Rainbow Mountain Tour by Horse
Looking for a more relaxed trip without the tough hike? Our Rainbow Mountain horseback tour is the perfect way to reach Vinicunca (5,036 m / 16,522 ft). Ride through facinanting landscapes, saving energy to enjoy your experience to the fullest.
Don’t wait any longer to live this unique experience. Book now and discover why a day trip to Rainbow Mountain on horseback is one of the best ways to enjoy this iconic place in Peru and make your adventure unforgettable!
Enjoy Rainbow Mountain like never before with our exclusive horseback riding tour from Cusco. This is not just a trip, but an immersive adventure that combines the thrill of horseback riding with breathtaking views and local culture. Perfect for travelers wanting a deeper and more flexible experience beyond the typical day trip.
Best Rainbow Mountain by Horse 1 Day Tour from Cusco
Horseback riding to Rainbow Mountain in Peru – Overview
Get ready for an extraordinary journey as you saddle up and explore the beautiful Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca or Montaña de 7 Colores, on an exciting horseback excursion. Leave the large group tours behind and join us on a private day trip from Cusco to discover the breathtaking scenery of this hidden gem with expert local guides at your side.
What Makes This Tour Special?
This tour offers a unique combination of hiking and horseback riding. You will ascend most of the trail on horseback, allowing you to enjoy the views more, and then walk the final stretch to fully enjoy the spectacular panoramic views from the summit. It is suitable for all fitness levels, whether you have experience in high mountain hiking or prefer a slower, more relaxed pace, our expert guides will adapt to your comfort level. Designed as a private experience, this tour offers you complete flexibility to move at your own pace, stop to take photos, and enjoy the journey without feeling rushed. It is perfect for travelers seeking a more personalized and comfortable adventure. Along the way, you will pass through traditional Andean villages, interact with local residents, and witness authentic highland life. You will see herds of alpacas and llamas grazing freely with beautiful landscapes, adding cultural and visual richness to your experience.
Rainbow Mountain Horseback Tour Trip Details
Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about the route, elevation, distance, and more important information you must know before booking this tour with us:
- Tour Type: Private only, no group departures
- Acclimatization: 2–3 days in Cusco recommended
- Pick-up Time: Around 4:00 AM from your hotel
- Horseback Ride: 8 km / 5 miles round trip
- Final Walk: 500 m / 0.3 miles (15–20 min)
- Altitude Range: 4,650 m to 5,036 m (15,255–16,522 ft)
- Max Altitude: Up to 5,200 m / 17,060 ft (Red Valley)
- Tour Duration: Around 12 hours total
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate for most travelers
IMPORTANT: We know that the use of animals in tourism activities can cause important concerns for our travelers, and we fully agree: animal welfare comes first. At Come See Peru, we follow responsible travel practices to ensure that our horses are healthy, well treated and used with respect.
Horses are used only for the steepest part of the trail to help travelers avoid altitude problems. The last 15-20 minutes are completed on foot to let the horses rest and prevent them from overworking.
This tour is not designed for comfort, but to make Rainbow Mountain accessible to everybody with difficulty with altitude or long hikes.
Rainbow Mountain Horseback Route Map
The distances, altitudes and durations indicated here are approximate and based on average conditions. Variations may occur according to weather, road conditions and the pace of the traveler.
Rainbow Mountain Horseback Tour Schedule
One day before – Pre-tour briefing via call by WhatsApp. Our guide will provide the tour details the evening before your tour to explain the itinerary, answer your questions, and ensure you are prepared for the next day.
4:00 AM – Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco
Early morning pick-up and drive to the south of Cusco, beginning your journey to Cusipata region.
5:30 AM – Breakfast at a local restaurant
We’ll stop at a local village for breakfast and some time to rest. This usually lasts 45 minutes to 1 hour.
6:30 AM – Drive to the horse station
Continue driving for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes through beautiful Andean landscapes until reaching the trailhead.
8:00 AM – Begin horseback ride to Rainbow Mountain
You will start riding with the assistance of a local horse handler. The trail offers spectacular views and herds of alpacas.
9:00 AM – Walk to the summit
At the end of the horse trail, you will walk the last 500–600 meters (about 15–20 minutes) to reach the viewpoint.
9:30 AM – Free time at the top
You’ll have about 1 hour to explore, take photos, and enjoy the views from the top of Rainbow Mountain.
10:30 AM – Ride back to the parking area
Begin your return journey by horse, taking approximately 30 minutes, you can also opt for hiking down.
12:30 PM – Lunch at a local restaurant
Stop for a delicious local lunch before heading back to Cusco.
2:00 PM – Return to Cusco
Depart from the restaurant and begin the drive back to the city of Cusco, where you will be dropped off.
