Rainbow mountain atv tour Full Day
Experience a different and more adventurous way to visit the famous Rainbow Mountain. This full-day Rainbow Mountain by ATV tour combines high Andean landscapes, adventure, nature, and a shorter hike to one of the most impressive viewpoints in Cusco.
The experience begins very early with pickup from your hotel in Cusco and a drive toward the high-Andean region. After enjoying breakfast before the activity, you will receive a brief safety and ATV driving orientation. Then, you will begin a scenic ATV route along paths surrounded by mountains, open fields, alpacas, llamas, and spectacular views of the snow capped Ausangate Mountain.
After the ATV ride, you will take a shorter hike to the main Rainbow Mountain viewpoint. Once you arrive, you will have time to rest, take photos, and enjoy one of Peru’s most iconic natural landscapes. This tour is ideal for travelers who want to visit Rainbow Mountain in a more dynamic, fun, and adventurous way, with less hiking than the traditional route.
Important Considerations
- Tour type: Nature, adventure, ATV ride, hiking, and high-Andean landscapes.
- Ideal for: Active travelers, couples, friends, adventure lovers, photographers, and anyone looking for a different experience in Cusco.
- Duration: Full day.
- Start and end: Cusco / Cusco.
- Pickup time: Approximately 4:00 a.m. to 4:30 a.m., depending on your hotel location.
- Return time: Approximately 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., depending on the weather, traffic, and the pace of the group.
- Difficulty: Moderate, mainly due to the altitude.
- Maximum altitude: Approximately 5,000 m / 16,400 ft.
- Hiking distance: Shorter than the traditional route, depending on the permitted access point.
- ATV experience: No previous experience required, but it is important to follow the guide’s instructions.
- Languages: English and Spanish.
- Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.
- Season: Available year-round.
Tour Highlights
- Visit one of Peru’s most famous natural wonders.
- Enjoy an ATV route through high-Andean landscapes.
- Reduce hiking time compared to the traditional route.
- See alpacas, llamas, and local communities along the way.
- Enjoy panoramic views of the snow-capped Ausangate Mountain.
- Reach the main viewpoint of Rainbow Mountain.
- Take unforgettable photos in one of Cusco’s most iconic landscapes.
- Enjoy breakfast and lunch during the tour.
- Travel with a professional guide and support team.
Why You’ll Love This Experience
Rainbow Mountain by ATV is an excellent option for those who want to enjoy Rainbow Mountain in a more exciting and different way. Instead of hiking the entire route, part of the journey is done by ATV, allowing you to enjoy a more dynamic experience while taking in the impressive landscapes of the Andes.
From the moment you leave Cusco, the journey shows you an authentic side of the high-Andean region, with local villages, mountains, rivers, fields, and areas where it is common to see alpacas and llamas near the road. The ATV route adds a touch of adventure to the experience without losing the connection with nature and the peacefulness of the landscape.
The final hike may feel demanding because of the altitude, but it is shorter than the traditional route. The idea is to move at a calm pace, breathe, take breaks when needed, and enjoy the trail until reaching the main viewpoint. Once you arrive, the view of Rainbow Mountain makes the entire experience completely worth it.
What Makes This Tour Special
What makes this tour special is the combination of adventure, natural landscapes, and a more accessible hike. It is an ideal alternative for travelers who want to visit Rainbow Mountain but prefer to reduce hiking time and add a fun ATV experience.
During the tour, you will enjoy open views of the Andes, snow-capped mountains, local communities, and landscapes that change constantly with the daylight. On clear days, the views of the snow-capped Ausangate Mountain are truly impressive
Traveling with a professional guide also makes the experience safer and more complete. Before beginning the ATV route, you will receive the necessary instructions to drive the ATV properly. Throughout the tour, the team will be attentive to the group to provide support and guidance.
Best Season to Visit
The best season to visit Rainbow Mountain by ATV is usually from April to October, during the dry season. During these months, there is a greater chance of clear skies, better visibility, and better route conditions.
From November to March, rainfall is more frequent, but the landscapes may look greener and the colors of the mountain can appear more intense. During this season, it is very important to bring a waterproof jacket or rain poncho, as the weather in the mountains can change quickly.
Who This Tour Is Ideal For
This tour is ideal for travelers who want to combine nature and adventure in one day. It is perfect for people who want to visit Rainbow Mountain but are looking for a more entertaining experience with less hiking than the traditional route.
You do not need previous ATV driving experience, but you should feel comfortable following safety instructions and driving on rural roads. Due to the altitude, we recommend taking this tour after spending at least one or two days in Cusco for better acclimatization.
Included
- Pickup from your hotel in Cusco.
- Round-trip tourist transportation.
- Professional bilingual guide.
- ATV for the route, according to the confirmed program.
