Tours and Tickets
Rainbow Mountain on horseback
4.5
About
from
$120.00
per adult

Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 13-99, max of 15 per group
Duration: 15h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
English, Spanish


  • Transportation
  • Breakfast and lunch
  • Professional multi-lingual guide (English and Spanish)
  • Hotel pick up
What's not included
  • Entrance ticket to the Rainbow Mountain (S/.25.00 Soles)
  • Drinks


Departure details
  • Traveler pickup is offered.
  • Hotel pickup is offered. View the hotel list on our checkout page to see if yours is included among the pickup points.
Return details
  • Returns to original departure point

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Infants must sit on laps
  • Infant seats available
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 49313P13

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
  • Not recommended for people over 55 years of age
  • May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
  • A strenuous amount of walking is involved
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
  • Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required.
  • Since this activity is a group tour, we will pick up the first person at 3:40 and the last one at 4:20, please be ready at the lobby of your hotel at 3:40 am and our guide has time to pass for you until 4:20 am.
  • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

A note from Rainbow Mountain on horseback
  • Groups limited to 10 persons while the Pandemic is active by the W.H.O.
What you can expect during your visit
  • Regular temperature checks for staff
  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Temperature checks for tour participants upon arrival
  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
  • Contactless payment for gratuities and add-ons
  • Face masks required for guides in public areas
  • Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
  • Gear/equipment sanitized between use
  • Face masks required for travelers in public areas
  • Social distancing enforced throughout experience
  • Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.

How much is Rainbow Mountain on horseback?
Rainbow Mountain on horseback price starts from $120.00. Discover and book Rainbow Mountain on horseback on Tripadvisor
What is the Rainbow Mountain on horseback cancellation policy?
Rainbow Mountain on horseback cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Discover and book Rainbow Mountain on horseback on Tripadvisor
Which company provides Rainbow Mountain on horseback?
Rainbow Mountain on horseback is hosted by Rainbow Mountain Cusco Tour Company. Read reviews, discover additonal experiences or contact Rainbow Mountain Cusco Tour Company on Tripadvisor. Discover and book Rainbow Mountain on horseback on Tripadvisor
How much time do I need for Rainbow Mountain on horseback?
On average, this experience will take approximately 15h. Discover and book Rainbow Mountain on horseback on Tripadvisor

If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 49313P13

Reserve your spot

Similar experiences

Itinerary
  • You'll get picked up
    See departure details
  • 1
    Rainbow Mountain Cusco Tour Company
    Stop: 60 minutes
    See details
  • 2
    Cerro Colorado Vinicunca
    Stop: 60 minutes
    See details
  • You'll return to the starting point
+
–
About the operator
Rainbow Mountain Cusco Tour Company
1,060
Cusco, Peru
Joined in June 2016

#150 of 1,332 Outdoor Activities in Cusco
  • Passenger812365
    Passenger812365
    0
    0
    Stunning views all around
    A very early start at around 04:30 and a couple of hours on a bus but it was all worth it to see Rainbow mountain and the surrounding area was absolutely stunning. After stopping as far as the bus could go it's about a 2 hour trek up to the top or an hour if you're very fit. It's around 17,000 feet in altitude so the air is very thin which obviously makes it harder. Once up there there's plenty of time to get some pictures. There's 360 deg views all around and a great view of Nevado Auzangate a 20,000 ft peak. If you're not up to the hike there's an option to take a mule ride up to the top. Overall an excellent day with a meal included.
  • Katie K
    Katie K
    0
    0
    Highly recommend!
    Anibal was an excellent guide! It was an early morning but he made all of us laugh and treated us like family. We had a rare snowy hike in July, but we made the most of it and he was with us the whole time! Also, our driver, Rusbel, was very polite and got us there and back safely.
  • SSouth7915
    SSouth7915
    0
    0
    A Colorful and Unique Hike to Rainbow Mount and the Red Valley
    The hike to Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley was breath-taking (visually and physically). The trailhead starts at around 4,300 meters (14,000 feet) and climbs to just over 5,000 meters (16,400 feet). The hike is approximately 4 K (2.5 miles) with the last 1/4 being the steepest part. Most take 2 hours, but no pressure in speed with lots of stops that have snacks/drinks/tourist stuff to buy along the way. Some in our group stopped at the Rainbow Mountain view point (saddle) and some hiked another 45 minutes up to view the Red Valley. There were 100s of people at the Rainbow Mountain saddle, but we seemed to the only ones to hike onto the Red Valley (a peaceful and beautiful view well worth the additional hike). Alpaca Expedition guide (Ruben) and his assistant, driver, and chef for breakfast and lunch were outstanding, friendly, and very knowledgeable. We left Cusco about 4:30 am and returned to our hotel in Cusco around 5;30 pm
  • duenez8
    duenez8
    0
    0
    Rainbow Mountain Experience
    Our tour guides were amazing very patient with us and helped us in every possible way. Very nice, friendly, attentive to our needs and made the experience very enjoyable specially because the trek is not an easy one but they made sure we made it there and back.
  • 433leonat
    433leonat
    0
    0
    Breathtaking Rainbow Mountain
    We decided that Salkantay Trail wasn’t enough so we added this breathtaking trip to Rainbow Mountain. It definitely needs to be on the backend of any trip to get acclimated to the elevation but it was worth every extra step and out of breath moment. Horses can be rented to help with the climb. Ruben was energetic and kept us motivated. You can opt to hike another hour (there and back) to Red Valley. We had a wonderful breakfast as well as lunch. These chefs from Alpaca Expeditions are amazing.
  • mnicklaus4
    mnicklaus4
    0
    0
    Excellent!
    Highly recommend this tour! The guide was fantastic and the views were incredible! Breakfast and lunch are both provided and were delicious!
  • tamaranataliam
    tamaranataliam
    0
    0
    Great trip!
    I did they rainbow mountain tour and red valley with Roxana and it was amazing! She is a great guide with a lot of information to share and super nice! The tour starts early which is great, because you will reach the mountains before all the others do and it was an amazing experience! The food we got was also really good and I can highly recommend booking with Rainbow Mountain Travel Cusco! Thank you
  • B1446MHjessem
    B1446MHjessem
    0
    0
    Great views and staff!
    Anibal was amazing! Everything else wonderful. Definitely recommend going on this trip, but make sure you are capable of doing some hiking.
  • Relax709998
    Relax709998
    0
    0
    What a grand tour
    What a blast. We rode horses up to the top to spend more time for photos and looking around. Tour guides were very nice. Informative. Should’ve dressed warmer … was very windy and cold that day. Highly recommended.
  • hannahcN6620OG
    hannahcN6620OG
    0
    0
    Excellent
    Very good trip, the guides were excellent and very well organised. Breakfast and lunch was a buffet which was good and definitely needed before and after the hike. Would definitely recommend 😊
  • ellat543
    ellat543
    0
    0
    Rainbow mountain adventure
    Our tour guide Anibal was amazing. Such a nice guy and helped us along the way. We started the tour at 3am to beat the crowds and it was the best idea. The hike is tough due to the altitude so make sure to acclimatize first. We used horses for a portion of it and glad we did. By the time you’re returning back you’re exhausted. It’s worth doing for sure…
  • 639andreag
    639andreag
    0
    0
    Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley
    Early start was very well worthwhile. We stopped for a hot breakfast (included in our cost) on the way and were still ahead of the crowds. The sky cleared to reveal stunning views. Our guide, Liz Montesinos, was well prepared. She encouraged us to take the additional hike to Red Valley which was even more spectacular. Liz was great at coaching through the high altitude & steep climb and was also a very willing and capable photographer. The day included a fair bit of driving with lots of opportunity to see the countryside south of Cuzco. A hot buffet lunch was also included in the cost. Excellent value and a very memorable experience.
  • Jjgiordano
    Jjgiordano
    0
    0
    Great experience
    Amazing experience and amazing tour guide and driver. Highly recommend using this company for your rainbow mountain tour.
  • 946mileyn
    946mileyn
    0
    0
    Excellent tour guide
    It’s an amazing experience with Anibal, tour guide and Rusbel, driver. My tour guide is very knowledgeable and kind. Thanks again for your service !
  • atisb
    atisb
    0
    0
    At the summit of strangest mountain in Peru
    It was a wonderful journey from Cuzco. It takes 2:30 hrs to reach to the base. From here starts the real magic. The landscape is beautiful and as we went the scenery changes. It’s about 4 km to reach the mountain and another 50 meters to the summit. The panoramic view is awesome. Only things for which it’s not so popular is the trekking needs good fitness.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions

4.5
15 reviews
Excellent
9
Very good
3
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
0

Alaina E
11 contributions
Jun 2022
BEST EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE!! I was a little worried about this tour because I am not the most physically fit person ever, but I surprisingly had the best time ever. The pickup went super smoothly, we had comfortable transportation, and our breakfast was great. Make sure to bundle up for the morning and you can leave your extra layers in the car. Once you get there, the tour guide will get your horse for you and a local person will guide you to the horse-stopping area. The views are amazing the whole way. You never go too fast or feel uncomfortable on the horse. From there, as a group, you summit the mountain and see the beautiful mountain. Some people in my group needed a little extra time to get to the top (which is okay, go at your own pace) so I got to go at my pace up which was nice. Once at the top, there are alpacas, snacks, picture opportunities, everything!! I really appreciated our guide who was super encouraging and kind to us! He told us the history of the place as well as other cool facts. I chose to hike back down all the way which was nice too. Always remember to go at your own pace no matter what and you will have an amazing and safe time! I would do this tour again in a heartbeat!
Written July 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

lrltshw
Plymouth, IN392 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
First - this is not an easy hike. I'm what I would consider an average ability 42 year old female hiker. I'm fairly active but do not run races or work out daily, but I work out some and enjoy hiking. This was one of the hardest hikes I've ever done (and I've backcountry hiked in Glacier National Park etc.) Second - if it's a yucky day it won't be as stunning as it is on a nice day. We got quite lucky as our guide said in the past couple years of doing this tour the day we were there was one of 3 perfect days he's seen at Rainbow Mountain. It is usually VERY windy and cold. It can be raining. It can be miserable. For our trip it was a beautiful day, we didn't need a jacket, and it was sunny and dry. TIPS: Wear sunscreen including lip balm with sunscreen. Wear layers and pack gloves and hats in case. Bring a rain jacket in case. Bring water. Bring sugar snacks - or money. Some are for sale by locals and once you're done you will want snacks. BRING small bills/change. Candy is about 2-3 Sols. They won't have change for 20 sol bills. Yes, I found this out the hard way and went without candy ;) Biggest Tip: If you do this, and you get to the hard part (you'll know what I mean when you're there,) don't focus on the end goal. Break it into manageable goals such as take 30 steps, then stop and take 10 breaths. Or get to the 2nd post and stop. Breaking it down makes it manageable.
Written September 5, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

LigiaGessner
Rio dos Cedros, SC17 contributions
Jun 2018 • Friends
I really liked the mountains, they're beautiful! Challenging myself was cool too. But I felt really bad after it for financing this kind of tourism. The horses looked really tired and a lot of them tripped on the way up or down. Before I went I thought there was going to be just a few of them but there were a lot. And they go up and down so many times. What's the point of trekking again? Just to take a picture at the top?
Written June 4, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

JoAnn H
9 contributions
Dec 2019
I dropped the ball on this one. Since Rainbow Mountain was offered through our hotel (Antigua Casonas), I thought it would be fun to do. We had spent the beginning of our trip in Urubamba (4 days) to get acclimated and then spent 2 days in Cusco before our trip to Rainbow (we were also taking meds to help with altitude). I think that we were very lucky to have made the climb without getting seriously hurt. We left Cusco at 4AM in a packed, cold and uncomfortable van. We stopped for breakfast (not so great and restaurant was colder than what it was outside...van didn't have heat). Once we got to Rainbow Mountain, the race was on. I had no idea that our tour company would be rushing us to get to the top. We would have been better off if we had been able to go at our own pace but that was not an option with this group tour. I finally got a horse for the last 30 minutes before hitting the last climb to the summit. While walking up (I am 63) I saw 2 young girls on the ground getting O2. On the way down, we watched as they took a gentleman all the way down on a stretcher (an ambulance was waiting at the bottom). If you are going to take this hike, check everything very carefully and consider getting a private tour so that you can go at your own pace. I had my son and his girlfriend along on the trip and I was scared to death that they were going to have serious health concerns. Both got very ill that night. My son got to the summit but left quickly because he was feeling so bad. Oh...did I mention that the trail is filled with thick mud? My son slipped and fell twice on the way down. People were going off the trail to get around the mud...doing harm to the moss and surrounding plants. This place is an environmental disaster happening. And the poor horses! Yes, I took one for about half an hour but I felt very guilty about doing this. These animals, when not hauling people up the mountain, are standing around in deep mud. Oh...and the road up and down in the van??? lots of washouts...road is not in good shape. I don't think it is very safe. All in all, I don't think this was worth the risk to family members.
Written January 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Dave H
High Wycombe, England, United Kingdom89 contributions
Sep 2019 • Couples
The tour started very early soon after 4 a.m. We stopped for breakfast in a small village which was a nice buffet. We carried onto the starting point for the walk and then began a reasonable ascent. The guide was supposed to keep the group together but was not that successful. I spotted a few Tyrants along the way which I wished to photograph and was hurried along by the guide saying there would be time on the way back. Fortunately I ignored him and took the photos of at least 5 bird species, none of which I saw on the way back. The views of the Rainbow Mountain are impressive and better in full sun but not that disappointing without. The walk back was fairly easy although we were given a tight schedule to make the bus. We stopped again in the village for lunch which was rushed and no time for a coffee as our driver and guide wanted to get back to Cusco which we did mid afternoon. If you don't fancy the walk you can ride a horse for most of the way. All in all impressive nature and scenery spoilt by being rushed by the guide.
Written October 7, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

4NHTraveler
New Hampshire225 contributions
As other people have mentioned in their posts, be sure to read about this excursion before signing up. For the group tour, you leave very early from Cusco (I was told to be at the meeting point at 4 am, but we actually left around 5). Then, or is a 1.5 hr drive to breakfast (about 30 min to eat, bread, eggs, fruit, coffee) and then it was another 2 hrs to the start of the hike. Our guide gave our group (about 38 people divided into 2 smaller vans) and then we were off. As other people have mentioned, they do carry oxygen with them, but that means you'd have to hike kind of near them if you think you might need it, as once the hike gets past the first meeting point (bathrooms - 1 sol to enter, and I was told that it was really just a hole in the ground, so your call I guess), you are "let loose" to walk on your own and at your own pace, but you do have to be back at the vans by a certain time. In my group, we were given about 2.5 hrs to go up and back down. We were also given walking poles to help us out.
I will admit that I am not the most athletically inclined person, but I am not completely out of shape either, as I got to Cusco almost a week before this tour and was averaging about 5-6 miles of walking per day, and this hike was TOUGH! I had to stop several times, and even though I was sucking on the coca candies and had coca tea before leaving Cusco, the altitude really was a factor. I found myself stopping several times and by the time I got to the top, I stayed long enough for a few pictures, and then started back down. I felt like the way down was just as tough as the way up in some ways, and I definitely had symptoms of altitude sickness, and had to have one of the guides mix some sort of liquid (coca?) with alcohol so I wouldn't get sick at the end. So, I strongly recommend that you go with someone if you even have ANY doubts (or perhaps skip this activity for something else).
Once I reached the summit, it was cool to see Rainbow mountain, but as others have said, it wasn't as shockingly colorful as the many posters around Cusco will lead you to believe. I can now say I have been there, but I am not planning on going on any more high altitude treks due to this experience.
There are also a few things that I haven't seen mentioned specifically in posts, so I am going to write what I can now. For clothes, I wore jeans, smart wool socks, a cami, a t- shirt, a long sleeve shirt and the inside lining of a ski jacket as my main coat, as will as sunglasses, a hat and previously applied sunscreen. (Remember, I am from NH, so perhaps might have a slightly better tolerance for cold weather) Going up, I was sweating a bit, and took off my jacket until I reached the summit, where it was a bit windy and colder. As I descended, I was somewhat cold because the wind picked up, and I had to pull out my ski hat and fleece gloves. I had lots of extra junk in my backpack that I should have left in the van (like a rain pocho and sweatshirt). So, I would recommend going through your backpack for stuff you don't think you will need BEFORE hiking, and leave it in the van so you're not carrying all that extra weight).
Also, when I went, the path was dirt (dry season), so EVERYTHING got dusted with the fine dust powder from the horses going by, other people walking, etc. So, I guess I am recommending that you wear clothes that are either a little dirty to begin with, or at least stuff that you won't care if it is coated in dust from the path. Also, although people will sit and rest almost wherever, there really isn't any designated resting place. And, if you're needing a snack, there are some people along the way who can sell you something. (Including the horse ride up and back...although you should know that horses can only go so far, so you still have to walk a ways...price was 80 soles round trip or 60 going up).
All in all, it was interesting, but I feel as though I probably could have spent my money and time doing something a little less strenuous and had more fun, while not over exerting myself.
Written July 13, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

maa482018
Christchurch, New Zealand27 contributions
Feb 2019
Hi team.When you are in Cusco-Peru----be SURE to take the extra time to do a day trip to Rainbow Mountain.That mountain is absolutely STUNNING!!!!!
I got REALLY bad altitude sickness when I was in Peru-so-did NOT do the Inca Trail-although I booked and paid for it.I was a little upset by this----BUT----going to Rainbow Mountain MORE that made up for it.The altitude sickness was still present-so-I did the "walk" to the base of the mountain on horseback-yep-if the altitude is toooo much----take a horse.The horse and its leader dropped me at the base of the mountain-and I managed to climb(very slowly) to the top----AWESOME views.GREAT thing to do....HIGHLY reccomend it
Written August 10, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

David F
Modesto, CA28 contributions
I did this hike on a day trip with Machu Picchu reservations. It cost around 70 soles. Which is definitely worth it because they provide transportation to and from rainbow mountain. As a plus, they provide a big breakfast before the hike and when you get done they provide a big lunch. As for the hike, tits no walk in the park, but I did find it to be easier than other hikes. During the hike you will see some of the most breathtaking views ever(I’ll post a bunch of pictures) If you get tired at all during the hike you can pay a few soles and ride a horse/donkey up. They are constantly going up and down so there is usually one available. Now once you get to the top, the last thing between you and the view point is the stairs which was the hardest for me. Take your time and you can make it. Once you get to view point there’s people selling food and drinks(which was amazing!) the things I recommend is go on a sunny day, when I went it was cloudy and stared hailing. But over all a good experience! Oh, ps. Bring a couple of soles because they charge to use the restroom!
Written May 14, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

FeLiveri20
Sao Paulo, SP207 contributions
Hiking the Rainbow Mountain is fantastic experience. Yeah, the walking is hard, but the view is enough to be grateful :) just go! The guides will be supporting you all the time.
Written November 21, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Rainbow Mountain on horseback provided by Rainbow Mountain Cusco Tour Company

Product Overview: Rainbow Mountain on horseback

Prices From$0
Number of Reviews15
Number of Photos13
Duration900 minutes