Cusco City Tour Half Day (Private Tour)
Discover Cusco’s top highlights in a half-day tour filled with history and Inca sites. ...
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$ 75.00 USD
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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!
If you'd like to customize this trip, our travel specialists will create the perfect tour for you.
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.
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.
Rainbow Mountain by Horse
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.
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:
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.
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 by Horse From Cusco
Take a look at our summary itinerary, if you wish to personalize any aspect, don’t hesitate to reach out to your travel consultant, we are sure you will love our rainbow mountain tour.
Our journey begins very early in the morning, departing from your hotel in the charming city of Cusco at the crack of dawn, precisely 4:00 am. We will embark on a captivating drive from Cusco to the famous Rainbow Mountain.
On the way to Rainbow Mountain, we will pause to enjoy a delicious breakfast at a charming local restaurant. Here you will have the opportunity to indulge in a hearty buffet offering a variety of tempting choices. From fluffy scrambled eggs and freshly baked bread to crunchy vegetables and healthy hard-boiled eggs, there is something for every palate. Satisfy your thirst with refreshing milk and vibrant fresh fruit juices, completing the perfect start to our adventure-filled day.
After a delicious breakfast, we will reach the trailhead where our adventure begins. Here, locals will be awaiting our arrival, with our horses, under the guidance of our experienced guide, we'll mount our horses with care, embarking on a picturesque journey towards the vibrant Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca). The horseback ride lasts approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour and 20 minutes. As we approach the summit, we will dismount from our noble companions and continue the final stretch of the route on foot.
After enjoying the breathtaking views at Rainbow Mountain, we will leisurely descend to the parking lot, then with our private transportation we stop a local restaurant, where a well-deserved lunch with traditional dishes of the region awaits us. It is the perfect time to relax, share experiences and recharge your batteries after the adventure. After lunch, we will continue with our private transport and return to Cusco. The trip lasts approximately 2 hours.
We retrn to Cusco, for convenience, we will drop you off directly at your hotel.
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.
Peru Rainbow Mountain
Your adventure begins in Cusco, as we leave the city behind and head south through the stunning landscapes. The drive offers a look at authentic rural life, with local farmers and herds of alpacas scattered across the fields. After 1.5 hour drive, we stop at a small Andean community to enjoy a delicious traditional breakfast, the perfect energy to make the most of our journey.
After brekafast, we drive for 40 minutes, from there the road winds through spectacular mountain scenery until we reach the horse station, where the adventure really begins. With the help of a local, you will mount your horse and begin the journey along a scenic trail surrounded by towering peaks and endless valleys. The rhythm of the horse’s steps and the fresh mountain air create a sense of connection with the Andes that few travelers experience.
As the trail gradually ascends, the horses bring you closer to the Rainbow Mountain. The last stretch is a short but rewarding walk, allowing you to enjoy the anticipation with each step until the multicolored slopes of Vinicunca finally appear before your eyes. At the top, you will have time to explore, take photos, and simply breathe in the magic of this otherworldly landscape.
After enjoying the views, it’s time to begin the return journey. You can ride back on horseback or choose to walk if you prefer to stretch your legs. Once back at the base, we head to a local restaurant where a well deserved lunch awaits us.
Finally we make our way back to Cusco, leaving behind one of the most unforgettable adventures in the Peruvian Andes.
Tour Information:
Pick-up: 4:00 AM from your hotel in Cusco
Meals: Breakfast and lunch included
Horseback Riding: 25 – 30 minutes each way
Short Hike: 15–20 minutes to the summit
Duration: Full day (approx. 12 hours)
Difficulty: Moderate – ideal for travelers who prefer not to hike the entire trail.
Si
Easy / Beginner
Full Day
4,630 m / 15,190 ft
5,200 m / 17,060 ft
Si
Preparing to visit Rainbow Mountain on horseback requires packing smartly to ensure comfort at high altitude. The weather in the Andean highlands is unpredictable, with cold mornings, intense midday sun, and the possibility of sudden rain showers. For this reason, bringing the right clothing and essential items will make your trip safer and more enjoyable. Below, you will find recommended items to pack for your horseback adventure:
Extra Tips:
Dress in layers: mornings are cold, midday can be sunny.
Stay hydrated and carry coca candies for altitude.
Horses are guided by locals; short walking sections may be required.
The cost of the Rainbow Mountain Tour by Horse is per person and includes English speaking guide, transportation from Cusco, breakfast, lunch, entrance fees, and the assistance of a local horse handler. Prices may vary depending on group size and season.
No. This tour is suitable for beginners. The horses are led by experienced locals who walk alongside them, making it a safe and easy experience even for first-time riders.
Not exactly. The horses can only climb to a certain point (around 5,000 m). From there, you will have to walk the last 15 minutes to reach the summit (5,200 m). It is a short but steep climb.
Rainbow Mountain is 5,200 meters (17,060 feet) high. Altitude sickness is very common at this altitude. Thats why it is highly recommended that you acclimatize in Cusco for 2-3 days before your trip, stay hydrated, and avoid alcohol the days before the trip.
Prices may vary depending on the season and route, but people generally pay 90 – 100 soles for a one-way ride, (about $25). And for a round trip: 120-150 soles (about US$32-40).
Yes. It is highly recommended to book the tour in advance, especially during the high season (April-October), when demand is high.
The excursion to Rainbow Mountain from Cusco usually lasts between 11 and 12 hours in total, this includes time at the summit to take photos and rest, and stops for breakfast and lunch.
Walking excursion: physically demanding; you walk the entire 6-7 km uphill at high altitude.
Horseback excursion is easier; most of the way is covered on horseback and only the last short stretch is walked.
Yes, with precautions. The horses are trained for this route and are led by expert local s. However, be sure to go slowly.
Rainbow Mountain (also known as Vinicunca, or Montaña de 7 Colores) is one of Peru’s most fascinating natural wonders, located in the Andes near Cusco. Its beautiful stripes of red, yellow, turquoise, and lavender are due to mineral deposits that formed over millions of years and were exposed by glacial erosion. Once a hidden treasure, Rainbow Mountain has become a must-see destination in Peru.
Rainbow Mountain is located in the Cusco region, in the districts of Pitumarca or Cusipata, depending on the access route. It is about 3 hours (100-120 km) southeast of the city of Cusco by car.
Rainbow Mountain can be visited year-round, but the dry season (April to October) is ideal for horseback riding excursions.
Dry season April-October Clear, sunny skies Ideal for photos, dry trails Cold mornings (below-freezing temperatures)
Wet season November-March Rain, snow, muddy trails Fewer tourists Risk of poor visibility
Best months: May, June, and September, with fewer clouds, good trail conditions, and ideal for horseback riding.
The weather at altitude is unpredictable, so it is important to bring the right gear:
Clothing:
Equipment:
Extras:
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