How Early Do Cusco Day Tours Start? Morning Schedules Explained

Home Cusco Tours How Early Do Cusco Day Tours Start? Morning Schedules Explained

How Early Do Cusco Day Tours Start? Morning Schedules Explained

If you’re planning a trip to Cusco, you’re probably excited about the many day tours available: Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake, and more. But there’s one thing many travelers don’t expect — how early these tours actually start.

Spoiler alert: if you’re not a morning person, get ready for some serious alarm clock action!

🌅 Typical Departure Times

Most day tours from Cusco begin between 4:00 AM and 8:00 AM, depending on the destination:

Rainbow Mountain: 4:00 AM – 4:30 AM pickup
Humantay Lake: 4:30 AM – 5:00 AM pickup
Sacred Valley: 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM pickup
City Tour or Morada de los Dioses: 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM pickup
Machu Picchu by Bus (via Hidroeléctrica): around 6:30 AM

The early departures are necessary to make the most of the day and avoid crowds — especially at high-altitude spots like Rainbow Mountain and Humantay Lake, where morning weather is usually better.

🕓 Why So Early?

Long distances: Some destinations are 3+ hours from Cusco. Starting early ensures you’ll return before nightfall.
Altitude & weather: Morning skies are clearer, and the sun isn’t too harsh yet.
Maximizing your day: You’ll get to visit more places and have time to relax in the evening.

😴 Tips to Handle Early Starts

Get to bed early the night before your tour.
Pack your bag and clothes the evening prior to avoid stress in the morning.
Skip alcohol the night before — it worsens altitude effects.
Bring snacks, since breakfast is sometimes served on the road or after hours.

💬 From My Experience…

I did the Rainbow Mountain tour and got picked up at 4:15 AM. Yes, it was rough at first — but watching the sunrise over the Andes and hiking before the crowds arrived made it 100% worth it. The views were unforgettable, and I had time to nap in the van on the way back.

✅ Final Thoughts

If you’re booking a day tour in Cusco, prepare for an early start — but also for a day packed with beauty, adventure, and culture. A little sleep sacrifice goes a long way when you’re exploring the heart of the Andes.