The Rainbow Mountain by Turisteando

Rainbow Mountain Without Hiking: A Motorcycle Ride with a Local Driver

Tripadvisor rating4.9
Google rating4.8
  • A local driver takes you up by motorcycle
  • Just a 10-minute walk to the top
  • No hiking, and nothing to drive
  • Breakfast, lunch and hot coca tea

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100% refund guaranteed when you cancel 48 hours before the tour

What's Included in This Rainbow Mountain Tour Without Hiking

This Tour in Short

Nothing to drive and almost nothing to walk: a local driver takes you up by motorcycle in about 8 minutes, and the last 10 are on foot. It's the easiest way to the viewpoint.

What's Included

  • Motorcycle ride with a local driverAbout 8 minutes each way, from the van to just below the viewpoint
  • Helmet
  • Hotel pick-up in Cusco's historic centerBetween 3:30 and 4:00 AM, with drop-off at the Plaza de Armas
  • Round-trip tourist transportAbout 3.5 hours each way, stopping in Cusipata for both meals
  • Local guide, Spanish and basic English
  • Andean breakfast and buffet lunch in CusipataAbout 45 minutes for each
  • Hot drinksCoffee, coca tea and muña tea
  • Emergency oxygen and first-aid kitAvailable for any emergency

What's Not Included

  • Rainbow Mountain entrance: S/ 30 per person (about USD 8), paid in cash on site
  • Extra drinks, snacks and souvenirs
  • Personal clothing: warm layers, gloves, sunglasses
  • Gratuities
  • Travel insurance

What to Bring

  • Warm layers (jacket, thermal top, wool hat): the 3:30 AM start is freezing, and riding on the back of a motorcycle in the wind is cold
  • Gloves, to hold on comfortably in the cold
  • Comfortable shoes with grip for the 10-minute walk
  • Sunscreen, UV sunglasses and lip balm
  • A camera or a charged phone
  • Cash in soles: S/ 30 for the entrance, in small notes
  • Passport or ID
  • Water

The viewpoint is 5,036 m and Cusco sits at 3,399 m, so give yourself two full days in the city first. You barely walk on this tour, but the altitude is the same. The entrance, S/ 30 per person, is paid in cash on the day and is not included in the tour price.

Things to Know

What to know before riding to Rainbow Mountain by motorcycle

  • Difficulty: EasyA local driver takes you up, so there's no hike. The only walking is about 10 minutes up a short, steep path to the viewpoint, at your own pace.
  • The motorcycle: You ride on the back, wearing a helmet, behind a local driver who knows the track. No experience needed: just hold on.
  • Shared departure: You may share the day with travelers who hike up instead. The group regroups at the van before heading to lunch, so you may wait a little for the hikers to come back down.
  • Altitude: The viewpoint is 5,036 m (16,522 ft), the official MINCETUR figure and the one on the sign at the top. Cusco is 3,399 m. The tour carries emergency oxygen.
  • Acclimatization: Spend two full days in Cusco first. You barely walk here, but the thin air still affects you.
  • Duration: About 13 hours. Pick-up between 3:30 and 4:00 AM, back at the Plaza de Armas between 4:00 and 4:30 PM.
  • Cold: The early start is freezing, and riding on the back of a motorcycle adds wind chill. Gloves, a hat and warm layers are essential. Hot drinks are included.
  • Best season: May to September is the driest and clearest, and June is the most reliable month. From November to April, expect afternoon rain, and snow that can hide the colors, most often from December to March.
  • Weather: Changeable, and nobody can guarantee it. A snowy morning can turn sunny by the time you leave, or the other way around.
  • Entrance: S/ 30 per person, not included in the price, paid in cash on site. Bring it in small notes.
  • Not suitable for: Children under 6, pregnant travelers and people with heart problems.
  • Not allowed: Smoking, littering and alcohol in the vehicle.
  • Drop-off: Everyone is dropped at the Plaza de Armas, not at individual hotels.

About the Rainbow Mountain Tour Without Hiking

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Rainbow Mountain Without Hiking: The Day at a Glance

It's a full-day trip from Cusco to Vinicunca, Peru's famous Rainbow Mountain, where a local driver takes you up by motorcycle and you walk only the last 10 minutes. No trek and no ATV to handle: you sit back, hold on and watch the Andes go by.

