ATV tour through the 7 colors mountain /walk 5 minutes/

If you’re visiting Cusco and dreaming of Rainbow Mountain, this ATV tour offers a fresh twist. Instead of slogging uphill on foot — often with crowds and altitude sickness — you’ll hop on your own ATV and zip up to the top, arriving early and energized. For $85 per person, this 10-11 hour adventure takes you from Cusco to the colorful peaks with plenty of comfort and convenience. The tour features private transportation, guided commentary, breakfast, lunch, and even oxygen — because altitude can be a challenge.

What we love most about this experience is how it saves time. You’re at the top before the crowds arrive, giving you better photos and more peaceful moments amidst the vibrant scenery. Plus, no walking means less fatigue and less risk of altitude sickness — a smart choice for many travelers. The chance to drive a quad bike adds a fun, adventurous element you won’t find on many other tours.

However, a possible consideration is the fixed pickup time — some guests have noted early pickups that can catch you off guard. It’s important to confirm your pickup details in advance. This tour suits those who want a more relaxed, efficient way to experience Rainbow Mountain, especially if you’re eager to avoid long hikes or crowds. It’s perfect for adventure lovers, photography enthusiasts, or anyone wanting a memorable, authentic trip with a touch of adrenaline.

Key Points

• Skip the hike: Drive your own ATV to the summit, avoiding strenuous uphill walking.
• Early arrival: Get to Rainbow Mountain before the crowds, capturing better photos and enjoying a quieter experience.
• All-inclusive comfort: Breakfast, lunch, private transport, guide, and oxygen are included, making the day smooth.
• Authentic views: Expect stunning vistas, friendly alpacas, llamas, and opportunities for excellent photos.
• Limited walking: This tour is ideal for those with moderate physical fitness or altitude concerns.
• Small groups: With a maximum of 15 travelers, you’ll enjoy more personalized service.

A Detailed Look at the Rainbow Mountain ATV Tour

The Itinerary and What It Means for You

The tour begins with a very early pickup — around 4:00 am — from your Cusco hotel or designated meeting point. While that sounds like a tough start for some, it’s a key reason why you’ll arrive early at Rainbow Mountain. The drive takes approximately two hours to Cusipata, where breakfast awaits — a welcome break after the early rise. This meal not only fuels your day but also sets a relaxed tone for the adventure ahead.

From there, you’ll continue in a van for about an hour and a half to your base in Kayrawiri. Here, you’ll receive a quick safety briefing, including instructions on ATV operation. The guides are known for their attentiveness, with reviews praising their knowledge and friendly demeanor — “RM is beautiful and so is the scenery on the drive,” says a traveler. Expect about 25 minutes of driving on the ATV to reach the foot of Rainbow Mountain, where you’ll be ahead of the day-trippers.

Why the ATV?

Most tours in Cusco involve a lengthy hike — sometimes up to 2 hours — to reach Rainbow Mountain’s famous viewpoint. This tour changes that by offering your own quad bike, so you can zip right up without breaking a sweat. The drive takes approximately 25 minutes to the mountain, but the real advantage is arriving before the crowds. As one reviewer noted, “we found the mountain of colors empty and we stayed here for 1 hour to take beautiful photos.”

This early arrival means better, less crowded photos, and more time enjoying the landscape. It also helps prevent altitude sickness, which can strike during prolonged exertion at high elevations. Since you’re mostly seated on your ATV, the physical strain is minimal, making this a great choice for travelers worried about fatigue or altitude effects.

The Top of Rainbow Mountain

Once at the summit, you’ll have about an hour to soak in the views, take photos, and observe the herds of llamas and alpacas that graze nearby. The guides are usually very knowledgeable, providing explanations about the landscape and its significance. Many visitors mention how friendly the animals are, often posing for photos with guests. The view itself is stunning — vibrant stripes of color across the mountain, set against a backdrop of rugged peaks and clear skies.

Food and Rest

The tour includes breakfast at Cusipata, giving you energy for the day, and a well-earned lunch in Cusipata after the adventure. Returning to Cusco, you’ll arrive back by about 4:00 pm, giving you the rest of the evening to relax or explore more.

