Rainbow Mountain Horseback Riding Tour + Buffet Lunch offers a unique way to see one of Cusco’s most stunning sights, all while enjoying a scenic horseback ride. Priced at $70 per person, this 6-hour adventure takes you through colorful landscapes at an altitude of 5,200 meters, culminating in a well-deserved buffet meal. Led by friendly guides in small groups, this tour is perfect for those seeking a blend of adventure, comfort, and authentic Peruvian charm.

What we love most about this experience is how it combines horseback riding with spectacular vistas of Rainbow Mountain—meaning you get to avoid the often crowded, strenuous hike, and enjoy the landscape from a different perspective. The inclusion of a buffet lunch after the trek is also a thoughtful touch, giving travelers a chance to relax and refuel with hearty Peruvian dishes. However, it’s worth noting that horses are only provided for the climb, and the local community manages this service without prior reservations, which could mean some variability in availability.

This tour suits active travelers who appreciate scenic vistas but prefer a less physically demanding way to reach Rainbow Mountain. It’s also ideal for those interested in seeing camelids and enjoying a communal meal afterward. Keep in mind that the tour involves early mornings and some altitude, so travelers with pre-existing health conditions or mobility issues might want to consider their options carefully.

Key Points

Unique perspective: Riding horseback offers an engaging way to experience Rainbow Mountain’s vibrant colors without strenuous hiking.
Cultural insight: The tour provides opportunities to observe llama, alpaca, and vicuña species along the way.
Meal included: A hearty buffet breakfast before the hike and a tasty buffet lunch after add great value.
Small group setting: Limited to 15 participants, ensuring more personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
Flexible booking: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and pay later options make planning easier.
Altitude considerations: The tour reaches 5,200 meters, so acclimatization and health awareness are recommended.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Look at the Rainbow Mountain Horseback Tour

Rainbow Mountain, or Vinicunca, has become a must-see in the Cusco region, famous for its strikingly layered mineral hues. Most visitors arrive via long, often exhausting hikes, but this horseback tour offers a refreshing alternative. It’s perfect for those who want to see the mountain’s beauty without dedicating hours of trekking or are traveling with companions who prefer a more relaxed pace.

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

The Itinerary and the Horseback Experience

The adventure begins with hotel pickup between 4:00 am and 5:00 am. This early start might seem daunting, but it’s necessary to beat the crowds and to catch the best lighting and weather conditions. The bus ride to Cusipata is scenic, and along the way, you’ll enjoy a buffet breakfast, fueling up for the day ahead.

The core of this tour is the approximately 2-hour hike to the Rainbow Mountain, during which you can observe various camelid species—llamas, alpacas, and vicuñas—grazing in their natural environment. But here’s the twist: instead of walking the entire way, you’ll be riding a horse provided by the local community. These horses are arranged upon arrival at the starting point, with no prior reservation needed, which adds a charming, community-led element to the experience.

The horses make the ascent more accessible, especially at that altitude of 5,200 meters. We loved how the gentle ride gave us a different vantage point of the mountain’s shifting colors and the surrounding valleys. The guides are knowledgeable, offering insights into both the geological and cultural significance of the area.

Once at the summit, you’ll have time to snap photos and marvel at the surreal stripes of mineral hues—reds, oranges, greens, and whites layered across the mountain’s face. It’s a fantastic photo opportunity, and many reviews mention how breathtaking the views are. You’ll find it’s easier to absorb the scenery at a relaxed pace with the horses, instead of racing to beat other hikers.

The Return and the Buffet Lunch

After soaking in the views, you’ll ride back down to Cusipata, where a well-earned buffet lunch awaits. The meal typically features local dishes—consider it a chance to taste authentic Peruvian flavors after the morning’s exertion. Travelers have commented positively on the generous portions and quality of the buffet, which is a nice way to recharge before heading back to Cusco.

The return journey concludes around 5:00 pm to 5:30 pm, with drop-off near the Plaza de Armas. The full day balances active adventure with comfort, making it suitable for those looking for a memorable experience without the physical toll of a full hike.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included in the cost are hotel pickup, meals, transportation, horses for the ascent, oxygen, and a tour guide speaking Spanish and English. The main expense not covered is the entrance ticket to Rainbow Mountain, which you need to purchase separately. Travelers have noted that the community-managed horses are first-come, first-served, making early arrival a smart idea if you’re keen on securing a horse for the climb.

More Great Tours Nearby

Practical Considerations

Given the early start and high altitude, this tour isn’t suited for everyone. Pregnant women, wheelchair users, and those with pre-existing medical conditions should exercise caution. Also, bringing essentials like passport or ID, sunglasses, sun hat, camera, hiking shoes, biodegradable sunscreen, cash, and hiking pants is recommended. The tour provider emphasizes that alcohol and drugs are not allowed—probably a good idea at that altitude.

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

Authenticity and Community Impact

One of the tour’s strengths is that horses are arranged by the local community without prior reservations, supporting small-scale entrepreneurship. This aspect adds an authentic touch, connecting travelers with the region’s cultural fabric. A comment from a traveler noted, “It felt good to know that the local community benefits directly from our visit, and the horses made the climb much easier.”

Overall Value and Who Will Enjoy It

For $70, this tour offers a compelling mix of adventure, scenery, cultural insight, and good food. It appeals particularly to those who want the Rainbow Mountain experience but are wary of strenuous hikes or altitude sickness. It’s also a good fit for travelers who prefer small groups for a more intimate and flexible experience.

FAQs

Do I need to book the horseback ride in advance?
No, horses are arranged upon arrival at the starting point, and the local community manages the service, so no reservations are needed beforehand.

What is the duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 6 hours, with pickup between 4:00 am and 5:00 am, and return around 5:00 pm to 5:30 pm.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is best suited for travelers who are comfortable with early mornings, high altitudes, and moderate physical activity. It might not be suitable for very young children or those with medical conditions.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, sunglasses, sun hat, camera, hiking shoes, biodegradable sunscreen, cash, and hiking pants.

Are there any restrictions on weight or age?
Yes, the tour notes that it’s not suitable for people over 95 kg (209 lbs), over 95 years old, pregnant women, or those with pre-existing medical conditions.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your schedule shifts unexpectedly.

What about the entrance fee to Rainbow Mountain?
You will need to purchase this separately; it’s not included in the tour price.

Overall, the Rainbow Mountain Horseback Riding Tour + Buffet Lunch presents a practical and authentic way to experience one of Peru’s most colorful landmarks. It provides a comfortable balance between adventure and relaxation, giving you a chance to enjoy stunning scenery, observe local wildlife, and savor delicious cuisine. Perfect for active travelers who appreciate cultural connections, this tour manages to deliver a memorable experience without the strain of a full hike.