Afternoon Tour vs Morning Tour of Rainbow Mountain: Which Is Better?

Did you know that, besides the classic tours that start at dawn, there are options that begin at midday or even later? In this article, we’ll focus on one of Cusco’s top attractions: the Rainbow Mountain of Vinicunca. You can choose to visit in the morning or the afternoon—it’s entirely up to you!

Afternoon Tour of Rainbow Mountain: What to Expect

These are some of the things that traveling in the afternoon offers you:

Stunning Colors Under the Afternoon Light

If you choose to visit Vinicunca in the afternoon, you’ll have the unique opportunity to see Rainbow Mountain illuminated by the warm, soft light of the afternoon. The light conditions change throughout the day, and this light can enhance or soften the colors of the mountain. Compared to the morning tour, this tour offers a distinctive and appealing visual experience.

Fewer Crowds

Rainbow Mountain, being a highly popular tour, receives over 2,000 visitors daily. One of the main advantages of the afternoon tour is the reduced number of tourists, as many return for lunch around noon. Although the Vinicunca tour typically takes place in the early morning, the atmosphere in the mountain is usually more serene in the afternoon.

Advantages of Rainbow Mountain Afternoon tour

Keep the following information in mind before you decide:

Temperatures

It’s important to note that temperatures in the afternoon are generally warmer compared to the morning tour. This warmer temperature can have significant advantages, allowing for a more comfortable and pleasant hike, though the sun may make it slightly more exhausting.

More Time to Enjoy the Scenery on the Afternoon Tour

Choosing the afternoon tour allows you to make the most of your time at Rainbow Mountain. You’ll have more time to explore and enjoy the surroundings without the pressure of tight schedules. Unlike the morning tour, where most visitors return for lunch, the afternoon tour allows you to reach the mountain after having lunch, giving you more time to enjoy the landscape and take it all in at a relaxed pace.

Disadvantages of the Afternoon Tour

These are some of the disadvantages you could have:

Possible Weather Changes

When opting for the afternoon tour, it’s important to consider some drawbacks, such as potential unexpected weather changes. Especially during the rainy season and occasionally during dry seasons, weather conditions can vary, which might affect your visibility and experience at Rainbow Mountain.

Less Light for Photography

As sunset approaches, sunlight may decrease, which could make photography more challenging. Reduced light can affect the quality of your images, so it’s advisable to plan ahead and make the most of the available light during the tour.

Morning Tour of Rainbow Mountain: What to Expect

Tours that start in the morning are a classic and here we explain why:

Early Light for Photography

If you choose the morning tour, you’ll have the unique opportunity to capture Rainbow Mountain with the fresh morning light. The early sunlight can provide stunning contrast that highlights the mountain’s colors, allowing you to take unique and visually striking photographs.

Cooler Temperatures for Hiking

Generally, mornings are quite cold but refreshing, which can be an advantage for those who want to avoid the intense heat of the day and prefer cooler temperatures during the hike. In some cases, the cooler temperatures can make the experience more comfortable and enjoyable.

Benefits of an Early Start

Starting the tour early gives you a slight advantage of arriving at Vinicunca before most tourists, helping you avoid crowds. Although you won’t be completely alone on Rainbow Mountain, you will encounter fewer tourists compared to later in the day.

Less Waiting Time

By starting early, you can avoid long waits on the road or at popular viewpoints. This results in a smoother and more enjoyable experience during your trip, minimizing unnecessary delays and maximizing your time to explore and enjoy the scenery.

Disadvantages of the Morning Tour

Some of the disadvantages of this type of tour are the following:

Early Wake-Up

Most morning tours, such as the one to Rainbow Mountain, require an early wake-up. This schedule may not be ideal for everyone, as it can be exhausting and inconvenient for some tourists.

Cold Temperatures

Mornings are typically quite cold, which might be uncomfortable for those not accustomed to low temperatures.

Higher Number of Tourists

Despite starting early, morning tours are usually more crowded and in demand. This means that even in the early hours, you’ll encounter a significant number of tourists during and after your hike, which may detract from the tranquility of the experience.

Consider Your Preferences

Choosing between the morning tour and afternoon tour should be based on your personal preferences. If you prefer quieter environments and warmer temperatures, the afternoon tour might be the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy cooler weather and the beauty of the rising sun illuminating the landscape, the morning tour could be the best option for you. Evaluate your priorities to select the experience that best matches your desires and needs.

Which Is Better? Rainbow Mountain in the Afternoon or Rainbow Mountain in the Morning Tour?

Both the morning and afternoon tours to Rainbow Mountain have their advantages. The morning tour offers clearer skies, better lighting for photos, and lower chances of rain, but it can be extremely cold and more crowded. The afternoon tour provides a quieter experience with fewer tourists and warmer temperatures, though clouds or rain are more likely. If you prioritize clear skies and exelent colors, the morning is ideal. If you prefer fewer crowds and a more relaxed visit, the afternoon tour is a great choice. Either way, Rainbow Mountain is a breathtaking destination at any time of day!

Considerations When Choosing Either Tour

When it comes to your adventure you could take into account the following considerations:

Photography Needs

If you’re looking for high contrast and vibrant colors, the morning tour may be more suitable, as the early sunlight enhances the mountain’s colors. However, if you prefer softer colors and a different aesthetic, the afternoon tour offers warm, unique lighting for your photos.

Crowd Levels

Generally, the afternoon tour tends to have fewer crowds, providing a more peaceful and less crowded experience. If you’re seeking tranquility and time to enjoy the scenery without large groups of tourists and tight schedules, the afternoon tour is your best option.

Temperature Comfort

Consider your personal preferences regarding the weather. If you prefer cooler temperatures during your hike, the morning tour will be more suitable. Conversely, if you are more comfortable with warmer temperatures, the afternoon tour may be the better choice.

Additional Time

The afternoon tour offers more time to enjoy the landscape and explore at your own pace without the pressure of tight schedules. This allows you to relax and experience the surroundings at a leisurely pace, compared to the often rushed nature of morning tours.

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