ATV Tour to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) – Adventure from Cusco

Itinerary

Day 1 | Full Day

Pickup & Departure from Cusco

We start our day by picking you up from your hotel in Cusco’s historic center, with multiple departure times for your convenience:

• First Group: Pickup between 2:50–3:20 AM (estimated return to Cusco: 2:30–3:00 PM)
• Second Group: Pickup between 4:00–4:30 AM (estimated return: 4:30–5:00 PM)
• Third Group: Pickup between 6:00–6:30 AM (estimated return: 6:00–6:30 PM)
• Fourth Group: Pickup between 8:00–8:20 AM (estimated return: 7:30 PM)

Important: For the 8:00 AM group, the meeting point is Plaza Regocijo. This schedule includes an extra visit to Huaso Wetland and does not include breakfast.

Journey to Cusipata & Energizing Breakfast

We drive 1.5 hours south of Cusco to the district of Cusipata, where we’ll enjoy a delicious semi-buffet breakfast with a variety of options to fuel up for the adventure ahead.

Ascent to Kayrahuire Alto – Where the Adventure Begins

We continue our journey along a rugged road to Kayrahuire Alto, a private property located at 4,450 meters (14,600 ft) above sea level. This is our starting point for the ATV adventure!

ATV Training & Practice

Before hitting the trail, our expert guides will provide a full safety briefing on ATV operation. You’ll have a practice session to get comfortable with the controls.

ATV Ride to Rainbow Mountain

Once ready, we begin our 50-minute to 1-hour ride (round trip) through exclusive ATV trails. Along the way, you’ll witness breathtaking Andean landscapes, the majestic Apu Ausangate snow-capped peak, and local villagers in traditional attire.

Safety Note: Reckless driving or dangerous maneuvers are strictly prohibited.

Arrival at Vinicunca – The Spectacular Rainbow Mountain

At the closest viewpoint, we’ll park the ATVs and take a short 3–5 minute walk to the mountain. You’ll have 40 minutes to explore, marvel at the vibrant colors, and take unforgettable photos of one of Peru’s most photogenic landscapes.

Descent & Lunch in Cusipata

After enjoying Rainbow Mountain, we ride back (30-minute descent) to the parking area. From there, we return to Cusipata for a buffet lunch featuring traditional Peruvian dishes.

Return to Cusco

After lunch, we head back to Cusco (1.5-hour drive), dropping you off at your hotel or a central location based on your chosen schedule.

• Frequency: Daily (Monday–Sunday)
• Duration: ~12 hours
• Max. Altitude: 4,450 m (14,600 ft) at Kayrahuire Alto
• Difficulty: Moderate (altitude acclimatization recommended)

What's Included?

• Hotel pickup (historic center of Cusco)
• Comfortable round-trip transportation
• Single or double ATV (based on preference)
• Semi-buffet breakfast (except 8:00 AM group)
• Buffet lunch with traditional dishes
• Bilingual professional guide (Spanish & English)
• First aid kit & emergency oxygen

What's not Included?

• Additional expenses or delays beyond our control (e.g. weather conditions, itinerary changes due to safety, political instability, roadblocks, etc.)

Additional Services

What to Bring?

• Original Passport
• Day Pack
• Full rain gear or poncho (rainy season)
• Gloves (thin riding and warm gloves) 
• Trekking pants
• Breathable dry fit top-wear
• Headlamp 
• Sunglasses
• Hiking socks 
• Sunscreen
• Cold-weather jacket
• Hiking boots
• Baseball cap, sombrero or bandana
• Casual mountains wear for evenings 
• Photo/video cameras and chargers 
• Binoculars
• Refillable water bottle

PRICES

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Important information

What is the best location to choose my accommodation in Cusco?

INKA TRAIL Expeditions offers pick-up service from most hotels and hostels in downtown Cusco. Once you confirm your final accommodation, simply send us an email or text message 24 hours before the tour starts, and we'll update the information in our system. If your accommodation is too far from the city center or is an Airbnb, we'll recommend the best pick-up option at a hotel or nearby point.

Will I suffer from altitude sickness during this hike?

Not everyone experiences altitude sickness, and it's difficult to predict who might be severely affected. For most, symptoms don't go beyond a headache and mild dizziness that subside after 1-2 days in Cusco.

To reduce your chances of altitude sickness, we recommend:

• Avoid flying directly to high altitudes; if possible, ascend gradually to allow acclimatization.
• Stay well hydrated
• Slow down the pace of activities
• Chewing coca leaves, a traditional remedy used for centuries by local communities (available in supermarkets, souvenir shops, and street stalls)
• Consider medications for altitude sickness (Soroche) that are sold throughout Peru at affordable prices.

ATV Tour to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) – Adventure from Cusco Map