Imagine riding a sturdy horse through the rugged Andean landscape, with Rainbow Mountain looming majestically in the distance. This full-day tour from Cusco, costing around $75 per person, takes you from the city’s historic streets to one of Peru’s most stunning natural wonders. It’s a well-balanced mix of adventure, nature, and culture, guided by knowledgeable locals who love sharing their homeland.

What we really appreciate about this tour is how it combines horseback riding—which adds a unique, immersive touch—to the awe-inspiring views of Rainbow Mountain at 5,200 meters above sea level. Plus, the included delicious buffet breakfast and lunch turn what could be a strenuous day into a comfortable, satisfying experience.

A small caveat? The early start, with pickup between 4:00 and 5:00 am, isn’t for everyone. If you’re not a morning person or have mobility concerns, this could be a challenge. But if you’re eager to beat some of the crowds and see the mountain in its quieter, early-morning glory, it’s worth the effort.

This adventure suits travelers who enjoy a mix of outdoor activity, scenic beauty, and culture, especially those comfortable with a bit of physical exertion and high altitude. If you’re looking for a memorable day that combines natural beauty with local flavor, this tour hits the mark.

Key Points

Stunning Scenery: Experience the vibrant colors of Rainbow Mountain and scenic Andean landscapes.
Horseback Riding: Adds a personal, authentic touch to the trek, making it more engaging.
Cultural Encounters: Watch camelids like llamas and alpacas in their natural habitat.
Quality Meals: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Cusipata and a satisfying buffet lunch.
Early Start: Be prepared for an early pickup, but it helps avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.
Guided Experience: Knowledgeable guides provide insight and assistance throughout the day.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Rainbow Mountain Horseback Tour

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The Itinerary: From Cusco to the Clouds

The adventure begins with a pickup from your hotel, usually between 4:00 and 5:00 am. This early start, while demanding, is designed to help us beat the crowds and enjoy the mountain in the quiet of dawn. After a scenic drive through the Peruvian countryside, we arrive at Cusipata, where a hearty buffet breakfast awaits. This meal is more than just a snack; it’s a chance to fuel up before the demanding part of the day.

From Cusipata, we head to the starting point where the real adventure begins. Here, you’ll saddle up a horse—an experience we found both practical and fun. The horse ride lasts about 1.5 hours, ascending gradually through the highland terrain. During this ascent, we loved spotting various camelids—llamas, alpacas, and sometimes even vicuñas—grazing peacefully in the wild.

The Climb and the Views

As we neared Rainbow Mountain, the landscape transformed into a riot of colors, with the mountain’s vivid stripes clearly visible. The high altitude (5,200 meters) makes the climb challenging, but the views are absolutely worth it. We appreciated that the tour provides oxygen to help with breathlessness—a thoughtful touch for those sensitive to altitude.

Once at the top, there’s plenty of time to soak in the scenery, take photos, and marvel at the surreal hues. The landscape is unlike anything we’ve seen elsewhere, with bands of red, yellow, green, and purple layered across the mountain face.

The Return and Lunch

After enjoying the panoramic vistas, we retraced our route back to Cusipata and then on to the lunch spot. The buffet lunch is hearty and well-prepared, offering a comforting break after the morning’s exertions. Many reviewers, including Michelle, remarked on the quality of the food, describing it as “delicious” and “satisfying.”

The journey back to Cusco takes us through more scenic views, and we arrive around 5:00 pm, tired but full of impressions.

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What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour is quite comprehensive for its price. Included are hotel pickup, a professional guide, breakfast, lunch, transport, a horse ride one way, and oxygen. These thoughtful inclusions enhance comfort and safety.

However, you’ll need to cover the entrance fee to the attraction separately, and souvenirs, additional snacks, or drinks are not included. The tour’s price does reflect good value, especially considering the meals and guided support.