- Safety briefing before the activity.
- Safety helmet.
- Breakfast.
- Lunch.
- Snacks, water, and hot drinks, depending on the type of service.
- Entrance ticket to Rainbow Mountain, according to the confirmed program.
- Trekking poles, subject to availability.
- First-aid kit.
- Emergency oxygen.
- Assistance during the ATV route and hike.
- Return to Cusco.
Not Included
- Personal expenses.
- Tips for the guide and support staff.
- Travel insurance.
- Services not mentioned in the program.
- Damage caused to the ATV due to improper use, if applicable.
4:00 a.m. – 4:30 a.m. | Pickup in Cusco
We will start the day with pickup from your hotel in Cusco. Although the departure is very early, you will be able to rest during the drive as we head toward the high-Andean area where the experience begins.
8:00 a.m. | Breakfast Before the Activity
Before beginning the route, we will enjoy breakfast to recharge our energy. Your guide will provide a brief explanation about the route, altitude, weather, and main recommendations to complete the activity safely.
9:00 a.m. | Safety Briefing and ATV Practice
Before starting the ATV ride, you will receive safety instructions and a basic explanation on how to operate the ATV. You will also have a short moment to get familiar with the vehicle before beginning the route.
9:30 a.m. | Start of the ATV Route
We will begin the ATV adventure along high-Andean roads surrounded by mountains, open fields, and natural landscapes. During the ride, you will enjoy panoramic views, fresh air, and the excitement of driving along a scenic route in the Andes.
10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | Start of the Final Hike
After the ATV ride, we will begin a short hike to the main Rainbow Mountain viewpoint. Although the hike is shorter than the traditional route, the altitude may feel challenging, so we will move calmly and take breaks when needed.
11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Arrival at Rainbow Mountain
Once we arrive at the main viewpoint, you will have time to rest, take photos, and enjoy the impressive view of Vinicunca. Your guide will explain the natural origin of the mountain’s colors and the importance of this area within the Andean landscape.
12:30 p.m. | Return Hike and ATV Ride Back
After enjoying the mountain, we will begin the return hike to the area where the ATVs are located. Then, we will continue the ride back by ATV to the starting point of the activity.
2:00 p.m. | Lunch
At the end of the experience, we will enjoy lunch before returning to Cusco. This will be a good moment to rest, share the day’s experience, and recover energy.
3:00 p.m. | Return to Cusco
We will board our tourist transportation and begin the return drive to Cusco while enjoying the final Andean landscapes of the route.
5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. | Arrival in Cusco
We will arrive in Cusco at approximately 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., depending on the weather, traffic, and the pace of the group. We will finish the tour with drop-off at your hotel or at a nearby point in the historic center.
What to Bring
- Comfortable hiking or trekking shoes.
- Warm layered clothing.
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
- Comfortable pants for the ATV activity.
- Hat and gloves for the cold.
- Sunglasses.
- Sunscreen.
- Reusable water bottle.
- Snacks or energy bars.
- Camera or phone for photos.
- Small and comfortable backpack.
- Personal medications.
- Cash in Peruvian soles.
- Toilet paper or tissues.Passport or ID.
The weather in the mountains can change very quickly. It can be cold, windy, intensely sunny, or rainy all in the same day, so it is important to be well prepared.
Price
| Price from | USD 90 per person |
The price may vary depending on availability, season, number of travelers, type of service, and whether you would like to take the tour as a group or private service.
Options to Customize Your Experience
Private Service
Ideal if you would like to enjoy the route at your own pace, have more flexibility during the tour, and experience a more personalized service with an exclusive guide and transportation.
Photography Experience
Rainbow Mountain by ATV offers ideal landscapes for adventure and nature photography. If you would like more time for photos or additional stops along the route, we can adapt the pace of the tour in private service.
Option for Travelers With Less Hiking Experience
This alternative helps reduce part of the traditional hike, although it is important to remember that altitude remains the main challenge of the tour.
The activity is moderate. The ATV ride helps reduce part of the hike, but altitude remains the main challenge of the tour.
No. Before starting the activity, you will receive a safety and basic driving briefing. It is only important to follow the guide’s instructions at all times.
The main viewpoint is located at around 5,000 meters / 16,400 feet above sea level.
Yes. We recommend spending at least one or two days in Cusco before visiting Rainbow Mountain.
Yes. The tour includes breakfast and lunch, according to the confirmed program.
It is not as long as the traditional route, since part of the journey is done by ATV. However, the final hike may still feel challenging because of the altitude.
It may be suitable for families with older children, depending on age, physical condition, and experience. Due to the altitude and the ATV activity, it is usually not the best option for small children.
Bring warm layered clothing, hiking shoes, a waterproof jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses, gloves, water, snacks, a camera, and cash in soles for personal expenses.