ATV Tour: Mountain of 7 Colors on Quad Bikes

Day 1: Cusco – Cusipata – Rainbow Mountain – Cusco

Schedules:*

• 3:00 am – 2:30 pm
• 4:00 am – 6:30 pm
• 6:00 am – 6:30 pm
• 8:30 am – 8:30 pm

*Schedules are subject to availability.

We start the journey by picking you up at your hotel, located near the historic center of Cusco. From there, we head south of the city on a 1-hour-and-30-minute drive to the district of Cusipata, where you’ll enjoy a delicious breakfast to prepare for the adventure ahead. We’ll then continue along a dirt road to Kayrahuire Alto, a bus station located at 4,450 meters above sea level, where we’ll gear up to begin the ATV experience.

At the station, your guide will provide instructions on ATV handling and operation, followed by a short practice session in a designated area. From there, we’ll embark on a 50-minute to 1-hour ride on a route exclusively for ATVs. Along the way, you’ll admire breathtaking views of the Vilcanota mountain range, including snow-capped peaks and the majestic Apu Ausangate. You’ll also see local villagers in traditional attire tending llamas and alpacas. This experience combines the natural beauty of the Andean highlands with an exciting and unforgettable adventure.

The ATV ride will take us within minutes of Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca or Arcoíris. From there, we’ll take a short 3 to 5-minute walk to reach this natural attraction, located at 5,036 meters above sea level. At the summit, you’ll have free time to take photos and enjoy traditional beverages such as coca tea or coffee, or try alpaca chicharrón offered by local residents. This destination, considered the second most important attraction in Cusco, offers a spectacular view and a unique experience.

After the visit, we’ll return to the ATVs and descend the same route back to the station, where our transport will be waiting to take us to Cusipata. There, you’ll enjoy a well-deserved buffet lunch before returning to Cusco.

Included

• Hotel pickup
• Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English)
• Transportation, including tourist transport to the attractions
• ATVs (Honda TRX 250 model)
• Fuel
• Safety equipment, including helmet and gloves
• First aid kit and oxygen tank
• Trekking poles
• Buffet breakfast and lunch. Enjoy a breakfast in Cusipata at the start of the tour and a buffet meal at the end.
• For breakfast, options include Andean bread (pan chuta), pancakes, fruit salad (watermelon and diced papaya), jam, butter, two types of cereals (granola and crispy rice), two types of yogurt (strawberry or vanilla), and scrambled eggs. You’ll also find coffee, hot chocolate, and mint tea. Sometimes juice and salad are served.
• For lunch, options include spaghetti, white meat (chicken chicharrón, loin stew, trout chicharrón), red meat (lamb stew, beef loin, pork chicharrón), quinoa fried rice, legumes, Andean potatoes, and white rice or garden rice (a Peruvian dish with vegetables). There are also two types of salads: cooked (carrot, broccoli) and raw (lettuce, cucumber, tomato, excellent vegetarian options). Soup lovers can enjoy quinoa soup. For dessert, you can try purple corn pudding, rice pudding (both popular Peruvian desserts), jelly, or a peach stew. Hot beverages include mint tea, coca tea, and coffee.

For private tours, breakfast and lunch are provided at higher-end restaurants offering greater variety.

• First aid equipment (oxygen tank)

No Included

• Entry ticket for Peruvians to Rainbow Mountain:
  • S/. 15 Soles. Payable at the entrance.
• Entry ticket for foreigners to Rainbow Mountain:
  • S/. 25 Soles. Payable at the entrance.

To purchase tickets, you must bring Peruvian Soles in cash.

• Beverages and snacks. Drinks are not included with lunch.
  • You can find kiosks in nearby communities where you can buy candies, water, alcohol, and Florida water.
• Dinner
• Travel insurance

We Recommend You Bring

• Oxyshot, in case it’s needed to adapt to the lack of oxygen
• Good hiking shoes (trekking)
• 1 liter of water
• Camera
• Sweater and gloves for the cold
• Raincoat or poncho
• Sportswear
• Hat or cap
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Standard backpack

It is crucial to bring cash (in Soles) to purchase entry tickets and rent a horse if desired.

Cultural Facts

Vinicunca, The Rainbow Mountain

Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca or the Mountain of Seven Colors, is one of the most impressive geological formations in the Andes. It has been recommended by National Geographic as one of the most beautiful places to visit in your lifetime. This location is also known as the Mountain of Seven Colors and has been considered a sacred mountain for spiritual retreats since ancient times. Here, you can feel the energy of the Apus (the spirits of the mountains) and rejuvenate with positive energies. The highest point of Rainbow Mountain, Vinicunca, reaches 5,100 meters.

According to several studies conducted in the area, the multicolored tones of Rainbow Mountain are due to different minerals covering the area in layers: red clay and mud (pink), clay (red), sandstone (white), marl (lavender), clay and copper oxide (green), and limonites (yellow-brown). These natural substances began to form 65 million years ago when water and rain covered the slopes and peaks. Over time, extreme weather conditions melted the snow, revealing what is now one of the most important tourist attractions in Cusco.