Picture it: the van stops at the foot of the mountain, a local driver hands you a helmet, and minutes later you're climbing a dirt track past grazing llamas and alpacas, with Ausangate's snowcapped peak ahead. A short walk, and the stripes of red, ochre, turquoise and lavender open up in front of you.

  • Pick-up at your hotel in Cusco between 3:30 and 4:00 AM, with breakfast and hot drinks in Cusipata on the way
  • About 8 minutes up by motorcycle with a local driver
  • A 10-minute walk to the viewpoint, and plenty of time at the mountain
  • A buffet lunch in Cusipata, and back at the Plaza de Armas between 4:00 and 4:30 PM

A Motorcycle with a Local Driver: How the Ride Works

You don't drive anything. At the trailhead, you get a helmet and ride on the back of a motorcycle with a local driver who knows the track.

  • About 8 minutes up a local route, to just below the viewpoint
  • Then a 10-minute walk to the top, at 5,036 m (16,522 ft)
  • The same ride back down to the van
  • No experience needed: just hold on and enjoy the view

The Easiest Way to See Rainbow Mountain

Is Rainbow Mountain hard? On foot, it can be: the classic trail is about 3.5 km each way, and most people need under two hours to climb it. On the ATV tours, you drive the machine yourself. This tour asks the least of you: a local driver does both.

Riding up doesn't mean the mountain asks nothing of you. At 5,036 m the air holds about half the oxygen you're used to, so take the final 10 minutes slowly, stop whenever you like, and let your guide know how you feel. The tour carries emergency oxygen, just in case.

Vinicunca Weather and the Best Time to Visit

May to September is the dry season, with the clearest skies, and June is the most reliable month. From November to April, afternoons bring rain, and snow can hide the stripes, most often from December to March. Nobody can promise the weather up here, but the early start gets you to the mountain in the morning.

Who This Tour Is For

It's your day if you:

  • Want to see Rainbow Mountain, but not hike at altitude
  • Would rather not drive an ATV yourself
  • Are traveling with teenagers or older relatives who couldn't manage the climb
  • Have only a few days in Cusco and want an easier day up high

Not suitable for children under 6, pregnant travelers or people with heart problems.

Looking for something different?

Highlights

  • Ride up by motorcycle with a local driver: no hiking, and nothing to drive
  • Just a 10-minute walk to the Vinicunca viewpoint
  • Llamas, alpacas and Ausangate's snowcapped peak along the way
  • Emergency oxygen on the tour, for peace of mind at 5,036 m
  • Andean breakfast and a buffet lunch in Cusipata, both included
  • Hot coffee, coca tea and muña tea to warm up on the early start

More Options

The same mountains, reached a different way

Not sure which one fits? Compare all 6 tours side by side

100% secure transactions

100% refund guaranteed when you cancel 48 hours before the tour

Rainbow Mountain Peru Day Tour Without Hiking: Hour by Hour

Full-Day Tour · Rainbow Mountain by Motorcycle, No Hiking

  1. 03:30 – 04:00 AM

    Hotel pick-up in Cusco's historic center: the van collects everyone in about 30 minutes

  2. 05:30 AM

    Andean breakfast and hot drinks in Cusipata (about 45 minutes)

  3. 06:15 AM

    Continue by van toward the mountain (about 2 hours)

  4. 08:15 AM

    At the trailhead: helmet on, and up by motorcycle with a local driver (about 8 minutes)

  5. 08:30 AM

    Short 10-minute walk to the viewpoint, with time to take it all in

  6. 10:30 AM

    Motorcycle ride back down to the van (about 8 minutes)

  7. 11:00 AM

    Van back to Cusipata (about 2 hours)

  8. 01:00 PM

    Buffet lunch in Cusipata (about 45 minutes)

  9. 01:45 PM

    Van back to Cusco (about 2 hours with traffic)

  10. 04:00 – 04:30 PM

    Drop-off at the Plaza de Armas

Rainbow Mountain Without Hiking: Questions and Answers

Rainbow Mountain Without Hiking: Tour Reviews

What travelers say after riding up to Rainbow Mountain without the climb. Read a few, then pick your date.

Excellent4.9179 reviews

Tripadvisor

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.

