Cusco: Tour to the Rainbow Mountain With Meals

Cusco, the historic Inca capital, serves as the gateway to one of Peru’s most spectacular natural wonders – the Rainbow Mountain. For just $34 per person, adventure-seekers can embark on a 12-hour tour that promises to captivate the senses. With hotel pickup, delectable meals, and a challenging yet rewarding hike, this excursion offers a chance to witness the breathtaking beauty of the multicolored peaks. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking an unforgettable experience, this tour presents a unique opportunity to learn about the stunning landscapes of the Cusco region.

Key Points

• The tour to Rainbow Mountain from Cusco includes round-trip transportation, buffet meals, and professional guide services, lasting approximately 12 hours.
• The tour departs from Cusco’s historic center between 4:30-5:00 a.m. and returns around 5:00 p.m., with a 1-hour, 40-minute hike to the mountain.
• Trekking poles and oxygen balls are provided, and horse riding is available at an extra cost for the hike to Rainbow Mountain at 5,080 meters.
• The tour is not recommended for young children, pregnant women, or individuals with certain health conditions due to the challenging high-altitude trek.
• Participants are advised to bring warm clothing, sun protection, and proper hiking gear, as the tour provides a comprehensive Rainbow Mountain experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour to Rainbow Mountain in Peru offers visitors a chance to explore one of the country’s most visually stunning natural wonders. Priced from $34 per person, the 12-hour tour includes round-trip transportation, a buffet breakfast and lunch, and the services of a professional English-Spanish guide.

Guests can opt for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance or reserve their spot without prepayment. The tour departs Cusco’s historic center between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m. and returns around 5:00 p.m. at the Cusco Main Square.

While the tour isn’t recommended for young children, pregnant women, or those with health conditions, it provides a chance to marvel at the vibrant hues of Rainbow Mountain.

Itinerary Details

The tour kicks off with pickup from hotels in Cusco’s historic center between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m.

After a 3-hour bus/coach ride to Cusipata, guests enjoy a buffet breakfast.

Next, they embark on a 1-hour, 40-minute hike up to the stunning Rainbow Mountain, standing at an elevation of 5,080 meters (16,666 feet).

Trekking poles and oxygen balls are provided. Guests can also opt for horse riding at an additional cost.

Once at the top, visitors have an hour to explore and capture the breathtaking views.

A delicious lunch is then served in Cusipata before the return journey to Cusco, ending around 5:00 p.m.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour package includes hotel pickup, tourist transport, buffet breakfast and lunch, as well as the services of a professional English-Spanish guide. Plus, the tour provides trekking poles and an oxygen ball for the hike to Rainbow Mountain. Entrance fees of 30 soles for foreigners and 15 soles for Peruvian nationals are also covered. However, the tour is not suitable for certain individuals, including:

Unsuitable for:	Reason
Children under 5	Safety concerns
Pregnant women	Health risks
Low fitness, heart problems, over 75	Inability to handle the high altitude
Wheelchair users, over 209 lbs	Physical limitations

Participants are advised to bring appropriate warm clothing, sun protection, and hiking gear for the excursion.

Suitability Considerations

One must carefully consider the suitability of this tour, as it poses certain restrictions.

The tour isn’t suitable for children under 5 years, pregnant women, individuals with heart problems, low fitness levels, or those over 75 years of age.

Wheelchair users and people over 209 lbs (95 kg) are also not recommended to participate. This is due to the challenging hike to the Rainbow Mountain, which reaches an elevation of 5,080m/16,666ft.

Prospective participants should ensure they meet the physical requirements and have no underlying health conditions that could be exacerbated by the high altitude and strenuous activity.

It’s essential to carefully assess one’s own abilities before booking this tour.

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Recommended Packing Items

When preparing for the tour to the Rainbow Mountain, it’s important to pack the right items.

The tour operator recommends bringing a passport or ID card, as it’s required for entry.

Warm clothing like jackets, gloves, and hats are essential, as the temperatures can drop significantly at the high altitude.

Sunglasses and sunscreen are also a must to protect against the intense UV rays.

Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended for the trek, and hikers should bring their own water to stay hydrated.

Plus, the tour provides trekking poles and oxygen balls, but travelers can bring their own if preferred.

Customer Feedback

Travelers have overwhelmingly praised the tour to the Rainbow Mountain, with an impressive 5-out-of-5 rating based on a single review.

The positive feedback highlights the excellence of the site and the knowledgeable guide, providing an enriching experience for visitors. While the reviewer suggested improvements to the food, the overall experience seems to have met or exceeded expectations.

With the tour offering convenient hotel pickup, a satisfying breakfast and lunch, and the opportunity to admire the stunning Rainbow Mountain, it’s no wonder customers have left such glowing reviews.

This suggests the tour is a must-do activity for those visiting the Cusco region.

Reservation and Cancellation Policy

Typically, travelers can reserve their spot on the tour to Rainbow Mountain without an upfront payment through the "Reserve now & pay later" option. This allows customers to secure their place on the tour and pay later.

Plus, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for travelers’ plans. If customers need to cancel, they’ll receive a full refund, no questions asked.

This cancellation policy ensures customers can book with confidence, knowing they can adjust their plans if needed without penalty. The reservation and cancellation terms provide a convenient and risk-free booking experience for those interested in exploring the stunning Rainbow Mountain.

Transportation and Meals Provided

The tour to Rainbow Mountain includes transportation and meals for participants.

The journey begins with a pickup from hotels in Cusco’s historic center between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m. Travelers are then transported by bus or coach to Cusipata, a journey of approximately 3 hours. A buffet breakfast is provided during this time.

Once at the trailhead, hikers embark on a 1 hour and 40-minute trek to the summit of Rainbow Mountain, standing at an impressive 5,080 meters (16,666 feet) above sea level.

After exploring the vibrant hues of the mountain, a buffet lunch is served in Cusipata before the return to Cusco, arriving around 5:00 p.m.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Snacks on the Hike?

Participants are welcome to bring their own snacks on the hike to Rainbow Mountain. The tour includes a buffet breakfast and lunch, but additional snacks can be carried to provide extra sustenance during the trek.

What Is the Expected Weather During the Tour?

The weather during the Rainbow Mountain tour is expected to be cold and dry. Temperatures can range from below freezing at the mountain’s peak to more mild conditions in the valleys. Hikers should come prepared with warm layers and proper hiking gear.

How Many People Are Typically in a Tour Group?

The tour group size typically ranges from 6 to 12 people. The small group size allows for a more personalized experience and ensures everyone receives attentive care from the guide throughout the excursion.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour overview does not mention an option to extend the duration. The standard tour is 12 hours long, which includes transportation, meals, and hiking to the Rainbow Mountain. Extending the tour would likely require booking a separate, customized excursion.

Can I Leave My Luggage at the Hotel During the Tour?

Yes, you can leave your luggage at the hotel during the tour. Most hotels in Cusco offer free luggage storage for guests while they’re out on day trips or excursions.

Recap

The Rainbow Mountain tour from Cusco promises an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts. At just $34 per person, the tour offers excellent value, with hotel pickup, scenic transportation, delicious meals, and a challenging hike to the mountain’s summit. With free cancellation and a stunning landscape to explore, this tour is a must-do for visitors to the Cusco region.

You can check if your dates are available here: