in Cusco Licensed operator · Est. [year]
ATV Tour
Rainbow
Mountain
Why ride instead of hike?
Rainbow Mountain is one of the most photographed places in Peru — and one of the most physically demanding day trips near Cusco. The standard tour is a 6–8 km round-trip hike at an altitude where every step uses roughly half the oxygen your body is used to at sea level.
This tour swaps most of that climb for an ATV ride across Andean plains, alpaca herds, and views of the Ausangate range — then finishes with a short, manageable walk (about 1–2 km) to the actual viewpoint. You still earn the view. You just don’t spend three hours gasping for it.
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Walking distance to the Rainbow Mountain viewpoint, round trip.
This tour is a great fit if you
- Have limited time in Cusco and can’t dedicate two full recovery days to a hard trek
- Are traveling with people of mixed fitness levels
- Want a more adventurous, hands-on way to reach the mountain
- Are concerned about altitude and want less sustained physical exertion
This tour is NOT the best fit if you
- Are pregnant, have severe cardiac/respiratory conditions, or have been advised against high-altitude travel
- Specifically want the traditional full trekking experience
- Have a strict low budget (the standard hiking tour is cheaper — see comparison below)
Tour highlights
Ride your own ATV (or share one) through high-Andean countryside near Cusipata
Spot llamas, alpacas, and traditional Quechua communities along the route
Views of the Ausangate glacier range from the trail
Reach Rainbow Mountain’s viewpoint with a fraction of the walking of the standard tour
Small-group or private departures available
Breakfast and lunch included, with vegetarian options on request
Safety briefing and supervised ATV practice — no experience required
Extend to the Red Valley, a quieter, less-visited red-toned valley nearby
Itinerary — hour by hour
Cusco → Cusipata → ATV base → Vinicunca → CuscoTimes are approximate and vary with weather, group size, and road conditions.
Extend the route to the Red Valley (+ entrance fee, + extra time) — ask when booking.
Pricing & what’s included
✅ Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco
- Round-trip transportation
- Breakfast and lunch (vegetarian option available on request)
- ATV rental and fuel
- Safety briefing, helmet, and equipment
- Bilingual guide (English and Spanish)
❌ Not included
- Rainbow Mountain community entrance fee ~25 PEN / ~$7 USD, cash, paid on-site
- Red Valley entrance fee, if added ~20–30 PEN, cash
- Optional horse or motorcycle assistance on the final stretch (run independently by local community members) Cash
- Tips for guide and driver
- Travel insurance We strongly recommend it — see safety section below
ATV tour vs. hiking tour: which one fits you?
Prefer more walking and a lower price? See our recommended hiking partners, or explore our other ATV routes below if you’d rather stay on wheels the whole day.
Other ATV routes ↓Ask before you book
No commitment. Questions only.Altitude worries? A private quote? Not sure about the 3 a.m. pickup?
Use the form, or skip it and write to us directly on WhatsApp. Fill in what you know, leave blank what you don’t.
We take this seriously because the risk is real.
We take this seriously because the risk is real, not because it sounds good in marketing copy.
You’ll spend most of the day above 4,000 m, briefly above 5,000 m. Altitude sickness can affect anyone — fitness level doesn’t guarantee immunity.
Unpaved rural roads; conditions shift with the season (dry/dusty vs. wet/slippery).
Most guests have never driven an ATV — which is exactly why the briefing and supervised practice run happen before the real route, not after.
How you can help: spend 1–2 days in Cusco before this tour to acclimatize, hydrate well, avoid alcohol the night before, and tell your guide immediately if you feel unwell.
Not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with severe cardiac/respiratory conditions. Consult a doctor if you have pre-existing health concerns before booking any high-altitude activity.
👉 Read article: “Altitude Sickness and ATV Tours: What First-Timers Should Know”
Best time to go
- April–October (dry season): Clearest skies, best odds of vivid colors, firmer trails. June–August is peak season — book early departures to beat crowds.
- November–March (rainy season): More clouds, occasional snow, muddier trails — but fewer visitors and greener surroundings for those who don’t mind unpredictability.
👉 Read article: “Best Time to Visit Cusco: A Month-by-Month Guide”
What to bring
- Warm base + mid layer, waterproof outer layer
- Gloves, hat/beanie, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen
- Sturdy closed-toe shoes
- Small daypack, 1.5–2L water
- Cash in soles (entrance fees are paid on-site)
- Passport/ID
Our Gallery
Frequently asked questions
Is ATV or hiking better for Rainbow Mountain?
It depends on your time and fitness. The ATV tour reduces walking from 6–8 km to about 1–2 km, making it a better fit if you’re short on time or traveling with mixed fitness levels.
Is the ATV tour to Rainbow Mountain safe for beginners?
Yes. No prior experience is required — every tour includes a safety briefing and supervised practice before the real route.
How long is the tour?
A full day, typically 12–14 hours door to door.
What’s the minimum age?
15, with parental consent for minors.
Can I combine this with the Red Valley?
Yes, as an optional add-on with an extra entrance fee — ask when booking.
How much does it cost?
$80 USD per person on the shared group tour, with breakfast and lunch included. Private tours are quoted on request. The community entrance fee (about S/25) is paid separately, in cash.
What’s the best month to go?
April to October (dry season) for the most reliable weather. April, May, September and October are quieter than the June–August peak.
Pickup is at 3 a.m. Pick the date.
Tap an option and WhatsApp opens with the message already written. Add your date and number of riders, then press send.