🏍️ Rainbow Mountain ATV Tour | Extreme Adventure in the Andes
Description
🧭 Description
What is Rainbow Mountain?
Vinicunca Mountain, also known as Rainbow Mountain, is one of Peru’s most spectacular natural landscapes. Until a few years ago, it was covered in snow, but after the thaw in 2013, its multicolored stripes were revealed, turning it into a world-famous tourist destination.
Its original name in Quechua, Winikunka, means “narrow neck.” For Andean communities, it is also a sacred Apu, linked to rituals and offerings to Pachamama.
Location and Access
Region: Cusco.
Mountain Range: Vilcanota.
Provinces: Quispicanchi (Cusipata) and Canchis (Pitumarca).
Distance from Cusco: 100–120 km (approx. 3 hours by car).
Altitude: 5,200 m above sea level.
There are two main routes:
- Pitumarca Route: a short and challenging 1.5 km hike (~1–1.5 h).
- Cusipata Route: a longer hike (≈3 km), less crowded, and with greater contact with local communities.
Geology and Colors
The mountain’s mineral rainbow is due to geological strata millions of years old:
- Red: iron-rich clays.
- Green: phyllites and chlorite-containing clays.
- Yellow: sulfide-containing sandstones.
- White: quartz and calcium carbonate.
- Brown and violet: igneous rocks and various mineral compounds.
Climate and Best Season
- Ideal season: May to September (dry season, clear skies, and firm trails).
- Rainy season: November to April (less intense colors and slippery roads).
- Temperatures: from –5°C in the early morning to 12°C during the day. Strong sun and strong winds at altitude.
Rainbow Mountain ATV Tour
The ATV tour to Vinicunca Mountain is an innovative way to enjoy this Andean icon in a more comfortable and adventurous way.
Experience
Start: Transfer from Cusco to the Cusipata district.
Short training: ATV driving along high Andean routes.
Route: ATV ride with stunning landscapes of Nevado Ausangate and local wildlife such as llamas and alpacas.
Final stretch: Short hike to the main viewpoint (5,200 m above sea level).
Panorama: Unique view of the colors of Vinicunca and the mountainous surroundings of the Vilcanota mountain range.
Ideal for:
- Travelers looking for adventure with less physical demands.
- Couples, groups of friends, or solo travelers looking to combine nature, culture, and adrenaline.
✅ Key fact: Admission to Rainbow Mountain costs around S/10–S/15 per person (not included in some tours).
Itinerary
Rainbow Mountain ATV Tour Itinerary | 1 Day
Day 1 – Cusco – Cusipata – Rainbow Mountain – Cusco
Hotel pickup and departure from Cusco (4:00 – 5:00 AM)
We start the day very early with pickup from your hotel in Cusco. Our professional guide will welcome you, and we will begin the journey by tourist transport to the southern part of the Sacred Valley. The journey passes through picturesque Andean villages such as Urcos and Quiquijana, ideal for admiring local life and the mountainous landscapes.
Andean Breakfast in Cusipata
Before beginning the adventure, we will stop in Cusipata, where you will enjoy a nutritious breakfast with artisan bread, coffee, herbal teas, eggs, pancakes, fruit, and natural juice. This will be a perfect time to acclimatize and recharge your batteries.
ATV Tour Start
After breakfast, we continue for 30 minutes to the ATV base in Japura. There, you’ll receive safety equipment (helmet and gloves) and a brief ATV training session. Our specialized guides will give you the necessary instructions for riding safely.
ATV Route to Vinicunca
Begin your ATV journey through the Peruvian Andes, crossing hills, plains, and streams at over 4,000 meters above sea level. During the 1-hour tour, you’ll enjoy unique landscapes and views of the imposing Ausangate Mountain (6,385 meters above sea level), considered a sacred Apu by local people. Along the way, it’s common to spot llamas, alpacas, and high Andean birds, perfect for your photographs.
Hike to the Rainbow Mountain Viewpoint
After leaving the ATVs, we begin a gentle 1.5 km hike uphill to the main Vinicunca viewpoint (5,036 m).
Although the hike is short, the altitude makes it moderately difficult, so breaks are required to acclimatize.
Upon reaching the viewpoint, you will have free time to:
- Take photographs of Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley.
- Connect with the mystical energy of the Apus.
- Admire the unique geological formation produced by minerals such as iron, copper, sulfur, and carbonates.
Descent and return by ATV to Japura
After enjoying the scenery, we begin the descent to the ATV meeting point. We then return by ATV to Japura, where our private vehicle awaits us.
