Most important tour information
- Pickup time
- 4:00 AM – 4:30 AM Pickup window from your accommodation Pickup is available when your accommodation is within the pickup zone. See included
- Arrival in the ending city
- 6:00 PM Approximate arrival time in the city where the tour ends
Highlights
- 45-minute round trip ATV ride to Rainbow Mountain
- 55-minute round trip ATV ride to Red Valley
- No experience needed, first 10-15 minutes ATV practice.
- Pick up at your stay, transport, guide, meals included
What is included
Included
- Hotel pickup from Cusco (historic city center).
- Private tourist transport (round trip).
- Professional local guide.
- ATV (single or double).
- Helmet and safety equipment.
- Breakfast in Cusipata (Andina Restaurant).
- Lunch in Cusipata (Andina Restaurant).
- First aid kit.
- Vegetarian meal option.
- Drop off near Plaza de Armas, Cusco.
Not included
- Entrance ticket to Rainbow Mountain.
- Entrance ticket to Red Valley.
- Extra drinks or snacks.
- Water.
- Travel insurance.
- Rain ponchos and sunscreen.
- Tips for guide and driver.
Trail and tour details
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Tour duration
- 1 day
- Average group size
- 12 people
Itinerary
Morning
- Option 1: Pickup around 3:00 AM from your stay in Cusco historic center.
- Option 2: Pickup around 6:00 AM from your stay in Cusco historic center. During low season, only 3:00 AM and 4:00 AM are available.
- Drive by private tourist transport toward Pitumarca.
- Stop in Cusipata for a semi buffet breakfast.
- Free time to use the restroom, relax, or buy snacks.
- Continue to the ATV base.
- Safety briefing and driving instructions (about 15 to 20 minutes).
- Start the ATV ride through mountain scenery toward Vinicunca.
Midday
- Arrive near Rainbow Mountain and park the ATVs.
- Short walk of about 5 minutes to the Rainbow Mountain viewpoint.
- Free time for photos and enjoying the views.
- Walk back to the ATVs and continue riding toward Red Valley.
- Arrive near Red Valley and park the ATVs.
- Short walk of about 5 minutes to the Red Valley viewpoint.
- Free time for photos and exploration.
Afternoon
- Ride the ATVs back to the starting point.
- Return to Cusipata for a semi buffet lunch.
- Vegetarian options available, plus hot and cold drinks included.
Evening
- Drive back to Cusco.
- Drop-off near Plaza de Armas, Cusco.
Times are approximate and the order may change with weather, traffic, or local conditions.
Full tour description
The rainbow mountain red valley atv tour is one of the most exciting day trips from Cusco. You travel early into the Andes. Then you ride an ATV on mountain trails and reach two famous landscapes with only a short walk. First you visit Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca). After that, you explore the Red Valley, a quieter area with deep red hills and wide views. This is a great option if you want the scenery of Rainbow Mountain without a long hike.
Our rainbow mountain atv tour includes hotel pick up in Cusco, private transport, a professional guide, the ATV ride, and meals in Cusipata. You can choose a single ATV or a double ATV. A helmet and safety equipment are included. Before the ride, your guide gives a short safety briefing and driving instructions. The route is scenic and fun, with open views, small rural roads, and high mountain landscapes.
This red valley atv tour is also a good choice if you want something different from the classic Rainbow Mountain hike. The short walks are about 5 minutes from the parking areas. You still visit the main viewpoints, take photos, and enjoy the fresh mountain air. The tour is still at high altitude, so we go at a steady pace and we recommend good acclimatization in Cusco.
Why choose this ATV tour from Cusco
- Adventure and nature in one day with an atv tour cusco experience.
- See Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley with short walks from the parking areas.
- Private tourist transport and a local guide.
- Breakfast and lunch in Cusipata at Andina Restaurant, with vegetarian options.
- Daily departures with two start times, 3:00 AM or 6:00 AM.
Activities during Rainbow Mountain Red Valley ATV tour
- Hotel pickup in Cusco and scenic drive through the Andes.
- Breakfast stop in Cusipata and time to buy snacks or small items.
- Safety briefing and practice instructions before riding.
- ATV ride on mountain trails toward Vinicunca.
- Short walk to the Rainbow Mountain viewpoint.
