English, Portuguese, and Spanish-speaking guide
Small-group tour or private tour
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Pickup included
Check the Dates
This Cusco to Vinicunca tour is a high-octane alternative to traditional trekking, combining a powerful ATV ride with a moderate hike to the summit. You will navigate the intense crimson slopes of the Red Valley on a quad bike before reaching the world-famous 7-colored peaks of Rainbow Mountain. The 14-hour adventure includes professional guides, safety gear, and hearty buffet meals to keep you fueled at 5,000 meters.
Highlights:
- Ride a single or double ATV through the rugged and intense crimson terrain of the Red Valley.
- Reach the 5,036m summit of Vinicunca with a significantly shorter hike than traditional tours.
- Challenge yourself with a high-altitude experience designed for adrenaline seekers and active travelers.
- Navigate ancient Quechua pathways and discover hidden geological wonders away from the crowds.
- Explore the enigmatic Red Valley, a hidden gem known for its surreal mineral tones.
About this tour:
This Cusco to Vinicunca tour is an adrenaline-fueled expedition designed for adventure seekers who want to reach the world-famous Rainbow Mountain with less physical strain and more excitement. By combining a 12 to 14-hour high-altitude journey with a thrilling ride on a quad bike through the Red Valley, this tour allows you to cover vast Andean landscapes efficiently while enjoying a unique perspective of the rugged terrain.
The journey begins with an early morning pickup from your Cusco hotel between 4:00 AM and 4:30 AM, followed by a scenic 2-hour drive to the district of Cusipata for a revitalizing buffet breakfast. From there, you will travel another hour to the community of Laya, situated at 4,630 meters above sea level, where you will receive a safety briefing and basic training on your single or double ATV.
You will then embark on a 25-minute quad bike ride through the otherworldly scenery of the Red Valley, characterized by its intense crimson slopes and vibrant mineral formations. Upon reaching the ATV base, a moderate 30 to 40-minute hike leads you to the summit of Vinicunca, which stands at 5,036 meters above sea level. Here, you will have ample free time to photograph the iconic multi-colored stripes and take in the majestic views of the Ausangate glacier.
After soaking in the scenery, you will hike back to the ATVs for the return ride to Laya, followed by a final stop for a well-deserved buffet lunch in Cusipata before arriving back in Cusco by early evening. Book this tour from Cusco to Vinicunca today for a truly memorable, adrenaline-fueled adventure!
Included:
- Pickup from your hotel in Cusco
- Tourist transportation
- Breakfast and lunch
- Professional bilingual guide
- Single or double ATVs (based on the package option you chose)
- Permanent assistance
- Helmet, walking sticks, and oxygen
- First aid kit
Essential Information:
- Exclusions: The admission ticket (S/ 30) and travel insurance are NOT included.
- Physical Requirements: This tour involves high altitudes (5,036m). It is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, mobility impairments, or those with recent surgeries.
- Weight Limit: Not suitable for people over 209 lbs (95 kg).
- Not Allowed: Alcohol, drugs, explosive substances, and electric wheelchairs.
- Recommendations: Bring comfortable hiking pants, gloves, a daypack, cash for the entrance fee, and plenty of water.
Activity provider: World Explorer Peru
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this full-day Cusco to Vinicunca tour include?
This action-packed itinerary includes convenient hotel pickup and round-trip tourist transportation from Cusco. You will be provided with a professional bilingual guide, safety equipment like helmets and walking sticks, and a single or double ATV (depending on your booking). The package also covers your high-altitude nutrition with a buffet breakfast and a buffet lunch in the district of Cusipata, along with oxygen and first-aid support.
What is not covered by the tour price?
The local entrance fee to the Vinicunca community and Red Valley (approximately S/ 30) is not included in the package and must be paid in cash on-site. Personal travel insurance is not provided, so it is highly recommended that you have your own coverage for high-altitude activities. Additionally, any personal expenses, extra snacks, or gratuities for your guide and driver are the responsibility of the traveler.
Where and when does this tour from Cusco to Vinicunca start?
The adventure begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel in the historic center of Cusco between 4:00 AM and 4:30 AM. One day before your trip, the activity provider will contact you to coordinate the exact timing and provide final instructions. Starting this early allows the group to reach the trailhead and complete the ATV portion before the afternoon mountain weather typically changes.
What types of tour packages are available?
Travelers can choose from three distinct options to fit their personal preferences and budget. There is a single ATV option for those who want to pilot their own machine, a double ATV option for pairs who want to share a vehicle, and a premium private tour option. The private tour offers a more personalized service with a flexible schedule and an exclusive vehicle for your group.
Who is this Vinicunca tour from Cusco not suitable for?
Due to the extreme altitude of 5,036 meters and the physical vibration of the quad bikes, this tour is not suitable for pregnant women or individuals with back problems. It is also restricted for people with mobility impairments, recent surgeries, or those over the weight limit of 209 lbs (95 kg). We strongly recommend that all participants spend at least two days in Cusco to acclimate before attempting this high-altitude excursion.
What should I bring for this tour?
You should dress in layers and bring comfortable hiking pants, warm gloves, and sturdy shoes to protect against the frigid mountain winds. A daypack is essential for carrying your water, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the stunning geological formations. Make sure to bring enough cash in local currency (soles) to pay for the community entrance fees and any small souvenirs you may want to buy.
What is not allowed on this tour?
For the safety of all participants at high altitudes, the consumption of alcohol and drugs is strictly prohibited before and during the tour. Due to the rugged mountain terrain, electric wheelchairs cannot be accommodated on the trails or the ATVs. Additionally, explosive substances and other dangerous items are not allowed in the tourist vehicle or within the natural protected areas.
What will I experience during this Cusco to Vinicunca tour?
You will experience one of the most visually spectacular journeys in the Peruvian Andes, starting with an exhilarating quad bike ride through the Red Valley. As you navigate the intense crimson slopes on your ATV, you will see a surreal landscape of mineral-rich mountains that look like they belong on another planet. This motorized portion of the trip significantly reduces the trekking time, allowing you to save your energy for the final high-altitude push to the famous viewpoint.
Upon reaching the summit of Vinicunca, you will witness the breathtaking 7-colored stripes of the Rainbow Mountain in all their glory. From a height of 5,036 meters, you will have a front-row seat to the massive Ausangate glacier and the sprawling Andean peaks that surround it. The combination of high-speed adventure, physical challenge, and the quiet majesty of the Quechua culture makes this one of the most memorable day trips available from Cusco.