Cusco: Rainbow Mountain Day Trip & Breakfast, Lunch, Pickup

Summary

Full day trek from Cusco to Rainbow Mountain with food stops and local guide

You’ll start before sunrise in Cusco and travel with a local guide to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), stopping for a warm breakfast in Cusipata before trekking through Andean valleys past llamas and alpacas. At the summit, take in those wild colors before heading back for a chef-prepared lunch — all with transport and entry fees covered.

What’s the experience like?

Someone’s tapping on my shoulder — turns out it’s our guide, Julio, already grinning at 4am in the hotel lobby. I’m barely awake but he’s somehow cheerful, so I just follow along. The van is quiet except for a couple of sleepy jokes from the back seat. We drive out of Cusco while the city lights fade, and I try not to think about how cold my hands are until we stop in Cusipata for breakfast. There’s this smell of fresh bread and eggs that wakes everyone up a little.

After eating (and more coca tea than I’ll admit), we pile back in for another short ride before starting the walk to Rainbow Mountain. Julio checks if anyone needs extra oxygen — he says some people do at this altitude. The trail starts off easy enough but then it gets steeper; you feel every step in your legs. Sometimes you pass herders with alpacas or even vicuñas if you’re lucky. The air is thin and sharp, but when the sun hits those colored stripes on Vinicunca… well, I just stopped talking for a minute. It really does look unreal — like someone painted it overnight.

We hung around at the top longer than planned because nobody wanted to leave first. Some folks were trading snacks or trying to get that perfect photo (spoiler: there’s always someone in the background). On the way down my legs felt wobbly but lighter somehow — maybe relief? Lunch back in Cusipata tasted better than usual after that hike; I still remember how everyone was laughing about their red cheeks from the wind. Then it was straight into the van and most of us fell asleep before we hit the edge of Cusco again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cusco to Rainbow Mountain trek

• Pick up from hotel at 4:00 AM
• Travel 3 hours to Cusipata
• Have breakfast in Cusipata
• Begin 1.5-hour trek to Rainbow Mountain
• Enjoy panoramic views and wildlife
• Descend back to Cusipata
• Have lunch in Cusipata
• Return to Cusco by van

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Cusco to Rainbow Mountain?

The tour lasts a full day, starting around 4:00 am with hotel pickup and returning to Cusco after lunch.

Is breakfast included on the Rainbow Mountain tour?

Yes, breakfast is provided during a stop in Cusipata before starting the trek.

How difficult is the hike to Vinicunca?

The hike is about 4 kilometers uphill on flat terrain; travelers should have moderate physical fitness due to altitude.

Are there llamas or alpacas along the trail?

Yes, you may see wild llamas, alpacas, or vicuñas during the trek.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

A traditional lunch prepared by a chef is included after descending from Rainbow Mountain.

Does this tour include hotel pickup in Cusco?

Hotel pickup from your accommodation in Cusco is included at approximately 4:00 am.

What should I bring for the Rainbow Mountain hike?

You should bring warm clothing, comfortable shoes, water, and sun protection due to high altitude conditions.

Is oxygen available if needed during the trek?

An oxygen balloon is available as part of safety measures during the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes early morning hotel pickup in Cusco, transportation out to both Cusipata and Vinicunca trailhead, all entry fees and taxes covered up front, plus breakfast before your trek and a hearty lunch prepared by a chef after you descend — all guided by a professional local who carries first aid supplies and oxygen just in case.