Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley ATV Tour from Cusco
Full Day
Up to 10 travelers
5,036 m / 16,522 ft
Moderate
Overview
This full-day tour combines Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca, 5,036 m / 16,522 ft) with the deep-red slopes of the neighboring Red Valley, using an ATV for most of the approach. From the ATVs it is a 10-minute uphill walk to the main viewpoint; then your guide leads the walking section toward the Red Valley when access permits. Price from USD 130.
Highlights
- A guided ATV ride across the high plains and herding villages south of Cusco.
- The classic Rainbow Mountain viewpoint, with panoramic views that MINCETUR highlights toward the snow-capped Ausangate.
- The Red Valley, a broad landscape of red ridges next to Vinicunca.
- Your guide’s explanation of how the mineral colors formed.
What's Included
Included 6
- Pre-tour coordination
- Professional bilingual guide
- Round-trip tourist transport from Cusco
- ATV, helmet and safety equipment
- First-aid kit and emergency oxygen
- Small-group service
Not Included 4
- Tourist entrance fees unless expressly stated
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses and tips
- Services or activities not described in the itinerary
What Should You Bring? 8
- Passport or ID
- Water
- Sun protection
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Warm layers
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Small amount of cash
- Gloves and clothes that can get dusty
Itinerary
1
Southbound journey
Cusco – Cusipata
Early pickup in Cusco, usually around 4:00 a.m., and drive south into the highlands. Breakfast stop in Cusipata, then on by road to the ATV base of the Kayrawiri community.
2
ATV and Rainbow Mountain
Kayrawiri ATV base – Vinicunca viewpoint
Helmet and safety equipment, safety briefing and a guided ATV ride across the high plains. From the ATVs, a 10-minute uphill walk takes you to the main viewpoint at 5,036 m for photos and your guide's explanation.
3
Red Valley and return
Red Valley – Cusco
Guided walking extension to the open red landscape of the Red Valley when access permits. Then lunch and the drive back to Cusco.
Good to know
Difficulty and altitude
The tour is rated moderate: the ATV does most of the work, but you still walk at over 5,000 m. Peru’s official tourism inventory (MINCETUR) describes the Kayrawiri (Pitumarca) access as 2.5 km and about 10 minutes by ATV, or 2 km and 25 minutes on foot. From the ATVs it is a 10-minute uphill walk to the viewpoint at 5,036 m. The Red Valley section is on foot, about one hour round trip on our ATV tours. Because you move little while riding, you feel the cold more than on the hike.
Who this tour is for
Travelers who want to see both Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley with much less walking than the full hike. No previous ATV experience is assumed: you get a helmet, safety equipment and a safety briefing before the ride. Spend at least two nights in Cusco first (see our altitude sickness guide), and if you have a heart or lung condition or are pregnant, ask your doctor before going above 5,000 m.
Best time to go
MINCETUR recommends the dry season, April to October. The site is open all year, but from November to April rain and snow can hide the colors and make tracks muddy.
What to bring
Passport or ID, water, sun protection, comfortable walking shoes, warm layers, a rain jacket or poncho, gloves, clothes that can get dusty and a small amount of cash.
Good to know
- The ATVs belong to the Kayrawiri community, which sets the riding schedule for every operator; your guide manages the timing.
- The Red Valley is visited when access permits. Weather, trail conditions and community access are checked on the day, and the order may change to keep the group safe.
Which Rainbow Mountain tour should you choose?
| Rainbow Mountain on foot | Rainbow Mountain ATV | ATV + Red Valley | Palccoyo | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price from | USD 70 | USD 121 | USD 130 | USD 85 |
| How you go up | Hiking | ATV, then a 10-minute walk | ATV, 10-minute walk and Red Valley on foot | Hiking on a gentler trail |
| Hiking (round trip) | About 7.4 km | Short final section | Short final section plus Red Valley | About 4.5 km |
| Highest point | 5,036 m (Vinicunca) | 5,036 m (Vinicunca) | 5,036 m (Vinicunca) | 4,935 m (Stone Forest) |
| Best for | Fit hikers on a budget | Less walking at high altitude | Adding the Red Valley | Fewer crowds and an easier walk |
Full comparison with official altitudes, hikes and entrance fees: Rainbow Mountain vs Palccoyo vs Pallay Punchu.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much walking is there on the ATV and Red Valley tour?
From the ATVs it is a 10-minute uphill walk to the Rainbow Mountain viewpoint. The Red Valley section is on foot, about one hour round trip. Both walks are at over 5,000 m, so go slowly.
Do I need ATV experience?
No. Before riding you receive a helmet, safety equipment and a safety briefing, and the ride is guided.
How high does the tour go?
The Rainbow Mountain viewpoint is at 5,036 m (16,522 ft), according to MINCETUR's official records (updated 12 June 2026).
Do I need to acclimatize first?
Yes. Spend at least two nights in Cusco before this tour and avoid strenuous activity if you feel symptoms of altitude sickness. See our altitude sickness guide.
What is the Red Valley?
It is the area of deep-red ridges next to Vinicunca. MINCETUR's record notes that people from Chillihuani and Llaqto call it "cerro colorado" or "valle rojo". It is visited on foot, when access permits.
How much is the Rainbow Mountain entrance fee?
MINCETUR lists S/ 30 for foreign adults, S/ 15 for foreign children, S/ 15 for Peruvian adults and S/ 7.50 for Peruvian children, the same on the Cusipata and Pitumarca sides (records updated 12 June 2026). We have found no official figure for a separate Red Valley fee. Fees may change.
Is it cold at Rainbow Mountain?
Yes. Above 5,000 m it is cold and windy, especially early in the day, and on an ATV you move little, so you feel it more. Bring warm layers and gloves.
How is this different from the other Rainbow Mountain tours?
The Rainbow Mountain ATV tour (USD 121) visits only the main viewpoint. This tour (USD 130) adds the Red Valley. The hiking tour (USD 70) covers about 7.4 km on foot, and Palccoyo (USD 85) is a gentler hike with fewer people.
