We will begin our ATV adventure early in the morning, departing from Cusco towards Japura. The journey will take us through breathtaking Andean landscapes, passing picturesque villages and scenic valleys. The crisp mountain air and stunning views will make the ride unforgettable. Our expert guides will ensure a safe and exciting experience.
Upon arrival in Japura, we will receive a briefing on ATV handling and safety. Our adventure will continue on rugged mountain trails toward Qosqopata, where we will ride past snow-capped peaks and vast highland plains. Every turn in the winding road will reveal spectacular scenery, making the ride thrilling.
From Qosqopata, we will begin a short trek to Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca). Along the way, we will pass red hills, green valleys, and unique mineral formations. The multicolored layers of the mountain will leave us in awe. From the top, we will enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the Andes.
After exploring Rainbow Mountain, we will hike back to Qosqopata, where our ATVs will be waiting for the return ride. The downhill journey will be just as exhilarating, with the Andean wind rushing past us. We will drive back to Japura and then return to Cusco by afternoon.
This ATV tour in Cusco offers the perfect mix of adventure and natural beauty. We will experience thrilling off-road rides and scenic high-altitude trekking. The journey will be unforgettable, leaving us with incredible memories and a true sense of achievement.
Total Distance: 140 km round trip
Highest Altitude: 5,200 meters above sea level
Lowest Altitude: 3,399 meters above sea level
Route: Cusco – Japura – Qosqopata – Rainbow Mountain – Qosqopata – Japura – Cusco
Difficulty Level: Moderate (ATV ride and short high-altitude trek)
Hotel in Cusco
3:30 AM and 4:00 AM
We will begin our tour early, picking everyone up from their hotels between 3:30 AM and 4:00 AM. Our journey will begin with a 2-hour 30-minute drive from Cusco to Japura. The route will take us through scenic Andean landscapes, passing small villages and rolling valleys. As the sun rises, we will see the snow-capped peaks of the Andes Mountains.
In Japura, we will enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast, providing energy for the adventure ahead. Our guides will give a detailed briefing about the quad bike tour, ensuring we understand the safety rules. We will then practice handling the ATVs to get comfortable before heading off.
We will ride our ATVs to Qosqopata, traveling 25 km (15.5 miles) in about 1 hour 30 minutes. The rugged dirt roads will wind through stunning Andean valleys, where we will see llamas and alpacas grazing. Towering peaks will surround us, creating an incredible contrast of colors and textures. The fresh mountain air will make the experience even more exhilarating.
We will ascend gradually, feeling the altitude as we ride. The path will offer both smooth and challenging sections, making the ride a true adventure. When we reach Qosqopata (4,750 meters), we will park the ATVs and get ready for a short, rewarding hike to Rainbow Mountain.
From Qosqopata, we will begin a 35-minute hike to Rainbow Mountain (5,200 meters above sea level). The trail will take us through multicolored landscapes, where the hills display shades of red, yellow, and turquoise. The contrast with the surrounding snow-capped peaks will make this an amazing experience.
We will reach the top and take in the breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of the Andes Mountains. Our guide will explain the geology and cultural significance of this unique landmark. We will have approximately one hour to explore, take photos, and appreciate the beauty of Vinicunca.
After enjoying Rainbow Mountain, we will hike back to Qosqopata following the same route. The return trek will take around 30 minutes, allowing us to take in the views one last time. Once at the ATV station, we will hop back onto our quad bikes for another thrilling ride back to Japura.
The ride will last about 1 hour 30 minutes, offering a different perspective of the Andean landscapes. The downhill sections will make for an exciting and fun ride. Upon reaching Japura, we will enjoy a buffet lunch to refuel after our adventure.
After an amazing adventure, we will take a private vehicle for a 2-hour 30-minute drive back to Cusco. The journey will be relaxing, giving us time to rest and enjoy the last glimpses of the Andes Mountains.
We will arrive at Plaza de Armas in Cusco around 5:00 PM, where we will end our full-day tour. Our guides will drop us off near Saphy Street, conveniently located near the city center.
The tour is moderate in difficulty. The ATV ride is exciting but manageable, even for beginners. The trek to Rainbow Mountain is short (35 minutes) but at high altitude.
You do not need prior experience. Our guides will provide a safety briefing and practice session before we start the tour.
The best time is April to October when the weather is dry and clear. November to March brings more rain, making trails muddy.
The ATV ride from Japura to Qosqopata and back takes approximately 3 hours (1.5 hours each way).
Yes, portable oxygen tanks are available with our guides in case of emergencies.
We do not include insurance, but we highly recommend it for adventure activities like ATV riding and high-altitude trekking.
We will drop you off near Saphy Street, close to Cusco’s city center and Plaza de Armas.
This was the best tour we did in Cusco! Riding an ATV through the Andes was an amazing experience. The landscapes were breathtaking, and the short hike to Rainbow Mountain was totally worth it.
Our guide was friendly and very knowledgeable. The breakfast and lunch were delicious. Highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for adventure!.
