From Cusco Rainbow Mountain With Buffet Lunch and Breakfast

Visitors to Cusco can embark on a captivating journey to Rainbow Mountain, complete with a delectable buffet lunch and hearty breakfast. This full-day tour offers a chance to witness the breathtaking Andean landscape, encounter local wildlife, and take in the vibrant Quechua culture. With an early morning start and a scenic drive, the adventure begins, leading to a challenging yet rewarding trek and the opportunity to marvel at the stunning rainbow-hued vistas. The day’s experiences promise to create lasting memories for those seeking an unforgettable exploration of Peru’s natural wonders.

Key Points

• Full-day tour from Cusco to Rainbow Mountain, including hotel pickup, professional guides, breakfast, and a buffet lunch with vegetarian options.
• Early morning pickup between 4:00-4:20 am, followed by a 2-hour drive to Cusipata for breakfast and an additional 1-hour drive to the control point.
• 1-hour and 20-minute trek to the Rainbow Mountain viewpoint at an elevation of 5080 meters, offering breathtaking panoramic vistas.
• Opportunities to interact with Quechua communities and encounter llamas and alpacas along the trek and return journey.
• Free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option available.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Cusco Rainbow Mountain tour starts at $29.00 per person and lasts approximately 13 hours.

Customers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy, which allows for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. There’s also a reserve now and pay later option, which lets travelers book without an upfront payment.

The tour includes hotel pickup, professional English and Spanish-speaking guides, breakfast, and a buffet lunch with vegetarian options.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for those with back problems, medical conditions, or mobility issues.

Early Morning Pickup and Transportation

Early morning pickup from your hotel in Cusco takes place between 04:00 and 04:20 am.

You’ll then travel by car for approximately 2 hours to Cusipata for breakfast.

After breakfast, you’ll drive for another hour to the control point, Llaqto.

The journey continues with an hour-long drive to the control point, Llaqto, where the adventure truly begins.

This journey allows you to encounter llamas and alpacas and interact with Quechua communities along the way.

The transportation provided ensures a seamless start to your exciting Rainbow Mountain adventure.

Breakfast and Control Point

After the early morning pickup, participants travel by car for approximately 2 hours to Cusipata, where they enjoy a nourishing breakfast.

The breakfast is followed by a 1-hour drive to the control point (Llaqto).

At the control point, participants:

1. Check in and obtain the necessary permits.

2. Prepare for the trek ahead by ensuring they’ve proper attire and gear.

3. Interact with the local Quechua communities and learn about their way of life.

4. Admire the stunning mountain scenery surrounding the control point.

From the control point, the trekking portion of the tour begins, leading participants towards the breathtaking Rainbow Mountain viewpoint.

Trekking to the Rainbow Mountain Viewpoint

From the control point, trekkers embark on the approximately 1 hour and 20-minute trek to reach the Rainbow Mountain viewpoint at an elevation of 5080 meters above sea level.

The trail winds through stunning landscapes, where trekkers can encounter llamas and alpacas. Along the way, they’ve the opportunity to interact with Quechua communities and capture breathtaking views of the multicolored mountain.

The final ascent to the viewpoint is challenging but rewarding, as trekkers are met with a panoramic vista of the Rainbow Mountain’s vibrant hues and the surrounding Andes mountains.

More Great Tours Nearby

Encounters With Llamas, Alpacas, and Quechua Communities

Along the trek to the Rainbow Mountain viewpoint, trekkers can expect to encounter a variety of local wildlife and interact with Quechua communities.

Some highlights include:

1. Llamas and alpacas grazing peacefully along the trail, allowing visitors to observe these iconic Andean camelids up close.

2. Quechua locals, the indigenous people of the region, who maintain a vibrant cultural presence, often seen wearing traditional dress and engaged in daily activities.

3. Opportunities to learn about the Quechua language, customs, and way of life through interactions with the local community.

