1-Day Rainbow Mountain Hiking Tour from Cusco with Late Departure

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Late-morning departure lets you skip the usual 3 or 4 am start
• 02 Reach Rainbow Mountain after the big groups have left for a quieter summit experience
• 03 Take in 360-degree views of Rainbow Mountain, the Andes, and a nearby glacier
• 04 Relax at the top with a warm coca tea while enjoying the scenery
• 05 Enjoy a calm, unhurried hike with time for photos and questions along the way

Rainbow Mountain is one of Peru's most visited natural attractions, but this late-morning departure offers a quieter way to experience it. Instead of leaving at 3 am, you'll set out around 8:00 am and reach the viewpoint after the large groups have gone, giving you more space to enjoy the mountain's vibrant colors and the surrounding Andes. Along the way, you'll hike from the high-altitude trailhead toward the summit, with the option to go part of the way by horse, then relax with hot coca tea at the top. The day also includes a meal in Cusipata before returning to Cusco.

At the summit, at 5,030 m.a.s.l., you will be rewarded with a 360-degree colorful view of the Andes that you will never forget.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 1 Day

Tour type Shared

Activity level Hard

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

City Cusco

Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1

Day 01

Late-Morning Departure to Rainbow Mountain

• Unlike most tours, we will pick you up at your hotel around 8:15 a.m. to begin this incredible Rainbow Mountain tour in the afternoon.
• We will drive calmly for around 2 hours to a restaurant, where we will stop to use the toilets. Then we will continue to the trailhead, where the hike begins.
• Starting at 4,800 m.a.s.l., and heading to the top by horse or on foot, you can enjoy a truly impressive view of a glacier. At the summit, at 5,030 m.a.s.l., you will be rewarded with a 360-degree colorful view of the Andes that you will never forget. We will spend around 30-40 minutes at the top. While you take in the amazing views, our guide will offer you a nice hot coca tea. One of the advantages of doing the Rainbow Mountain Tour with us is that you will be almost alone at the top. The big groups go very early, and by the time we arrive, everyone is gone.
• Once we are back on the bus, we will head to a nice restaurant with vegetarian options in Cusipata. After that, we will return to Cusco City and drop you off at your hotel.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Hotel pick-up and drop-off
• Comfortable vehicle
• Professional tour guide
• Lunch
• Permanent assistance

What's Not Included

• Entrance ticket (30 soles per person)
• Horse riding (optional - 80 soles per person for the uphill ride)
• Any extra cost not mentioned in the tour

What to bring

• A thermal shirt or fleece for the chilly morning.
• A waterproof jacket or windbreaker (weather can change quickly).
• A hat and gloves (especially in the colder months).
• Comfortable hiking pants.
• Sturdy footwear: hiking boots or shoes with good grip (the trail can be slippery, especially during the rainy season).
• Daypack: a small backpack to carry your essentials comfortably.
• A rain poncho or waterproof jacket (especially during the rainy season from November to March).
• Waterproof covers for your backpack (optional).
• Sunscreen (high SPF, as the sun is strong at high altitudes).
• Sunglasses with UV protection.
• A wide-brimmed hat or cap.
• Personal ID or passport (required for train or entrance verifications).
• Extra cash (in small bills) for entrance fees, horse rentals, or tips.
• Coca leaves or candies (to help with altitude adjustment).
• Medications or altitude sickness remedies (consult your doctor if needed).
• Oxygen canisters (if you feel the need, but these are often available with your tour guide).
• Camera or smartphone: fully charged, with extra memory storage, to capture the breathtaking views.
• A neck pillow or travel cushion for the ride.
• Hand warmers if you get cold easily.

Know before you go

• Altitude: The trailhead starts at approximately 4,800 meters (15,750 feet) above sea level, and the summit is 5,030 meters (16,500 feet).
• Effects: You may feel the effects of high altitude, such as shortness of breath, fatigue, or mild headaches.
• Preparation: Acclimate in Cusco for at least 1-2 days before the tour, drink plenty of water, and consider coca tea or altitude sickness medication if needed.
• Physical Demands: The hike is about 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) round-trip and can take 3-4 hours depending on your pace. The trail is moderately challenging, with steep sections, but it's manageable for most people with a basic fitness level.
• Weather Conditions: The weather can change quickly, especially in the rainy season (November-March). Be prepared for sunshine, rain, wind, or even snow on the same day. Morning temperatures can be very cold, but it will warm up as the day progresses.
• What Makes the Late Departure Unique: By starting at 8:00 am, you'll avoid the crowds that typically visit early in the morning. Earlier groups often face snow covering the mountain, but by the time you arrive, the snow will likely have melted, revealing the vibrant colors of Rainbow Mountain.
• Horse Rentals Are Available: If you're not comfortable hiking the entire trail, horses are available for rent at an additional cost. The horses are managed by local community members, and they can take you most of the way, but you'll need to walk the final stretch to the summit.
• There are two fees to pay on the way to Rainbow Mountain: 10 soles for road maintenance and 20 soles for the Rainbow Mountain entrance ticket. These fees are not included in most tours and must be paid in cash (soles only).
• Essential items: Hiking shoes, warm layers, rain protection, sunscreen, sunglasses, and snacks. A full packing list will help you be prepared for any conditions.
• Support Local Communities: Rainbow Mountain is maintained by local Indigenous communities. By visiting, you're directly supporting their economy through entrance fees and optional services like horse rentals.
• Guided Tour Benefits: A knowledgeable guide will accompany you to ensure your safety, share fascinating insights about the region, and make your experience more enjoyable.
• Wooden walking sticks are available upon request.
• Snacks, oxygen, and a first aid kit are available if needed.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Main Plaza, Cusco, Perú

Tour start

Cusco, Perú

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.