Itinerary
Discover what awaits you in the RAINBOW MOUNTAIN VINICUNCA AND RED VALLEY ATV TOUR – 1 DAY
day 1
Cusipata, Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain)
Rainbow Mountain, on wheels.
We ride through the Red Valley by ATV and reach Vinicunca with a short walk: adventure, Andean landscapes and less physical effort.
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Pick-up and breakfast in Cusipata
By tourist transport, approx. 1 hour · departure 4:00 to 5:00 a.m. · Cusco → Cusipata
We pick you up at dawn at your hotel in Cusco and drive to Cusipata, where we have an Andean breakfast to recharge.
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ATV station
By tourist transport, approx. 40 minutes · Cusipata → ATV station
At the station, the guide gives you driving and safety instructions and we do a short practice so you can get used to the ATV.
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Red Valley by ATV
By ATV · Station → Red Valley → Foot of Rainbow Mountain
We ride through the Red Valley on Andean trails, among snow-capped peaks, open valleys and local communities, with alpacas and llamas along the way.
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Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca Highlight
On foot, 30 to 45 minutes round trip (approx. 2 km) · Foot of the mountain → Vinicunca
From the end point of the ATVs we walk up to Rainbow Mountain, with multicolored stripes formed by minerals and erosion over millions of years. At the top there is time for photos and for your guide’s explanation.
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Return, lunch and drive back to Cusco
By ATV and tourist transport · Vinicunca → Station → Cusipata → Cusco
We ride back to the station, where our transport is waiting. In Cusipata we have a buffet lunch and then return to Cusco. Arrival time may vary.
Day details
- Departure time: 4:00 to 5:00 a.m.
- Walk: 30 to 45 minutes round trip, approx. 2 km (1.24 miles)
- Altitude: 4,630 m / 15,190 ft – 5,036 m / 16,522 ft (Rainbow Mountain)
- Difficulty: Moderate, mainly due to the altitude
- Meals: Breakfast and buffet lunch
The Red Valley by ATV and the colorful stripes of Vinicunca in a single day. Prefer to hike the route? Discover the Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca Tour 1 Day.
Includes
Transport and adventure
- Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco.
- Tourist transport: Round trip.
- Equipped ATVs: Honda 4×4 models.
- Safety helmet.
Guide and safety
- Professional bilingual guide: Spanish and English.
- Briefing: One day before the tour.
- First aid kit and oxygen tank.
- 24/7 customer support.
Meals
- Breakfast in Cusipata.
- Buffet lunch in Cusipata: With vegetarian and vegan options.
Not include
Entrance fees
- Entrance to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca).
- Entrance to the Red Valley.
Other
- Drinks.
- Tips.
- Travel insurance.
- Personal expenses and souvenirs.
Prices RAINBOW MOUNTAIN VINICUNCA AND RED VALLEY ATV TOUR – 1 DAY
Rates
Traveling soon? We recommend booking early to secure your date. Ask us about availability.
Need accommodation in Cusco?
Our team will help you find the best option for your stay.
Packaging list
- Documents: Passport and/or ID card.
- Small backpack: With water, camera and light snacks.
- Warm clothing: A warm, waterproof jacket (the weather changes and it is windy) and comfortable walking pants.
- Footwear: Shoes with good traction.
- Protection: Cap or hat for sun and cold, sunglasses and sunscreen.
- Cash: For entrance fees, purchases and extra expenses.
Recomendations
- Acclimatize first: Spend at least 2 days in Cusco before this tour. The route runs between 4,630 and 5,036 m (15,190 and 16,522 ft) and you may feel mild symptoms of altitude sickness.
- Travel light: Avoid heavy luggage to enjoy the experience more.
- Keep your belongings safe: Always carry your documents and valuables with you.
- No experience needed: You don’t need to know how to drive an ATV. Before setting off you will get safety instructions and a short practice.
- Children: We recommend the tour from age 8, always with an adult. Minors under 17 may only drive with authorization from their parents or guardians; if they don’t drive, they can ride as passengers on a double ATV, subject to availability.
- Rainy season: From November to March, bring rain gear. The best time is April to October, with sunny days and clearer views.
