Rainbow Mountain is one of the most visited destinations in Cusco and Peru. It’s a one-day adventure that takes you through dreamy landscapes. Visiting this place means being face-to-face with one of the most beautiful natural destinations, where you’ll be amazed not only by the destination itself, but also by the entire journey that leads there. Now imagine reaching the mountain on an ATV. Is there a more adventurous tourist attraction? Discover the ATV tour to Rainbow Mountain and schedule it for your visit to Cusco.
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Features of Rainbow Mountain
Cusco is full of tourist attractions, ranging from historical destinations with archaeological sites to natural destinations with dreamy landscapes. One you’ll hear as soon as you arrive in the city is the Rainbow Mountain, a stunning mountain covered in a diverse palette of colors.
The adventure of exploring it not only surprises you upon reaching its summit (5,036 meters above sea level), but will also amaze you throughout the entire journey. Rainbow Mountain traverses the landscapes of Cusco’s South Valley, a region filled with mountain ranges that showcase stunning scenery at every angle of the journey.
| Features of the Rainbow Mountain | |
|---|---|
| Feature | Attractive detail |
| Name | Mountain of 7 Colors, also called Vinicunca or Rainbow Mountain. |
| Location | It is located in the province of Canchis, 104 kilometers from the city of Cusco. |
| Height | Approximately 5,036 meters above sea level. |
| Main attraction | The natural colored bands of the mountain that look painted, but are the product of minerals and sediments. |
| Main access | From Cusco you arrive by car (3 hours) and then take a 2-hour walk, there is also the option of exploring it on horseback or on an ATV. |
| Climate | Cold year-round, with temperatures that can drop to zero at the summit, although the days are usually sunny. |
| Geological formation | The product of millions of years of marine and river sedimentation. The progressive melting of the ice revealed its multicolored layers. |
| Minerals and Colors |
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The Rainbow Mountain ATV Tour
Exploring Rainbow Mountain is one of the best adventures in Cusco, and even more so if you add an ATV ride. This tour begins early in the morning in Cusco, where you’ll head south.
The first stop will be in the village of Cusipata, after a two-hour trip. Here we will have breakfast and a short break before continuing. The next stop will be in the community of Japura, where we will get ready to begin the ATV journey. Before starting, an orientation guide and all necessary safety equipment will be provided.
The tour is guided by the group and the tour guide, who accompanies you at all times. The route passes through mountainous landscapes, lagoons, agricultural fields, and areas with a wide variety of typical local animals.
The route is approximately 8 kilometers long, covering about 1 hour and 30 minutes. After the ATV ride, you’ll arrive at the Qosqopata camp, where you’ll embark on a gentle 2-kilometer hike.
The hike is short, although with steep climbs. On this section, there’s also the option of renting a dirt bike (not included in the tour). Upon reaching Rainbow Mountain, we’ll have plenty of time to rest, take those dreamy photos, and even grab a snack.
The return journey follows the same route, although this time it’s downhill, making it much easier. Upon reaching the Qosqopata camp, the ATVs will be waiting for us, where the adrenaline-fueled and scenic adventure will continue.
The return trip will also take 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach the community of Japura. Here, we’ll board the tourist transport, which will make a brief stop in the village of Cusipata for lunch before taking us to Cusco.
The final trip to Cusco will take two hours. The return trip is scheduled for approximately 6:00 p.m., where this great adventure concludes.
The best season to do the ATV tour
In Cusco, there are two distinct seasons: the dry season and the rainy season, which provide a different climate for each tour you take. It often depends on how much adventure you want on your trip or if you simply want a relaxing tour.
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Dry season
During this season, which runs from April to October, you’ll find clear days, ideal for visiting Rainbow Mountain. You’ll see its colors in all their splendor. This season also tends to be the coldest months, but just bundle up for a great adventure. Due to the stable climate, this is the season when most visitors visit the city’s main tourist attractions.
