Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley ATV Tour 1 Day

Duration
Full Day
Service
Group
Pickup
Hotel
Cancel
Non-refund
Guide
Difficulty
Moderate

About this experience

Experience one of the most thrilling adventures in the Peruvian Andes with our Rainbow Mountain ATV Tour, a full-day journey that blends adrenaline, stunning scenery, and cultural discovery. Skip the long hike and ride powerful ATVs to reach the majestic Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain. The day begins with an early pickup from Cusco, followed by breakfast in Quiquijana. After receiving your safety gear, ride through rugged trails and the colorful Red Valley, surrounded by snow-capped peaks. A short hike takes you to the top of Rainbow Mountain, over 5,000 meters above sea level, where vibrant mineral layers create breathtaking views. After exploring and taking photos, return by ATV for lunch before heading back to Cusco. Perfect for adventurers seeking a unique, high-energy way to explore the Andes.

Detailed itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Quiquijana – Japura – Rainbow Mountain – Red Valley – Cusco

We will start the Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley ATV Tour early in the morning. Pickup will take place between 3:40 and 4:00 AM from hotels in central Cusco.

We will drive through the quiet Andean valleys while the sunrise paints the mountains in golden hues. The route passes traditional villages and terraced farmlands that showcase rural life in the Peruvian Andes.

 

After about two hours, we will reach Quiquijana, where a delicious buffet breakfast will be waiting. This meal will give us the energy we need for the adventure ahead. After breakfast, the journey continues toward Japura, the ATV base camp.

At Japura, we will receive helmets, gloves, and a safety briefing from our professional tour guide. Then, the excitement begins. We will ride our ATVs for about 70 minutes through winding dirt roads and rugged mountain terrain. The trail passes through breathtaking scenery, with views of snow-capped peaks, grazing alpacas, and the vibrant Red Valley.

As we enter the Red Valley, the landscape changes dramatically. The earth turns deep red and orange due to rich mineral deposits. We will pause for photos and enjoy the surreal beauty of this lesser-known part of the Andes.

The ATV ride will end near the base of Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca. From here, we will begin a gentle 45-minute hike to the viewpoint. The ascent is steady but rewarding, offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.

At the summit, located at 5,200 meters above sea level, we will admire the rainbow-colored stripes created by natural minerals. Our guide will explain the geological process that shaped this wonder and share stories about the local Quechua communities that live nearby. We will have free time to take photos, rest, and explore the site.

After visiting both Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley, we will return to the trailhead and ride our ATVs back to Japura. The return journey is filled with more scenic views and thrilling moments on the mountain paths.

Once we arrive at Japura, our transportation will take us back to Quiquijana, where a well-deserved Andean buffet lunch awaits. Here, we can relax and enjoy traditional dishes made from local ingredients.

In the afternoon, we will drive back to Cusco, admiring the landscapes one last time. We expect to arrive around 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM, ending a day full of adventure, culture, and stunning natural beauty.

Note: itineraries are subject to change.

Inclusions & exclusions

What's included

  • Hotel pickup in Cusco (historic center) and return transfer
  • Comfortable tourist transportation to and from Japura (ATV base)
  • ATV ride with helmets, gloves, and a safety briefing
  • Professional bilingual tour guide (Spanish/English)
  • Buffet breakfast and lunch in Quiquijana
  • Walking sticks for the short hike to Rainbow Mountain
  • First aid kit and oxygen support
  • Permanent assistance throughout the tour

What's not included

  • Entrance ticket to Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca (20–30 PEN)
  • Entrance ticket to the Red Valley (10 PEN approx.)
  • Extra snacks, drinks, or meals not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips for guides or drivers (voluntary)
  • Personal expenses

Frequently asked questions

We answer your questions about this tour

1 What time does the Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley ATV Tour start and end?

The tour starts between 3:40 AM and 4:00 AM. with hotel pickup in central Cusco. It ends around 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM. at the city center.

2 From where will we be picked up?

We will pick you up directly from your hotel in the historic center of Cusco. If your accommodation is outside this area or in an Airbnb, we will coordinate a nearby meeting point.

3 What is included in the Rainbow Mountain ATV Tour?

The tour includes round-trip tourist transportation, ATVs with helmet and gloves, professional bilingual guide, buffet breakfast and lunch, first aid kit, oxygen, walking poles, and permanent assistance during the trip.

4 What is not included in the tour?

Entrance fees to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) and Red Valley, personal expenses, snacks, tips, and additional meals not mentioned in the itinerary are not included.

5 How difficult is the Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley ATV Tour?

The tour is considered moderate. It combines an ATV ride with a short hike of about 45 minutes to the top. A good level of fitness and proper acclimatization are recommended.

6 What should we bring for the ATV tour?

Bring warm layers, comfortable trekking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, gloves, rain poncho, passport, and cash for entrance fees and tips.

7 Is altitude sickness common during the tour?

Yes, since Rainbow Mountain reaches 5,200 meters above sea level, you may feel mild symptoms of altitude sickness. We recommend acclimatizing in Cusco for at least 2 days before the tour.

