The Rainbow Mountain of Machu Picchu is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Cusco and Peru. Every day this incredible natural landscape is visited by hundreds of people from many countries. They are all attracted by the mountainous landscape of various colors formed by minerals millions of years ago. There are two ways to visit Vinicunca: through the classic route or through the alternative route on an ATV. This last option can be done with an all-inclusive tour. Learn more about this tour!
Tour details
- Duration: 1 day (15 hours).
- Includes: pick-up from the hotel, tourist transportation, guide, tickets, complete ATV equipment as well as breakfast and lunch in tourist restaurants.
- Not included: motorcycle transportation (optional).
- Payment: online with any credit or debit card.
- Confirmation: immediate.
- Safety: Complies with all protocols.
- Entrance: entrance to the Mountain of 7 Colors.
- Group: from 4 to 16 people maximum.
Summary
| Difficulty |  |
| Walking distance | 4 kilometers (2.4 miles). |
| Maximum height | Vinicunca (5,200 meters above sea level). |
| Minimum height | Cusipata (3,310 meters above sea level). |
| Maximum temperature on the tour | Cusipata (from 15ºC. to 21ºC.). |
| Minimum temperature on the tour | Vinicunca (from 4ºC to 8ºC). |
| Breakfast on the tour | In a tourist restaurant in Cusipata (buffet type). |
| Lunch on the tour | In a tourist restaurant in Cusipata (buffet type). |
| Itinerary | |
Day 1 Cusco | Vinicunca | Cusco
| |
Itinerary
The 1-day tour to the Rainbow Mountain is a 14-hour adventure. It begins with the pick-up of the tourist at approximately 4 am. After a trip to Japura (with a stop in Cusipata for a buffet breakfast) the adventure takes place on an ATV for almost 2 hours. In Qosqopata, the hike to Vinicunca takes place. Learn more!
Cusco | Vinicunca | Cusco
From Cusco to Cusipata
- The tour begins with the pick-up of the tourist at the door of their hotel in the historic center of Cusco between 3:30 am and 4 am.
- After picking up the group of tourists, a trip is made by tourist transport of almost 2 hours to the town of Cusipata.
Breakfast and drive to Japura
- In the town of Cusipata tourists will enjoy a nutritious buffet breakfast that includes: breads, infusions, fried or scrambled eggs, butter, jam, fruits, yogurt, cereals and more.
- The journey then continues in tourist transport to the community of Japura, located over 4 thousand meters above sea level.
ATV adventure to Qosqopata
- In Qosqopata we will receive all the equipment required for the ATV adventure such as helmets, gloves, knee pads and more. The guide will teach us how to safely operate the ATV.
- Then we will set off on a quad bike along Andean dirt roads. The adventure lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Hike to Vinicunca
- The ATV adventure ends in the community of Qosqopata, located approximately 4,900 meters above sea level.
- There begins the almost 2 kilometer walk to Vinicunca. The route takes 1 hour 30 minutes on average.
- Tourists can optionally take this route on a linear motorcycle for a cost of approximately 50 soles per tourist.
Visit to Vinicunca, the Mountain of 7 Colors
- At Vinicunca we will appreciate one of the best natural landscapes in Cusco.
- Our tour guide will accompany us on the visit to this mountain. We will also have the opportunity to take amazing photos of the place.
- At the time indicated by the guide we must return on foot (or by motorcycle for an extra cost) to the Qosqopata camp.
Return to Qosqopata and ATV adventure
- The return walk to Qosqopata follows the same route as the outward journey. However, as it is a downhill path it is less exhausting. It takes 1 hour on average.
- In Qosqopata we will put on our safety gear again to make the return trip on a quad bike.
- The ATV adventure back takes approximately 1 hour. Once in Japura we say goodbye to the ATVs to board the tourist transport.
Lunch and trip to Cusco
- Aboard the tourist transport we will return to the town of Cusipata. There we will enjoy a buffet lunch that includes pasta, rice, stews, salads and more.