4. Stunning vistas of the Andes, with the Rainbow Mountain as the centerpiece, providing a breathtaking backdrop for these encounters.

Return Trek and Buffet Lunch

Upon completing the trek to the Rainbow Mountain viewpoint, trekkers begin their return journey to the control point known as Llaqto.

The descent takes roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes. Along the way, they encounter llamas and alpacas, and interact with Quechua communities.

Once back at Llaqto, participants enjoy a buffet lunch in Cusipata. The menu includes vegetarian options, providing a hearty meal after the challenging hike.

After lunch, the group departs for Cusco, arriving between 4 and 5 PM with a final stop near the Plaza de Armas, the historic center of the ancient Inca capital.

Arrival Back in Cusco

After the buffet lunch in Cusipata, the group departs for Cusco. The return journey takes approximately 2-3 hours, with a final stop near Plaza de Armas, the heart of Cusco’s historic center.

Upon arrival, travelers can:

1. Explore the vibrant Plaza de Armas, surrounded by imposing colonial architecture and bustling local life.

2. Visit the iconic Cusco Cathedral, a stunning example of colonial religious architecture.

3. Discover the Inca ruins of Sacsayhuamán, located on the outskirts of the city.

4. Indulge in Peruvian cuisine at one of the many restaurants or cafes in the city center.

The tour concludes with safe drop-off at your hotel, leaving travelers with memories of the stunning Rainbow Mountain and a deeper understanding of Cusco’s rich cultural heritage.

Participant Restrictions and Customer Reviews

The Rainbow Mountain tour has some participant restrictions to consider. Individuals with back problems, pre-existing medical conditions, or mobility impairments may find the trek challenging. The route involves a 1-hour and 20-minute hike to the viewpoint at an elevation of 5080 meters above sea level. Customers have provided mixed feedback on the experience, with some praising the stunning scenery and quality of the guide, while others reported issues with communication and no-show on the tour day. The overall rating is 4 out of 5 based on 6 reviews.

| Participant Restrictions | Customer Reviews |

| — | — |

| – Back problems | – Positive experiences highlighted spectacular nature and quality of guide |

| – Pre-existing medical conditions | – Some reported issues with communication and no-show on tour day |

| – Mobility impairments | – Overall rating: 4/5 based on 6 reviews |

Things To Know

Is There an Option to Hire a Horse or Porter for the Trek?

Yes, there’s an option to hire a horse or porter for the trek. Hikers can arrange this through the tour company, which provides additional support and assistance for those who need it during the hike to Rainbow Mountain.

Can Children Participate in the Tour, and Is There a Discount?

Yes, children can participate in the tour, and there is a discounted rate. The tour provider offers a 20% discount for children under 12 years old. However, the trek may not be suitable for very young children due to the demanding nature of the hike.

What Should Participants Bring or Wear for the Excursion?

Participants should wear warm, comfortable layers, hiking boots, and bring sunscreen, a hat, water, and snacks. Prepare for cold temperatures, as the high-altitude trek can be physically demanding.

Are There Any Safety Precautions for High-Altitude Trekking?

Trekkers should be aware of altitude sickness risks. It’s crucial to stay hydrated, move at a slow pace, and listen to the guide’s safety instructions. Participants with pre-existing conditions should consult a doctor before the hike.

How Can Travelers With Dietary Restrictions Be Accommodated?

Travelers with dietary restrictions can be accommodated, as the tour includes vegetarian options for both breakfast and the buffet lunch. The provider aims to cater to various dietary needs to ensure a comfortable experience for all participants.

Sum Up

This full-day tour from Cusco offers a chance to experience the breathtaking beauty of Rainbow Mountain. With an early morning pickup, breakfast, and a 1-hour 20-minute trek, you’ll reach the stunning viewpoint at 5,080 meters. Along the way, you’ll encounter local wildlife and communities, making for an unforgettable adventure in the Andes, capped off with a delicious buffet lunch.

You can check availability for your dates here: