Rainbow Mountain Peru: Group Hike & Breakfast from Cusco

Summary

Early start from Cusco for a real Rainbow Mountain hike with breakfast and local guide

You’ll set out early from Cusco for a group trek to Rainbow Mountain Peru with hotel pickup included. Share coca tea and laughs with your local guide on the drive, enjoy breakfast in Cusipata village before hiking through Andean landscapes, then reach those famous colored stripes at over 5,000 meters—and end your day swapping stories over lunch before returning home tired but happy.

What’s the experience like?

Is it normal to feel nervous about hiking at 5,000 meters? I kept asking myself that as our van rattled out of Cusco before sunrise. The city was still half asleep—just a couple of street dogs and one woman sweeping her doorway. Our guide, Luis, handed out coca tea and grinned like he’d done this a hundred times (he probably has). The drive took three hours but I barely noticed; the windows fogged up from our breath, and someone pointed out Ausangate in the distance. It looked impossibly far away. We stopped at Cusipata for breakfast—warm bread, eggs, and some kind of fruit juice I still can’t name. Maybe passionfruit?

The last stretch by van was bumpy enough to make me laugh (or maybe that was just nerves again), and then we started walking. The air had that dry, sharp smell you only get high in the Andes. It wasn’t easy—I mean, nobody pretends it is—but Luis kept checking on us, cracking jokes in Spanish and English. At one point I tried to say “Vinicunca” properly; he laughed and said my accent sounded Quechua instead of Spanish. Not sure if that’s good or bad. The path is mostly open—just you, the wind, a few llamas who look like they own the place.

Getting to Rainbow Mountain felt surreal. The colors are real but not cartoon-bright—more muted stripes under a sky so wide it almost makes you dizzy. People were quiet at the top, just taking it in or snapping photos with cold fingers. I ate my snack sitting on a rock; honestly, I didn’t want to leave yet even though my legs were already complaining about the walk back down.

Lunch back in Cusipata tasted way better than any meal should after a hike—maybe because everyone was tired and sunburned and swapping stories about how hard (or not) the climb was for them. By the time we rolled back into Cusco around 4:30 pm I couldn’t really feel my feet but somehow didn’t mind. Sometimes when I see pictures of Rainbow Mountain now it feels almost unreal that we stood there together in that thin air.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Rainbow Mountain tour from Cusco

• Depart hotel in Cusco at 4:00 am
• Travel 3 hours by bus to Cusipata
• Have breakfast in Cusipata
• Drive 30 minutes on dirt road
• Hike 1.5 hours to Rainbow Mountain
• Enjoy free time at Rainbow Mountain
• Walk back to parking area
• Have lunch in Cusipata
• Return to Cusco city center by 4:30 pm

Top questions

What time does the Rainbow Mountain tour from Cusco start?

The tour starts with hotel pickup in Cusco at 4:00 am.

Is breakfast included on the day trip to Rainbow Mountain?

Yes, you’ll have breakfast at Cusipata village before starting your hike.

How long is the hike to Rainbow Mountain from the parking area?

The hike takes about 1.5 hours each way from where the van stops.

Is lunch provided during this group tour?

Yes, lunch is included after your return hike in Cusipata village.

How high is Rainbow Mountain Peru?

The summit of Rainbow Mountain is approximately 5,020 meters (16,466 ft) above sea level.

Are walking sticks provided for this tour?

Yes, walking sticks are included as part of your tour package.

What’s the maximum group size for this tour?

The group will not exceed 14 people.

Is there an option for vegetarian or vegan meals?

A vegetarian option is available if requested at booking; vegan options are also possible.

What’s included

Your day includes early morning hotel pickup in Cusco, comfortable transport with air conditioning to and from Rainbow Mountain Peru, breakfast before your trek begins in Cusipata village plus lunch after your hike ends there too; you’ll have walking sticks provided along with support from a professional multi-lingual local guide—and emergency oxygen if needed along the way before returning to town late afternoon.