04:00 AM
Pick-up and Transfer to the South
We begin the adventure very early. Our transport will pick you up from your hotel to start the 1 hour and 40 minute journey south of Cusco, enjoying the first light of the Andean sunrise.
Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley ATV Tour
ATV Tour to Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley
Discover the majesty of the Andes in a different way. Our exclusive ATV tour to Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley is designed for adventure lovers who want to avoid the traditional long hikes and focus on enjoying the scenery.
We will travel along the Pitumarca route, a less crowded path that offers pristine views. You will feel the adrenaline of riding your own ATV (quad bike) until reaching the impressive viewpoint of the Red Valley, a Martian-like landscape that contrasts with the blue Andean sky, before reaching the summit of the famous Vinincunca Mountain.
Why choose this tour?
- Less physical effort: The ATVs take you through most of the route, saving your energy for the summit.
- Double experience: Unlike other tours, we include the Red Valley (Osefina Sector), a hidden gem.
- Scenic route: You will ride above 4,000 m.a.s.l. surrounded by alpacas, llamas, and snow-capped peaks.
Quick Facts:
🕙 Start: 04:00 a.m. – 04:30 a.m.
⚠️ Difficulty: Moderate (due to the altitude).
🏁 Maximum Altitude: 5,070 m.a.s.l. (Vinincunca).
ATV Tour to Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley Itinerary
📍 Route: Cusco ➝ Cusipata ➝ Osefina ➝ Vinincunca ➝ Cusco.
⏳ Total ATV Time: Approx. 40 – 60 minutes.
⏳ Total ATV Time: Approx. 40 – 60 minutes.
06:30 AM
Energizing Breakfast in Cusipata
We will arrive at the town of Colca (Cusipata) to enjoy a nutritious breakfast. Here, our guide will give you the informative briefing about the route and safety rules.
09:00 AM
ATV Base in Osefina
After continuing the journey to the Anta – Osefina sector, we will get ready with the safety equipment (helmets). You will have a 10-15 minute practice session to get familiar with the power of the ATV.
Adventure
Off-Road Route to Red Valley
The action begins! We will ride the ATVs for approximately 40 minutes, climbing dirt tracks surrounded by reddish mountains until reaching the Red Valley Viewpoint. Free time for spectacular photos.
Hike
Conquering Rainbow Mountain
We will leave the ATVs behind and take a final hike of 30 to 45 minutes (depending on your pace) to the main viewpoint of Vinincunca (5,036 m.a.s.l.). You will have enough time to rest, enjoy the 360° view, and take the classic photo.
14:00 PM
Descent and Traditional Lunch
We will return along the same route to the transport and travel back to Cusipata. There, a comforting buffet lunch with local options will be waiting for us to recover our energy.
17:00 PM
Arrival in Cusco
We will conclude the tour by dropping you off near Plaza de Armas or at your hotel (if it is located in the city center), ending a day full of adventure.
Included Services – ATV Tour to Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley
What’s Included
- Tourist Transportation: Comfortable vehicles for the long transfer.
- Professional Guide: High-mountain expert (Spanish/English).
- Full Meals: 1 Breakfast + 1 Buffet Lunch.
- Adventure Equipment: Honda/Yamaha ATV + safety helmet.
- Safety: Oxygen tank, first aid kit, and communication radios.
- Assistance: Prior driving instruction.
Not Included
- Entrance fees to the attractions (paid in cash at the entrance).
- Extra horses (for the hiking section if you get tired).
- Personal expenses (drinks, snacks, tips).
- Personal travel insurance.
💰 Entrance Fees (Reference Only):
- 🎟️ Rainbow Mountain: S/ 10.00 (Peruvian) / S/ 20.00 (Foreigner).
- 🎟️ Red Valley: S/ 10.00 (General).
* Please bring cash (Peruvian soles) and coins.
Important Information for Your Trip
⚠️ Altitude Notice
This tour reaches 5,070 meters above sea level. It is essential to be acclimatized in Cusco for at least 2 days before doing this activity. Drinking alcohol the night before is not recommended.
