Rainbow Mountain is easier when you ride. This Cusco day trip blends an early start, a horseback ascent, and great Cusipata food, with a guide who keeps things moving. I especially like the buffet breakfast and lunch in Cusipata and the chance to watch camelids along the way. The one drawback to plan for: it’s often very cold at the top, and the schedule is early even by Cusco standards.

This is a no-nonsense outing run by Zarate Adventours. The full package covers hotel pickup, transport, a professional guide (English or Spanish), oxygen, and a horse for the ascent one way—so you’re not juggling extras before you even leave town. If you’re sensitive to altitude or have health limits listed later, read the fine print carefully before you commit.

Key Highlights You’ll Feel Right Away

• 4:00–5:00 am hotel pickup from the historic center area, so you’re already ahead of the crowds
• Cusipata breakfast + lunch buffets that actually refuel you for a long, high-altitude day
• About 1.5 hours horseback ascent during which you can spot camelids
• Scenic photo time at the top before heading back the same way
• Oxygen included for comfort during altitude exposure
• English/Spanish live guide to keep timing clear and questions answered

The 4:00–5:00 am Start: Why It Matters More Than You Think

The tour begins with a hotel pickup between 4:00 and 5:00 am. If you’ve ever underestimated Cusco mornings, this is where you pay attention—this schedule is early, but it’s also part of why the day feels organized instead of rushed. After pickup, you head out toward the Cusipata area and build the trip around food, timing, and steady altitude exposure.

There’s a practical upside here: because you leave so early, you spend more of the day on the mountain and less time stuck waiting around. That means fewer “where are we?” moments and more time outside, taking pictures, and getting your legs (and lungs) ready for the climb.

Cusipata Breakfast: Real Fuel Before the High Air

You stop in the village of Cusipata for a buffet breakfast. This is not just a quick snack—it’s a proper meal before the horseback ascent and the cold, higher section of the day. I like this approach because it lets you eat without stress, instead of guessing what you’ll be able to grab later.

Buffet food also works well for different appetites. Some people want something warm, others want something simple and easy to digest before altitude. Either way, you’ll be better prepared for a long morning than if you start the day on empty or with caffeine-only energy.

One Way on Horseback: The Ascent and Camelid Spotting

Mounting up is part of what makes this tour feel like more than just a standard trek. You’ll reach the starting point, mount the horse, and begin an ascent of about 1 hour and 30 minutes. During this time, you’ll be able to observe camelid species in their natural setting—an easy “wow” moment that’s not only about views.

A horse ride can also be the smartest way to balance energy. At altitude, your body works harder just to breathe; adding a full uphill hike on top of that can be brutal for many people. Here, the ride is one way, so you still get the experience of going up, but without turning the day into an all-day grind.

Two details to keep in mind:

• The tour includes a horse for one way, so you may not be mounted the entire return.
• Your comfort will depend on how cold it feels while you’re moving slowly or stopping for photos.

Camelids Aren’t the Only Thing You’ll Notice Up There

The tour gives you time to slow down at key moments. After the ascent, you’ll arrive and have enough time to enjoy the beautiful scenery and take pictures. This is where the day turns into a memory maker: you’re above the everyday world, and the colors and terrain (plus the crisp air) make your camera work overtime.

Cold is the reality check. One visitor flat-out noted that it was definitely cold at the top, and that matches what anyone can expect in high areas that start with a dawn schedule. Bring a warm layer even if Cusco feels fine when you leave your hotel. Wind can make “chilly” feel like “why did I not pack that extra layer.”

The Return to Cusipata and Lunch That Feels Like a Reward

After the photo time, you return by the same route to Cusipata, where you’ll enjoy a comforting lunch. This is another buffet setup, and for a day like this, lunch is not a small detail—it’s recovery. You’ll be hungry after a long morning and likely a lot colder than you expect, so warm, filling food goes a long way.

One reason I like the structure is timing. You’re not waiting hours for food once you get back down. The day ends with transportation back to Cusco, arriving at about 5:00 pm. That’s a full day, but it’s also a clear one: eat, ride, photograph, refuel, return.

Price and What You’re Really Getting for $75

At $75 per person, this tour costs less than many multi-stop outings that include transport and meals. What you’re paying for is the bundle: hotel pickup, a professional guide, transport, breakfast and lunch, a horse for one way, and oxygen. Those are the big-value items, because they reduce decision-making on the day and cut down on extra spending while you’re already tired.

What’s not included matters too. You’ll likely have extra costs for entrance fees to the attraction, plus any food not mentioned and souvenirs. If you’re budgeting, treat $75 as the “main package price,” and keep extra cash ready for anything site-related that you weren’t told in advance.

