Rainbow Mountain, Peru: Ride a Horse, Not an Ambulance

Rainbow Mountain, Peru — A Scenic Struggle at 5,000 Meters

I love wild landscapes - especially when I don’t have to share them with 500 tourists. And yes, I hate getting out of the car above 3,500 meters. But some places are worth the altitude struggle. Like Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca). Here’s how to do it with minimal effort and maximum reward.

When to Go and How to Avoid the Tourist Flood

Tour buses drop people off early in the morning. But by 3 p.m., the mountain clears out. I turned off the highway around noon - perfect timing. If you don’t want to deal with minibus chaos on narrow switchbacks, get there early and on your own terms.

Hike or Horse? Choose Wisely at 5,000 Meters

Let’s be clear: 5,000 meters is brutal. After a few steps, your lungs are screaming and your brain wants oxygen tanks. The trail takes a couple of hours on foot - or you can ride a horse. Problem solved? Not quite. This is Latin America, my friends.

At a random checkpoint below the summit, your guides might say: “Get off. It’s dangerous from here.” “Qué carajo?” I reply in my finest Spanish. Turns out there’s a sheriff at the viewpoint handing out $10 fines to any horse that dares cross the final ridge. Environmental protection, thin air - take your pick. No horses were harmed on our trip, but I walked the last bit.

Learn Spanish — Seriously

While launching my drone, sheriffs showed up immediately. Apparently, there’s a fine for that too.

Moral of the story? In Latin America, speaking Spanish expands your options - and reduces your fines.

Enjoy the Views and the Chaos

Latin America is always a bit of an adventure - rules shift mid-game, but the scenery makes it all worth it.