From Cusco: Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake 2-Day Tour — A Complete Guide

Traveling in Peru often means chasing iconic sights, and this 2-day adventure from Cusco offers just that. For $124 per person, you get to explore Humantay Lake, with its striking turquoise waters framed by majestic peaks, and Rainbow Mountain, famous for its vivid, layered colors that seem almost surreal. Led by guides who speak both English and Spanish, these trips promise a mix of physical challenge, awe-inspiring scenery, and cultural insight.

We love the way this tour combines two very different landscapes—one tranquil and glacial, the other vibrant and rugged—giving you a well-rounded taste of the region’s diversity. The trip is also thoughtfully planned, with early starts that maximize daylight and ample time to take in views and snap photos.

However, a word of caution: both days involve steep hikes and significant altitude, so this tour is best suited for travelers who are reasonably fit and prepared for strenuous walking. If you’re after a taste of Peru’s most Instagram-worthy spots with a manageable schedule and budget, this tour hits the mark.

This experience is perfect for those who want a balanced mix of adventure and scenery, and who are comfortable with some physical exertion. It suits travelers eager to see famous sights but who also value local guides’ insights and the chance to get off the beaten path for a bit.

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Key Points

Two incredible sites in one trip: Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain.
Includes guided hikes with expert guides providing insights into the region’s significance.
Moderate to strenuous hikes—good physical condition is recommended.
Early starts maximize daylight and sightseeing time.
All transportation and meals included on both days, providing convenience.
Suitable for travelers prepared for altitude and steep climbs, but not recommended for pregnant women or those with mobility issues.

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Detailed Review of the 2-Day Tour

Day 1: Humantay Lake Exploration

The first day begins with a hotel pickup from your Cusco accommodation, typically in the morning. Expect about a 2-hour drive through stunning landscapes—think rolling hills, traditional villages, and sweeping valleys. The ride alone makes the trip worthwhile, giving you a taste of the rural Peruvian highlands.

Once at Soraypampa, you’ll enjoy breakfast before starting the trek. The hike follows the Camino Real, a path that’s both photogenic and physically demanding. Over about 1.5 hours, you’ll ascend roughly 360 meters (around 1,200 feet), gaining altitude quickly—something to keep in mind as altitude sickness can hit even seasoned hikers.

The trail features spectacular views of Salkantay Peak, one of Peru’s most sacred mountains. Its towering, snow-capped face is awe-inspiring, and Humantay Peak itself, at 5,900 meters, adds to the dramatic scenery. As one reviewer noted, “The guide tried to take care of everyone,” which is reassuring given the steepness of the climb.

Reaching the shores of Humantay Lake is a highlight—its lively turquoise waters, surrounded by jagged peaks and a glacier, create a picture-perfect moment. You’ll have time to relax, take photos, and soak in the views. Some travelers find the effort worthwhile: “the lagoon makes up for the effort,” one said. Others, like a reviewer who called the mountain “disappointing,” remind us that personal expectations vary—so manage yours accordingly.

The descent back to Soraypampa for lunch offers a chance to savor local flavors before heading back to Cusco. Expect to arrive late afternoon, tired but enriched by the day’s adventure.

Day 2: Rainbow Mountain Adventure

Bright and early, you’ll leave Cusco for the 3-hour drive southeast. The journey takes you through valleys, rivers, and small communities—an immersion into the highland landscape.

Once at Hanchipacha, you’ll enjoy breakfast before tackling the hike. Starting at 4,900 meters, the ascent to the highest point of 5,000 meters is about 45 minutes, but it’s steep and demands a good level of fitness. Here, you’ll get your first glimpse of Rainbow Mountain—a dazzling spectacle of layers in reds, oranges, yellows, and browns, shaped by mineral deposits over centuries.

The viewpoint offers a panoramic vista of the Vilcanota Mountain Range and the snow-capped Ausangate—Peru’s second-highest mountain. It’s a moment where you’ll want to pause, catch your breath, and appreciate the stunning landscape.

According to reviews, the color formations are truly impressive, and the views of snow-capped peaks make the climb worthwhile. The tour guides are knowledgeable and helpful, ensuring everyone stays safe while capturing memories.