- Photo time at Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca).
- ATV ride to the Red Valley area.
- Short walk to the Red Valley viewpoint.
- Photo time and exploration in Red Valley.
- Lunch in Cusipata and free time for local shopping.
- Return drive to Cusco.
Rainbow Mountain Red Valley ATV Tour
The Rainbow Mountain Red Valley ATV tour includes everything from the Rainbow Mountain ATV tour, plus an extra visit to the Red Valley. This gives you two very different landscapes in one day and more photo opportunities.
If you are short on time, the Rainbow Mountain ATV tour is ideal. If you want the full experience and more scenery, the red valley extension makes the day more complete and unique.
Important notes for this tour
- This rainbow mountain red valley atv tour takes place at high altitude. Acclimatization is recommended.
- ATVs can be single or double. If you choose a double ATV, two people share one ATV.
- The short walks are easy, but the altitude can still make it feel harder.
Background information about Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley
Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca, is famous for its natural layers of color. The colors come from different minerals in the soil. Over time, these minerals formed visible stripes that look like a painted mountain. The area became popular in recent years as access improved and more travelers started exploring the high Andes around Cusco.
Red Valley is nearby, but it feels more peaceful. The hills and slopes have strong red tones, especially in dry weather and bright light. Many visitors only go to Rainbow Mountain and skip Red Valley. That is why this red valley atv tour is a great combination. You see the classic highlight and also a less visited landscape that looks very different.
Both places are at high altitude. The air is thinner than in Cusco. This is why good acclimatization helps a lot. If you can, spend at least 1 to 2 days in Cusco first. Drink water, eat light, and walk slowly. Your guide will also help you keep a comfortable pace during the tour.
What to bring
- Warm clothes and waterproof jacket.
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- Hat and sunglasses.
- Sunscreen.
- Personal water bottle.
- Camera or phone with full battery.
- Cash (soles) for entrance tickets and small expenses.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Rainbow Mountain Red Valley ATV Tour?
The Rainbow Mountain Red Valley ATV Tour is an exciting way to visit the colorful Vinicunca mountain and Red Valley by riding an ATV through stunning Andean landscapes. It offers a faster, easier, and more adventurous alternative compared to the traditional hike.
How long does the Rainbow Mountain Red Valley ATV Tour take?
The tour lasts about 10-12 hours in total. From Cusco, it’s a 3.5-hour drive each way, a 50-minute ATV (round trip) ride to Rainbow Mountain and 50-minute ATV ride to the Red Valley (round trip). We’ll also do a very short hike to the summit of Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley. You will also enjoy breakfast and lunch.
How much walking is involved in the ATV Rainbow Mountain Red Valley tour?
After riding the ATV, you only need to walk (flat) about 5 to 10 minutes to reach the Rainbow Mountain summit. For the Red Valley viewpoint, we’ll also walk about 5 minutes to get there from the ATV parking spot. It’s perfect if you want to minimise physical effort but still experience the amazing views!
What time does the ATV tour to Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley depart?
We offer two departure times: 3:00 AM and 6:00 AM. Due to the weather conditions during low season, we offer 3:00 AM and 4:00 AM. The later times help you avoid the early morning crowds, making your experience more peaceful.
Is the Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley ATV tour difficult?
The ATV ride is moderate and designed for beginners too. However, keep in mind that Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley are at high altitude (over 5,000 meters), so you should be well-acclimatised.
Do I need prior ATV experience for the Red Valley ATV Tour?
No prior experience is needed! Before the ride, you’ll get a full briefing on how to safely operate your ATV during this Red Valley ATV tour.
How high is Rainbow Mountain?
Rainbow Mountain sits at about 5,050 meters (16,564 feet) above sea level. Even though the ATV helps with most of the distance, be prepared for the high-altitude conditions.
Are there toilets available during the Rainbow Mountain ATV Tour?
Basic toilets are available at the start point and in the breakfast and lunch area. It’s recommended to bring some small change (coins) as they might charge a small fee.
Why choose the ATV tour over the traditional Rainbow Mountain hike?
Choosing the ATV tour saves energy, reduces walking time, and allows you to enjoy the landscapes with less physical effort. It’s ideal if you want to reach Rainbow Mountain without a strenuous hike!