Rainbow Mountain ATV Tour
Rainbow Mountain ATV Tour
Looking for ATV adventures? Look no further! Our Rainbow Mountain ATV tour is the perfect combination of adrenaline, natural beauty and cultural exploration, all in one unforgettable experience.
This unique tour will take you through the picturesque highlands of the Peruvian Andes to the breathtaking Rainbow Mountain. Designed for travelers looking for an adventurous yet accessible trip, this experience allows you to reach the famous Rainbow Mountain “Vinicunca” with minimal physical exertion, while still soaking in every moment of the adventure.
What makes the Rainbow Mountain ATV tour special?
- Not so heavy: – Ideal for all levels of fitness.
- Small groups: Our service can have up to 10 riders for safety.
Unparalleled scenery – Ride through panoramic landscapes, snow-capped peaks and remote Andean villages. - Along the route, you will witness the rich flora and fauna of the region: you may see llamas, alpacas, vicuñas and, if you are lucky, even the majestic Andean condor (called apuchin in Quechua).
This is more than an excursion. It is a bold new way to see the Andes: faster, safer and more spectacular than ever before.
12 Hours (aprox).
Hotel Address
229 km - 142.294 miles
1,890 meters (6, 200 feet)
Light
15 Person
USD 15
/ per person
- Cusco
- Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca ATV Tour
“Hop on an ATV and conquer 7 Colors Mountain like never before!”
Itinerary - ATV tour Rainbow Mountain
Itinerary in hours
- 04:00 a.m. – Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco
- 04:00 a.m. – 05:30 a.m. – Drive to Cusipata
- 05:30 a.m. – 06:00 a.m. – Breakfast in a local restaurant in Cusipata
- 06:00 a.m. – 06:30 a.m. – Drive to Kayrahuire Alto (ATV starting point)
- 07:30 a.m. – 07:50 a.m. – ATV instruction and 20-minute practice session
- 07:50 a.m. – 09:20 a.m. – ATV ride to the Rainbow Mountain trailhead
- 09:20 a.m. – 09:30 a.m. – Hand over ATVs and restroom break
- 09:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. – Short 5 to 10-minute hike to Rainbow Mountain viewpoint and free time to explore (around 30 minutes)
- 10:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. – Return hike to ATV parking
- 10:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. – ATV ride back to Kayrahuire Alto
- 11:45 a.m. – 12:30 a.m. – Drive to Cusipata for lunch
- 12:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Buffet lunch and rest
- 1:30 p.m. – 02:00 p.m. – Return to Cusco
Detailed Itinerary
Pick Up & Breakfast
The Rainbow Mountain ATV tour starts with pick up from your hotel at 4:00 a.m. and we will travel 1 hour and 30 minutes to the trailhead. After breakfast at a local restaurant in “Cusipata”, we will ride through the “Kayrahuire Alto” (the starting point of the quad tour).
Delivery of quads and practice
Once at the starting point, the guide will provide you with an ATV motorcycle. “Don’t worry if you have never ridden an ATV, before the excursion our guide will give you a 20 minutes practice lesson.
Drive to Rainbow Mountain
After practicing, we start the 1 hour and 30 minutes ATV ride on ATV tracks to the start of the hike to Rainbow Mountain. During the ride, you will be able to contemplate spectacular landscapes such as snow-capped mountains and Andean villages.
Hiking and exploring Rainbow Mountain
Once at the Rainbow Mountain trekking point, we must hand over the keys of our ATV to the desigando staff, then you can freshen up, use the restrooms and get ready for the trek. Our guide will lead you on the trail for 5 to 10 minutes to the lookout point where you will have time to take pictures and explore the area on your own.
Return
After 40 minutes, we will descend to the ATV parking area and begin the trip to Kayrahuire Alto (the starting point of the ATV experience).
Lunch
After boarding, we will head to the Cusipata region, where you can have lunch and relax for a while after this great trip.
Return to Cusco
After lunch, we will travel 1 hour and 30 minutes back to Cusco.
- Hotel Pick-Up and Drop-Off: Comfortable tourist transport from your hotel or accommodation in Cusco.
- ATV Rental: Well-maintained all-terrain vehicle (ATV) with full safety gear, including helmet and gloves.
- Professional Guide: Bilingual (English/Spanish) expert guide to lead the experience and provide key insights along the route.
- Meals Included: Breakfast and lunch served at local restaurants.
- First Aid Kit: Basic first aid kit available throughout the tour for minor injuries or emergencies.
- Safety Briefing and Practice Session: Introductory training on ATV operation and safety rules before the ride.
- Support Vehicle: Backup vehicle with a mechanic or support staff to assist in case of mechanical issues during the tour.
Entrance Ticket to Rainbow Mountain: The entrance fee to Rainbow Mountain or any other sites not specified in the itinerary is not included.
Personal Expenses: Souvenirs, snacks, additional drinks, or any other purchases made outside the included meals are at the traveler’s expense.
Tips: Gratuities for guides and support staff are not included and are entirely optional, based on your level of satisfaction.
Medical Expenses: Any medical treatment required during or after the tour, including medications or hospitalization, is not covered.
Travel Insurance: Personal travel insurance is not included and should be arranged independently by each traveler prior to the tour.
Enjoy Peru is a destination management company based in Cuzco (Peru). They are led by a team with years of experience in inbound tourism in Southern Peru. Their main objective is to provide the best service in the organization and offer memorable experiences to their clients. Enjoy Peru staff is well equipped to assist you, as your trip will be handled by their excellent and dedicated staff and partners around the Peru. They are willing to work as a team to guarantee you the best possible travel experience.
