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Experience an adrenaline-filled adventure aboard an ATV to the stunning Rainbow Mountain of Vinicunca and the spectacular Red Valley. Travel along a panoramic route through high Andean landscapes and natural settings of extraordinary beauty, combining adventure and nature in a one-day experience designed to enjoy these destinations from an adrenaline-fueled perspective.
Red Valley and Rainbow Mountain by ATV tour overview
Why choose this experience with us?
- Small groups and guaranteed departures: Travel in groups of up to 18 people for a more authentic experience throughout the tour. Departures are confirmed from 2 passengers, so you can plan your adventure with complete confidence.
- ATV equipment included: The experience includes all the equipment and training you need to enjoy a safe adventure through the high Andean landscapes of Vinicunca and the Red Valley.
- Professional guide throughout the tour: From the pickup at your hotel to the end of the experience, our guide will answer your questions and provide information and safety along the way.
- Enjoy every destination without rushing: An itinerary designed to explore each highlight of the route calmly, taking in the natural landscapes and the cultural richness of the destination.
Programme summary
Cusco – Cusipata – Pitumarca – Red Valley – Kcayrahuiri – Vinicunca – Cusco
Discover Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain and the spectacular Red Valley by ATV, on a route through stunning Andean scenery. A one-day experience combining adventure and nature, with buffet breakfast and lunch included so all you have to do is enjoy it.
Tour facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Time on the ATV | Approx. 1 hour 10 minutes, round trip |
| Hiking distance | 2 km / 1.24 miles, round trip |
| Hiking time | 45 minutes, round trip |
| Maximum altitude | Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain: 5,036 m / 16,522 ft above sea level |
| Start of the activity | Laya community: 4,630 m / 15,190 ft above sea level |
| Difficulty | Moderate, mainly because of the altitude |
Highlights
- Laya community (4,630 m / 15,190 ft): a traditional Andean community surrounded by mountain scenery, the starting point of the ATV adventure.
- Red Valley (4,900 m / 16,076 ft): a striking red-hued valley, one of the most surprising and least visited landscapes in the Andes.
- Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain (5,036 m / 16,522 ft): one of Peru's most famous natural sights, known for its spectacular multicoloured stripes formed by minerals over millions of years.
Red Valley and Rainbow Mountain by ATV tour itinerary
Cusco – Cusipata – Pitumarca – Red Valley – Kcayrahuiri – Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain – Cusco
Get ready for an adrenaline-filled adventure by ATV, discovering two of Cusco's finest destinations.
- The adventure starts very early, with the pickup from your hotel in Cusco between 4:00 and 4:30 a.m. After a 1 hour 30 minute drive through the South Valley we reach the village of Cusipata (3,310 m / 10,860 ft), where we will enjoy an Andean buffet breakfast.
- We continue for another hour to the Laya community (4,630 m / 15,190 ft), the starting point of the ATV experience. Here we receive a short safety briefing and a practice session to get used to handling the ATV.
- The ATV ride crosses landscapes surrounded by mountains, vast high Andean plains and animals typical of the area.
- From the ATV drop-off point we walk for about 20 minutes to Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain (5,036 m / 16,522 ft). From its viewpoint we will see the multicoloured stripes formed by minerals over millions of years, with time for photographs and to enjoy one of the most impressive landscapes in Peru.
- We then visit the Red Valley, one of the hidden gems of the Andes, famous for its intense red tones and panoramic views that contrast with the surrounding mountains.
- We ride back by ATV to the station where our transport is waiting. Back in Cusipata we will enjoy a buffet lunch with traditional Andean flavours before heading back to Cusco.
What the Red Valley and Rainbow Mountain by ATV tour includes
Guaranteed entrance
- Entrance ticket to the Red Valley and Rainbow Mountain, included in the service, so you can avoid the long payment queues on site.
Support and safety
- Briefing before the tour. The day before, we will give you all the details of the tour and answer your questions, so you can enjoy the trip without worries.
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English). A team of guides highly trained in history, culture and tourist information accompanies you throughout the tour.
- ATV safety helmet and gloves, throughout the activity, for a safer and more comfortable experience.
- First-aid kit and oxygen tank. Our guides receive ongoing first-aid training, which ensures timely assistance along the route.
- 24/7 customer service, with an emergency number available from start to finish.
Meals
- Buffet breakfast and lunch in Cusipata, before and after the adventure. The menu combines traditional Andean flavours, prepared with local ingredients and accompanied by a selection of typical regional desserts.
Transport
- Pickup in tourist transport from your hotel in Cusco.
- Tourist transport throughout the tour.
- Fully equipped ATVs for the ride.
Not included
- Horse or motorbike hire (optional), for a more comfortable ascent between Kcayrahuiri and Rainbow Mountain: 25 USD one way or 30 USD round trip.
- Travel insurance (recommended): cover for flight cancellations or delays, lost or delayed luggage, illness, accidents, trip interruptions, loss of tourist services due to delays and medical assistance.
- Tips (optional).
- Expenses arising from causes beyond the agency's control: adverse weather, itinerary changes for safety reasons, illness, strikes, political instability or changes in government policy.
Red Valley and Rainbow Mountain by ATV tour price
Rates
| Option | Price per person |
|---|---|
| Single | 79 USD |
| Double | 69 USD |
Plan your visit
We recommend booking early to secure your date. Travelling soon? Ask us about availability: depending on the date, you can also book just a few days ahead.
Upgrade your experience
| Add-on | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Private service at your own pace | On request | A more comfortable and personalised experience, with flexible timings, more time for photographs, stops whenever you like and the freedom to explore each site without the limits of a shared group. |
| Ancestral walk with llamas | On request | A private, exclusive service accompanied by llamas from the local community that carry part of the luggage during the hike, with moments shared with Andean families and a traditional herbal drink from the region. |
The best time for this tour
Between April and October sunny days and clearer views prevail. The tour runs all year round; from November to March we recommend bringing waterproof clothing, as the weather can change.
What to bring to the Red Valley and Rainbow Mountain
These are the most important items for this high-altitude excursion.
Required documents
- Original, valid passport or ID card.
Luggage
- A light 20 to 30 litre backpack or day bag for the essentials.
- Water bottle and a snack.
- Cash, preferably in small notes, for purchases and souvenirs.
Clothing and footwear
- Trekking shoes or boots with good non-slip soles.
- Layered clothing: a breathable base layer, a warm layer and a down jacket, as it gets very cold at the top.
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
- Woollen hat and gloves for the morning.
- Hat or cap and sunglasses.
- Bandana or buff to protect yourself from the wind, dust and solar radiation.
- A special outfit for your photographs at Rainbow Mountain.
Personal items
- Sunscreen.
- Personal medication and a basic first-aid kit.
- Wet wipes or toilet paper and hand sanitiser.
- Energy snacks: chocolate, nuts or bars.
Equipment and extras
- Camera or mobile phone.
- Extra cash for drinks, souvenirs or tips.
Important considerations
- Acclimatise for at least 2 days in Cusco before this tour.
- Avoid heavy luggage so you can enjoy the experience more.
- Always keep your documents and valuables with you.
- The ATVs are operated exclusively by the authorised local community: under community rules, no other company may provide this service in the area.
Frequently asked questions about the Red Valley and Rainbow Mountain by ATV tour
How difficult is the tour?
It is moderate, mainly because of the altitude. Most of the route is covered by ATV, which greatly reduces the physical effort, and the only hike is short and takes place near Rainbow Mountain.
How long is the hike and how many kilometres does it cover?
The hike takes 30 to 45 minutes round trip, covering approximately 2 km / 1.24 miles. The rest of the route is by ATV.
Could I suffer from altitude sickness?
Yes. Although the hike is short, the tour takes place between 4,630 m / 15,190 ft and 5,036 m / 16,522 ft. Some people may experience mild symptoms of soroche, such as headache, tiredness or dizziness. We recommend acclimatising in Cusco beforehand.
