Mary S
October 11, 2026
A day of excitement
A very exciting day filled with adventure. Max was an amazing guide and managed to take care of everyone’s needs and always had time to answer questions.
Red Valley ATV Tour + Rainbow Mountain Hike — From Cusco
Tripadvisor rating4.9
Google rating4.8
- 2 viewpoints: Red Valley + Vinicunca
- 1-hour ATV ride, round trip
- 2-hour hike, round trip
- 13-hour day from Cusco
100% secure transactions
100% refund guaranteed when you cancel 48 hours before the tour
What's Included on the Red Valley ATV Tour
This Tour in Short
Two landscapes in one day: you ride an ATV through the Red Valley, then walk about an hour to Vinicunca, past the Red Valley viewpoint, and an hour back. It's the tour for travelers who want both the ride and the walk.
What's Included
- ATV ride through the Red ValleyAbout 30 minutes each way, from the Pachaschaka station to where the trail starts
- ATV with fuelSingle or double, with a briefing and a practice run before you set off
- Helmet
- Guided hike to both viewpointsAbout 20 minutes up to the Red Valley, 40 more to Rainbow Mountain, and the same way back
- Hotel pick-up in Cusco at 4:00 AMOr at a meeting point close by, if the van can't reach your street
- Round-trip tourist transportVan to the ATV station and back, with drop-off near the Plaza de Armas
- Professional guide, Spanish and English
- Andean breakfast in CusipataAbout 45 minutes, on the way out
- Buffet lunch in CusipataAbout 45 minutes, on the way back
- First-aid kit and emergency oxygenOn every departure of this tour
What's Not Included
- Entrance fees for the Red Valley and Rainbow Mountain — S/ 40 per person (about USD 13), paid in cash on site
- A horse for the walk, if you want one — S/ 70–100 each way, cash in soles only
- Extra drinks, snacks and souvenirs
- Personal gear — warm clothing, hiking boots, rain layer
- Gratuities
- Travel insurance
What to Bring
- Boots or trail shoes with good grip — the path drops and climbs again between the two viewpoints
- Gloves — for the ride and for the cold at the top
- Warm layers — jacket, thermal top and a wool hat
- A rain jacket — the weather turns fast up there
- A buff or neck gaiter — for the wind and dust on the ATV
- Sunscreen, UV sunglasses, sun hat and lip balm
- At least 1 liter of water and some energy snacks — you walk for two hours at altitude
- Cash in soles, in small notes — for the entrance, and a horse if you need one
- A photo of your passport on your phone — rarely asked for, but worth having
- Trekking poles, if you use them — they help most on the way down
About two hours on foot at altitude, up to the 5,036 m viewpoint, with a descent and a second climb between the two lookouts. Fine if you are fit and acclimatized, hard going if you are not. Entrances are S/ 40 per person, paid in cash on the day.
Prefer less effort?ATV Ride to Red Valley + Rainbow Mountain, Minimal Walking·Rainbow Mountain by Motorcycle, No Hiking
Things to Know
Red Valley Peru weather, altitude and what to know before you go
- Difficulty: Moderate. About two hours on foot in total: 20 minutes up to the Red Valley, then 40 more down and up again to Vinicunca, and the same hour back. A challenge at this altitude, and worth every step.
- Altitude: The viewpoint is 5,036 m — the official MINCETUR figure, and the one on the sign at the top. Cusco is 3,399 m, so take the climbs slowly and stop for photos as often as you like.
- Acclimatization: Spend two full days in Cusco first, and walk on one of them — the ruins above the city are ideal. You will enjoy the hike far more with your body already used to the altitude.
- Horses: Locals wait with horses right where the walk to the Red Valley begins. They carry you up to the Red Valley viewpoint and on to the stone steps below Vinicunca, which everyone climbs on foot. S/ 70–100 each way, cash in soles only. Tell your guide before the ATV ride if you want one.
- Duration: About 13 hours. Pick-up at 4:00 AM, back at the Plaza de Armas between 4:30 and 5:00 PM.
- Best season: May to September is the driest, and June the most reliable. From November to April expect rain most afternoons. Snow can cover the colors in any month.
- Weather: Changeable, and nobody can guarantee it. It can be sunny on the ATV and sleeting at the viewpoint, so come ready for cold, wind and rain.
- Group size: Around 10 travelers in normal season, up to 20 at the busiest times of year.
- Safety: The tour carries a first-aid kit and emergency oxygen. Tell your guide straight away if a headache comes with nausea or dizziness.
- Drop-off: Everyone is dropped near the Plaza de Armas, not at individual hotels.
About the Red Valley ATV Tour in Peru
WhatsApp Us!Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley, Peru: an ATV Ride and a Hike in One Day
Most people who come to Vinicunca see one view. You will see two, and walk from one to the other.
First you ride the ATV through the Red Valley. Then you set off on foot, up to the Red Valley viewpoint and on to Rainbow Mountain, with the snowy peak of Ausangate rising behind it. It is the most complete Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley ATV tour you can do in a single day.
- 4:00 AM pick-up at your hotel, with an Andean breakfast in Cusipata on the way
- 30 minutes by ATV through the Red Valley, past grazing llamas and alpacas
- 20 minutes up to the Red Valley viewpoint, 40 more to Vinicunca, and about 45 minutes at the top
- The same way back, a buffet lunch, and the Plaza de Armas by 4:30 to 5:00 PM
ATV Through the Red Valley: First Stop, and It Steals the Show
Before you see a single stripe of Vinicunca, the Red Valley opens up below you: rounded hills the color of rust, streaked with yellow, white and green, rolling all the way to the horizon.
It is not another angle on Rainbow Mountain. It is a whole different landscape, and plenty of travelers come home calling it the surprise of the trip.
Rainbow Mountain, With Ausangate Behind It
From the Red Valley the trail dips and rises, and then there it is: the striped ridge of Vinicunca, right in front of you.
You get about 45 minutes to enjoy it. Take your photos, explore with your guide and climb to the upper lookout, where Ausangate fills the background. At 6,384 m it is the highest mountain in the Cusco region, and in Andean tradition a sacred apu, a guardian mountain watching over the valleys below.
The Hike: Short Stretches, Big Views
The walking comes in short stretches, and every one ends in a view worth stopping for:
- 20 minutes up to the Red Valley viewpoint
- 40 minutes on to Rainbow Mountain
- The same way back to the ATVs, with both views already in your camera
Go at your own pace and stop for photos as often as you like. Prefer to ride? Locals wait with horses right where the walk begins and take you up to the Red Valley and on to the stone steps below Vinicunca, the one stretch everyone walks. S/ 70–100 each way, cash in soles. Just tell your guide before the ATV ride.
Is the Red Valley Worth It? Who This Tour Is For
This is your day if you:
- Want to see the Red Valley and Rainbow Mountain on the same day
- Love the idea of an ATV ride and a hike in the same morning
- Want to walk part of the way, not just stop for a quick photo
- Have spent two full days acclimatizing in Cusco
Looking for something different?
- Would rather barely walk at all? → ATV Ride to Red Valley + Rainbow Mountain, Minimal Walking
- Only want Rainbow Mountain, with a quick ATV ride? → Rainbow Mountain Only, ATV Tour with Minimal Walking
- Prefer not to ride an ATV or walk? → Rainbow Mountain by Motorcycle, No Hiking
- Want to hike the whole way, no ATV? → Classic Rainbow Mountain Hike
- Want a rainbow mountain with far fewer people? → Pallay Punchu Tour
Highlights
- Ride an ATV through the Red Valley, past grazing llamas and alpacas
- Hike between two viewpoints: the Red Valley and Rainbow Mountain
- About 45 minutes at Vinicunca, with snow-capped Ausangate behind it
- Andean breakfast and buffet lunch in Cusipata included
More Options
The same mountains, reached a different way
Classic Rainbow Mountain Hike
ATV Ride to Red Valley + Rainbow Mountain, Minimal Walking
Rainbow Mountain Only, ATV Tour with Minimal Walking
Rainbow Mountain by Motorcycle, No Hiking
Pallay Punchu Tour100% secure transactions
100% refund guaranteed when you cancel 48 hours before the tour
Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley Day Tour, Hour by Hour
Full-Day Tour · ATV Ride to Red Valley + Hike to Rainbow Mountain
04:00 AM
Hotel pick-up in Cusco
05:30 AM
Andean breakfast in Cusipata (about 45 minutes)
06:15 AM
Continue by van to the Pachaschaka ATV station (about 1 hour 30)
07:45 AM
Helmet, safety briefing and a practice run on the ATVs (about 15 minutes)
08:00 AM
Ride through the Red Valley, past grazing llamas and alpacas (about 30 minutes)
08:30 AM
Park the ATVs and hike up to the Red Valley viewpoint (about 20 minutes)
08:50 AM
Red Valley viewpoint — time for photos of its red, yellow, white and green hills
09:00 AM
Hike on to Rainbow Mountain, down and up again (about 40 minutes)
09:40 AM
Vinicunca viewpoint — about 45 minutes for photos, to explore and climb to the upper lookout, with Ausangate behind
10:25 AM
Hike back the same way to the ATVs (about 1 hour)
11:25 AM
Ride back to the station (about 30 minutes)
12:00 PM
Van back down to Cusipata (about 1 hour 30)
01:30 PM
Buffet lunch in Cusipata (about 45 minutes)
02:15 PM
Van back to Cusco (about 2 hours)
04:30 PM
Drop-off near the Plaza de Armas, between 4:30 and 5:00 PM
Red Valley Peru ATV Tour: Questions and Answers
Book the Red Valley ATV Tour + Rainbow Mountain Hike online: press Book Now on this page and pay by card, Google Pay or Apple Pay. It starts at US$ 64 per person, with hotel pick-up in Cusco included.
Your day starts with a 4:00 AM pick-up and includes an Andean breakfast, about 30 minutes each way on the ATV through the Red Valley, a guided hike to the Red Valley viewpoint and on to Rainbow Mountain, and a buffet lunch. Departures are shared, with around 10 travelers in normal season. Want the day to yourselves? Ask for a private departure on WhatsApp at +51 926 445 634. Cancel up to 48 hours before for a full refund. Entrance fees, S/ 40 per person, are paid in cash on the day.
Cold, bright and changeable. Expect around −5 °C at dawn and up to 13 °C at midday, with strong sun and wind. May to September is the dry season; November to April brings afternoon rain and sometimes snow.
Mornings start freezing, so the ATV ride is the coldest part of the day and gloves make all the difference. By late morning the sun is strong at this altitude, even when the air stays cool. June is usually the clearest month. In the rainy season, clouds tend to build after midday, and snow can dust the colors in any month. Nobody can guarantee the weather up here, so pack layers and a rain jacket whatever the forecast says.
Yes, for most travelers. It adds a second, completely different landscape to your Rainbow Mountain day: rust-red hills streaked with yellow, white and green. Many visitors end up loving it even more than Vinicunca.
On this tour the Red Valley is not an add-on. It is the first stop, reached by ATV and a 20-minute climb on foot, and the trail then carries on to Rainbow Mountain, so seeing both costs no extra trip or fee. It is only worth a second thought if two hours of walking at altitude is more than you want. In that case, the Minimal Walking ATV tour reaches both lookouts with about 10 minutes on foot.
Follow the briefing, keep your helmet on, ride single file behind your guide, and wear shoes with good grip for the hike. If an electrical storm builds, your guide decides how the group continues.
Everyone gets a briefing and a practice run before setting off, so no riding experience is needed. On foot, go at a pace that lets you talk, keep to the path and stay with your group. Weather changes quickly above 4,600 m, and riding or walking in an electrical storm is never safe. If one builds, your guide will decide whether to wait, shorten the route or head down, always for the safety of the group. The guide also carries a first-aid kit and emergency oxygen.
Most travelers stay in Cusco and visit the Red Valley as a day trip, with hotel pick-up included. Lodging near the mountain is basic: simple guesthouses in nearby villages such as Pitumarca.
Cusco has everything from hostels to boutique hotels, and sleeping there helps you acclimatize before the hike. Staying closer means a later start, but also a night at higher altitude, and the CDC notes that sleeping lower is easier on the body. Already staying near the mountain? You can join the tour at the ATV station instead of in Cusco, for a lower price. Message us on WhatsApp at +51 926 445 634 to arrange it.
Riders must be at least 16, and no experience is needed: the ATV, fuel, helmet and a briefing come with the tour. If you meet us at the ATV station instead of in Cusco, bring your driver's license.
Joining at the Pachaschaka ATV station costs less than the full tour from Cusco. Message us on WhatsApp at +51 926 445 634 before you go, and we will send you the meeting point, the time and your price. Bring your driver's license, a photo of your passport and cash in soles for the S/ 40 entrance. Renting from another provider? Before you pay, ask in writing whether the helmet, a briefing and the entrance fees are included.
Boots or trail shoes with good grip, warm layers, a rain jacket, gloves, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, at least a liter of water, snacks and cash in soles. Trekking poles are a bonus on the way down.
Footwear matters most: the path dips and climbs again between the two viewpoints, and good grip keeps you steady and comfortable. Layers come next. Temperatures at the site run from about −5 °C at dawn to 13 °C at midday (MINCETUR), and snow can fall even in the dry season, so pack an outer layer that blocks wind and rain. Sun protection is a must too: UV rises about 10% for every 1,000 m of altitude (WHO). No special brands needed. Anything that keeps you warm, dry and sure-footed will do.
Spend two full days acclimatizing in Cusco, walk at a slow, steady pace, drink water and skip alcohol. If a headache comes with nausea or dizziness, tell your guide: going down is the best treatment.
Fitness does not protect you from altitude sickness (CDC), so even strong hikers should take the climbs easy and stop for photos as often as they like. Your guide knows the signs, and the tour carries emergency oxygen. Confusion, loss of balance or breathlessness at rest mean descend straight away (NHS). Want to save your energy for the views? Locals rent horses where the walk begins, for S/ 70–100 each way. If you have a heart or lung condition, talk to your doctor before booking.
Horses are rented on the spot, not sold as a separate tour. On this tour, locals wait where the walk begins and charge S/ 70–100 each way, cash in soles. The final stone steps to Vinicunca are walked.
The horse carries you up to the Red Valley viewpoint, then down to where a stretch of stone steps climbs to the Vinicunca viewpoint. Those steps are always on foot. Tell your guide before the ATV ride if you would like a horse, and pay the owner directly. If you would rather barely walk at all, the Minimal Walking ATV tour is the easier choice: the ATV rides on to both lookouts, the path is shorter and gentler, and you walk only about 10 minutes, no horse needed.
Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley ATV Tour Reviews
Excellent
4.9142 reviews
Cosmopolitan711025
October 9, 2026
Muy recomendable para cuzco
Muy buena experiencia, repetiría sin dudar, vistas impresionantes, nuestro guia y conductor espectacular, un 10
Mark Witchell A
October 8, 2026
Rainbow Mountain Tour
A very fun filled and exciting day, very prompt pick up and drop offs. Rogelio was an awesome guide, very knowledgeable and helpful. Friendly staff, overall an awesome experience. Will 10/10 recommend :)
Harsh G
October 8, 2026
Best 1 day spent
We have the best guide lavora! Great experience and lots of information.
Yamila M
October 8, 2026
Buena
Muy cansadora, Rogelio atento y responsable.
Arno G
October 7, 2026
Impressive scenery!
Rojel was a great guide! Fun, safe, and we were early are mountain without all the tourists!
Aoife M
October 3, 2026
Stone forrest & rainbow mountain
Rafael was a very kind and enthusiastic guide. He was so helpful. The scenery was absolutely beautiful and the food for breakfast and lunch was lovely. definietly recommend to anyone staying in cusco and looking for a more peaceful rainbow mountain experience
Kathleen Bradshaw
September 28, 2026
Best day!
Our guide was amazing and the trip was one to remember for the rest of my life! I enjoyed our trip immensely!
Dani C
September 24, 2026
Montaña de 7 colores
Excelente tour, Rogelio muy buen guía y atento. Súper divertida experiencia, y el buffet muy completo.
Sthéfanie P
September 23, 2026
Excelente tour
Nos encantó visitar la montaña de 7 colores y el valle rojo! Muchas gracias a nuestro guía Rogelio, un genio total, súper atento y a disposición de todo el grupo. El desayuno y el almuerzo estuvo excelente, súper completo y rico. Alquilamos los cuatriciclos y tuvieron mucha paciencia para explicarnos cómo manejar. Los volvería a elegir y recomiendo totalmente. Muchas gracias nuevamente a Rogelio 🙌🏼
Crystal W
September 22, 2026
Exceeded my expectations
We had a wonderful trip up Rainbow mountain! The wheather was great and the Red Valley was stunning. Views of snowcapped Andes in the back, very beautiful. I loved taking the ATV to have a shorter hike. Rogelio was the best guid we have had the whole trip! He is very funny. The only downside is getting up so dang early. There are no less tourists, I wish there was an option to go later in the day
May H
September 19, 2026
Amazing Experience well worth the early wake up
We had an amazing experience on The Ultimate: Red Valley + Rainbow Mountain by ATV — no hiking, and a huge part of that was thanks to our wonderful guide, Rojher. From the very beginning, Rojher was incredibly patient, kind, and helpful. I accidentally left my phone in the taxi that picked us up from our hotel, and Rojher went above and beyond to help me get it back. He made multiple phone calls and sent messages to the taxi driver, patiently waited with me until the driver returned, and made sure I was able to check the car and recover my phone. Since the group had already left for breakfast, Rojher even arranged a taxi for my partner and me so we could catch up with the rest of the group. His kindness and willingness to help turned what could have been a very stressful situation into something much easier to handle. Once we arrived for the ATV ride, Rojher continued to be attentive every step of the way. Our group was small, and he made sure everyone was safe, comfortable, and enjoying the experience. He led us to both Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley and was always there to guide and assist us along the way. The scenery was incredible, and riding the ATVs made the experience even more memorable. But honestly, what made the day truly special was having a guide like Rojher. His patience, kindness, and genuine care for his guests really stood out. Thank you, Rojher, for making our experience so wonderful! We highly recommend this tour, and especially Rojher as a guide.
MACARENA P
September 17, 2026
Valle Rojo y Montaña 7 colores en cuatrimotos
Fue una hermosa experiencia, desde el principio, nos recogió en la puerta del hotel, desayuno y almuerzo maravilloso, acompañando en todo momento, Rogelio además hace unas fotos hermosas, el mejor guía. Recomiendo 100%
Nicola D
September 17, 2026
Beautiful views and great trip.
We really enjoyed the trip. The food was excellent - fresh and lots of choice. The trip was fab but we underestimated how cold it would be! Our guide Rogelio was also helpful, answering any of our questions.
Paola L
September 17, 2026
Gran experiencia desafiante
Excelente experiencia. Una gran aventura. Y el guía espectacular Rogelio
Patricia M
September 16, 2026
Experiência fantástica!
O guia Rogelio foi super atencioso, o passeio maravilhoso, o café da manhã e almoço muito bons. Foi tudo ótimo
MONICA_CORSINO
September 16, 2026
Uma experiência surreal
Experiência incrível, passeio de quadriculo surreal. Montanha ARCO Iris é um espetáculo à parte! Rogelio um guia super simpático, competente! Café da manhã e almoço oferecidos deliciosos!
Ashley Anderson
September 2026
Rent ATVs to go to rainbow mtn. Great experience.
Alex M
September 15, 2026
RAIMBOW MOUNTAIN Experience
Puntual, helpful and great actitude.