Buffet Lunch in Cusipata
We’ll stop at a tourist restaurant to enjoy an Andean buffet lunch that includes quinoa soup, lomo saltado, grilled chicken, rice, fresh salads, sauteed vegetables, and traditional desserts. Infusions such as coca tea or muña will be available to help you acclimatize.
Return to Cusco (4:00–4:30 PM)
Finally, we’ll return to Cusco in our tourist vehicle. We’ll arrive approximately between 4:00 and 4:30 PM, dropping you off at a central location near the Plaza de Armas, so you can continue enjoying the city.
Includes
✅ What’s Included in the Rainbow Mountain ATV Tour
Pickup from your hotel in Cusco (valid for accommodations in the historic center).
- Private round-trip transportation from Cusco to Cusipata to Japura.
- Andean breakfast in Cusipata: artisan bread, coffee, hot infusions, eggs, pancakes, seasonal fruits, and natural juices.
- Andean buffet lunch at a tourist restaurant in Cusipata with options such as quinoa soup, lomo saltado, grilled chicken, traditional stews, fresh salads, rice, vegetables, and desserts. Hot drinks included (coca tea or muña tea).
- Use of an ATV on the high Andean route to Vinicunca.
- Full safety equipment: helmet, gloves, and protectors.
- Pre-training for ATV riding, safety instructions, and a short supervised practice session.
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish – English) specializing in adventure tourism and Andean culture.
- First aid kit available throughout the tour.
- Emergency oxygen in case of altitude sickness.
- Personalized assistance during the final hike to the Vinicunca viewpoint.
Not Included
❌ What is Not Included in the Rainbow Mountain ATV Tour
- Entrance to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca):
- Domestic tourists: approximately S/. 10.
- Foreign tourists: approximately S/. 15.(Direct payment to the local community).
- Trekking pole rental (optional, recommended for the hike).
- Extra drinks or snacks not mentioned in the itinerary.
- Voluntary tips for guides and drivers.
- Travel insurance or additional medical expenses.
- Accommodation in Cusco before or after the tour.
- Personal expenses not specified in the program.
Recommendations
🎒 Recommendations
🧥 Dress in layers
Wear thermal clothing, a warm jacket, and a waterproof or windproof jacket. The weather varies dramatically between dawn and midday.
👟 Sturdy footwear
Wear hiking shoes or comfortable boots with good support and traction. Avoid sandals, ballet flats, or flat shoes.
🧤 Hat, gloves, and a scarf
These are essential at the beginning of the day, as temperatures in the high Andes can drop below 0°C before dawn.
🧴 Sun and wind protection
The sun is strong at over 4,000 meters above sea level. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses with UV protection, and lip balm.
💧 Stay hydrated
Bring a reusable water bottle. Dehydration at high altitudes is common and can cause discomfort.
🍫 Energy snacks
Cereal bars, chocolates, nuts, or Coca-Cola candies help maintain energy and counteract altitude sickness.
🎒 Small, functional backpack
Bring only the essentials: water, snacks, a camera, an extra layer of clothing, sunscreen, and documents.
🪪 ID or passport
Keep it with you at all times for security or local checkpoints.
⛰️ Prior acclimatization
It is recommended to have spent at least two days in Cusco before the tour to avoid soroche (altitude sickness).
FAQs
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
🏍️ Do I need to know how to drive an ATV to take this tour?
No. The ATVs are easy to handle, and you will receive a guided practice session before starting the route. They are automatic or semi-automatic vehicles suitable for beginners.
👥 Can I ride as a passenger on an ATV?
Yes. You can book a double ATV and ride as a companion if you don’t want to drive. This option is also ideal for families or couples.
🥾 Is the hike up the mountain difficult?
The hike is short (approximately 30 to 40 minutes), but it takes place at over 4,900 meters above sea level, which can be challenging for those who are not acclimatized. The pace is moderate, and breaks are possible.
🐎 Can I rent a horse if I get tired?
Yes. At the starting point of the hike, local people offer horse rentals for segments. The cost varies between S/80 and S/100, and payment is made directly in cash.
🌦️ Is the tour canceled during the rainy season?
No. The tour operates year-round. During the rainy season (November–March), the weather is more variable, and waterproof clothing is recommended. Only in cases of extreme conditions can the tour be rescheduled.
🩺 Is the tour suitable for people with health conditions?
No. It is not recommended for people with heart or respiratory conditions, hypertension, or pregnant women. The altitude can be risky in these cases.
📷 Can I bring a camera or drone?
Yes. You can bring a camera or cell phone for photography. The use of drones is subject to special permits. Bring sufficient battery power or a power bank.