After soaking in the scenery, you’ll descend to Cusipata for a well-earned lunch, then ride back to Cusco, arriving in the late afternoon. The entire day is a mix of physical effort and visual rewards, with the highlight being the vivid, layered hues of Rainbow Mountain—a sight that’s become one of Peru’s most viral images for good reason.

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What’s Included and What to Expect

The tour includes hotel pickup, round-trip transportation, guides, meals, and necessary safety equipment like a medical kit and oxygen bottle. Meals are provided on both days—breakfast at the start and lunch after each hike—adding value by saving you the hassle of finding local eateries in remote areas.

On the flip side, extras like walking sticks or emergency horses are not included, and since the hikes are strenuous and at high altitude, consider your physical readiness. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or travelers with mobility issues.

The group size tends to be manageable, and the guides’ bilingual skills ensure clear explanations and safety tips. Meeting points are straightforward—at the Plazoleta Regocijo Water Fountain—making it easy to join the tour without extra fuss.

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The Experience’s Pros and Cons

Pros:
– Stunning scenery at Humantay Lake and Rainbow Mountain, making for incredible photos and memories.
– Well-organized logistics, with transportation, meals, and guide services making the trip seamless.
– Expert guides who communicate in English and Spanish, enhancing understanding of the region’s cultural and natural significance.
– Good value for the price, considering the transportation, meals, and guide expertise included.

Cons:
– Both days involve steep, challenging hikes, so it’s not ideal for anyone with mobility issues or who isn’t physically prepared.
– The altitude can be tough; arriving a few days early to acclimate is advisable.
– Some travelers might find Rainbow Mountain disappointing if expectations are too high or if the weather is cloudy.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This 2-day trip is best suited for active travelers who enjoy hiking and are comfortable at high elevations. If you’re looking to see iconic landscapes without spending a fortune or dedicating weeks, this tour packs in two of the region’s best sights. It’s especially suitable for those who appreciate guides who share insights and want a mix of adventure and scenic beauty.

If you’re more focused on light sightseeing or have limited mobility, you might find the hikes too demanding, and it’s worth considering other tours that don’t involve steep climbs. But for those up for the physical challenge, the reward is some of the most breathtaking views in the Peruvian Andes.

The Sum Up

This two-day tour from Cusco successfully combines adventure, scenic splendor, and cultural insight in a way that appeals to travelers eager to see Peru’s most famous sights. The opportunity to stand beside Humantay Lake’s turquoise waters and marvel at Rainbow Mountain’s colorful strata makes the effort worthwhile.

While the hikes are strenuous and altitude can pose challenges, the guided experience, well-organized logistics, and stunning scenery provide excellent value. It’s a great choice for active explorers who want to maximize their time and see two of the region’s most photographed sites without breaking the bank.

For travelers who love nature’s boldest displays and don’t shy away from a good uphill trek, this tour offers an authentic, unforgettable experience—highlighting the raw beauty of the Peruvian Andes.

FAQ

How physically fit do I need to be for this tour?
You should be reasonably fit as both days involve steep hikes and significant altitude. The first day’s trek to Humantay Lake and the second day’s ascent to Rainbow Mountain are physically demanding.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
No, the hikes involve steep climbs and uneven terrain, making it unsuitable for travelers with mobility limitations or those who require wheelchair access.

What is included in the price?
The tour price covers hotel pickup, transportation, bilingual guides, medical kit and oxygen, breakfast, and lunch on both days.

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

What should I bring?
Bring warm clothing, hiking shoes, and comfortable clothes suitable for strenuous activity and changing weather conditions.

Are there any additional costs not covered?
Extras like walking sticks or emergency horses are not included. You might also want to bring extra cash for tips or souvenirs.

Is the weather a concern?
Weather can vary; it’s best to be prepared for rain or sun. Mountain weather can change quickly, so check the forecast and pack accordingly.

Do I need to arrive early in Cusco before the tour?
It’s recommended to arrive at least two days before to acclimate to the high altitude and reduce the risk of altitude sickness.

This tour offers a well-rounded experience of Peru’s high-altitude wonders, perfect for those seeking adventure, spectacular scenery, and a taste of authentic Andean landscapes. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a curious traveler with a sense of adventure, these two iconic sights are sure to leave a lasting impression.