Cusco: Guided Rainbow Mountain Hike With Breakfast and Lunch

Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire, is a gateway to some of Peru’s most captivating natural wonders. One such marvel is the Rainbow Mountain, a breathtaking geological formation that showcases nature’s vibrant artistry. Eager adventurers can embark on a guided 14-hour hike from Cusco, embarking on a journey that promises to delight the senses. With a delectable buffet breakfast and lunch featuring Andean specialties, this tour offers a well-rounded experience amidst the stunning landscapes. For those in good physical condition, this excursion presents an opportunity to witness the enchanting diversity of Peruvian wildlife and take in the region’s captivating natural beauty. But the true allure of this guided hike lies in the promise of an unforgettable adventure that will leave a lasting impression on the soul.

Key Points

• A 14-hour guided tour from Cusco to the stunning Rainbow Mountain, including hotel pickup, buffet breakfast, and a post-hike buffet lunch.
• The tour is available in English and Spanish, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
• The tour features a 2-hour hike to the Rainbow Mountain, with walking sticks and oxygen bottles provided for assistance.
• The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with health issues, wheelchair users, or those over 70 years old due to the challenging terrain and altitude.
• The tour has received a 4.6/5 rating based on 166 reviews, with praise for the attentive guides and informative commentary.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Cusco: Guided Rainbow Mountain Hike with Breakfast and Lunch tour offers an immersive day-long adventure through Peru’s stunning landscape.

Priced from £17.55 per person, the tour provides a 14-hour experience available in both English and Spanish. Participants can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Hotel pickup from the historical center of Cusco is included, ensuring a seamless start to the journey.

With a well-crafted itinerary, travelers can look forward to a buffet breakfast, a hike to the vibrant Rainbow Mountain, and a lunch buffet featuring Andean specialties, all while accompanied by a knowledgeable bilingual guide.

Itinerary Details

The guided tour begins with convenient hotel pickups from the historic center of Cusco, offering two main pickup locations – Centro Histórico, Plaza de Armas, and the Cusipata District.

The schedule is as follows:

1. 4:30 to 5:00 a.m.: Hotel pickup.
2. Buffet breakfast (45 minutes) in Cusipata.
3. Travel to parking lot (1.5 hours).
4. Hike to Rainbow Mountain (2 hours), with a photo stop (30 minutes) and return hike (1.5 hours).

After the hike, a 1-hour lunch buffet with Andean products is provided in Cusipata before the return to Cusco, arriving around 5:30 p.m. at Plaza Regocijo.

Pickup and Drop-off

For this guided Rainbow Mountain hike, convenient hotel pickups are offered from the historic center of Cusco. Pickup locations include the Centro Histórico and Plaza de Armas. The tour also provides an additional pickup site in the Cusipata District. The pickup time is between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m. to ensure an early start and maximize time spent at the mountain.

Pickup Locations	Schedule
Centro Histórico, Plaza de Armas	4:30 – 5:00 a.m.
Cusipata District	4:30 – 5:00 a.m.

At the end of the tour, guests are dropped off at Plaza Regocijo in Cusco, around 5:30 p.m.

Included Activities

Along With the convenient pickup and drop-off locations, this guided Rainbow Mountain hike includes a variety of activities to ensure a memorable experience.

Hikers will enjoy:

1. A buffet breakfast featuring Andean products to fuel their journey.
2. Opportunities to observe local fauna like alpacas, vicuñas, and llamas.
3. Breathtaking scenic landscapes throughout the hike.
4. A well-deserved lunch buffet upon returning from the mountain.

The inclusion of walking sticks and oxygen bottles further enhances the experience, making this tour a comprehensive and well-rounded adventure.

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Prohibited Items

Commonly, the tour prohibits smoking, alcohol, drugs, littering, and explosive substances in the vehicle. This is to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants.

Smoking isn’t allowed as it can be a fire hazard and may bother other hikers. Alcohol and drugs are prohibited to maintain a responsible and focused group during the strenuous hike.

Littering is strictly forbidden to preserve the pristine natural environment. Plus, explosive substances aren’t permitted for obvious safety reasons.

Adherence to these rules helps create a positive and enjoyable experience for everyone on the tour. Participants are expected to follow these guidelines throughout the duration of the hike.

Recommended Essentials

Hikers should bring a passport or ID card, comfortable shoes and hiking boots, sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen.

To make the most of the Rainbow Mountain hike, it’s recommended to pack the following essentials:

• A change of clothes to stay dry and comfortable
• A camera to capture the stunning landscape
• Water and snacks to stay hydrated and energized
• A lightweight, packable rain jacket in case of inclement weather

Smoking, alcohol, drugs, littering, and explosive substances are strictly prohibited in the vehicle and during the tour.

Adhering to these guidelines will ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on the Rainbow Mountain hike.

Customer Feedback

Overall, reviewers appeared quite satisfied with the guided Rainbow Mountain hike. Based on 166 reviews, the tour received an impressive 4.6/5 rating.

Guides were praised for their attentiveness and humor, providing an enjoyable experience. While the breakfast and lunch buffets received mixed reviews, being described as decent but crowded, the overall consensus was positive.

Suggestions for improvement included offering additional hotel pickup options to cater to a wider range of travelers. Notable comments highlighted the tour’s informative guide, fantastic experience, and good organization, despite the crowded dining arrangements.

Suitability and Restrictions

The tour isn’t suitable for certain individuals due to the physical demands of the hike. The tour isn’t recommended for:

1. Pregnant women
2. Individuals with heart problems, respiratory issues, or high blood pressure
3. Wheelchair users
4. Those over 70 years old

Hikers should be in good physical condition to traverse the challenging terrain and high altitude.

The tour provider advises guests to disclose any medical conditions or concerns prior to booking. Safety is the top priority, and the staff is equipped with walking sticks and oxygen bottles to assist guests as needed.

Participants must also follow the tour’s guidelines, such as not smoking, consuming alcohol or drugs, or littering.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Rainbow Mountain?

The best time to visit Rainbow Mountain is during the dry season from April to October. This period offers clear skies, mild temperatures, and fewer crowds, providing an optimal experience for hikers exploring the vibrant, multicolored landscape.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Costs Not Included in the Tour Price?

The tour price includes the entry fee of 25 soles per person, but there may be additional costs not mentioned, such as tips for the guide or any personal expenses during the excursion.

How Difficult Is the Hike to Rainbow Mountain?

The hike to Rainbow Mountain is considered moderate in difficulty. It involves a gradual ascent over 2 hours, covering around 6 miles. Hikers may experience some altitude challenges, but the tour provides support with walking sticks and oxygen bottles.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, a buffet breakfast and lunch are provided, so bringing extra supplies may not be necessary unless there are specific dietary requirements or preferences.

Are There Any Age or Fitness Level Requirements for This Tour?

The tour has some age and fitness restrictions. It’s not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with heart or respiratory issues, those over 70, or wheelchair users. Participants should be able to hike for 3-4 hours.

Recap

This guided hike to Rainbow Mountain from Cusco offers a captivating adventure amidst breathtaking landscapes. Travelers will enjoy a delicious breakfast and lunch, spot local wildlife, and bask in the vibrant colors of nature. The tour’s safety guidelines ensure a memorable experience for those in good physical condition, making it an ideal choice for nature enthusiasts seeking an unforgettable journey.

You can check if your dates are available here: