Rainbow Mountain Beat-the-Crowd: 7 AM Departure (Small groups)
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 42 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Rainbow Mountain Beat-the-Crowd: 7 AM Departure (Small groups) worth booking?
Rainbow Mountain Beat-the-Crowd: 7 AM Departure (Small groups) is a 13-hour experience in Cusco, Peru, from $99 per person. It scores 78 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 42 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 78 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (42)
- Duration
- 13 hours
- From
- $99 per person
Rainbow Mountain Cusco attracts over 800 trekkers a day. It tops the bucket list of many travelers, just as Machu Picchu. Rainbow Mountain is a part of the Vilcanota Mountain range. It was discovered in 2016. It soon b
What you get
- Entrance Fees
- Professional English speaking mountaineering expert
- Round trip transport
- Lunch
- First aid kit and oxygen cans
About this experience
Rainbow Mountain Cusco attracts over 800 trekkers a day. It tops the bucket list of many travelers, just as Machu Picchu. Rainbow Mountain is a part of the Vilcanota Mountain range. It was discovered in 2016. It soon became a popular attraction. The colors are a result of mineral deposits. On this trip, you will also be witnessing the life of Andean people in this remote region of the Peruvian highland. You will also get an amazing view of the mighty Ausangate mountain which dominates the southern skyline of Cusco on a clear day. Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca Peru is at 5200 meters (17,000 feet) above sea level. The high altitude experience needs you to be reasonably fit and well acclimated to avoid altitude sickness. The tour starts with a pickup from your hotel in Cusco at 0700 AM. To make the most of your experience on the seven-color mountain, we include lunch. You will be accompanied by an English-speaking local mountaineering expert.
What's included
Included
- Entrance Fees
- Professional English speaking mountaineering expert
- Round trip transport
- Lunch
- First aid kit and oxygen cans
Not included
- Any Private Expenses
What you'll see and do
Cusco
We will be picking you up from your hotel in Cusco at 0430 AM. Then in our private transport, we will be driving you along the South Valley of Cusco for two hours to Cusipata.
120 minutes here
Cusipata
At Cusipata, we will be stopping for breakfast. After relishing a typical and nutritious breakfast, we will be driving you for another hour to the trail head.
60 minutes here
Our guide will be giving you a safety briefing before beginning the trek. If you are not sure of hiking, you will have the option of renting a horse from the local community. Be sure to negotiate the rice before renting one. We will then begin the trek with a gradual uphill climb for two hours. The view on the trek is stunning. You will be rewarded with sights of Andean farms. You will also be able to spot some Andean camelids like Alpacas and Llamas grazing here. Once at the summit, our guide will share some local rituals with you. You will also be able to get a closer look at the mighty Ausangate peak. To locals, it is a sacred peak. On a clear day, it dominates the southern skyline of Cusco.
360 minutes here
Cusipata
Once you have had your fill of this out worldly view, we will start our trek back to the trailhead. Our driver will be waiting for us here. We will be driving you back to Cusipata for lunch.
120 minutes here
Cusco
After lunch, we will embark on a two hours drive back to Cusco city.
120 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Cusco
We will be waiting with the Machu Picchu Tour Logo and name of the group leader.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.
Ends at
We will be waiting with the Machu Picchu Tour Logo and name of the group leader.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- pt, en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 9 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Machu Picchu Tours
Know before you go
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 42 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Physical effort
6 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Photo opportunities
5 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Small groups
3 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
42 verified traveler reviews for Rainbow Mountain Beat-the-Crowd: 7 AM Departure (Small groups). Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Memorable Rainbow Mountain Hike
The Rainbow Mountain Hiking tour was excellent! The scenery of the rainbow Mountain was spectacular. Our tour guide Elizabeth was very helpful and knowledgeable. She provided a lot of interesting facts about the geology and animals of the region. She also helped taking a lot of wonderful pictures. We definitely felt very lucky to have her as our tour guide!
via Tripadvisor
Lifetime experience! 10/10
An unforgettable adventure! The Rainbow Mountain trek was incredible, with stunning scenery and adorable llamas and alpacas along the way. Huge thanks to Machu Picchu Tours and our fantastic guide John for making it a truly special experience.
Response from the operator: Dear Karina, Thank you for your amazing review of the Rainbow Mountain tour! We're so happy to hear that your adventure was as unforgettable as the scenery itself. It’s wonderful to know that the breathtaking landscapes, along with the friendly company of llamas and alpacas, made the trek even more memorable. We're also thrilled that John helped make your journey truly special — he’ll be delighted to hear your kind words! With warm regards, The Machu Picchu Tours Team
via Tripadvisor
Unforgettable!
Perfect tour, unforgettable experience with the guide Jose! We have chosen a private tour and that gave us nice opportunity to make some stops in beautiful places on the road to Rainbow Mountains. The tour starts early, but we had a nice breakfast and lunch in a local restaurant. I suggest you to take horses nearby the mountain, to make the track easier and more fun. On the way back we went by step and it was a nice journey despite the rain. Jose helped us a lot to survive the high point and also made a lot of photos with Rainbow Mountains View! All the trip was very safety and calm! We appreciate "Machu Picchu Tours" for this journey! It was our second trip with the agency, and everything was super!
Response from the operator: Dear Ev, Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that you had an unforgettable experience on the Rainbow Mountain Tour with José. Opting for a private tour was a great choice, allowing you to enjoy the breathtaking stops along the way at your own pace. It’s fantastic to know that you appreciated the local breakfast and lunch, and that José’s guidance, support, and photography skills helped make your journey even more special. We truly appreciate your trust in Machu Picchu Tours, especially since this was your second trip with us! Knowing that we’ve been part of your adventures in Peru is incredibly rewarding. We would love to welcome you back for even more unforgettable experiences in the future! Ps: Thank you for your great videos, they are so exciting and inspiring. Warm regards, The Machu Picchu Tours Team
via Tripadvisor
Rainbow Mountain Tour guide
We had a great tour of Rainbow Mountain. Jose was extremely knowledgeable and was a lot of help. The tour included good breakfast and lunch. I highly recommended this tour
Response from the operator: Dear Gabriel, Thank you for sharing your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you had a great experience on the Machu Picchu Full Day Tour to Rainbow Mountain. It’s fantastic that Jose’s knowledge and assistance added so much to your journey. We're also glad you enjoyed the breakfast and lunch during the tour. Your recommendation means a lot to us. We look forward to welcoming you back for more unforgettable adventures! Sincerely, The Machu Picchu Tours Team
via Tripadvisor
Amazing experience!!
At the begginig i was a little bit nervous to do the Rainbow Mountain, 'cause i've heard it was challenging for the altittude, and yeah, it really was, but it completly worth it... I got a little bit sick during the trek, it may be 'cause i'm not use to hike like this, but the amazing assitance of this guys from Machupicchu tours gave me was realiving.
Response from the operator: Dear Daryl, Thank you for sharing your amazing experience with us on the Rainbow Mountain Tour. We completely understand how the altitude can be a challenge, and we're so happy to hear that, despite the difficulty, it was worth it for you. It’s great to know that the support and assistance provided by our team at Machu Picchu Tours helped you feel more comfortable during the trek. We always aim to ensure that our guests have a safe and enjoyable experience. We hope to welcome you back for more adventures in Cusco, and thank you for choosing us for your Rainbow Mountain experience! Warm regards, The Machu Picchu Tours Team
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 13 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 7+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 15
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 78
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Rainbow Mountain Beat-the-Crowd: 7 AM Departure (Small groups): questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Cusco.
How much does Rainbow Mountain Beat-the-Crowd: 7 AM Departure (Small groups) cost?
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Prices start at $99 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Cusco usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Rainbow Mountain Beat-the-Crowd: 7 AM Departure (Small groups) take?
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Plan for about 13 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Cusco is not rushed.
Is Rainbow Mountain Beat-the-Crowd: 7 AM Departure (Small groups) worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 78 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 42 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Cusco, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Rainbow Mountain Beat-the-Crowd: 7 AM Departure (Small groups)?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Rainbow Mountain Beat-the-Crowd: 7 AM Departure (Small groups) suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 7. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 13-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Rainbow Mountain Beat-the-Crowd: 7 AM Departure (Small groups)?
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Around 15 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Cusco can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Cusco and add a light layer if any part of the 13-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Rainbow Mountain Beat-the-Crowd: 7 AM Departure (Small groups) start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Cusco within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Cusco?
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On Outty we rank every Cusco experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Sacred Valley Full Day Tour, Peruvian Cooking Class Cocktails and Market Tour in Cusco, Cusco: Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley Premium Day Trip with Meals. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Cusco?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Cusco?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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