Rainbow Mountain ATV Tour from Cusco with Meals & Pickup

Summary

Ride ATVs near Vinicunca’s colors from Cusco with local meals

You’ll ride ATVs close to Rainbow Mountain with a local guide from Cusco (hotel pickup included), stop for breakfast and lunch in Cusipata, and walk the last stretch to Vinicunca’s famous colors at over 5,000 meters. Expect laughter with locals, crisp mountain air, and a route that makes the altitude easier — plus plenty of time for photos before heading back.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I wasn’t sure if waking up before dawn in Cusco was worth it for Rainbow Mountain. But I’d heard about the altitude being rough, and the idea of an ATV tour sounded like cheating in the best way. Our guide, Maribel, met us outside our hostel just as the city was stretching awake. She handed out coca tea (tastes kind of earthy — not bad) and checked that we were layered up. The van ride out was quiet at first, but once we hit those winding roads past Cusipata, someone cracked a joke about llamas having better lungs than us. Probably true.

Breakfast in Cusipata was simple but filling — eggs, bread, and something sweet I still can’t name (Maribel tried to teach me but my Spanish is hopeless). The air smelled faintly smoky from wood fires nearby. Then came the ATVs: surprisingly easy to handle after a quick demo. It’s dusty and cold up there, and you really feel how high you are — my ears popped more than once. We zipped along behind Maribel, passing herders wrapped in bright blankets who waved without slowing their step. At one point I stopped just to listen; it’s so quiet except for wind and distant animal bells.

The last bit is on foot — maybe five minutes walking, which felt like enough at 5,000 meters. And then suddenly there’s Vinicunca: stripes of red and turquoise under this huge sky. It’s not as crowded as I expected (maybe because we started early), just a few other groups taking photos or catching their breath. Someone offered to snap our picture; everyone looked a little dazed but happy. Lunch back in Cusipata tasted better than usual after all that cold air — hot soup and rice with chicken, nothing fancy but exactly what you want.

I didn’t expect to remember the small things: Maribel laughing at my pronunciation, the dust on my gloves, that moment when everything went quiet except for my own heartbeat. If you’re worried about altitude or just want a different way to do Rainbow Mountain from Cusco, this ATV day trip is honestly worth it — even if your Spanish is terrible.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — ATV tour to Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain

• Start tour from Cusco
• Ride quad bikes to Rainbow Mountain
• Explore the Mountain of Colors
• Enjoy tranquility at the site
• Return to Cusco

Top questions

How long does the Rainbow Mountain ATV tour from Cusco take?

The full day trip lasts about 12 hours including transfers and meals.

Is hotel pickup included in this Rainbow Mountain ATV tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included except for the 8:30am shift.

What meals are provided during the day trip to Vinicunca?

Breakfast and lunch are served in Cusipata during the tour.

Do I need prior ATV experience for this tour?

No prior experience is needed; guides provide instructions before riding.

How much walking is required at Rainbow Mountain?

You’ll walk about five minutes from where the ATVs stop to reach Vinicunca.

Is this ATV tour suitable for travelers with health concerns?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

Will there be an English-speaking guide on this day trip?

Yes, professional guides speak both English and Spanish throughout the tour.

Are single or double ATVs available on this Rainbow Mountain tour?

You can choose between single or double quad bikes when booking your spot.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup (except 8:30am shift), round-trip transport from Cusco, breakfast and lunch in Cusipata with local flavors, all ATV equipment (single or double quad bike depending on your booking), guidance from an English/Spanish-speaking local expert throughout the journey, plus a first aid kit just in case before returning by evening.