This "hike" only 30min from the parking area, is a great option for those who dont want to hike the required 5-6 hours round trip to the Rainbow Mountain.
To compare the two is quite difficult.
Tres Rainbows Hike per the name offers up views of 3 rainbow colored mountains from one view point, and is well worth the travel time and effort to go and see. On a good day you will also get distant views of the Ausangate glacier in the distance. The best part about this option: little hiking required, family friendly, and there are no tourists going here currently!
Both hiking options require a 3 hour drive from Cusco, Peru. Departing early in the morning from Cusco you will arrive to the trail around 7am, and back to Cusco in the afternoon. Both can be done as a day trip.
In the rainy season (November - April) you can also witness a very unique site, the nearby Red River, that flows a vibrant crimson red from the sediments found in the mountains that surround the region! This is something you will only be able to experience in this part of the world.
The Rainbow Mountain Trek has about 500 + tourists per day. The experience is much different as you will physically exert yourself to get the views, BUT this trek offers up the crown jewel of all the painted hills you will ever see! There are also multi day options around this mountain that will get you to the top early in the morning before the day trek crowds, and offers the traveler a night under the stars and the ultimate emersion into high Andes culture and landscapes seen by few.
FlashpackerConnect offers both options so you can choose what suites you best.
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