Rainbow Mountain Beat-the-Crowd, Small Group - 8:00 AM Departure

Recommended by 99% of travelers

Badge of Excellence

Cusco, Peru

High interest

Booked 2 times today.

11 to 12 hours (approx.)
Pickup offered
Group discounts
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.9

· Bethany_N ·

May 2026

Really well organised, Ronald was a fantastic tour guide, keeping us entertained on the really long bus ride to the rainbow mountain by giving us extra info about the villages along the way. We opted for the later comfort tour and were the last people on the mountain. We got such incredible views all to ourselves. Such an amazing experience and Ronald got some great photos of us too.

· Mary_R ·

Jun 2026

I had a great time on Rainbow Mtn. Our guide, John, was very supportive with the high altitude and very knowledgeable about things. Food was delicious and communication was clear as I had to switch groups from 8 am departure to 4 am departure. I'd highly recommend it!

Overview

Visit one of Peru's most popular places without the crowds on this well-planned day tour. Instead of visiting Rainbow Mountain in the morning, like other groups, visit in the afternoon after the crowds have left. With a small group, enjoy unobstructed views and learn about the landscape from your guide.

Enjoy an intimate exploration on this small-group tour
No need to get up before dawn to visit this highlight
Tuck into a delicious lunch at a typical restaurant
Travel in comfortable transportation with hotel pickup

What's Included

Hotel Pick up & Drop Off (Door to Door Service)
Confortable Transportation
Professional licenced tour guide
Lunch at an exclusive restaurant in Cusipata
Oxygen during the hike & in the car on your disposal
Snacks: A bottle of water, chocolate, cake, Andean cereal bar, fresh fruit and delightful candies.
Walking Sticks: Upon your request, we provide walking sticks to support your trekking experience.

Admission Fee - Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain

PEN30.00 per person
Horse Riding (Optional) to be paid directly to locals in cash

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Pickup details

AirBnb places if these have acces for cars. Pick up is included only for hotels in Cusco City.

Itinerary

Cusipata

3 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Rainbow Mountain Peru

5 hours • Admission Ticket Not Included

MESON ANDINO

4 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Infants must sit on laps
Not recommended for travelers with back problems

Not recommended for pregnant travelers
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Kimberley_Z

We started with a vehicle delay but that happens. Our guide was quick to let us know they’d be a bit late. The journey to the site was quick and we stopped for the restroom where we’d be having our late lunch. This allowed us to pre order. The experience on rainbow mountain was a great experience. Highly recommend it to everyone. We took the horses up to avoid the climb. Then took it extra slow the last bit. Peaceful and beautiful at the top. Jon was the star taking care of everyone.

Reviews

4.9

based on 864 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

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Sort by: Most insightful

Excellent option

Erich_F, Jul 2026

An excellent option. We went in a group of just six people, and the timing was great—we arrived at the mountain when there were fewer crowds. Our guide, Alex, and our driver, Alex, were very friendly and attentive.

Amazing hike!

Pedro_M, Jul 2026

I couldn't have had a better experience! Alex and John were amazing. For a challenging hike—due to the altitude—they provided just the right amount of information to make us feel 100% confident about the trek.

John, Cristian, and Alex...

Anup_P, Jul 2026

John, Cristian, and Alex were wonderful tour guides! They were always on top of our health and safety during our journey to Rainbow Mountain. We rode the horse for the first part and they made sure we were in good hands at all times. It was a wonderful experience with them!

Loved this! Rainbow...

Kristin_G, Jul 2026

Loved this! Rainbow Mountain is incredible, and experiencing it with fewer crowds makes it even better!!

wonderful experience !!

eileen_g, Jul 2026

Our tour guide Alex is absolutely fantastic. He’s super kind and patient, and he took our health very seriously. In the beginning, he let us try some local bread of Cusco and even gave us snack bags, which came in handy and is incredibly generous. During the hike, he was very caring to my family, especially towards my daughter. He let her use the oxygen mask, gave her a coca leaf, and even helped her walk down from the peak. He took the hike at my family’s pace and never rushed us. When we got down from the mountain, the driver, also named Alex, had already prepared for us hot towels, and Alex, the tour guide, even asked us if we wanted any tea or other drinks and for a stool ready for us to get in the van easier. The restaurant was also amazing and incredibly clean. The food is of amazing quality and delicious. Overall, it was an amazing experience, and I highly recommend these two gentlemen.

