Cusco: Rainbow Mountain Tour with Meals – How to Plan Your Adventure

Are you looking for a breathtaking adventure in Cusco? If so, a Rainbow Mountain tour with meals may be just what you need. Experience the incredible natural beauty of Rainbow Mountain on a guided hiking tour, while enjoying a breakfast and buffet lunch that highlights local flavors. In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know to plan your perfect tour to Rainbow Mountain.

Tour Itinerary

The tour lasts between 1.5 and 3.5 hours, depending on the selected options, and includes the following:

Cusco Pick-Up and Transfer

Your adventure starts with a comfortable pick-up from your hotel in Cusco. You will meet your local guide, who will take you to the first stop: Cusipata District.

Cusipata District (Breakfast Stop)

After approximately 2 hours on the road, you will arrive at Cusipata District, where you will have breakfast. It’s essential to fuel your body for what’s to come!

Hiking

Following breakfast, the group will begin hiking, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and passing by alpacas, llamas, and vicunas.

Rainbow Mountain (Optional Photo Stop)

After a 1.5-hour trek, the first option is a photo stop at Rainbow Mountain. Take your time to absorb the impressive natural beauty of the mountain and capture the moment with your camera.

Rainbow Mountain (Optional Hiking)

For those who want a closer look, there’s an additional 1-hour hike to the Rainbow Mountain summit. This option offers magnificent views and a unique perspective of the surrounding region.

Cusipata District (Lunch Stop)

After hiking, you’ll go back to Cusipata District for lunch. Here you will enjoy a buffet-style meal featuring local ingredients and flavors.

Return to Cusco

Following lunch, you’ll return to Cusco and be dropped off in the downtown area.

Highlights

The Rainbow Mountain tour with meals includes several highlights that promise to make your trip unforgettable:

• Be one of the first groups to visit Rainbow Mountain
• Enjoy panoramic views from different lookouts
• Experience local flavors of Cusco during your breakfast and buffet lunch
• Choose from a shared or private adventure

What’s Included

Your Rainbow Mountain tour includes the following:

• Hotel Pick-Up
• Downtown Drop-Off
• Transportation
• Professional Tour Guide
• Breakfast and Buffet Lunch (vegetarian options available)
• Oxygen Bottle (for emergencies)
• 1 Wood Stick (optional)
• First-Aid Kit
• Horse (for emergencies or if you don’t feel like hiking)

How to Book Your Rainbow Mountain Tour with Meals

Booking your tour is easy. Simply visit this link and select your preferred date and the number of travelers. You can also choose between a shared or private tour.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for an adventure that combines hiking, breathtaking scenery, and local cuisine, a Rainbow Mountain Tour with meals is perfect for you. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family or friends, this tour is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Book your adventure today and get ready to explore one of the most beautiful natural wonders of the world!

Insider’s Guide to Cusco: The Capital of the Incan Empire

Cusco, located in the southeastern part of Peru, was once the capital of the Incan Empire, making it a place of historical significance and cultural richness. It is known for its towering mountains, world-renowned archeological sites, and vibrant city life.

Local Attractions

Cusco boasts a myriad of attractions that draw travelers from all over the world. Here are some must-visit sites:

Machu Picchu

One of the most visited and photographed landmarks in the world, Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Incan citadel perched high in the Andes Mountains. It is an hour and a half train ride from the city of Cusco and requires either a hike or a bus ride to reach the top. Once you get to the top, you will have a breathtaking view of the Urubamba River Valley below.

Rainbow Mountain Tour

Another popular attraction is the Rainbow Mountain, located a few hours southeast of Cusco. It is a colorful mountain that boasts seven different colors and is an ideal spot for hiking and photography. You can join a tour in the city that will take you there and offer meals along the way.

Plaza de Armas

Plaza de Armas is the central square of Cusco and is surrounded by colonial buildings, restaurants, and shops. This is where you will find the famous Cathedral of Cusco, which dates back to the 16th century and is home to numerous colonial paintings and sculptures.

Dining Spots

Peruvian cuisine is one of the highlights of any trip to Cusco. It is known for its fusion of Incan and Spanish flavors and the abundance of local fresh ingredients. Here are some restaurants to check out:

Chicha Por Gaston Acurio

This restaurant is the brainchild of Gaston Acurio, Peru’s famous chef. It serves both traditional and modern Peruvian dishes, and the décor is an homage to the indigenous cultures of the Andes.

Pachapapa

This restaurant is tucked away in one of the alleyways of Cusco’s San Blas neighborhood. It has a cozy atmosphere and serves delicious Andean comfort food, including the famous lomo saltado.

Wild Rover

If you’re looking for a fun night out, head to Wild Rover. This Irish pub has live music, a lively atmosphere, and an extensive drink menu.

Cultural Experiences

Cusco’s rich history and cultural traditions can be explored through its many offerings. Here are some cultural experiences to add to your itinerary:

Qorikancha

Qorikancha, also known as the ‘Golden Temple’, was the most important religious site of the Incan Empire. It was dedicated to Inti, the Sun God, and was adorned with golden walls, plates, and statues. Today, you can visit the site and see how the Spanish colonizers rebuilt the temple into a Catholic church with Catholic art.

Museo de Arte Precolombino

This museum houses a collection of pre-Columbian art and artifacts dating back over 3000 years. The exhibits are arranged geographically and include works from the Andean region as well as other parts of South America.

San Pedro Market

San Pedro Market is one of the liveliest spots in Cusco. It is a massive open-air market that sells everything from souvenirs to fresh local produce and meat. Great for trying Peruvian street food.

Local History

Cusco is a city with a deep history, and there are plenty of sites that highlight this. Here are some sites rich in history that you should check out:

Sacsayhuaman

Sacsayhuaman pronounced as “Sexy Woman” (this seems to be a tourist thing, not sure should we mentioned this), is an Incan fortress located on the outskirts of Cusco. It is believed that the fortress served as a military complex and religious site. Its massive walls were constructed using large stones that were skillfully carved and fitted together.

Ollantaytambo

Ollantaytambo is a small town located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. It was once a royal estate and is home to a well-preserved ancient Incan complex. The massive terraced walls, canals, and temples at Ollantaytambo reflect the advanced engineering skills of the Incan Empire.

Cusco Cathedral

Located in the heart of Cusco, the Cathedral of Cusco was constructed in the 16th century using stones from the nearby Incan fortress of Sacsayhuaman. It is home to numerous colonial paintings and sculptures, as well as a cedar wood choir carved with colonial images.

Off-the-beaten-path Suggestions

Moray Terraces

These terraces are located in the Sacred Valley, a little over an hour away from Cusco. They are circular structures that were once used to experiment with different crops at varying altitudes. The terraces are quite picturesque, and the site is rarely crowded.

Maras Salt Mines

Located near the Moray Terraces, the Maras Salt Mines are also a unique sight to see. The salt mines date back to Incan times and are still actively worked by the local population, making it a fascinating experience for tourists.

Tipon

Tipon is another Incan archeological site located about an hour’s drive south of Cusco. It boasts impressive terraces, aqueducts, and irrigation systems developed by the Incans. Unlike some of the other sites, Tipon is usually free from crowds.

In conclusion, the beautiful city of Cusco has something for everyone. From its rich history and culture, delicious cuisine, stunning landscapes, and off-the-beaten-path experiences, you’ll be sure to have a memorable adventure!