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Machu Picchu and Rainbow mountains were the grand finale of the trip and deserve the fame they have. I place this article in the KO/OK category because it recounts two moments that I believe remain indelibly in the memory of anyone who experiences them.
For once I am highlighting the most mundane of photos taken while traveling: from the back.
The place that has always been the most popular in Peru for years is undoubtedly the site of Machu Picchu; it certainly deserves it. It is also one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. One imagines it would be difficult to get to, but now it is quite easy.
But, discovered more recently the Rainbow Mountains are just as unforgettable and more strenuous to reach.
The Machu Picchu
As with other Inca ruins, the origins of the site are mysterious. According to one theory, it was unexplored and thus came to us in good condition precisely because being inaccessible and hidden by forest, the conquistadors did not get there.
In this regard I mention this link, which is on the site with which I collaborate.
Some get there via a trek, otherwise there is an easy forest trail that we did on the way back; most get there via bus from nearby Aguas Calientes. This is the classic support town, all bars, restaurants and hotels; to get there you take a train ride with a transparent ceiling.
Entrance to the site, and the various means of getting there, is to be booked in advance; there are a lot of crowds. The only way to better enjoy the site is to get there first; we woke up late at night and stood waiting for the shuttle when it was still pitch dark. It deserves to see it before it fills up, without the hassle of various selfies and groups having to take a thousand shots in every pose. The site is also beautiful because of what is around it.
In front of the remains of the city there is a mountain on which few climb because you get there by a very challenging, dangerous and narrow path, so much so that if you meet someone in the opposite direction it is big trouble. More feasible is the climb to the top of the mountain where the buildings are, although actually, especially for the descent, it is grueling because with steps often of very different heights and you have to watch where and how you put your feet. The altitude is not felt since Machu Picchu is only at 2400 meters.
The Rainbow mountains
Definitely more challenging are the Rainbow Mountains.
There is an hour-long walk to get there, not too steep, but a full 5200 meters. I got there.
On the way there are several people ready to assist tourists, with oxygen tanks or mules and horses on which to climb. I slowly succeeded on my own, the difficulties of the previous days were overcome, and arrived at the top I felt great satisfaction, also because many younger than me had to stop or get help.
Also called the Colored Mountains, Vinicunca is simply amazing, and when you’re up there it doesn’t seem real. The colors depend on the superposition of minerals that occurred over millions of years. It is a new attraction, since until 2015 they were unknown. In fact, the colors were hidden under a layer of snow and ice that, due (unfortunately) to climate change, has melted. The spectacle within the spectacle is the landscape all around; a parade of even higher mountains, those yes, still whitewashed.
In conclusion, between Machu Picchu and Rainbow mountains, which is the best experience? For me, the second one!
Home trip Travel to Peru: going to the Andes
Previous stop Stupid death (for a selfie), perhaps in the Maras Salt Flats
Trips taken, travel stories divided by continent
Countries visited in my travel stories
Anecdotes, divided by type in travel narratives
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