Exploring the majestic Rainbow Mountain is a must-do activity for visitors to Cusco. This one-day excursion from the historic city whisks adventurers away to witness the vibrant, multicolored landscape of the Andes. The tour includes transportation, a guided hike, and delicious meals – all at an affordable price. With an experienced guide leading the way, travelers can enjoy Peru’s natural wonders and capture breathtaking photos. But what awaits those who embark on this journey?

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Key Points

A 1-day excursion from Cusco to the Rainbow Mountain, covering transportation, guide, breakfast, and lunch for a starting price of $34 per person.
Departs at 4:00 AM and includes a 3-hour travel to the trailhead, followed by a 2.5-hour hike and a return to Cusco around 5:00 PM.
Offers hotel/hostel pickup in Cusco, with the option of an English or Spanish-speaking guide, and an entrance fee to the Rainbow Mountain.
Highlights the stunning landscapes of the Peruvian Andes, including vibrant colors and unique geological formations at the Rainbow Mountain.
Based on 9 reviews, the tour has an overall rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars, with feedback on the need for more time during meals and schedule flexibility.

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Tour Overview

The Rainbow Mountain Tour is a 1-day excursion that takes visitors from Cusco to the stunning Rainbow Mountain in the Peruvian Andes.

Priced from $34 per person, the tour lasts for the full day and includes hotel pickup, transportation, a guide, breakfast, and lunch.

The tour departs at 4:00 AM and travels for 3 hours to reach the trailhead. After a 2.5-hour hike, visitors enjoy a lunch buffet before the 5-hour return to Cusco.

The tour offers free cancellation with a 24-hour notice and is available in English and Spanish.

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Itinerary

The tour begins with an early 4:00 AM hotel pickup in Cusco.

The group then travels for 3 hours to Chillihuani. There, they enjoy a breakfast in Tintinco before embarking on the hike to Rainbow Mountain, which takes approximately 2.5 hours.

After reaching the stunning mountain, the group has lunch in Tintinco.

The return to Cusco is around 5:00 PM, completing the 1-day adventure.

Throughout the day, the English- or Spanish-speaking guide provides informative commentary.

An optional horse service is available for an additional fee during the hike.

Inclusions

The tour package includes hotel/hostel pick-up in Cusco, tourist transport, and a guide service in either English or Spanish. Plus, the tour provides a breakfast and lunch buffet, as well as entrance to the Rainbow Mountain.

| Inclusions | |

| — | — |

| Hotel/hostel pick-up in Cusco | ✓ |

| Tourist transport | ✓ |

| Guide service (English or Spanish) | ✓ |

| 1 Breakfast | ✓ |

| 1 Lunch | ✓ |

| Entrance to Rainbow Mountain | ✓ |

| Optional horse service (extra fee) | ✓ |

Travelers also have the option to utilize the horse service for an additional fee during the hike to the Rainbow Mountain.

Highlights

Experiencing the stunning landscapes of the Peruvian Andes is a highlight of this tour.

Enjoy the stunning landscapes of the Peruvian Andes, a highlight of this captivating tour.

The tour allows visitors to:

Enjoy local Cusco products during the included breakfast and lunch buffets, providing an authentic taste of the region.
Walk through the spectacular Rainbow Mountain, marveling at its vibrant colors and unique geological formations.
Explore the diverse natural wonders of the Andes, including rolling hills, snow-capped peaks, and lush valleys.

These highlights offer an immersive and memorable experience for those seeking to discover the beauty of Peru’s breathtaking mountain landscapes.

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Customer Feedback

Customers have provided an overall rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars for the Rainbow Mountain Tour, based on 9 reviews.

Feedback includes requests for more time to eat and various traveler types. Reviewers from Peru and Brazil appreciated the stunning landscapes and local Cusco products, though some would’ve liked additional time for the breakfast and lunch buffets.

While the majority of customers enjoyed the tour, a few felt rushed and wished they’d more flexibility in their schedule.

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Preparation Tips

When planning for the Rainbow Mountain Tour, visitors should pack appropriate hiking gear and prepare for the high altitude. The trek can be quite strenuous, so it’s important to bring:

Warm layers, such as a jacket, hat, and gloves, as the weather can be unpredictable at higher elevations.
Comfortable, broken-in hiking boots to support your feet during the ascent.
Plenty of water and snacks to keep your energy levels up during the hike.

Acclimatizing to the altitude is also crucial, so it’s best to arrive in Cusco a few days before the tour to allow your body to adjust.

Practical Information

The tour departs from Plaza Regocijo in Cusco, where travelers will be picked up and transported to the starting point of the hike.

The day-long excursion costs $34 per person and includes hotel pickup, tourist transport, a local guide, breakfast, and lunch.

Hikers can expect the trek to Rainbow Mountain to take approximately 2.5 hours. An optional horse service is available for an additional fee.

The tour returns to Plaza Regocijo around 5:00 PM. Travelers can cancel for a full refund if done 24 hours in advance.

Reviews cite requests for more time to enjoy the meals.

Booking and Cancellation

Travelers can book the Rainbow Mountain Tour through the tour provider’s website or by contacting their customer service team. The company offers free cancellation if canceled 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for customers.

To ensure a smooth booking process, the tour provider recommends:

Booking early to secure availability, especially during peak seasons.
Providing accurate personal and contact information for pickup and communication purposes.
Reviewing the tour details, inclusions, and restrictions carefully before confirming the booking.

With these guidelines, travelers can confidently plan and enjoy their Rainbow Mountain adventure.

Things To Know

How Difficult Is the Hike to Rainbow Mountain?

The hike to Rainbow Mountain is moderately challenging, taking around 2.5 hours to reach the top. While the high altitude can make the ascent strenuous, the route is generally well-maintained and suitable for fit hikers with some experience.

Is the Tour Wheelchair/Stroller Accessible?

The hike to Rainbow Mountain is not wheelchair or stroller accessible. The trail involves steep and rocky terrain that would be difficult for those with mobility limitations. Alternative options may be available for visitors with special needs.

Can I Rent Hiking Poles for the Trek?

The tour doesn’t provide hiking poles, but you can rent them separately. They’re recommended for the trek up Rainbow Mountain to help with stability and support on the uneven terrain.

What Should I Bring for the Cold Weather?

To prepare for the cold weather, one should bring warm layers like a jacket, hat, gloves, and proper hiking boots. Bringing snacks, water, and sunscreen is also recommended to stay comfortable during the trek.

Is There an Option to Visit Other Nearby Attractions?

This one-day tour doesn’t include any nearby attractions besides Rainbow Mountain. However, some travelers opt to extend their trip and visit additional locations in the Sacred Valley on their own before or after the Rainbow Mountain hike.

Sum Up

The Rainbow Mountain tour from Cusco offers an unforgettable experience for adventure-seekers. With a scenic drive, moderate hike, and delicious local cuisine, this affordable day trip provides an immersive glimpse into Peru’s stunning natural beauty. Guided by English or Spanish-speaking experts, the tour promises an enriching exploration of the Andes’ vibrant landscapes. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking a memorable day, this excursion is well worth considering.