking boots are an absolute must, just to provide ankle support and traction on the uneven terrain. Next is the hat and sunglasses: The sun at high altitude is super intense. Protecting your head, eyes, and skin is rather important. Apply sunscreen, lip balm, and also wear sunglasses. Finally, remember water and snacks: Keeping hydrated and having some quick energy snacks may actually make a difference during the hike. Small backpack will just store all that for easy access, which makes a difference.
Is the 08am Departure Rainbow Mountain Tour Right for You?
Well, that really kind of depends on what you actually want from the experience. Are you the type of person who values sleep over almost everything? Are you gambling on lucking out with fewer crowds and tolerable weather? The “late morning” tour might sound somewhat tempting. So keep an open mind. But if your major goal involves getting great photos with optimal lighting, or if you are rather concerned about avoiding potential afternoon weather issues, sticking with the traditional early departure is likely still your best choice. Arriving there first still has its benefits. It’s all about your priorities.
Key Considerations:
- Sleep vs. Scenery: Figure out how much you value extra sleep compared to possibly losing clear morning views.
- Crowd Tolerance: How well do you deal with crowds? Might be a factor if the tour is still overcrowded.
- Weather Preparedness: Are you willing to deal with potentially unpredictable weather later in the day?
You are going to love this view for sure! Make sure to plan ahead before departure and learn from all the above pointers.