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Considerations and Tips

Be prepared for an early start—a small price to pay for quieter, cooler conditions and fewer crowds.
Bring passport, sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, cash, and weather-appropriate clothing to stay comfortable.
The tour isn’t suited for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or those with certain health conditions like respiratory issues or recent surgeries. It’s also worth noting that it’s not suitable for babies under 1 year or those over 200 lbs (91 kg).
Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes (not high heels), and avoid bringing drones or alcohol.

Authentic Experiences and Genuine Value

What makes this tour stand out is its blend of adventure and comfort. Riding a horse through highland terrain adds a layer of authenticity that many visitors find memorable. It’s not just a hike—it’s an active, engaging way to connect with the landscape, especially for those who prefer riding to walking long distances at high altitude.

The guides play a key role in making the experience enjoyable. Michelle’s review highlights a guide named Alex, describing him as “fantastic, really informative and friendly.” Having someone who shares insights and keeps the group engaged makes a big difference, especially at such an elevation.

The meals deserve special mention. The breakfast and lunch are more than just convenient—they’re thoughtfully prepared to sustain you through the day. The buffet lunch, in particular, is often praised for its quality and variety, making it a satisfying end to the journey.

The Scenic and Cultural Charm

Watching camelids in their natural habitat adds a touch of local flavor, reminding travelers that these animals have been part of Peruvian life for centuries. The vibrant hues of Rainbow Mountain, visible from the summit, are truly stunning—a mosaic of colors that tell their own story.

Practical Aspects and Value

At $75, the tour offers a well-rounded package including transportation, meals, guidance, and equipment like oxygen. Compared to other options that might charge more for similar experiences, this represents good value—especially given the quality of the guide, the comfort of the included meals, and the scenic payoff.

The early start might not suit everyone, but it’s a smart choice for avoiding crowds and enjoying cooler weather. For those willing to get up early, the experience is more peaceful and less rushed.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This adventure is ideal for travelers who are looking for an active day out that combines natural beauty with local culture. It’s perfect if you enjoy horseback riding, are comfortable at high altitude, and want a balanced mix of physical activity and comfort.

It’s especially suited for those who value guided insights and appreciate good food after an active morning. The tour’s pace and inclusions make it a good fit for travelers seeking an authentic, memorable day in the Peruvian Andes.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, but you should be comfortable riding a horse and prepared for high-altitude conditions. The ride lasts about 1.5 hours and involves some physical exertion.

How early will I be picked up?
Pickup times are between 4:00 and 5:00 am, so plan accordingly. This early start helps beat the crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures.

Are meals included?
Yes, the tour includes a hearty breakfast at Cusipata and a buffet lunch afterward. Both are well-reviewed for their quality and variety.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport, sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen, cash, and weather-appropriate clothing. Sturdy shoes are recommended—avoid high heels.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The booking process allows you to reserve now and pay later.

Is this tour suitable for children or those with health issues?
It’s not recommended for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or people with respiratory issues, high blood pressure, recent surgeries, or babies under 1 year. The high altitude and physical activity demand caution.

How long does the whole day last?
From pickup to return, expect about 12 hours. The tour typically concludes around 5:00 pm.

This horseback riding tour to Rainbow Mountain offers a dynamic way to experience one of Peru’s most striking natural sights. It balances adventure, comfort, and cultural insights in a package that feels both authentic and well-organized. The included meals, knowledgeable guides, and scenic vistas make it a good value, especially if you’re eager to avoid the crowds and take in the mountain’s vivid colors up close.

While the early start and high altitude might challenge some, the reward—breathtaking views, camelid sightings, and a memorable horseback ride—more than compensates. It’s best suited for active travelers who enjoy guided excursions, are comfortable with elevation, and want to see something truly unique in the Andes.

If you’re after an engaging, scenic, and well-supported day trip from Cusco, this tour checks all the boxes. Just be sure to prepare well, and you’re likely to come away with a story worth telling for years to come.