- After lunch we will take the tourist transport again to travel to the city of Cusco. We will arrive in the city center (or at the door of your hotel) at approximately 5 pm.
What is the difference between the Vinicunca ATV route and the classic route?
The tour to the Rainbow Mountain on an ATV has some differences from the classic tour. Learn about the differences and choose the best option for your visit.
| VINICUNCA | Classic tour to Vinicunca | ATV tour to Vinicunca |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Approximately 14 hours | Approximately 15 hours |
| Transport | Spacious minivan | Spacious minivan |
| Professional guide | Shared (Spanish or English) | Shared (Spanish or English) |
| Entrance to the mountain | Yeah | Yeah |
| Breakfast and lunch | Yes, buffet style in Cusipata | Yes, buffet style in Cusipata |
| Trekking poles | Yes, it includes | No (optional) |
| Walking distance | 4 kilometers | 2 kilometers |
| Optional to walk | Horse rental | Motorcycle rental |
| Not included | Horse | Motorbike |
| Recommended clothing | Sportswear, rain poncho, gloves, sunscreen, hat, documents and cash. | Sportswear, rain poncho, gloves, sunscreen, hat, documents and cash. |
Frequently asked questions
Do you have questions about the 1-day ATV tour to the Rainbow Mountain? Send us your questions to info@caminoincamachupicchu.org. These are the most frequently asked questions and answers.
1. Can I cancel the Vinicunca ATV tour?
Yes, to cancel the tour you must send a request to info@caminoincamachupicchu.org (with a deadline of 3 days before). The penalty for cancellation is 35% of the amount paid (65% refund of the tour value).
2. Can modifications be made to the tour?
Yes, to make changes (to the name or date of the tour) you must send a request to info@caminoincamachupicchu.org (with a deadline of 3 days before). The penalty for modifications is 25% of the amount paid.
3. What is the age limit to take the tour?
The tour is open to tourists of all ages. However, it is recommended that tourists be over 12 years old. Seniors must be in good health.
4. Does the tour include ATVs and necessary equipment?
Yes, the tour includes ATV equipment and the necessary gear for the adventure: ATVs in good condition, gloves, knee pads, helmets and more.
5. What time does the tour start and end?
The tour begins between 3.30 am and 4 am, picking up the tourist at the door of their hotel in the historic center of Cusco. The tour ends around 5 pm back in the city of Cusco.
6. Can I rent a horse on the ATV tour?
The tour to the Rainbow Mountain by ATV includes a final 2-kilometer hike to Vinicunca. Optionally, you can rent a motorcycle from a local resident to complete this route.
7. Can I take the tour all year round?
Yes, the tour to the Rainbow Mountain on an ATV can be done all year round.
8. Is it dangerous to take the ATV tour to Vinicunca?
The route is safe. However, it is recommended to drive the ATVs with care and concentration.
9. How much does the ATV tour to Rainbow Mountain cost?
Please check the prices on this website. To make a purchase, click on ‘Book Now’.
10. Does the tour include food?
Yes, the tour includes buffet breakfast and lunch at a local restaurant in the town of Cusipata. This is a simple service but offers delicious Peruvian dishes prepared with Andean ingredients.
11. What language is the tour in?
The tour is conducted in shared service in Spanish and English. For a tour in another language a private tour must be booked.
12. What should I bring on the tour?
It is recommended to bring on the tour: sportswear, rain poncho, gloves, sunscreen, hat, documents and cash.
We are part of MACHUPICCHU TERRA, Travel agency and tour operator authorized to operate the Inca Trail and other hiking routes in Cusco. Our authorization code is "CI1578".
We have the certificate CALTUR, which recognizes the application of good management practices for the service of travel and tourism agencies. We offer a proven quality service!
Machupicchu Terra received the ‘Safe Travels’ seal for its compliance with all the control and prevention protocols against Covid 19. Travel in complete safety!