8 Can children or older adults join the ATV tour?

The tour is not recommended for children under 12 or adults with mobility or heart issues due to high altitude and physical demand.

9 What is the best time of year to visit Rainbow Mountain?

The best time is during the dry season (April to October) when the weather is clear and the colors of the mountain are most vibrant. However, the tour operates year-round.

10 What happens in case of bad weather?

The tour operates even with light rain. However, for safety, the ATV route may be adjusted. We always prioritize traveler safety and comfort.

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What our travelers say about our Machu Picchu tours

Our reputation is built on the experiences of real travelers. With more than 1,200 verified reviews across TripAdvisor and Google, we are consistently rated 4.9 out of 5 — one of the top-rated Machu Picchu tour operators in Cusco.

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Tripadvisor

"Punctuality, very attentive guide and perfect organization. From the hotel exit, transit by train, lunch schedule and guided tours."

AS

Andrey S.

October 14, 2025

Google

"Machu Picchu Peru Tours full day Sacred Valley was an amazing highlight of our trip to Peru. Do not miss it! Our driver Julio Cesar took us on time and safely to all amazing places and experiences beating the crowds. The guide, Erik, was the most passionated guide I've met. An incredible story teller, knowledgeable and giving us a superb experience. It was a real perfect day and an amazing almost private tour feeling like a super engaging history class. Don't think twice."

PN

Patricia N.

A year ago

Tripadvisor

"A very enriching experience, a lot of history, although it rained that day, was a good for nothing our tour. Our guide was very attentive and professional."

MR

Maria R.

October 12, 2025

Google

"We had a amazing tour with Machu pichu Peru tours to the vinicunca mountain, or the rainbow mountain. Tour was well organised and your tour guide took really good care of us. Also the breakfast and lunch was quite good. We can totally recommend this tour organisation."

DK

Daniel K.

2 years ago

Tripadvisor

"The tour starts very early type 3-4 am, how good you can sleep on the way, we breakfast in a very good buffet and then depart for the mountain. Here the height is the problem, you can walk up but it requires a lot of condition, the good thing is that there are horses that you can pay and for 90 suns they leave you 15-20 minutes from the top. Wear layered clothes as you can warm up when climbing. We already walk down and the road is much easier. On horseback you go up in 40 minutes, you are on the mountain an hour to take pictures and the return is about 1 hour or so. In the end we still had lunch in the same very rich buffet!"

AC

Alejandra C.

October 12, 2025

Google

"I highly recommend Machu Picchu Peru Tour. Their service is incredible. I highly recommend their guides, especially Rocio and Jhordi. They are very professional and super friendly. My recommendation is because they have everything arranged and structured so we can fully enjoy the experience: transportation, lodging, food, and tourist attractions. I hope you can take advantage of traveling with them and enjoy it as much as we did."

CG

Cesar G.

8 months ago

Tripadvisor

"I liked the Service and attention I received, plus the quality of the guide who touched us to know the sacred valley on the way to Machu Picchu was first class, with extensive knowledge of the Inca culture and with very good explanation, I highly recommend them."

SM

Salvador M.

September 19, 2025

Google

"It was a wonderful experience. Getting to know one of the wonders of the world and learning its history in detail was very rewarding. We had an excellent guide who answered every one of our questions and her support was unconditional. The guide, Veronica Quispe, and the drivers who supported us were incredible. Thank you so much. They made the trip wonderful."

PN

Patty N.

10 months ago

Tripadvisor

"They were exceptional! Everything very organized, took care of all the details, we hired all the tours, lodging and transfer, we do not regret!"

SE

Sarah E.

October 12, 2025

Google

"The quality and friendliness of the staff were impressive. Wendy served us and was always very attentive to everything, responding quickly. They offer good options without breaking your budget. A short but substantial excursion. The guide Jaime knew everything in detail and provided excellent explanations. I recommend him, especially if you're traveling with children or older adults, as he really has everything under control."

AS

Ara S.

3 years ago

Tripadvisor

"Recommended! What a beautiful place!!! Most of us went up there on mules. Important to clarify if the person weighs more than 110 kg he will not be able to carry it and will have to walk up. It is still very expensive, to have proper footwear."

VL

Veronica L.

October 12, 2025

Google

"I had the wonderful experience of coordinating a group trip with Carolina from this agency, and it was very positive. They were always willing to help and facilitate the trip. On the tours, we had the opportunity to meet Alex on the Sacred Valley tour. He is an excellent guide, very friendly and knowledgeable about all the sites, making the tour very entertaining. In Machu Picchu, we were guided by Edmar, an excellent, knowledgeable, and friendly guide."

KD

Kevin D.

2 years ago

Google

"I loved that the travel agency made everything easy for me in Cusco. All I had to worry about was being on time for pickup and choosing what to eat at the buffet. The agency itself took care of everything. If I could highlight anything, it's the fact that I had a different guide on each tour, and they were all very kind and polite. They did their jobs well and knew how to explain the history of each place."

EG

Enrique G.

10 months ago

Google

"The excursion to the Sacred Valley of the Incas was a great one. Our guide, Veronica, accompanied us the entire time and did her best to make the experience as informative as possible."

AG

Agustin G.

A year ago