Imagine waking up before sunrise in Cusco, ready to explore two of the region’s most breathtaking natural wonders: Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain. For $140 per person, this private 2-day tour offers an intimate way to discover high-altitude landscapes, colorful peaks, and the chance to photograph llamas grazing among stunning scenery. Led by bilingual guides, you’ll travel through the Peruvian Andes, enjoying local cuisine and comfortable accommodations, all tailored for a personalized experience.

What we truly appreciate about this tour is how it balances adventure with comfort. First, the early starts—around 5 a.m.—mean you beat the crowds and catch the best morning light at both sites. Second, the inclusion of hotel pick-up and drop-off, plus an overnight stay, makes it easier for travelers who want a hassle-free experience. A minor consideration is that the hike to each site takes about 2 hours on uneven terrain, so it’s best suited for those in good physical condition. This tour is perfect for adventurous travelers eager to see iconic Andean scenery without sacrificing comfort or privacy.

Key Points

Private experience offers flexibility and personalized attention.
Early morning start maximizes daylight and minimizes crowds.
Two iconic sites: Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain, both at high altitude.
Includes hotel pick-up, transport, guides, meals, and accommodation.
Hiking involved: approximately 2 hours each way on uneven paths.
Suitable for active travelers comfortable with altitude and walking.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Highlights of the 2-Day Private Tour

Prefer personalized experiences? Here are other private options we've covered in Cusco

Starting Off: Hotel Pickup and Early Morning Departure

The tour begins with a hotel pickup in Cusco around 5 a.m., a time that might seem early but is vital for maximizing your day. Your guide, likely a bilingual local, will collect you from your hotel in the historic city center—conveniently close to most accommodations. This early start ensures you’re on the road heading south towards the Andes before the crowds arrive and the sun is still low.

Day 1: Discovering Humantay Lake

Traveling south from Cusco, your first stop is Mollepata, where you’ll enjoy a buffet breakfast. This small town marks the beginning of your ascent into the highlands, and many travelers appreciate the chance to fuel up before the hike. The drive from Cusco to Mollepata takes about 2-3 hours, winding through scenic valleys and past Andean villages.

From Mollepata, you’ll transfer to a parking lot, from where a 2-hour hike begins. The trail to Humantay Lake is relatively manageable but involves uneven terrain, so good hiking shoes are recommended. The landscape is dramatic: jagged mountain peaks, colorful skies, and a vibrant turquoise lake framed by snow-capped Salkantay. Many guests describe the view as “absolutely worth the effort,” remarking on the crystal-clear waters and the chance to photograph llamas grazing nearby.

Once at the lake, you’ll have plenty of time to admire the scenery, take photos, and breathe in the fresh mountain air. Afterward, you’ll retrace your steps back to the parking lot, then enjoy a buffet lunch in Mollepata. The return journey to Cusco takes about 3 hours, arriving around 6 p.m., when your guide will drop you at your hotel.

Day 2: Reaching for Rainbow Mountain

The second day starts again with an early pick-up at 5 a.m.. This time, you head south to Cusipata, a small town that serves as the starting point for Rainbow Mountain. After a breakfast, you’ll continue to the parking area, followed by a 2-hour hike to the iconic Rainbow Mountain.

The trail, though slightly more strenuous due to the altitude—around 15,000 feet—offers spectacular views from the top. The mountain’s vibrant stripes of red, yellow, green, and purple create a natural painting, and many guests comment that “the colors are even more impressive in person.” You’ll have ample time to explore, take photos, and soak in the panoramic vistas.

Similar to the first day, you’ll descend, enjoy a lunch in Cusipata, and then head back to Cusco arriving around 6 p.m. Once again, your guide will assist with hotel drop-off, bringing your adventure to a comfortable close.

More Great Tours Nearby

Authentic Experiences and Practical Details

While in Cusco, here are other experiences we've covered

Transportation and Guides

The round-trip transportation is comfortable and reliable, with air-conditioned vehicles that handle the winding mountain roads well. The bilingual guides are knowledgeable, offering insights into local culture, geology, and flora. Many reviews mention guides being “friendly,” “informative,” and “flexible,” which enhances the overall experience.

Meals and Accommodation

Breakfasts are buffet style, typically including breads, fruits, and hot drinks—fuel for the hikes. Lunches are also buffets, featuring traditional Andean dishes like chicken, rice, and vegetables, giving you a taste of local cuisine. The one-night hotel stay (Hotel2) adds a layer of convenience and comfort, especially after two early mornings.

Hikes and Altitude

Both hikes are about 2 hours long, but remember that at high altitudes, even a short walk can feel more demanding. The terrain is uneven, so sturdy hiking shoes and some physical conditioning help. The inclusion of walking sticks and blankets adds extra comfort on chilly mornings.

Cost and Value

At $140 per person, considering everything included—transport, guides, meals, hotel, and equipment—the tour offers excellent value for those wanting a hassle-free, private adventure. Entrance fees are not included, so budget extra for those.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits active travelers who are comfortable with some physical effort at altitude. If you appreciate personalized service and want to avoid crowds, a private tour like this is ideal. It’s also perfect for those interested in photography—the early mornings and stunning landscapes provide unbeatable photo opportunities.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

This 2-day private tour offers a balanced mix of adventure, comfort, and authentic local flavor. The early starts and physically demanding hikes mean it’s best for travelers in good health and prepared for high-altitude walking. The inclusion of hotel stays simplifies logistics, allowing you to focus on the scenery rather than the planning.

Many travelers appreciate the small group size and personalized attention, which makes the experience more intimate and flexible. The opportunity to see both Humantay Lake’s serene turquoise waters and Rainbow Mountain’s vibrant stripes makes it a standout way to experience Cusco’s natural highlights.

If your goal is to capture stunning photos, enjoy local cuisine, and experience less crowded sites, this tour fits the bill. It’s a memorable way to explore the Andes’ grandeur without rushing or feeling overwhelmed.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins with hotel pickups at 5 a.m., making it a very early start but necessary to secure the best views and avoid crowds.

How long are the hikes?
Each hike to Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain takes approximately 2 hours on uneven terrain, so good walking shoes and some physical stamina are recommended.

Are meals included?
Yes, breakfast and lunch are included on both days, typically buffet style with local dishes.

Is hotel accommodation included?
Yes, the tour includes a 1-night stay in Hotel2, providing a comfortable base after your first day of hiking.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees to Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake are not included. Be prepared for additional costs.

Is this tour suitable for children or older travelers?
It’s best suited for active travelers in good health who can handle the altitude and walking involved. Elderly travelers with mobility issues might find the hikes challenging.

What should I bring?
Bring warm clothing, sturdy hiking shoes, a camera, sunglasses, and sunblock. The guides provide walking sticks and blankets.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, offering flexibility if your plans shift.

How personalized is this experience?
As a private tour, it offers flexibility and personalized attention, allowing guides to tailor the experience to your interests and pace.

This private 2-day adventure delivers a well-rounded and immersive way to experience some of Peru’s most stunning landscapes. With early mornings, scenic hikes, and local flavors, it’s a journey that combines natural beauty with cultural authenticity—perfect for travelers craving memorable, off-the-beaten-path moments in the Cusco region.