Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley ATV Tour – Full Day

Ride an ATV through the Cusco highlands and visit two of its most famous natural attractions: the Red Valley and Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca). This full-day tour combines an ATV ride, Andean landscapes, and time to explore the viewpoints on foot.

The tour begins early in Cusco and continues to the start point of the ATV route. After a safety briefing and a brief practice session, you will ride along high-altitude paths before visiting the Red Valley, located at approximately 4,900 m (16,076 ft), and Rainbow Mountain, at around 5,200 m (17,060 ft).

The experience also includes breakfast, a buffet lunch, tourist transportation, ATV, safety equipment, and assistance from a bilingual guide.

Tour Details
Duration

1 Day

Tour Type

Trekking

Difficulty

Moderate

Departure & Return

Cusco

Start Time

4:30 am

Group Size

12 people

Detailed Itinerary

Early Morning | Pick-up from your Hotel

Your ATV tour to Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley begins early in the morning. We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco between 4:00 and 4:30 AM to start the journey in tourist transportation toward the ATV start point.

During the drive, you will be able to observe the rural landscape of the Andes, with mountains, valleys, and local communities.

Approximately 8:00 AM | Breakfast

Before starting the ATV ride, we will stop at a local restaurant for breakfast.

This time will allow you to eat and prepare for the high-altitude section of the tour.

9:30 AM | Start of the ATV Adventure

After breakfast, we will continue to the starting point of the ATV ride.

Before getting started, the guide will provide a safety talk and a short practice session so you can get familiar with the vehicle and its basic controls.

Once everyone is ready, we will begin the ride along high-altitude paths. The route crosses mountain landscapes and local communities before reaching the first destination.

Red Valley | 4,900 m / 16,076 ft

Our first stop will be the Red Valley, located at approximately 4,900 m (16,076 ft) above sea level.

The valley stands out for its reddish and brown slopes, caused by the mineral composition of the ground.

You will have time to walk around the viewpoint, take photos, and admire the Andean landscape before continuing toward Vinicunca.

Rainbow Mountain | 5,200 m / 17,060 ft

We will continue to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), one of the most famous attractions in the Cusco region.

Located at approximately 5,200 m (17,060 ft), the mountain stands out for its different layers of colors that form a characteristic landscape.

From the viewpoint, you can observe the colorful slopes of Vinicunca and the surrounding high-altitude mountains. You will have time to explore the area, take photos, and enjoy the scenery before starting the return trip.

12:30 – 1:30 PM | Buffet Lunch

After visiting Rainbow Mountain, we will return to the local restaurant to enjoy a buffet lunch.

This will be a time to rest and eat before continuing the trip back to Cusco.

2:00 PM | Return to Cusco

After lunch, we will begin the return journey in tourist transportation.

During the ride, you can once again admire the landscapes of the rural Andes as we head back to Cusco.

Approximately 5:00 – 6:00 PM | Arrival in Cusco

We will arrive in Cusco at approximately 5:00 to 6:00 PM.

The tour will end with drop-off near your hotel or at the designated drop-off point.

Inclusions

What's included

  • Tourist transportation from Cusco to the ATV start point and back
  • Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco
  • Professional bilingual guide
  • ATV
  • Safety equipment
  • Safety briefing and practice session
  • Breakfast
  • Buffet lunch
  • Trekking poles
  • First aid kit
  • Emergency assistance

What's not included

  • Entrance fees to Red Valley and Rainbow Mountain, depending on the selected route
  • Personal expenses
  • Drinks
  • Tips
  • Horse rental, if needed
  • Travel insurance
  • Additional services not mentioned in the itinerary

Packing List

Altitude and Difficulty

This Rainbow Mountain ATV tour reaches high-altitude areas, so it is recommended to be acclimatized in Cusco before undertaking the activity.

Cusco: 3,400 m / 11,155 ft
Red Valley: Approx. 4,900 m / 16,076 ft
Rainbow Mountain: Approx. 5,200 m / 17,060 ft
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

The ATV ride does not require advanced technical knowledge, but the high altitude and walks above 4,900 meters can make the experience physically demanding.

  • Warm clothing
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Hat
  • Gloves
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Water
  • Snacks
  • Small backpack
  • ID document / Passport
  • Rain poncho, especially during the rainy season

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ATV tour to Rainbow Mountain difficult?

The tour has a moderate to challenging difficulty. The ATV ride is accessible to travelers with basic driving experience, but the high altitude and walking at the viewpoints can make the day physically demanding.

What is the maximum altitude reached during the tour?

Do I need prior experience to drive an ATV?

Is the Red Valley included in the ATV tour?

What clothing should I wear for the Rainbow Mountain ATV tour?

How long does the Rainbow Mountain ATV tour from Cusco take?

Can I rent a horse at Rainbow Mountain?

Are breakfast and lunch included?

Starting at
$100per person
Please review our policies before booking your tour.
Do you have any questions?

Feel free to call us. We’re a team of experts and would be happy to speak with you.

Customer Experience

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