Refund of deposits
We will hold your place for you as soon as you make your deposit. However, if you decide to cancel your trip, we will not be able to refund your deposit.
Refunds for fully paid trips
You can change or cancel your trip up to 1 month in advance for a refund. After this period, no refunds will be issued. You can change or cancel your trip by contacting us through the various means listed on the website.
Included
- Hotel Pick-Up and Drop-Off: Comfortable tourist transport from your hotel or accommodation in Cusco.
- ATV Rental: Well-maintained all-terrain vehicle (ATV) with full safety gear, including helmet and gloves.
- Professional Guide: Bilingual (English/Spanish) expert guide to lead the experience and provide key insights along the route.
- Meals Included: Breakfast and lunch served at local restaurants.
- First Aid Kit: Basic first aid kit available throughout the tour for minor injuries or emergencies.
- Safety Briefing and Practice Session: Introductory training on ATV operation and safety rules before the ride.
- Support Vehicle: Backup vehicle with a mechanic or support staff to assist in case of mechanical issues during the tour.
Not included
Entrance Ticket to Rainbow Mountain: The entrance fee to Rainbow Mountain or any other sites not specified in the itinerary is not included.
Personal Expenses: Souvenirs, snacks, additional drinks, or any other purchases made outside the included meals are at the traveler’s expense.
Tips: Gratuities for guides and support staff are not included and are entirely optional, based on your level of satisfaction.
Medical Expenses: Any medical treatment required during or after the tour, including medications or hospitalization, is not covered.
Travel Insurance: Personal travel insurance is not included and should be arranged independently by each traveler prior to the tour.
Book Rainbow Mountain ATV Tour
"Don't just visit it, speed through it! Discover Rainbow Mountain on a breathtaking ATV adventure."
Rainbow Mountain ATV Tour MAP
FAQs
Is Rainbow Mountain ATV Tour worth it?
Absolutely. The Rainbow Mountain ATV Tour is ideal for travelers looking to experience the beauty of Vinicunca with less physical effort and more adventure. You’ll enjoy breathtaking Andean landscapes, skip the strenuous 2-hour uphill hike, and still reach the same stunning viewpoint. It’s especially worth it for those short on time or not fully acclimated to the altitude.
Can you do Rainbow Mountain without a tour?
Yes, it’s technically possible to visit Rainbow Mountain without a tour, but it’s not recommended. Public transportation is limited, routes can be confusing, and the trail is located at over 5,000 meters (16,400 ft). A guided tour offers safe transportation, experienced support in high-altitude conditions, and logistics like meals and tickets—all of which are hard to manage solo.
How long does Rainbow Mountain Tour take?
The full tour typically lasts 10 to 12 hours, depending on road and weather conditions. It starts with early morning pick-up from Cusco (around 4:00 a.m.) and includes travel time, meals, ATV riding, a short hike to the viewpoint, and return to the city in the late afternoon.
Is Rainbow Mountain harder than Inca Trail?
Not in terms of distance, but Rainbow Mountain can feel harder due to the extreme altitude. The viewpoint sits at over 5,000 meters (16,400 ft), which is higher than any point on the Classic Inca Trail. However, thanks to the ATV option, the physical effort required is much lower than the multi-day Inca Trail trek.
USD 15
Per person
Return from Machu Picchu to Cusco via Hidroeléctrica: Budget-Friendly and Scenic
If you’ve already experienced the magic of Machu Picchu and are looking for an affordable way to return to Cusco, Enjoy Peru by SAP Adventures offers a practical and scenic option: travel from Aguas Calientes to Hidroeléctrica and continue by bus back to Cusco.
Aguas Calientes to Hidroeléctrica: Hike or Train
Your return journey begins in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). Since there’s no road access from this town, you have two ways to reach Hidroeléctrica:
Walking Option: The trail follows the train tracks for about 11 km (roughly 2 to 3 hours). It’s mostly flat and surrounded by lush jungle and views of the Urubamba River—a peaceful, nature-filled hike suitable for most travelers.
Train Option: For more comfort, you can take a 30-minute train ride from Aguas Calientes to Hidroeléctrica. We recommend booking tickets ($46 USD approx.) in advance, especially during high season.
Hidroeléctrica to Cusco: Return by Bus with Enjoy Peru
Once at Hidroeléctrica, our team will help you board your pre-booked return bus to Cusco. Buses usually depart between 2:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., giving hikers enough time to arrive from Aguas Calientes without rushing.
The return trip takes approximately 6 to 7 hours, with the road winding through Santa Teresa, the Sacred Valley, and panoramic mountain scenery. Expect short stops for rest and refreshments. Our minibuses arrive in Cusco around 9:00 to 10:00 p.m., with drop-off near Plaza San Francisco, just 300 meters from the city’s main square.
Why Travelers Love This Route
Low-Cost Alternative: Ideal for budget-conscious visitors wanting to avoid the expensive train route.
Immersive Experience: Combine light trekking with bus travel to fully appreciate the contrast between the jungle and the Andes.
Flexible and Rewarding: Choose your pace—hike, train, or both—and enjoy every part of the return journey.
What to Keep in Mind
Weather Conditions: During rainy months (November–March), pack waterproof gear if hiking.
Bus Comfort: The final stretch near Hidroeléctrica can be bumpy—bring snacks, water, and a small pillow.
Moderate Fitness Needed: While the hike isn’t difficult, it does require some stamina and comfortable footwear.