Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain Tour: Honest 2-Day Review

Thinking about squeezing both Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain into one crazy, two-day adventure? Yeah, that sounds pretty amazing, right? Thing is, packing these huge highlights of Peru into such a quick trip requires, like, a bit of planning. And so, that’s where this review comes in handy. So, I went on that very whirlwind adventure, and here is the full story. So, what went right, what could’ve gone better, and if it’s a trip you may actually love. Basically, hopefully, it will guide you when planning your adventure.

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First Impressions: Setting the Scene

Okay, picture this: You show up in Cusco, which is this rather thrilling city high in the Andes, and already you can feel the thin air kind of messing with your head, in a way, right? So, the tour companies are buzzing around, promising the trips of a lifetime, all that stuff. In that case, picking the right tour becomes super important, which is kind of tricky, too it’s almost like picking what snack you’ll grab after work when you’re on a diet. So, there are budget options, fancy pants ones, ones focusing on speed, others promising an authentic cultural whatever, you name it. Basically, so do a bit of homework before booking. Check reviews, and make sure you know what is included and, too it’s almost more important, what isn’t.

My tour was pitched as mid-range. Like, it wasn’t going to break the bank, yet it suggested, perhaps, comfort and decent service, alright? In that case, the promise? That, as a matter of fact, maximum adventure, with minimal fuss. So, the reality, arguably? Well, get to that soon!

Machu Picchu: A Sunrise Spectacle?

Day one begins super early. Like, really early. So, we’re talking pre-dawn, when Cusco is like, so super quiet. Like, think of it, and as I was saying, after stumbling half-asleep onto a bus, the scenic, crazy winding drive starts towards the Sacred Valley, more or less a gateway to Machu Picchu, and stuff. So, the views start popping out as the sun peeps above the mountains are quite stunning, very. Basically, you, like your eyes, start popping out.

You hop on a train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, the town nestled right at the base of Machu Picchu, too it’s almost like base camp before hitting a gigantic mountain. The train is fairly comfortable and offers amazing scenery. From there, you get on a bus that zig-zags up a mountainside for, like, twenty minutes and stuff, and finally, you are there. The Lost City of the Incas! So, it can be crowded, extremely, which, in a way, might impact that sunrise view, you see, yet seeing those walls emerge from the morning mist is something rather spectacular.

The tour itself through Machu Picchu felt very quick, actually, and stuff. I’m not kidding. So, my guide had a lot of information, like he knew it backwards. And so, he spewed fact after fact about the history and construction of the place. Now, I get that you want to know a lot, yet he hardly stopped. There was barely any time to actually soak things up, take some photos without being hurried on, or, similarly to your dream, have those mindful minutes to really appreciate it. Maybe more of a chance to connect with it.

I kind of opted to break away from the group for a bit. Basically, after that. Basically, and as I was saying, just get a bit of time to, too it’s almost like get blissfully lost in thought amongst the stones. That seemed more up my street, you know?

Rainbow Mountain: Altitude Adjustment Needed

Day two is dedicated to Vinicunca, very famous as Rainbow Mountain, and it, for instance, starts even earlier than day one. Believe it! Thing is, you’re looking at a really long drive to the trailhead, arguably around three hours on some very bumpy roads, and stuff. Also, so that’s a wake-up call in itself!

Now, listen to me, so the hike is gorgeous, though is that tough, especially due to the altitude. You’re hiking above 5,000 meters (over 16,000 feet), too it’s almost like breathing is hard work, and so, every step can feel extremely heavy. I kind of recommend taking it slowly. Seriously. Take deep breaths, and stop as needed, because, very, altitude sickness can genuinely get nasty. Things is, you see people getting sick on the trail, literally! Make sure, so that you have some coca leaves. They might actually give you a little boost!

But so the views, right? Oh, wow! Once you arrive, once you eventually haul yourself to the top and spot that mountain for the first time, you’ll feel really blown away. So, those colorful stripes caused by mineral deposits are, arguably, something to behold. You may find yourself trying to spot the different colours swirling all around you, so, with the glaciers looming behind, this is easily one of those photos you’ll show everyone back home. The views are beautiful. The area can, I’m afraid, be extremely overcrowded and busy. So, basically, be prepared to maybe have to nudge around a little to get a great pic.

You can rent a horse for part of the trip, which many choose, you know? Like if the altitude really gets to them. Then, too it’s almost more important, just be warned, I think they only take you so far. Also, you will, kind of, still need to trek a considerable way to the peak!

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Food and Accommodation: Setting Expectations

So, my mid-range tour included one night of accommodation in Aguas Calientes. And you know, actually, that hotel was okay. Like, nothing flash, yet it had a comfy bed and a hot shower, which, arguably, felt amazing after being on the go all day. So, basically, with the meals, breakfasts were provided in the hotel, and lunches were part of the tour each day.

Thing is, don’t, you know, go dreaming of gourmet food here, very. This, actually, is more of a filling and fueling-the-body type of thing, and so, think hearty, rather straightforward, Peruvian fare. Like, there’ll be soups, rice, chicken… I will not, though, be recommending the buffet-style restaurant that was arranged. Now, while the food may be what you expect, just make sure that you go for food that’s still steaming.

The Good, The Bad, and The Altitude

The “Good” is that you visit two outstanding, arguably unmissable spots, in, you know, just two days, that is so. So, if your time is tight, as a matter of fact, then this kind of blitz tour does the trick, arguably. As I said above, you must see them. Basically.

The “Bad” can actually be a number of factors. It is very rushed. Honestly, the Machu Picchu segment should actually feel more immersive. As a matter of fact, Rainbow Mountain will potentially kill those that don’t appreciate altitude sickness (though it will kill you if you do!), you know?

Finally, talking about the “Altitude,” so this tour isn’t something for, you know, those who are not relatively in pretty good shape. So, if you suffer from heart problems, or if you know, or arguably even think, that you’re prone to altitude sickness, have a quick word with the doctor before planning anything, and stuff. Also, I would try to plan an altitude acclimatisation strategy.

Would I recommend this 2-day Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain tour?

So, in the meantime, here is the million-dollar query. If you only have a short amount of time, so you should probably see them both, arguably. Okay, they will literally race by in a flash. As a matter of fact, if you are really pressed for time, that is arguably alright! Like if you really don’t have the days for individual treks. Also, be mentally prepped for an intense experience, very, really!

Next, pick a company really, very carefully, too. Like you really must go check reviews online, see what’s what and, kind of, ask specific queries about group sizes and, too it’s almost more important, the pacing on the trips, alright?

Things is, so prepare for the altitude. Consider spending some days within Cusco, or in The Sacred Valley. So, to assist in adjusting to altitude slowly. Then, be conscious. Really conscious of your bodily reaction throughout. In a way. So, you are conscious and mindful. Then, you’ll manage, probably okay!

Enjoy, very much! Just get set for one crazy whirlwind of a trip.