Response from Host, Jul 2026

Thank you so much for your heartfelt review and for taking the time to share your experience! We are truly happy to know that both Alex, your guide, and Alex, your driver, made your adventure so comfortable and memorable. Providing personalized care and ensuring our guests feel safe—especially when hiking at high altitude—is one of our highest priorities, so it's wonderful to hear that Alex's patience, kindness, and attention made such a positive difference for your family and your daughter. We're also delighted that you enjoyed the local touches, the restaurant, and the quality of the food. Your recommendation means the world to us and motivates our entire team to continue creating unforgettable experiences. Thank you once again for choosing us. We hope to welcome you and your family back to Cusco for another amazing adventure in the future. Safe travels!

Would not recommend

Moses_C, Jul 2026

Canceled last minute. Unable to organise an alternative trip as I had a flight to catch and all alternative tours were booked out

Top Notch Service from Alex and Yober!

Julie_L, Jun 2026

This was one of the BEST experiences I have had with a tour group in all of my worldly travels. I was picked up and returned at my door. I enjoyed leaving at 8:00 AM rather than 4:00 AM. I was greeted by hiking guide, Alex and the driver, Yober. Alex gave me a bag with water and a lot of great snacks! We stopped at a restaurant to use the extremely clean restroom along the way and place our lunch order for the post hike meal. Once we arrived at the hiking start point we walked a short ways where he helped the other hiker in my group get settled on a horse. The two of us took off and hiked all the way to the top and with the bonus of the last high peak to reach one of the “hands” so I could get more great photos. He knows all the primo photo spots and was kind to take lots of photos for me. I enjoyed listening to some history about the mountain, Cusco and practicing my Spanish with him along the way. Upon returning to the van, Yober handed me a warm wash cloth that smelled and felt great. He also asked me what type of tea I would like. Top notch service again! We drove back to the restaurant and our food was ready. WOW, my quinoa soup and trout were delicious. I also tried my hiking mates chicken, which was excellent too. The dessert was a Lucuma mousse and I’d like another one. I only have great things to state about this trip and that you receive a lot of great service for what you pay. I highly recommend this trip. If at all possible allow yourself to acclimate to the altitude before you go on this hike to Rainbow Mountain. I exercise a lot and hike but not at this extreme altitude. You might have to consider a horse to get you up. It can also be cold and windy so wear layers, bring a sun hat and sunscreen. One last important point to mention is that the office staff did a great job about responding to my pick up questions. They also needed some information in advance and that was smooth as well. Thank you for an amazing day Alex and Yober!!!

Response from Host, Jul 2026

Thank you so much for your incredible review! Reading your detailed feedback truly made our day. We're honored to know that this was one of the best tour experiences you've had during your travels. It means so much to us that you appreciated every detail, from the convenient pickup and later departure time to the personalized service throughout the day. We'll be sure to share your wonderful words with Alex and Yober. Alex will be delighted to know that his guidance, local knowledge, photo tips, and friendly company made your hike so memorable. Yober will also be happy to hear that the warm towel, tea, and attentive service helped make the journey even more comfortable. We're also delighted that you enjoyed the lunch—especially the quinoa soup, trout, and lucuma mousse! It's wonderful to know the meal was a highlight after your adventure. Thank you as well for mentioning our office team. Providing clear communication and making the booking process as smooth as possible is something we truly value, and your recognition means a lot to everyone behind the scenes. We sincerely appreciate your recommendation and your helpful advice for future travelers about acclimatizing to the altitude and being prepared for the weather. Thank you for choosing us to be part of your Cusco adventure. We hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable experience in the future. Safe travels! 😊

Visiting from Florida, we...

Adriana_M, Jun 2026

Visiting from Florida, we almost cancelled our Rainbow Mountain trip because we felt we were acclimated enough. I am so happy we didn’t! Our guide John was wonderful! He gave us tips on how to breathe on the mountain, to hydrate and to eat the snacks provided. Leaving at 8 am was a bonus since it gave us some extra hours of sleep and the mountain had just a few visitors since it was later in a day. The lunch provided was also delicious! If you are interested in visiting the Rainbow Mountains, I highly recommend choosing this tour! John (our guide) and Alex (our driver) were both great!

Response from Host, Jul 2026

Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re really happy to hear that you decided not to cancel and ended up having such a great experience at Rainbow Mountain. It’s great to know that John’s guidance on breathing, hydration, and pacing helped you feel more comfortable at altitude, and that the later 8:00 am departure worked well for your group. We’re also glad you enjoyed the snacks and the delicious lunch, and that the timing allowed you to experience the mountain with fewer visitors. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with John and Alex—they will be very happy to hear your feedback. Thank you again for your recommendation and for choosing us. We hope to welcome you back for another adventure in Peru in the future! :::

Colorful Rainbow Mountain was amazing!

Mary_R, Jun 2026

Response from Host, Jul 2026

Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We’re delighted to hear that you had such a great time at Rainbow Mountain and that John provided supportive guidance and valuable knowledge, especially with the altitude. It’s also great to know you enjoyed the food and that the communication was clear and flexible when adjusting your departure time. We’ll be sure to pass your kind words on to John—he’ll be very happy to hear your feedback. Thank you again for your recommendation. We hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure in Peru! :::

Rainbow Mountain

lismac131, Jun 2026

It's cold at the top, bring warm gear. An easy walk, challenging only due to the altitude. We absolutely loved it!

Response from Host, Jul 2026

Thank you so much for your helpful review! We’re glad to hear you absolutely loved the experience and that you found the hike rewarding despite the altitude challenges. You’re absolutely right—weather at the top can be very cold, so we appreciate you sharing this helpful tip for future travelers to bring warm layers. It’s great to know you enjoyed the journey overall, and we hope to welcome you back for another adventure in the Andes someday! :::

Takes your breath away

Susan_L, May 2026

This was very well organised. I was picked up very close to my hotel. Alex the guide was kind and solicitous with oxygen, coca leaves and snacks on the way. Lunch was good, he took care of those that wanted to take horses and walked with me, (I was the only one who didn’t want a horse). Lunch was delicious and the minibus was comfy. The small group really gelled together too. All in all a great day that I highly recommend :) However, this is not a trip to be taken lightly. Take your altitude sickness meds, acclimatise properly and drink loads of water. In Cusco I overheard many conversations about people vomiting, and unable to complete the Rainbow mountain excursion for headaches, breathing etc. Otherwise enjoy 😀

Response from Host, Jun 2026

hank you very much for your kind review 😊 We are very happy to hear that you had a well-organized experience and that our guide Alex took good care of you throughout the tour, providing oxygen, coca leaves, and snacks along the way 👍🏔️ We’re also glad you enjoyed the lunch, transportation, and the small group atmosphere. It’s very important for us that every guest feels comfortable and well supported during the entire experience 🌄 We truly appreciate your recommendation and also your important reminder about the altitude. Indeed, it is essential to acclimatize properly, stay well hydrated, and follow the guidance to fully enjoy the tour 💧✨ It would be a pleasure to welcome you again in Cusco in the future 😊

Best Experience we’ve had in Peru!

Shalysse_K, May 2026

Incredible experience! John, Christian & Alex were awesome! We felt every well attended to, and it we were all very comfortable and well taken care of. John was especially awesome and kept checking in on us during the hike. He was very informative and we felt like he treated us like family. From the snacks, to making sure all our questions were answered, to checking our O2 saturation at the top, then having hot towels and tea at the end of the trek-everything was just amazing! One of the best experiences we’ve had during our time in Peru!

Response from Host, Jun 2026

Thank you very much for your incredible review 😊 We are delighted to hear that you had such an amazing experience in Peru and that our team made you feel well cared for throughout the tour 👍🏔️ We’re especially happy to know that John took such great care of you during the hike, checking in regularly, providing helpful information, and making sure you felt safe and comfortable, including monitoring oxygen levels when needed 💙 It’s also wonderful to hear that you enjoyed the snacks, the attention to detail, and the warm tea and towels at the end of the trek ☕🧤 These small touches are exactly what we aim to provide to make the experience special. Thank you for trusting us with your adventure. We are truly honored to be part of one of your best experiences in Peru, and we hope to welcome you again in the future 🌄✨

Excellent day with Peru Private Tours exploring Rainbow Mountain

Kraemer_C, May 2026

Had a great day with guide Elision and driver Alex from Peru Private Tours exploring Rainbow Mountain. The 8 am start was a great option since it allowed everyone a chance to sleep in and avoid the 3-4 am rush. We got there just as crowds were dissipating and could enjoy the fantastic views. Elisvan was always checking on everyone to ensure they were doing well and if they needed oxygen. The snacks and water in the morning were appreciated as well as the numerous bathroom stops. The late lunch was also quite nice!

