Explore the stunning natural beauty of Rainbow Mountain on this full-day tour from Cusco. For just $22.90 per person, you’ll enjoy a seamless journey with hotel pickup, knowledgeable guidance, and essential amenities like first aid. Trek 2 km uphill to witness the mountain’s breathtaking vistas, refuel with hearty meals, and return to Cusco by 5 PM. This adventure promises safety, comfort, and an opportunity to learn about one of Peru’s most remarkable natural wonders. What else can you expect from this captivating experience?
Key Points
- Full-day tour from Cusco to the stunning Rainbow Mountain, including hotel pickup, knowledgeable guide, breakfast, and lunch.
- 3-hour van ride to Cusipata for breakfast, followed by a 1-hour drive to the Rainbow Mountain trailhead.
- 1.5-hour uphill hike covering 2 km, with optional hike to the Red Valley.
- Tour includes first aid assistance, oxygen, and entrance fees for Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley.
- Recommendations to pack warm clothing, hiking shoes, and prepare for high altitude and changing weather conditions.
Tour Overview
This full-day tour takes visitors from Cusco to the breathtaking Rainbow Mountain. Priced from $22.90 per person, the tour lasts one day and is available in English and Spanish.
Hotel pickup in the historic center is included, and there’s a designated meeting point for other locations. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour starts between 4:00-4:30 AM, with a 3-hour van ride to Cusipata for breakfast before reaching the Rainbow Mountain trailhead.
The 1.5-hour hike to the mountain offers guided tours and photo stops, with an optional hike to the Red Valley.
Looking for more options in Rainbow Mountain? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Itinerary Highlights
The tour starts between 4:00 AM and 4:30 AM with a 3-hour van ride to Cusipata, where guests enjoy breakfast before continuing the 1-hour drive to the Rainbow Mountain trailhead.
The tour begins with a 3-hour van ride to Cusipata, where guests enjoy breakfast before a 1-hour drive to the Rainbow Mountain trailhead.
The hike to Rainbow Mountain takes approximately 1.5 hours, covering 2 km uphill.
The tour includes:
-
Guided tour and photo stops along the way.
-
Optional hike to the Red Valley for additional scenic views.
-
Lunch in Cusipata before the return trip to Cusco, arriving around 5:00 PM.
Inclusions
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from the historic center, as well as a knowledgeable guide.
Breakfast and lunch are provided, and a walking stick is available for the hike.
First aid assistance and oxygen are on hand in case of any issues.
Entrance fees for Rainbow Mountain and the optional Red Valley hike are covered.
This ensures you can focus on enjoying the stunning views and scenery without worrying about additional costs.
With all the essentials taken care of, you’re free to learn about the natural beauty of this incredible destination.
Recommendations and Precautions
To fully enjoy the tour, it’s recommended to pack warm clothing, sunglasses, a hat, hiking shoes, sunscreen, rain gear, and comfortable clothes.
The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, individuals with mobility impairments, altitude sickness, or low fitness levels. For optimal experience, plan to acclimatize for at least three days before the tour.
Additionally:
-
Dress in layers to account for changing weather conditions throughout the day.
-
Bring water and snacks to stay hydrated and fueled during the hike.
-
Be prepared for crowds, especially during the peak dry season from April to November.
Customer Feedback
Based on over 1,100 reviews, customers have given the full-day tour to Rainbow Mountain an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5.
Travelers praised the knowledgeable guides who ensured their safety and comfort. Many highlighted the stunning views of the colorful mountain and appreciated the well-organized logistics.
However, some suggested arriving earlier to avoid crowds and emphasized the importance of being prepared for the high altitude and cold temperatures.
Pickup and Transportation
As part of the full-day tour, the operator provides pickup from hotels located in Cusco’s historic center. For guests staying elsewhere, there’s a designated meeting point.
The journey begins with a 3-hour van ride to Cusipata, where a breakfast stop is scheduled. After the meal, it’s a 1-hour drive to the Rainbow Mountain trailhead.
The tour includes:
-
Comfortable van transportation throughout the day.
-
Experienced, English-speaking guides to lead the way.
-
Efficient logistics to minimize time spent on the road.
Travelers can expect a smooth and efficient transportation experience as they embark on their adventure to Rainbow Mountain.
Hiking to Rainbow Mountain
After the scenic drive, guests embark on the hike to Rainbow Mountain.
The trail is approximately 2 km long and gains 400 meters in elevation over 1.5 hours. The ascent is gradual, with a few steeper sections. Trekking poles are provided to assist hikers.
Along the way, guides share insights about the region’s geology and indigenous culture. Breathtaking views of the Andes mountains unfold as guests climb higher.
Upon reaching the summit, they’re rewarded with the stunning multicolored stripes of Rainbow Mountain. An optional hike to the nearby Red Valley offers additional scenic delights.
Dining and Return to Cusco
Following the hike, guests enjoy a well-deserved lunch in Cusipata. The tour includes a hearty meal to refuel after the challenging trek.
Upon finishing lunch, the group boards the van for the return journey to Cusco. The drive back showcases the stunning Andean landscape once more.
Travelers can expect to arrive in Cusco around 5:00 PM.
The tour provides:
-
Relaxing lunch in Cusipata
-
Comfortable transportation back to Cusco
-
Arrival in Cusco around 5:00 PM
This convenient return trip ensures guests maximize their time exploring the Rainbow Mountain region before heading back to their accommodations in Cusco.
Things To Know
Can We Stop at Any Souvenir Shops During the Tour?
The tour does not include any stops at souvenir shops. The itinerary focuses on the hike to Rainbow Mountain and visiting the scenic viewpoints. There may not be time for shopping during this full-day excursion.
Is It Possible to Upgrade the Tour Package?
Yes, it’s possible to upgrade the tour package. Travelers can add optional activities like hiking to the Red Valley for additional scenic views or exploring nearby archaeological sites. These upgrades are available for an additional fee.
Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement for the Tour?
The tour doesn’t have a minimum group size requirement. Travelers can book the tour independently, and it’ll run as scheduled regardless of the number of participants. The tour operates on a daily basis, making it flexible for individual bookings.
Can We Request a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?
Yes, you can request a private tour instead of a group tour. Private tours are available for an additional fee and allow you to customize the itinerary to your preferences.
Is It Possible to Customize the Itinerary to Fit Our Needs?
Yes, the tour can be customized to fit your needs. You can request a private tour with a personalized itinerary that adjusts the start time, hiking pace, and additional stops to suit your preferences.
Sum Up
This full-day tour to Rainbow Mountain from Cusco offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the breathtaking natural beauty of this renowned landmark. With hassle-free transportation, knowledgeable guides, and essential safety measures, the tour ensures a seamless and comfortable experience for adventurous travelers. Visitors can look forward to a delightful dining experience and the chance to enjoy the stunning landscapes of this iconic Peruvian destination.
You can check availability for your dates here: