Rainbow Mountain ATV Tour From Cusco 2026

1. Pick up and drop off:

• The tour begins with pickup from your hotel in Cusco (around 4:30 a.m.). After boarding your vehicle, we head south, passing through picturesque towns such as Andahuaylillas and Checacupe, until we reach Cusipata.

2. Breakfast:

• In Cusipata, we’ll stop at a local restaurant to enjoy a delicious Andean breakfast. This is a time to recharge before beginning the adventure.

3. Arrival and Preparation:

• We continue the journey by shuttle to the village of Phulawasipata (4,600 meters above sea level), the starting point of the ATV tour. Here, you will be provided with the necessary equipment: helmets, gloves, and the ATV vehicle. The guides will provide a safety briefing, as well as a short practice session to familiarize yourself with the handling.

4. ATV Tour:

• The heart of the experience is the ATV ride along a scenic trail. For approximately one hour, the vehicles will be driven through stunning Andean landscapes, with views of glaciers, valleys, and local wildlife. This stretch offers a unique and exciting perspective of the natural environment.

5. Mountain Hike:

• Once at base camp, you’ll leave your ATVs behind and begin a 20-minute hike to the summit of Vinicunca (Rose of Seven Colors) (5,200 meters above sea level). The trail is gradual and relatively short, making it accessible to most travelers.

6. Weather on Rainbow Mountain:

• Upon reaching the summit, you will have free time (approximately 30-40 minutes) to explore the peak, take photographs, and admire the spectacular beauty of the colored bands that give the mountain its name. This is the highlight of the tour, where you can appreciate the red, turquoise, gold, and violet hues formed by the minerals.

7. Return and Lunch:

• After enjoying the scenery, you’ll return to base camp and take the ATVs back to Phulawasipata. From there, your transportation will take you back to Cusipata for a buffet lunch featuring a variety of Andean and international dishes.

8. Return to Cusco:

• Finally, after lunch, the return trip to the city of Cusco begins, with arrival expected around 4:00 p.m., where you will be dropped off near the Plaza de Armas or in a central location.

Important: Altitude is a crucial factor on this excursion, as the mountain is over 5,000 meters above sea level. It is recommended to acclimatize in Cusco for at least 2-3 days before the activity to avoid altitude sickness