Response from Host, May 2026

Thank you very much for sharing your experience! 😊 We’re really happy to hear that you enjoyed your Rainbow Mountain tour with Elisvan and Alex. The later 8:00 am departure is designed exactly for the reasons you mentioned — a more relaxed morning, fewer crowds at the viewpoint, and a more enjoyable pace throughout the day. It’s great to know this made your experience more comfortable. We’re also glad you appreciated the care and attention from Elisvan, especially his regular check-ins and support regarding altitude, as well as the snacks, water, and planned stops along the way. We’ll be sure to pass your kind words on to both him and Alex! Thank you again for choosing Peru Private Tours — we hope to see you back in Cusco for another adventure in the future! 🌈⛰️

Nicolas_A, Jan 2026

Really great guide and really great company that ensured we were feeling okay all throughout the trip and kept checking in on us. My oxygen dropped to 65% and the guide was quick to say I wasn't looking good so he checked and supplied me with an oxygen canister in the van.

Response from Host, Apr 2026

Thank you so much for sharing your experience! 😊 We’re very glad to hear that your guide and our team took such excellent care of you throughout the trip, especially when your oxygen dropped. 🌄✨ It’s wonderful that the guide noticed immediately and provided support with an oxygen canister, ensuring your safety and comfort. Your well-being is always our top priority. We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you again for another safe and unforgettable adventure in Peru!

Best tour for us

Kshitij_D, Dec 2025

The tour started right on time, and we were picked up promptly. It was a small group—only five of us—which made the experience much more personal and comfortable. Our tour guide, Jon, was amazing. He was extremely knowledgeable, respectful, and, most importantly, genuinely kind and supportive. He stayed with us the entire time, helped us navigate the climb, and made sure everyone felt safe and encouraged. Even at high altitude, he never left our side—he motivated us, paced with us, and made sure we reached the top and came back down safely. He was truly the best tour guide we’ve had on this whole trip. The lunch provided was delicious and much better than we expected after such a challenging hike. The entire day felt well organized and stress-free. We were also dropped off in a timely manner, and everything ran smoothly from start to finish. Overall, a wonderful experience and highly recommended—especially with Jon as your guide.

Response from Host, Dec 2025

Thank you very much for taking the time to share such a thoughtful and detailed review of your experience with Peru Private Tours. I’m truly delighted to hear everything ran smoothly from start to finish—especially the punctual pick-up, the well-organized logistics, and the comfortable small-group experience. Most importantly, thank you for your wonderful words about your guide, Jon. I’m proud to hear he was not only extremely knowledgeable and respectful, but also genuinely kind and supportive throughout the entire hike. On high-altitude trails, having a guide who stays close, sets the right pace, motivates the group, and prioritizes safety makes all the difference—so it means a lot to know he helped you feel encouraged and secure all the way to the top and back down. I’m also happy you enjoyed the lunch and found it better than expected after a challenging climb. Your recommendation is greatly appreciated, and we would be honored to welcome you back to Peru for another memorable journey.

Fantastic service from...

Stephen_H, Dec 2025

Fantastic service from start to finish. Guide John was great, got the pitch just right. Also the 8am start is a great point of difference, it’s really nice to go late and avoid the crowds. And the place itself is remarkable, although I can imagine if you did go with the groups early you might have a very different experience.

Response from Host, Dec 2025

Thank you very much for sharing your experience with Peru Private Tours. I’m delighted to hear the service was fantastic from start to finish, and that John provided the perfect balance—professional, informative, and engaging. We’re especially happy you enjoyed our exclusive 8:00 AM departure, designed specifically to avoid the early rush and let you experience the destination in a calmer, more enjoyable way. As you mentioned, it truly can feel like a completely different place without the crowds. Thank you again for your trust and recommendation. We would love to welcome you back to Peru for another remarkable journey