Tripadvisor

Cosmopolitan711025

October 9, 2026

Muy recomendable para cuzco

Muy buena experiencia, repetiría sin dudar, vistas impresionantes, nuestro guia y conductor espectacular, un 10

GetYourGuide

Vinay Kumar – Canada

October 9, 2026

It was very challenging, yet absolutely wonderful!

Tripadvisor

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 :)

Tripadvisor

Harsh G

October 8, 2026

Best 1 day spent

We have the best guide lavora! Great experience and lots of information.

Tripadvisor

Yamila M

October 8, 2026

Buena

Muy cansadora, Rogelio atento y responsable.

Tripadvisor

Arno G

October 7, 2026

Impressive scenery!

Rojel was a great guide! Fun, safe, and we were early are mountain without all the tourists!

Tripadvisor

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

GetYourGuide

Meaghan – United States

September 30, 2026

This tour delivered exactly what was promised and the communication was very clear and helpful the day before.

Tripadvisor

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!

Tripadvisor

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.

Tripadvisor

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 🙌🏼

Tripadvisor

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

Tripadvisor

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.

Tripadvisor

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%

Tripadvisor

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.

Tripadvisor

Paola L

September 17, 2026

Gran experiencia desafiante

Excelente experiencia. Una gran aventura. Y el guía espectacular Rogelio

Tripadvisor

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

Tripadvisor

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!

Tripadvisor

Alex M

September 15, 2026

RAIMBOW MOUNTAIN Experience

Puntual, helpful and great actitude.

Tripadvisor

ILIE S

September 14, 2026

Rainbow tour

Very good experience and Rogelio was an amazing guide We enjoyed the tour very much

Tripadvisor

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!

Tripadvisor

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 🙌

Tripadvisor

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.

Tripadvisor

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 :)

Google

Ashley Anderson

September 2026

Rent ATVs to go to rainbow mtn. Great experience.

GetYourGuide

Bejul – United Kingdom

August 26, 2026

the Rainbow Valley day tour with MC Peru Expeditions 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!

GetYourGuide

Soumya – Canada

August 10, 2026

Trip was well managed so it was wonderful except it was snowy so wasn’t able to see the mountain clearly By the time we we’re returning back, it was sunny hence the clear mountain view but we already had the trip so couldn’t go back.

Google

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!

Google

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.

Google

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!

Google

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.

Google

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 。

GetYourGuide

Steven – United Kingdom

November 24, 2025

simply a wonderful day in great company

GetYourGuide

GetYourGuide traveller – United States

November 17, 2025

We got to Rainbow Mountain quickly due to mountain bike on the cite. Guide up wd us in Rainbow Mt would have been better to point out all significant area of the RM instead we were by ourselves to jostle wd the crowd.

Google

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!

GetYourGuide

GetYourGuide traveller – Canada

September 23, 2025

My guide Hilton was great, he made the whole experience seem less and enjoyable!

GetYourGuide

GetYourGuide traveller – Peru

September 12, 2025

the tour was well arranged and given breakfast and lunch with excellent choices

GetYourGuide

GetYourGuide traveller – United States

September 9, 2025

It was great. Rainbow Mountain is an amazing place to see. Jorge was very helpful. He took good care of all in the group. Highly recommend this travel company.

GetYourGuide

GetYourGuide traveller – United Kingdom

August 16, 2025

Excellent, good fun

GetYourGuide

David – United Kingdom

October 14, 2024

Tour was really great. It was amazing to see rainbow Mountain. Guide explained in Spanish and English, and took good care of all in the group. Definitely recommend this travel company

Just Your Group

Private Rainbow Mountain Tour Without Hiking: Only the People You Came With

Prefer to share the day only with your own group? A private departure gives you a guide and a van of your own, plus a motorcycle and local driver for each traveler. Send us your date and how many you are on WhatsApp, and we'll quote you a price.

Rainbow Mountain Without the Climb

Book Your Rainbow Mountain Tour Without Hiking

Ride up behind a local driver, walk the last 10 minutes and stand in front of the stripes at 5,036 m. Pick your date, and we'll take care of the pick-up, the motorcycle, your guide, both meals and the hot coca tea.

Free cancellation up to 48 hours before · Motorcycle and helmet included · Local guide

FromUSD $94USD $78.00