Rainbow Mountain or Humantay Lake: 5 Essential Tips Before You Go

1. Acclimatization and altitude sickness

Both destinations sit above 4,000 meters (13,000 ft), with Rainbow Mountain reaching 5,200 m (17,060 ft) and Humantay Lake at 4,200 m (13,780 ft). Altitude sickness (soroche) is real and can seriously affect your experience. It is essential to acclimatize in Cusco for at least two full days before attempting either hike. To prevent altitude sickness, you can:

• Drink coca tea or chew coca leaves, a traditional Andean remedy.
• Bring altitude sickness tablets such as "Sorojchi Pills" — available in any Cusco pharmacy.
• Use Agua de Florida, inhaling it during moments of dizziness or fatigue on the trail.
• Eat light meals the night before and drink plenty of water.

2. Appropriate clothing and footwear

The weather in the highlands is famously unpredictable — you can have sun, rain, hail, and wind within a single hour. Dressing properly makes the difference between a magical hike and a miserable one:

• Thermal base layer and a windproof waterproof jacket.
• Gloves and a warm hat — mornings can drop below freezing.
• Trekking shoes with good grip — trails are rocky and often muddy.
• Wear layers you can remove as the day warms up.

3. Hydration and snacks

Hydration matters more at altitude than at sea level. Bring:

• At least 1.5 to 2 liters of water per person for the hike.
• Fruit, nuts, and energy bars to keep your blood sugar stable.
• Avoid heavy meals right before starting the trek.

4. Sun protection

Even when the sky looks cloudy, solar radiation at these altitudes is brutally intense — sunburns happen fast and severely. Don't skip:

• High-SPF sunscreen, applied before starting and reapplied during the hike.
• UV-protection sunglasses.
• A wide-brim hat or cap to protect your face, ears, and neck.
• Lip balm with SPF — lips crack quickly at altitude.

5. Ascent options: horses, motorcycles, and ATVs

If you prefer to avoid the full uphill hike, there are alternatives to make the ascent easier — perfect for older travelers, families, or anyone struggling with altitude:

• At Humantay Lake: you can ride a horse up to a certain point along the trail.
• At Rainbow Mountain: options include horses, motorcycles, and ATVs.

Important: in both cases, transportation only covers part of the route. The final section must always be done on foot, no exceptions.