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Rainy season
During the rainy season, which runs from November to March, there’s a greater chance of cloudy days, and it’s also very likely that they’ll be accompanied by precipitation. Although it doesn’t rain every day, you may experience a drastic change in weather during your hike. Much will depend on the type of adventure you’re looking for, as Rainbow Mountain looks spectacular year-round.
Note
During the rainy season, there are fewer visitors, which will provide a more immersive experience, where you won’t have to wait to take that perfect photo with Rainbow Mountain. This also means shorter travel times due to less traffic, and more affordable tour availability with stable prices.
Why choose the ATV tour to Rainbow Mountain?
Venturing through the surrounding areas of Rainbow Mountain will provide you with an adrenaline-pumping experience, with breathtaking panoramas that will always look like something out of a painting. This area features a mountain range, along with lagoons and a great diversity of vegetation, making it an unforgettable place.
This way, you’ll not only experience Rainbow Mountain, but also the Andean region and all the biodiversity that surrounds it. An experience suitable for everyone, as it’s very safe and easy.
Recommendations for visiting Rainbow Mountain
- Rainbow Mountain is 5,036 meters above sea level, so you’ll need to acclimatize beforehand to enjoy the adventure without any problems. It’s best to spend your first two days of your trip engaging in light activities.
- Always carry a rain poncho when visiting the mountains; you never know when the weather might change, and it’s best to be cautious.
- All tours to Rainbow Mountain begin early in the morning and end at dusk, so it’s recommended to get a good night’s rest the night before to have an energetic adventure.
- If you’re not in good enough physical condition to climb the mountain, you’ll find muleteers along the way who rent horses, which will take you just a few steps from the summit.
- If you choose to take the ATV tour and don’t want to walk the final stretch, you can also rent quad bikes that will drop you off very close to the mountain.
- Bring plenty of water and some snacks with you. You can take breaks as often as you like to hydrate and regain energy to get through the journey.
- Upon reaching the summit, you’ll find some basic amenities, such as restrooms and food stands. You’re also likely to see llamas with whom you can take an iconic photo.
- The mountain climate is very cold, so you should always dress warmly, regardless of the season of your visit.
Questions and Answers
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How long does the Rainbow Mountain ATV tour last?
The tour is a single day. It starts early, around 4:00 a.m., and ends around 6:00 p.m. During this time, you’ll travel by tourist transport, ATV, and a short hike to reach the top of the mountain.
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Is it difficult to handle the ATV?
No, the ATV tour is designed for beginners. Before starting, you’ll receive an orientation guide and the necessary safety equipment. The tour is done in a group with a guide, which makes it safe.
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How long do you ride an ATV?
The ATV ride lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes each way, covering approximately 8 kilometers of incredible scenery. After this journey, there’s a short hike up the mountain.
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Is there a lot of walking after the ATV ride?
The final stretch is a 2-kilometer hike to the summit. Although it’s short, it’s steeply uphill, so it’s best to go at a leisurely pace. If you prefer, you can also rent a scooter to help you conquer the summit.
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How high is Rainbow Mountain?
The summit is 5,036 meters above sea level. Therefore, it’s important to acclimatize for at least two days in Cusco before starting the tour to avoid altitude sickness.
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Is the weather very cold in the mountains?
Yes, the weather is cold year-round and temperatures can reach below zero at the summit, especially in the mornings. Although the day can be sunny, it’s best to dress warmly.
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What does the ATV tour include?
The tour includes transportation from Cusco, breakfast, lunch, a tour guide, entrance fees, ATVs, and safety equipment.
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Can I take the tour if I’m not in good physical condition?
Yes, using ATVs significantly reduces the physical effort. The final hike is short, although if you don’t want to do it, you can rent a horse or a quad bike in the area.
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How safe is the ATV tour?
It’s quite safe. The guides are trained, and the route is done in groups and with protective equipment. Plus, there’s no need to drive at high speeds, as the goal is to enjoy the scenery.
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Why choose the ATV tour instead of the traditional one?
The ATV tour is ideal if you’re looking for a more adventurous experience. It combines adrenaline, contact with nature, and unique landscapes before reaching Rainbow Mountain, making the visit a more complete experience.