📋 What should I bring?
The weather in the mountains is unpredictable (you may experience sun, wind, rain, or snow on the same day). Be prepared with:
- Warm layered clothing: thermal base layer, fleece, and a windbreaker jacket.
- Rain poncho: essential, even if it looks sunny.
- Sun protection: hat, UV sunglasses, and high-protection sunscreen.
- Small backpack: for water, snacks (chocolate, coca leaves), and camera.
- Documents: original ID or passport.
🚫 Restrictions
For safety reasons, the following are not allowed to participate:
- Pregnant women.
- People with serious heart or respiratory conditions.
- Children under 8 years old (please check copiloting policy).
Conquer Vinicunca: Rainbow Mountain ATV Adventure
Discover the geological wonder of Vinicunca in the most thrilling and effortless way possible. Our Rainbow Mountain ATV Tour (Full Day) is the ultimate adventure for travelers looking to inject adrenaline into their journey while skipping the exhausting 1.5-hour traditional hike that drains most tourists.
You will ride your own ATV through breathtaking high-Andean landscapes, cruising across remote valleys surrounded by glaciers and herds of alpacas grazing in their natural habitat. Thanks to this motorized route, we will reach almost the very top. From the ATV parking area, only a super short 5 to 10-minute walk awaits you to reach the main viewpoint at 5,000 meters (16,404 ft) above sea level. You’ll keep all your energy intact to capture the best photos of Vinicunca’s red, gold, and turquoise stripes!
Route Highlights
- Qosqopata Motorized Base: Your starting point. Here we will equip you with all safety gear and provide a hands-on practice session before you hit the gas.
- The Valley of the Apus: A rugged dirt trail exclusive to ATVs. Get ready for a landscape dominated by snow-capped peaks, glacial streams, and wildlife in its purest form.
- Vinicunca Viewpoint (5,000 m / 16,404 ft a.s.l.): The crown jewel. Admire the iconic rainbow mountain without the physical exhaustion of other travelers, taking in the scenery with your breath fully intact.
Epic ATV Itinerary
Detailed Step-by-Step Route
Pick-up
Departure from Cusco
Your adventure kicks off before the city wakes up. We will pick you up directly from your hotel at your chosen time. Board our comfortable tourist transport and catch some extra rest as we head south, waking up just in time to catch the first rays of the Andean sunrise.
2
Cusipata
High-Altitude Breakfast
We will arrive at our exclusive restaurant in Cusipata to refuel. Savor a hearty Andean breakfast crafted to provide the calories you need to handle the morning chill and altitude. (Note: Exclusive to early morning departures. Take the opportunity to use the restrooms before heading to the mountain!)
3
Qosqopata
Base Camp Briefing & ATV Practice
Welcome to Qosqopata Base Camp. Here, our team will outfit you with certified helmets and riding gloves. You will receive a comprehensive safety briefing and enjoy 10 to 15 minutes of hands-on practice to master your automatic ATV. No prior experience? No worries, it is incredibly intuitive.
4
Adventure
Off-Road Expedition
Hit the throttle! We ride out in a guided convoy along a rugged, spectacular trail exclusive to ATVs. Feel the brisk mountain air on your face as we navigate rustic terrain, skirt glacial streams, and ride alongside grazing alpacas. The 360-degree views of snow-capped peaks will leave you breathless.
5
Hike
The Final Stretch (5 to 10 min on foot)
We park the machines at the high-altitude checkpoint. From here, only a very gentle 5 to 10-minute walk separates us from the summit. Yes, you will feel the thin air at 5,000 meters, but compared to the brutal 1.5-hour traditional hike, this is an easy stroll.
6
Viewpoint
Summit: Vinicunca (5,000 m / 16,404 ft a.s.l.)