ILIE S
September 14, 2026
Rainbow tour
Very good experience and Rogelio was an amazing guide We enjoyed the tour very much
suzannegeraldine
September 14, 2026
Excellent Experience
We had an amazing experience on the Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley tour! The views were absolutely breathtaking, and our tour guide, Rogelio, was incredibly kind, attentive, and helpful throughout the entire trip. He made sure we were comfortable and even took so many great pictures for us! We truly enjoyed the experience and would definitely recommend this tour, especially with Rogelio as your guide!
Ramil T
September 14, 2026
10/10
Rainbow Mountain + Red Valley with Rogelio — 10/10, would do again. The climb is no joke (altitude hits different up there 😅) but Rogelio kept everyone laughing and moving at a good pace. He clearly knows and loves this place — shared so many cool stories about the mountains and local culture along the way. Rainbow Mountain is unreal in person, colors you just can't fully capture in photos. Red Valley was an awesome bonus stop too, way less crowded and just as gorgeous. Rogelio even grabbed some great summit pics for us. If you're heading to Rainbow Mountain, book with Rogelio. Total legend, made the whole trip 🙌
Eva D
September 13, 2026
Excellent
Très belle expérience. La vue est magnifique, il y a peu de monde, c'est un très bon moyen de profiter des montagnes arc en ciel loin de la foule et à notre rythme. Notre guide, Rafael, s'est montré présent lorsqu'il le fallait mais nous a aussi laissé monter à notre rythme.
tarajoeob
September 13, 2026
Wonderful tour - highly recommend
We had an amazing day with our guide Rogelio. Fun ATV ride and stunning scenery. Thanks again Rogelio :)
Bejul Shah
August 2026
We did the Rainbow Valley day tour with MC Peru Expeditions, and it was superbly organised and our guide Rogelio was amazing and knowledgeable. Had an early start at 3.45pm, however the advantage being that you are on of the first to get toVinicunca Mountain (avoiding traffic, also on the return). Also lucked out as it was a beautiful sunny day. Breakfast and lunch at same place, had vegetarian options. Were a group of 12, and Rogelio made sure wartime was included and speaking in both Spanish and English. He made the journey enjoyable and big kudos to the driver too. Highly recommend using these guys, and ask for Rogelio!
Carmen Herrera
August 2026
Excellent personalized service; they're always available to answer your questions. Very professional and attentive. 100% recommended. I congratulate and thank them for the service provided in Cusco. They were a huge help and support to my aunt, an elderly woman over 80 years old.
Matthew Torio
July 2026
Amazing experience! The ATV's were very user friendly. It was so gorgeous for travel through the Andean country side. I took a tour to Ausangate glacier, where I was able to hike part of the mountain and I personally took a quick swim in one of the 7 glacial lakes. Jorge was an amazing guide who was very friendly and welcoming. He spoke good English and made sure I was comfortable throughout the trip and made sure to take amazing photos. Aside from a few caretakers, Jorge and I seemed to be the only people in the entire national park. This was truly one of the best things I did while I was in Peru. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a more unique experience while in Peru!
Robert Wilson
March 2026
Our trip to Pallay Poncho was amazing and our tour guide was excellent! The stops for breakfast and lunch during the drive were great and the weather was beautiful.
cinnia yang
March 2026
A fantastic tour guide，a fantastic experience. A Very considerate tour leader. Although the journey was long,We were lucky enough to see Rainbow Mountain under the sunlight. Encouraged by the guide, we also climbed to the top and saw the most beautiful scenery.Riding an ATV on the winding mountain road was a new ecperience and felt very exciting. Breakfast amd Lunch on this trip were both excellent 。
Travelloef Ibrahim & Laura
October 2025
We did the Red Valley and Rainbow Mountain tour. We did it by ATV and it was amazing. The guide was great! Explained everything and made sure we were very safe. The lunch and breakfast were incredibly delicious. You could eat as much as you wanted. It was also super healthy. Truly a top-notch tour, especially if you have already done a lot of hikes in Peru; this is a wonderfully different way to do things!
Beyond the Six Tours
Private Days and Other Rainbow Mountains
Want the day for your group alone, or a mountain we don't list online? Message us on WhatsApp and we'll put it together.