Guides You Can Actually Count On (and Why Names Matter)

This tour runs with a live guide in English or Spanish, and that’s a big deal when the day is packed. Clear instructions help when you’re dealing with cold gear, horses, and altitude timing. I also like that the information is consistent: ride up, observe camelids, take photos, return, eat lunch, and get back to Cusco.

You’ll see guide names tied to the experience too. People highlighted guides such as Alex, and also mentioned EberForever for organization and delicious food. Another mention included Wilfred in a horse-payment/tip situation (more on that next). Bottom line: you’re not going to be left guessing what’s happening.

Oxygen and Altitude Comfort: Small Thing, Big Impact

Oxygen is included, and that’s not a minor perk. At this altitude and with an early departure, having oxygen on hand can make the difference between feeling cautious and feeling miserable. You’ll still feel the altitude; oxygen doesn’t erase altitude. But it does add a safety comfort layer for your breathing.

Also, oxygen is a clue about how seriously the operator expects you to treat the mountain. That means it’s smart to take the “bring weather-appropriate clothing” advice seriously, and to move slowly during cold stops so you don’t get winded right when you’re standing still.

The Horse Fee / Tip Confusion: Clarify It Before You Mount

Here’s the only tricky part I’d flag. In one reported situation, there was confusion around horse access and compensation for horsemen. The situation included mention of an 80 soles payment to guide Wilfred, with horsemen apparently expecting a higher tip after the ride.

I’m not saying this is how every group runs. But I am saying you should prevent surprises. Ask your guide early:

• How the horse is handled for your group (since it’s included one way)
• Whether any extra payment is expected for horsemen
• How tips work, if at all, and when the guide plans to handle relevant payments

This isn’t about being cheap. It’s about avoiding an awkward end-of-ride scene when everyone’s cold and tired. If you want a smooth day, early clarification is your best friend.

What to Bring (So Cold and Altitude Don’t Write Your Day)

The tour gives you a solid list of what to pack. Make sure you have:

• Passport
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Cash
• Weather-appropriate clothing

Cash is useful because entrances and small extras can show up, and there’s also the chance you’ll want to tip (depending on the situation). Sunglasses and sunscreen matter because brightness at high altitude can hit fast. A sun hat also helps with cold wind on the face—yes, wind can be the problem, not just the temperature.

For clothing, think layers. You’ll start early, likely with cooler air, and then you’ll be at the top where it can feel much colder. Pack like you’re meeting a winter morning, not like you’re going to a casual hike.

Who Should Skip This Tour (Health and Weight Limits)

This isn’t a fit-for-all experience. It’s not suitable for:

• pregnant women
• wheelchair users
• people with respiratory issues
• people with high blood pressure
• people with recent surgeries
• babies under 1 year
• people over 200 lbs (91 kg)

If any of these apply, it’s best to choose a different Cusco plan that puts less stress on your body. Altitude plus a cold, early start plus physical exertion—even with horseback help—can be too much for some conditions.

Rules That Keep the Experience Smooth

A few “don’t do” items are important to know before you show up:

• No high-heeled shoes
• No baby strollers
• No drones
• No alcohol and drugs
• No littering

These rules are about safety, respect, and keeping the area clean. If you’re traveling light, just leave the drone at home and swap heels for sturdy footwear that works on uneven ground.

Should You Book This Rainbow Mountain Horseback Tour?

Book it if you want a high-altitude experience with less physical crushing, good structure, and meals included. The early pickup, Cusipata breakfast, horseback ascent, camelid spotting, and lunch all work together into a day that feels full without being chaotic. The fact that oxygen is included adds real comfort value.

I’d hesitate if cold weather is a big issue for you (it can be very cold at the top) or if you fall into the health and weight limits listed above. And I’d treat the horse fee/tip topic as something to clarify up front, so nobody ends the day tense or confused.

If you’re in decent health, able to handle an early morning, and ready to dress for real cold, this is a solid pick for seeing Rainbow Mountain with a horse and a guide-led plan that keeps you fed and moving.

FAQ

What time will the tour pick me up from my hotel?

Pickup is between 4:00 and 5:00 am, for hotels near or inside the historical centre of Cusco.

Where do we stop for breakfast?

You’ll go to the village of Cusipata for a buffet breakfast.

How long is the horseback ascent?

The ascent is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Is the horse ride included for both the way up and the way back?

The included horse is one way.

What meals are included in the tour?

A breakfast buffet and a lunch buffet are included.

Is oxygen included?

Yes, oxygen is included.

What languages does the live guide speak?

The live tour guide is available in English and Spanish.

What should I bring for the tour?

Bring your passport, sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, cash, and weather-appropriate clothing.

Are there any items not allowed during the tour?

Drones, alcohol and drugs are not allowed. High-heeled shoes and baby strollers are also not allowed.

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