Mission accomplished. Step onto the main viewpoint and let the vibrant red, gold, and turquoise mineral stripes of Rainbow Mountain blow your mind. You will have plenty of free time to take epic photos with the majestic Mount Ausangate glacier towering in the background.
7
Return
Motorized Descent to Base Camp
After taking in the mountain’s energy, jump back on your ATV for an exhilarating downhill ride back to the Qosqopata base. The afternoon light paints the Andean valleys in an entirely new spectrum of colors.
8
Lunch
Victory Buffet Lunch
We trade our ATVs for our tour transport and head back toward Cusipata. Celebrate your summit accomplishment with a well-earned, massive buffet lunch. Taste authentic Peruvian cuisine featuring comforting dishes (fresh vegetarian and vegan options readily available).
Afternoon
Triumphant Return to Cusco
Sit back and relax for the final drive. We aim to drop you off near the Plaza de Armas between 4:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., arriving right on time for a hot shower and a celebratory dinner in the imperial city.
What’s Included and Not Included in Our Tour
Included
- Tourist transportation: Direct pick-up from your hotel and comfortable round-trip transport from Cusco to our base camp.
- High-End ATV (Quad Bike): Automatic Honda or Yamaha vehicle (Single or Double, according to your booking).
- Safety gear: Certified helmet and riding gloves for a secure grip in the Andean cold.
- Instructor Guide: Professional bilingual guide (English / Spanish) and high-mountain expert leading the convoy.
- Meals: Energizing breakfast* and a hearty local buffet lunch to recharge your energy. (*The 8:30 a.m. departure does not include breakfast).
- On-route safety: Portable oxygen tank and first aid kit readily available for altitude sickness.
Not Included
- Vinicunca and Red Valley entrance fees: Mandatory payment at the local community checkpoints.
- Emergency Horse Rental: Available for hire from local villagers along the final stretch if fatigue sets in.
- Travel insurance: Personal policy covering adventure sports (Highly recommended).
- Trail extras: Drinks, snacks, tips, and fees for using rustic community restrooms.
Rider Tips and Tour Details
Weather and Dust Protection
- Trail dust: Riding in an ATV convoy along an off-road route kicks up significant dust. Bringing a bandana, buff, or cloth face mask to cover your nose and mouth is the single best “survival tip” we can give you.
- Freezing wind: Riding at speed high in the Andes causes the wind chill to drop drastically. Dress in layers with a heavy windbreaker jacket as your primary shield, and never forget your UV-protection sunglasses to protect your eyes from the biting breeze and bright solar glare.
Altitude and Acclimatization
- Zero physical strain, but extreme altitude: Although the powerful ATV does all the heavy lifting and the final walk is barely 10 minutes, your body will still be at 5,000 meters (16,404 ft) above sea level. Acclimatizing in Cusco for at least 24 to 48 hours prior to the tour is a non-negotiable requirement.
- Medical safety: Due to the rugged off-road terrain and continuous engine vibrations, this activity is strictly prohibited for pregnant women, as well as travelers with recent surgeries or severe spinal, back, and heart conditions.
Restrictions and Regulations
- Minimum age (18 years old): Under Peruvian safety and insurance regulations, every driver operating an ATV must be of legal age (18+). Minors (aged 8 and older) are welcome to participate exclusively as passengers on a Double ATV.
- No Drones: To protect the tranquility of local wildlife (alpacas and vicuñas) and comply with community airspace rules, flying drones is strictly prohibited at the Vinicunca viewpoint.
What to Bring on the Route?
- Travel ultra-light: ATVs do not have trunk space or luggage compartments. You are only allowed to carry a very small daypack on your back with essential items. Heavy luggage must remain in storage at your hotel in Cusco.
- Cash in Soles: There is no internet connectivity in the mountains for card terminals or payment apps. Bring coins and small bills (Peruvian Soles) to pay for community entrance fees and to use rustic restrooms along the trail.
Frequently Asked Questions: ATV & Red Valley
Find answers to the most common questions about riding, physical demands, and our exclusive route via Osefina.
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