- Bring cash: The entrance fees to Vinicunca and the Red Valley are not included.
- Community tourism: The ATVs are run only by authorized local communities. By community rules, no other company may offer this service in the area, and your visit supports local families.
F.A.Qs
How difficult is the tour?
Moderate, mainly because of the altitude. Almost the whole route is by ATV, which greatly reduces the physical effort, and the only walk is short, near Rainbow Mountain.
How long is the walk and how many kilometers is it?
Between 30 and 45 minutes round trip, about 2 km (1.24 miles). The rest of the route is by ATV.
Can I get altitude sickness?
Yes. Although the walk is short, the tour runs between 4,630 m (15,190 ft) and 5,036 m (16,522 ft). You may feel mild symptoms such as headache, tiredness or dizziness. We recommend acclimatizing in Cusco first.
Do I need experience driving an ATV?
No. Before starting, the guide explains how to drive and the safety measures, and you do a short practice to get used to the ATV.
Is it safe to drive an ATV on this route?
Yes. You will receive safety instructions and basic practice, and experienced local guides supervise the whole route.
What is the difference between a single and a double ATV?
With a single ATV, each person drives their own. With a double, two people share one: one drives and the other rides as a passenger, which lowers the price per person.
Can children take part?
Yes, from age 8 and always with a responsible adult. Minors under 17 may only drive with authorization from their parents or guardians; those who don’t drive can ride as passengers on a double ATV, subject to the local operator’s availability.
Can older adults take part?
Yes. Since the walk is short, it is a great way to see Vinicunca with less effort. If you have any medical condition, check with your doctor first.
Who runs the ATVs?
Only the authorized local communities of the area, so this activity directly supports local families.
Which places do we visit?
The Red Valley, Rainbow Mountain Vinicunca and high Andean landscapes with alpacas and llamas.
How is it different from the traditional route to Vinicunca?
Instead of the traditional hike, you cover most of the way by ATV: less physical effort, more adventure and, on top of that, a visit to the Red Valley.
Is this tour for me?
It is ideal if you want to see Rainbow Mountain with little walking, plus the thrill of an ATV ride, great scenery and the Red Valley. It is a great option if you want comfort without losing the excitement of exploring the Andes.
When is the best time to go?
From April to October, when there are more sunny days and clearer views. Even so, the tour runs all year.
Does the tour run in the rainy season?
Yes, also from November to March. In those months bring rain gear, as the weather can change.
Do you carry an oxygen tank?
Yes. Our guides carry a first aid kit and an oxygen tank to handle any altitude-related problem.
What clothes should I bring?
A warm, waterproof jacket, comfortable pants, shoes with good traction, a hat or cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, water and light snacks. You will find the full list in the What to bring tab.
Is there cell phone signal?
It is limited for most of the route. At some high points there may be intermittent coverage, but it is not guaranteed.
How does the booking process work?
1. Availability check: Write to us at info@sakuraexpedition.com or on WhatsApp at +51 941 411 418 to check your dates. We will send you a booking form that each participant must complete.
2. Traveler details: To manage the booking we need, exactly as shown in the passport, full name, gender, passport number, date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy) and nationality.
3. Guarantee: Once we receive the forms, we ask for a guarantee per person to secure your space. We recommend booking early, especially on holidays and in high season.
4. Final confirmation: Once the booking is confirmed, you will receive the official invoice and your place will be 100 % guaranteed.
How do I pay the balance?
In cash, in US dollars or soles, in Cusco, one or two days before the tour, as instructed by your sales agent.
Can I cancel or change the date?
Yes, up to 48 hours before departure. In that case an administrative fee is charged, deducted from the total amount as applicable.
Why choose Sakura Expedition?
We are a 100 % local Peruvian company specializing in adventure and cultural tourism in Cusco and Peru. Our team of certified guides and operations staff works to give you unique, safe, high-quality experiences.
We stand out for responsible and sustainable tourism, respect for local communities and personalized service. With our tourism quality certification, we take care of every detail, from planning to the last moment of the tour.
Do you have more questions?
Message us on WhatsApp at +51 941 411 418 or email info@sakuraexpedition.com.