The Value

For $85, you’re getting a comprehensive package: private transportation, breakfast, lunch, ATV, guide, and oxygen. Considering the time saved, the early access, and the fun of riding a quad, many find this offers great value. It’s a stress-free way to enjoy Rainbow Mountain without the physical toll of a long hike or the disappointment of crowded viewpoints.

Authentic Experiences and Real Traveler Insights

Many reviewers rave about the knowledgeable guides who explain the landscape and make the trip more engaging. One traveler said, “RM is beautiful and so is the scenery,” highlighting the scenic drive and early arrival advantage. Others appreciated the organized logistics, noting that everything ran smoothly and that the tour was well-planned.

Some guests did mention early pickups as a concern, especially if communication isn’t clear beforehand. It’s worth confirming pickup times and meeting points to avoid surprises. Also, since the tour is limited to 15 travelers, you’ll likely enjoy a more intimate experience, with less crowded vehicles and more personalized attention.

The stunning views and wildlife, especially the friendly alpacas and llamas, make this a memorable outing. Many describe the experience as “incredible” and “well-organized,” emphasizing the value of avoiding the typical crowds and long walks.

Practical Details

The tour departs early from Cusco, with pickup around 4:00 am. Expect about two hours of travel to Cusipata, plus a snack break. The ATV practice session is short but covers essential safety instructions, especially important if you’re new to quad biking.

The actual ATV ride to Rainbow Mountain takes just 25 minutes, but it’s a thrilling way to ascend with minimal effort. The tour concludes around 4 pm, back in Cusco’s main square, making it easy to plan your evening.

Included in the price are private transport, breakfast, lunch, ATV, guide (English and Spanish), and oxygen. Remember, entrance to Rainbow Mountain costs an additional 25 soles, and accident insurance isn’t included.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adventure lovers who want to skip the long hike without missing out on the views. It’s equally suited for those with moderate physical fitness or altitude sensitivities, thanks to the minimal walking and altitude sickness prevention measures.

Travelers seeking early access and photo opportunities will appreciate beating the crowds and capturing Rainbow Mountain in its quieter, more pristine state. The small group size means more personalized attention, which many guests value.

Finally, if you love unique photo ops with llamas and alpacas, or just want a fun, adrenaline-filled day with stunning scenery, this tour ticks all the boxes.

The Sum Up

This ATV tour through Rainbow Mountain offers a smart, enjoyable alternative to the often strenuous and crowded hikes. With early arrival, comfortable transportation, and the fun of quad biking, it’s a great way to experience one of Cusco’s most iconic sights with less stress and more time to enjoy the scenery.

It’s especially suited for adventure-minded travelers, photographers, or anyone with limited mobility looking to avoid fatigue. The knowledgeable guides and small group size add a personal touch that enhances the experience.

At a fair price, this tour delivers value, convenience, and memorable moments—a perfect choice for travelers who want more than just a quick look but a fun, authentic adventure.

FAQ

• What time does the tour start?
  Pickup is typically around 4:00 am, with the tour ending back in Cusco around 4:00 pm.

• Is breakfast included?
  Yes, there’s a breakfast at Cusipata and a lunch after the tour in Cusipata.

• Do I need to walk to reach Rainbow Mountain?
  No, this tour involves zero walking to reach the summit, thanks to the ATV.

• What’s included in the price?
  Private transportation, breakfast, lunch, ATV ride, guide (English and Spanish), and oxygen are all included.

• How much does entrance to Rainbow Mountain cost?
  The entrance fee is 25 soles, payable on the spot.

• Who is this tour suitable for?
  It’s perfect for those with moderate physical fitness, families, adventure lovers, and anyone wanting early access and great photos.

• How many people are in each group?
  The maximum group size is 15 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience.

• Is there insurance included?
  Accident insurance isn’t included, so consider your personal coverage or ask about options.

• What if the weather is bad?
  The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to inclement conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

• Can I cancel if my plans change?
  Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

This Rainbow Mountain ATV tour offers a distinctive blend of fun, convenience, and stunning sights. If you’re after a hassle-free way to see the famous mountain while avoiding the crowd and physical strain, it’s a fantastic choice — one that leaves you with plenty of time to enjoy the incredible landscape and snap memorable photos.