Experience an epic adventure on an ATV to Rainbow Mountain! On this full-day tour, we’ll explore incredible Andean landscapes, crossing valleys and mountains until we reach Vinicunca, at an altitude of over 5,000 meters.

The ATV Rainbow Mountain Full Day tour is an exciting and scenic adventure that takes us all the way to the famous Montaña de Siete Colores, also known as Vinicunca. This stunning mountain sits high in the Andes, showing off its naturally vibrant colors that streak across the slopes like a rainbow.
It’s just about 100 kilometers from Cusco, so it’s a great spot for a full-day getaway into nature. Along the way, we’ll take in stunning views, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and soak up an amazing adventure in one of Peru’s most iconic spots. It sits way up at 5,200 meters, but trust us, it’s totally worth it. Join us on an epic day out to Rainbow Mountain!
We will begin our Rainbow Mountain Peru tour from Cusco early in the morning for a full day of discovery. Our team will pick us up and drive towards the small village of Japura. After a light breakfast, we will get ready to ride our ATVs through the high Andean landscape. This unique ATV Rainbow Mountain full day experience will take us across winding trails and breathtaking valleys.
We will ride our ATVs through rugged terrain, enjoying views of snowy peaks and grazing alpacas along the way. The ride will cover around 25 kilometers, combining adventure with unforgettable mountain scenery. At the ATV stop point, we will continue on foot for the final stretch toward the summit. The short hike will be about 1.5 kilometers and moderately challenging.
We will reach Vinicunca, also called Rainbow Mountain, standing at 5,036 meters above sea level. The view will reveal vibrant mineral colors stretching across the mountain’s face like painted layers. We will have time to take photos, enjoy the silence of the Andes, and catch our breath. A local guide will help us understand the cultural and geological importance of this natural wonder.
After the descent, we will ride our ATVs back to Japura and enjoy a well-deserved lunch. Then, we will return to Cusco, arriving in the late afternoon with memories of an epic day. This tour will offer a perfect blend of nature, adrenaline, and cultural insight. Rainbow Mountain Peru tour from Cusco by ATV will be one of the highlights of our adventure in the Andes.
03:30 AM – 04:00 AM: Pickup from Cusco Hotel. We will begin our adventure early in the morning. Our team will pick us up from our hotel in Cusco.
The drive will last about 1 hour and 30 minutes. We will travel southeast toward the village of Cusipata. We will stop at a local restaurant for a hot buffet breakfast. This meal will give us energy for the day ahead. We will enjoy coffee, tea, bread, eggs, fruits, and more.
After breakfast, we will continue our drive toward Japura. After one hour, we will reach the ATV base in Japura. Our guide will explain how to safely operate the ATVs. We will receive helmets and gloves before starting the drive. Once ready, we will begin the ride across the high Andean terrain.
We will drive for about 1 hour and 30 minutes through dirt roads and open landscapes. Along the way, we will spot alpacas, llamas, and snow-covered peaks. The ride will feel wild yet peaceful with every kilometer. We will stop for photos and short breaks as needed.
At the end of the ATV route, we will reach the final parking area. From here, we will prepare for the short hike to Rainbow Mountain. Walking sticks will be available if needed. We will begin a 2-kilometer hike to Vinicunca. The trail is steep but manageable. Horses and motorbikes may be available for those who prefer. Along the trail, we will enjoy colorful rock formations and panoramic views.
At 5,036 meters, we will reach the summit of Rainbow Mountain. Here, we will take photos, breathe in the thin air, and admire the natural colors. Our guide will explain the geology, minerals, and cultural significance of this unique mountain. The colors appear due to iron oxide, copper, and sulfur deposits.
We will hike back down the same 2-kilometer route. The downhill walk will be easier and faster. Back at the ATVs, we will rest briefly and prepare for the return ride. We will ride our ATVs back to Japura following the same scenic path. The return will be slightly quicker. Again, we will pass herds of llamas and sweeping Andean views.
We will leave the ATVs and board our vehicle back to Cusipata. There, we will enjoy a buffet lunch featuring local Andean cuisine. After lunch, we will drive back to Cusco. We will arrive around 5:00 PM and drop off at Plaza de Armas. This will conclude our unforgettable day tour to Rainbow Mountain Peru by ATV.
Comfortable tourist transport throughout the entire tour
Buffet breakfast to start the day
Delicious lunch after the adventure
Professional, bilingual tour guide
ATVs (quads) with helmets and gloves for safety
First aid kit and oxygen tank for altitude support
Entrance ticket to Rainbow Mountain (Montaña de Colores)
Personal expenses or additional purchases (extra snacks, souvenirs, etc.)
Travel insurance (we recommend getting one before the trip)
Snacks or drinks during the tour (bring your own if needed)
Special medication (health-related treatment during the tour, please do so only with your doctor’s recommendation and approval)
Bring your passport or ID (required for entrance)
Comfortable layered clothing (mornings are cold, midday can be warm)
Windbreaker or waterproof jacket (weather can change quickly)
Gloves, hat, and sunglasses (for sun and wind protection)
Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF (high-grade UV rays)
Reusable water bottle (stay hydrated)
Snacks or energy bars (not included in the tour)
Cash in soles (small bills for local purchases or optional rentals)
Personal medications (only with your doctor’s approval)
Small backpack (to carry your items during the tour)
The ATV portion is moderate and doesn’t require prior experience. The hike to Rainbow Mountain is about 2 km and can be a bit challenging due to the high altitude.
The tour lasts around 13 to 14 hours, starting between 3:30 and 4:00 AM and returning to Cusco around 5:00 PM.
Rainbow Mountain sits at 5,200 meters above sea level. We recommend adapting in Cusco for at least 1 or 2 days before the tour.
We include ATVs, helmets, and gloves for all participants. Everything you need for a safe and thrilling ride.
Yes! We provide a buffet breakfast and a buffet lunch during the trip.
Yes, definitely! The route passes through areas where you’ll often see llamas, alpacas, and other local wildlife grazing.
Only with your doctor’s approval. Always check with a healthcare professional before taking any altitude-related meds.
Yes. Bring small bills in soles for optional rentals (horses, motorbikes) or local purchases. Many places don’t accept cards.
Signal is very limited along the route. It’s a good chance to disconnect and enjoy the landscape.
“One of the best days of our trip!” Riding ATVs through the Andes was absolutely unreal! The views were out of this world, and our guide made everything super fun and informative.
Breakfast and lunch were delicious, and seeing Rainbow Mountain in person was a total bucket-list moment. Highly recommend!
“Perfect mix of adventure and beauty”. The ATV ride added such a fun twist to the usual Rainbow Mountain tour. It saved us time and energy while giving us an adrenaline rush! The scenery was breathtaking from start to finish, and the organization was top-notch.
