If you’re looking for a different way to explore Peru, the Rainbow Mountain by Horse – 1 Day tour is a fun option. You’ve probably seen pictures of Rainbow Mountain all over Instagram with its crazy colorful stripes, but what’s even better is seeing it up close in real life—and riding a horse up there makes the adventure way easier and cooler.

First off, why go by horse? Well, Rainbow Mountain sits at around 17,000 feet above sea level. That’s high! If you’re not used to hiking or just worried about the altitude, riding a horse is a great option. You still get all the awesome views but without the hard climb. Plus, it’s a pretty unique experience to ride through the Andes with these incredible landscapes all around you.

So how does the day go? You start super early in the morning. I’m talking like 3 or 4 AM, but trust me, it’s worth it. You get picked up from your hotel in Cusco, and after a few hours driving through the beautiful mountains, you’ll reach the base of Rainbow Mountain. Once you’re there, the guides will set you up with your horse, and then you’re off!

The ride up is pretty chill. The horses do most of the work while you just sit back and enjoy the scenery. You’ll pass through valleys, see local alpacas and llamas, and have plenty of chances to take some photos along the way. The air is crisp, the landscape feels endless, and you really get a sense of how huge and wild the Andes are.

When you finally get to Rainbow Mountain, it’s even more breathtaking in person. The stripes of red, yellow, green, and purple across the mountain almost don’t look real. You can walk around, take pictures, and just take in the view. The colors come from different minerals in the rock, and it’s one of the few places on earth where you can see something like this.

Now, just a heads up—the very last part to the summit is a short hike you’ll need to do on foot. It’s a little steep but not too bad, and the view at the top is totally worth it. Once you’re there, it’s like you’re standing on top of the world.

After you’ve soaked in the sights, you’ll ride your horse back down, and then the tour takes you back to Cusco, usually by late afternoon. You’ll be tired but in the best way.

One last thing: make sure to dress warmly. It can be freezing up there, especially early in the morning. Bring layers, gloves, and maybe even a hat. Oh, and don’t forget sunscreen! Even though it’s cold, you can get burned easily at high altitudes.

If you want to see one of Peru’s most stunning natural wonders without pushing yourself too hard, the Rainbow Mountain by Horse tour is perfect. You get the views, the fresh mountain air, and the adventure, all wrapped up in a day.