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◦ Horse Riding to the Rainbow Mountain
Departing from Cusco at 3 am, we began a three-hour journey to the Rainbow Mountain, which is located 140 kilometers away. This mountain, known as Rainbow Mountain, has gained popularity in recent years, particularly on Instagram. It is formed by the deposition of colorful gravel and rocks.
Upon arrival, visitors can choose between horseback riding or hiking. Having not been in close proximity to horses since completing an equestrian course three years ago, I decided to go for horseback riding up the mountain.
During the journey, the unusual sedimentary gravel rocks and the breathtaking scenery made an unforgettable impression on me. On one side, alpacas strolled leisurely across the green fields, while on the other side, a blanket of white snow extended as far as the eye could see.
◦ Dealing with Altitude Sickness
The entire journey proceeded relatively smoothly, with only the final steep slope requiring walking. At the base of the mountain, some tourists chose to take a break. While most visitors had adapted to the 3400-meter altitude in Cusco, a few experienced altitude sickness upon reaching the 5000-meter-high mountain. In such instances, the recommended approach is to slow down and chew coca leaves. Thankfully, I didn't experience altitude sickness, which is the greatest blessing of this adventure.