Waking up in Cusco this early can feel intense, but the payoff is worth it. This Rainbow Mountain horseback riding day keeps things practical: you get transport, a guide, buffet meals in Cusipata, and time for photos once you reach the top. I especially like the mix of camelid watching and the chance to ride up, not just hike. One real consideration: it is an early start and the top can be cold, so you will want proper warm layers.

The itinerary also has a smart flow, from hotel pickup between 4:00 and 5:00 am to breakfast in Cusipata, then the ride and scenic pause, then lunch and the return to Cusco around 5:00 pm. I like that the tour includes oxygen and a professional guide, which makes the whole day feel more controlled at altitude and in cold conditions. If you want to spend extra time lingering at the summit or you are not comfortable with long cold morning hours, this format may feel rushed.

Key things to know before you go

• Hotel pickup timing: expect pickup from 4:00 to 5:00 am, including hotels near or inside the historical centre.
• Cusipata buffet meals: breakfast first, then lunch on the return, both included.
• One-way horseback riding: you ride part of the route, not the entire day.
• Camelid spotting: you will likely see camelid species during the ascent.
• Cold at the top: bring warm layers, not just a light jacket.
• Horse fees can cause confusion: confirm how any horseman costs or payments are handled at the start.

Why this Rainbow Mountain ride starts before sunrise

This tour is built around one thing: timing. You leave Cusco between 4:00 and 5:00 am, so you are on the road while the city is still quiet and before the day gets busier. That early schedule helps you reach the Rainbow Mountain area with daylight and gives you time at the top for pictures before the day heats up.

The tradeoff is that you need to plan your energy. You will be up early, you will spend hours in cold air, and your body has to adjust to altitude even before the horseback portion begins. If you dislike mornings that start before the sun, this may not be your ideal style of outing.

Pickup from Cusco to Cusipata: your warm-up phase (and buffet breakfast)

Pickup is included, and it is designed to be easy if you are staying near the historical centre. The plan is to pick you up from your hotel and then head to the village of Cusipata for a buffet breakfast.

This breakfast stop matters more than it sounds. After early pickup, you need real fuel, and a buffet is practical because you can choose what your stomach tolerates. I like that this is not just a quick snack. It is a proper breakfast before you mount up.

Also, Cusipata is where the day transitions from travel mode to tour mode. You go from waiting and sitting in transport to getting ready for a ride and colder air at elevation. If you are the type who gets cold easily, use this first stop to eat, hydrate, and layer up before you feel rushed.

Mounting the horse: the 1.5-hour ascent and camelid watching

Once you reach the starting point, you mount the horse and begin the ascent, which is roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes. During that ride, you have opportunities to observe camelid species, and you are also in a position to look out over the scenery while you are moving uphill at a manageable pace.

For many people, the biggest win is that horseback riding breaks the effort into something more doable. You still have a meaningful climb, but you are not doing it all on foot. That can be especially appealing if you want to experience Rainbow Mountain but you do not want a full hike day.

One thing to keep in mind: horseback riding is still weather-dependent and elevation-dependent. The ride happens during the cold hours of the morning, and even if you are not sweating like a hiker, your hands and legs can feel it. Bring gloves if you have them, keep your sunglasses handy, and do not underestimate how chilly it can be at higher spots.

Getting to the viewpoints: time for photos, but keep an eye on the cold

After the ascent, you arrive and you get time to enjoy the scenery and take pictures. This is your moment to pause, look around, and soak in why people make the long morning journey.

A key reality check: the top can be cold. One reviewer specifically flagged that it is definitely cold once you get up there, and it is easy to see why. You will likely spend time standing still for photos, not moving around, which means your body loses heat faster.

So your strategy should be simple:

• Layer so you can add or remove clothing quickly.
• Keep moving lightly between photo moments if you start to feel stiff.
• Keep your camera plan realistic, because wind and cold can make fine-motor tasks harder.

If you are sensitive to cold, you will enjoy this more if you treat the summit break like a short stop, not an all-day hangout.

The Cusipata return and lunch buffet that actually hits the spot

The tour returns by the same route to Cusipata. Then you enjoy a delicious and comforting lunch at the end of the morning effort. This meal is included, and it is a welcome finish after hours of cold air and uphill movement.

Lunch in Cusipata also helps you decompress before heading back to Cusco. By the time you ride down and reach the village, you are ready for warmth and something steady to settle your energy levels. Buffet-style food is usually a safe choice because you can pick what agrees with you after a long start.

The return to the city of Cusco is scheduled for around 5:00 pm, so you are not doing an all-day grind beyond daylight. It is a full day, but the pacing feels contained, especially compared with longer trekking formats.

Value for $75: what is included and what you might still pay

At $75 per person, this tour is priced like a full service day: you get hotel pickup, a professional guide, transport, breakfast and lunch, and one-way horseback riding. You also get oxygen included, which is a meaningful safety comfort for many people dealing with altitude.

To judge value, look at what is bundled versus what is not. Entrance fees are not included, so your final total may be a bit higher depending on what you must pay at the attraction. Food not mentioned beyond the breakfast and lunch is also not included, and souvenirs are not included.

This is also the kind of tour where timing has value. That early pickup is not free, and the transport is part of the package. If you were to plan a similar day on your own, you would still have to solve transport, guide support, and meal logistics. Here, those pieces are handled.

