Rainbow Mountain Quad Bike Tour with Meals from Cusco

Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) by quad bike

Rainbow Mountain, or Vinicunca, is a ridge in the Andes striped in red, ochre, green and turquoise by layers of different minerals, and its viewpoint sits at around 5,000 metres above sea level. On foot the approach is a long, steep walk, but by quad the ride to the mountain takes about 15 minutes over roughly 3 kilometres, which leaves more energy for the viewpoint.

The visit at the mountain lasts around 45 minutes, enough to walk up to the lookout, take photographs and feel the thin air. Sunshine brings out the colours, and cloud dulls them, so go on a clear day if you can. Many travellers who search for a Rainbow Mountain quad tour from Cusco choose this trip to skip much of the climb and add some adrenaline.

The Red Valley and the Andean highlands

The first option is named after the Red Valley, the rust-coloured landscape close to Rainbow Mountain, where iron-rich rocks stain the hills a deep red. The whole area is open highland with alpacas, llamas and small farming villages such as Kayrawiri, where the quad track begins. The scenery changes from green pasture to bare mountain as you climb.

The road from Cusco heads south through the countryside, and the sky is wide and bright at this altitude. Bring sunglasses, a hat and warm layers, because mornings are cold and the sun is strong. The tour combines the landscape with the ride, so it works for people who want more than a viewpoint.

Riding the quad: safety and rules

The tour starts with a safety briefing and time to practise on the quads. You ride your own single quad in a guided line behind the guide, and a helmet is provided. The double option carries two people on one quad. Riders should have some experience of quad bikes, follow the guide's instructions and keep to safe speeds.

Travel insurance that covers adventure activities is required, and quad travel insurance is paid separately, so ask us before you travel. Photos and videos may be taken only when the quad is stopped. The activity is not suitable for children under 2, pregnant women, or people with back or heart problems or recent surgery.

Timing, altitude and planning your day

In the default option pickup is at around 04:00 from a hotel in Cusco, with the pickup time confirmed the day before. The road to Cusipata takes about two hours, followed by around an hour and twenty minutes to the quad base. Return to Cusco is timed for the afternoon, and you are dropped at Plaza Regocijo, so transfer back to the hotel is not included.

The whole trip lasts around 12 hours. Rainbow Mountain sits far above Cusco, at about 3,400 metres, so spend a day or two acclimatising first. The dry season from May to September is the best time to visit Rainbow Mountain. The entrance fee to the mountain is paid on site and is not included. Other options may use later departure times.