Do I need experience riding an ATV?
No. Before the activity begins, the guide gives a full explanation of how to ride and the safety measures, plus a short practice session to get used to the ATV.
Is it safe to ride an ATV on this route?
Yes. Before starting you will receive safety instructions and basic practice, and the ride is accompanied by experienced local guides who supervise the whole route.
What is the difference between a single and a double ATV?
With the single option, each person rides their own ATV. With the double option, two people share one ATV: one rides and the other travels as a passenger, which lowers the price per person.
Can children take part?
Yes. We recommend this experience for children aged 8 and over, always accompanied by a responsible adult. Under-17s may only ride an ATV with the permission of their parents or guardians; those who do not ride can travel as passengers on a double ATV, subject to availability from the local operator.
Can older travellers take part?
Yes. As it only involves a short hike, it is an excellent alternative for visiting Vinicunca with less physical effort. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, we recommend checking with your doctor.
Who operates the ATVs?
The ATVs are operated exclusively by the authorised local communities, so this activity contributes directly to the economic development of local families.
Which places does the tour visit?
The Red Valley, Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain and high Andean landscapes with alpacas and llamas.
What makes this experience different from the traditional route to Vinicunca?
Unlike the traditional hike, you cover much of the route by ATV, which reduces the physical effort and adds an extra dose of adventure and fun, as well as a visit to the Red Valley.
How do I know if this tour is right for me?
It is ideal if you want to visit Rainbow Mountain with minimal hiking, combining an ATV adventure, spectacular scenery and the unique experience of exploring the Red Valley. It is an excellent option for travellers seeking comfort without losing the thrill of exploring the Andes.
When is the best time for this tour?
Between April and October, when sunny days and clearer views prevail. Even so, the tour runs all year round.
Does the tour run in the rainy season?
Yes, also from November to March. During those months we recommend bringing waterproof clothing, as the weather can change.
Does the agency provide an oxygen tank?
Yes. Our guides carry a first-aid kit and oxygen tank to deal with anything related to the altitude.
What clothing should I bring?
A warm, waterproof jacket, comfortable walking trousers, trainers with good grip, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, water and light snacks.
Is there mobile phone signal along the route?
The signal is limited for much of the route. In some higher sections there may be intermittent coverage, though it is not guaranteed.
What is the booking process?
Step 1. Availability enquiry. Write to us at info@sakuraexpedition.com to check dates. We will send you a booking form for each participant to complete.
Step 2. Passenger details. To process the booking and entrance tickets we need, exactly as they appear on your passport, your full name, gender, passport number, date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy) and nationality.
Step 3. Deposit and confirmation. Once we receive the forms, a deposit per person is required to secure your place. We recommend booking in advance, especially on public holidays and in high season.
Step 4. Final confirmation. Once the booking is confirmed, you will receive the official invoice and your place will be 100 % guaranteed.
How is the outstanding balance paid?
The balance can be paid in cash, in US dollars or Peruvian soles, in Cusco, one or two days before the tour, according to the conditions indicated by your sales executive.
Can I cancel or change the date?
Yes. You can cancel or change your booking date up to 48 hours before departure. In these cases an administrative fee applies, which is deducted from the total amount as appropriate.
Any further questions?
You can contact our sales team on WhatsApp at +51 993 150 947 or +51 941 411 418, or by email at info@sakuraexpedition.com.
Why choose Sakura Expedition for your trip?
Sakura Expedition is a 100 % local, Peruvian company specialising in adventure and cultural tourism in Cusco and Peru. We have a team of certified guides, porters and operations staff committed to delivering unique, safe and high-quality experiences.
We stand out for responsible and sustainable tourism, respect for local communities and personalised attention in every service. Backed by our tourism quality certification, we guarantee standards of excellence in every detail of the operation, from planning through to the tour itself. With Sakura Expedition, your satisfaction is guaranteed.