One more practical note from real-world experience: horseback days can involve horseman payments or tips. In one account involving a guide named Wilfred, there was confusion about a horse-related payment. Some people were asked to pay 80 soles to the guide for the horse, and the horsemen later expected more. The key takeaway for your planning: ask clearly at the start what is already covered for horses and what, if anything, is expected as an additional payment or tip.

Oxygen, cold mornings, and staying comfortable on an altitude day

The tour includes oxygen, and that matters even if you do not normally think about it. It is included in the package, which suggests the operator takes comfort seriously. You are still going to feel the altitude day as a whole, but having oxygen on hand can reduce stress if you start to feel short of breath or lightheaded.

Cold can be just as impactful as altitude for comfort. One reviewer noted the cold at the top, and that lines up with how summit photo time often feels. Dress like you will be standing still in wind, not like you are sightseeing only while walking.

If you want a smoother day, do these small things:

• Eat breakfast and do not arrive empty.
• Drink water, but do not overdo it right before photo stops.
• Use sunscreen and sunglasses early, because glare at elevation can be intense.
• Keep your hands warm so you can handle your phone and camera.

Who this fits best, and who should skip it

This tour is not for everyone. It is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, people with respiratory issues, people with high blood pressure, people with recent surgeries, babies under 1 year, and people over 200 lbs (91 kg).

Even if you feel generally healthy, horseback riding does not erase health limitations. The morning starts very early, you have cold conditions, and altitude stress is part of the day. If you fall into any of the listed categories, you should choose a different Cusco experience that is less demanding.

On the other hand, this can be a great fit if you:

• Want Rainbow Mountain without a full hiking day.
• Prefer ride-and-pause pacing over long, constant walking.
• Enjoy wildlife spotting, especially camelids.
• Like having meals handled, so you are not planning food between stops.

If you are unsure, ask your doctor if altitude exposure plus early cold mornings is safe for you, particularly if you have any respiratory or blood pressure concerns.

Horse logistics and payments: confirm before you mount

Horse-related logistics can make or break the day. One detailed account involved a guide named Wilfred, and the situation described confusion around horse availability and payments for horsemen. The person who prepaid still rode, but other participants were asked to pay 80 soles to the guide for horses. The horsemen were later upset due to perceived underpayment.

You do not need to panic, but you should prevent misunderstandings. Here is what I recommend:

• Ask your guide at the start exactly what is included for your horse.
• Confirm whether any additional horseman payment is required at the start or whether tips only are expected.
• If you are bringing friends, make sure everyone has the same understanding before anyone mounts.

This is also one of the best reasons to pay attention to your guide instructions throughout the day. A professional guide helps not only with timing and safety, but also with keeping the group aligned when horse logistics get complicated.

Language and guidance: English and Spanish support

The live tour guide is available in English and Spanish. That matters because this day includes several transitions: pickup, breakfast, mounting, ascent, photo time, lunch, and return. Clear instructions reduce stress when you are tired and cold.

In real-world feedback, different guides were praised for being friendly and informative. For example, one account mentioned Alex as a fantastic guide who was really informative and friendly. Another mentioned EberForever for organization and delicious food. The message is consistent: you are relying on the guide to keep the day smooth and to communicate what to do next.

So if you speak Spanish or English, this tour should be straightforward. If you do not, you may want to prepare a few key phrases for basic needs like asking where to wait or when to mount.

What to bring for a cold, early, photo-heavy day

The tour gives you key guidance on what to bring. Use it, because it is a cold morning day with sun at elevation.

Bring:

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

And remember what is not allowed:

• High-heeled shoes
• Baby strollers
• Drones
• Alcohol and drugs
• Littering

If you are choosing clothing, prioritize warmth and mobility. You will want layers that handle cold wind, plus shoes that do not make mounting awkward. Sunglasses and sunscreen are not optional in spirit. They help you enjoy photo time instead of squinting through glare.

Also, put your contact number with the correct country code and have WhatsApp. That matters if the supplier needs to coordinate last-minute details.

Should you book this Rainbow Mountain horseback tour?

Book it if you want a guided, structured day to reach Rainbow Mountain with one-way horseback riding, buffet breakfast and lunch in Cusipata, and oxygen included. It is a strong value when you add up the services bundled into one price, especially the early pickup and full-day transport.

Skip or choose something gentler if you fit any of the listed medical limits, if you hate extremely early mornings, or if cold summit photo stops make you miserable. Also consider booking with extra clarity if you are concerned about horseman costs. Ask what is included for your horse, and how any additional payments or tips work, so nobody ends up frustrated.

If you like practical plans, guided support, and the chance to spot camelids while you move through the Andes morning air, this tour is a solid choice.

FAQ

What time is hotel pickup in Cusco?

Pickup is scheduled between 4:00 and 5:00 am from hotels near or inside the historical centre.

Where do we have breakfast and lunch?

Breakfast is served in the village of Cusipata. Lunch is also served in Cusipata after the return trip.

Is horseback riding included?

Yes. Horse riding is included for one way, and you mount at the starting point of the tour.

Does the tour include oxygen?

Yes. Oxygen is included.

Are entrance fees included?

No. Entrance fees to the attraction are not included.

What language is the guide available in?

The live tour guide is available in English and Spanish.

Is this tour suitable for people with high blood pressure or respiratory issues?

No. It is not suitable for people with high blood pressure or people with respiratory issues.