Finally, here we are in Cusco!... It is not only an interesting city in itself, but can be used as a starting point for a number of remarkable attractions in the surroundings, the most important being the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu. Cusco abounds in historical buildings, museums and local markets with a rustic character.
During our stay in Cusco we did a day trip with a small organized group to the "Rainbow Mountain". The price of these trips varies, I found one quite cheap (23 USD/person, including transportation, 2 very tasty meals, guide) but being cheap, you had to climb the mountain yourself (no quad or horseback transportation included). It was a fantastic experience, despite the bad weather, we managed without additional means of locomotion to reach the 5036 m peak with a difference in level of 400 m. The air was really thin! But we took advantage of the altitude adaptation that we started in Putre (Chile) and continued it on the Bolivian plateau (Antiplano, 3500 m).Read more
Florin PaunThis tea, made from coca leaves, but whose cocaine content is far below the amount that qualifies it as a narcotic substance, is traditionally used by the inhabitants of the Andes against altitude sickness and headaches. It also has a stimulating effect. However, it is forbidden to have coca leaves in your luggage when crossing the border. In my case, it obviously helped me reach the top of the mountain!
Florin PaunAlthough the climb to Vinkunia Peak (5036m) starts at 4600 m, the difference in level being “only” 400 m, the lack of oxygen is clearly felt. Along the route, there are several locals with horses. They help exhausted climbers reach the summit or transport them to the valley if they get (very) sick from the altitude. There is also a parallel route to this one, where locals with motorcycles and quads (another business opportunity!) transport you close to the summit to take your vacation snapshot. It must be said that transportation by horse or motorcycle costs more than the cost of the entire trip (transport from Cusco to the base of the Rainbow Mountains, breakfast and lunch are incuded plus entrance ticket to the national reserve)! :)
January 17, 2025 in Peru ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C
Florin Paun
This tea, made from coca leaves, but whose cocaine content is far below the amount that qualifies it as a narcotic substance, is traditionally used by the inhabitants of the Andes against altitude sickness and headaches. It also has a stimulating effect. However, it is forbidden to have coca leaves in your luggage when crossing the border. In my case, it obviously helped me reach the top of the mountain!
Florin Paun
Although the climb to Vinkunia Peak (5036m) starts at 4600 m, the difference in level being “only” 400 m, the lack of oxygen is clearly felt. Along the route, there are several locals with horses. They help exhausted climbers reach the summit or transport them to the valley if they get (very) sick from the altitude. There is also a parallel route to this one, where locals with motorcycles and quads (another business opportunity!) transport you close to the summit to take your vacation snapshot. It must be said that transportation by horse or motorcycle costs more than the cost of the entire trip (transport from Cusco to the base of the Rainbow Mountains, breakfast and lunch are incuded plus entrance ticket to the national reserve)! :)
Florin Paun
Despite the unfavorable weather (during the descent it even started snowing) we managed to reach the summit without any help!