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Local operator · Laya, Red Valley side

Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley by ATV

You drive a quad bike from Laya through the Red Valley, then walk about 40 minutes to the Rainbow Mountain viewpoint. Pick it if you want both valleys and less time on foot, and check two unclear points on the listing before you pay.

Rainbow Mountain & Red Valley by ATV

About this experience

This tour swaps most of the walking for a quad bike. After about two hours on the bus to Cusipata and breakfast, you get a briefing and about 10 minutes of practice in Laya. Then it is roughly 25 minutes on the ATV to the Red Valley, which the listing puts at about 5,000 m, and around 40 minutes on foot to the Rainbow Mountain viewpoint at 5,036 m. You walk back the same way and ride the quad back down.

Guests talk most about the guides: people who check on everyone at altitude and encourage the slow walkers. The quads come as single or double machines with a helmet. Pickup is at 4:00 or 5:00 am depending on the option, and you are back at Plaza Regocijo around 4:30 to 5:30 pm, which makes it a 12 to 14 hour day.

Two things on this listing do not line up, and you should ask the operator about both. The admission ticket is described as a cash payment, so it is not clear whether the entrance fee is prepaid or paid at the trail. And while the itinerary includes a short practice session for beginners, the terms say every participant needs previous quad experience. The listing also mentions travel insurance as included and adventure insurance as required. If you have never ridden a quad, the other Red Valley quad tour states that no experience is needed.

  • Quad ride through the Red Valley, around 5,000 m
  • About 40 minutes on foot instead of 1.5 hours
  • Single or double ATVs with a helmet
  • Breakfast and lunch in Cusipata
  • Oxygen, first-aid kit and walking sticks

How the day runs

  1. 4:00 or 5:00 amPickup

    From your hotel, or the fountain in the Plaza de Armas, depending on the option.

  2. About 2 hBreakfast in Cusipata

    Bus to Cusipata and breakfast before the last stretch of road.

  3. About 10 minBriefing and practice

    A safety talk and a short practice run on the quads in Laya.

  4. About 25 minRide to the Red Valley

    On the ATV through the rust-red slopes to the end of the track.

  5. About 40 minWalk to Rainbow Mountain

    On foot to the viewpoint at 5,036 m, then back the same way.

  6. AfternoonLunch and home

    Quad back, a buffet lunch in Cusipata and the drive to Plaza Regocijo, around 4:30 to 5:30 pm.

What's included

Included

  • Hotel pickup, transport and a bilingual guide
  • Breakfast and lunch
  • Single or double ATV and a helmet
  • First-aid kit, oxygen and walking sticks
  • Travel insurance (the listing also says adventure insurance is required: check)

Not included

  • Admission ticket: listed as a cash payment, unclear if prepaid
  • Horse ride (optional, reported by guests)

Who it suits

Book it if

  • You want the Red Valley and Rainbow Mountain in one day
  • You would rather ride than walk 1.5 hours uphill
  • You have ridden a quad before
  • You are travelling as a pair and happy to share a double ATV

Skip it if

What guests say

★★★★★

A massive thank you to our amazing tour guide Humberto, who was incredibly attentive and took exceptional care of me

Toon Wan · Malaysia
★★★★★

The guide was excellent at encouraging everyone and making sure they felt ok with the high altitude.

Bryony · United Kingdom
★★★★★

He always check up on us, making sure we are okay.

Joe Mari · United States

Tips before you book

  • Message the operator before you book: ask whether the entrance fee is prepaid and whether beginners can ride.
  • Carry cash in soles anyway, in case the ticket is paid at the trail.
  • Wear gloves and a buff on the quad. The ride is dusty and cold in the morning.
  • The 40-minute walk is still at 5,000 m. Go slowly and read the altitude guide first.

Read next:

Frequently asked questions

Is the entrance fee included on the Rainbow Mountain ATV tour?

It is unclear. The listing describes the admission ticket as a cash payment without saying whether it is prepaid. Ask the operator, and carry cash in soles in case you pay at the trail.

Do I need quad experience?

The itinerary includes about 10 minutes of practice, but the terms say all participants must have previous quad-riding experience. Confirm with the operator. If you are a beginner, the other quad tour says no experience is needed.

How much walking is there on the ATV tour?

About 40 minutes from the end of the quad track to the Rainbow Mountain viewpoint, then the same trail back.

How long is the day?

The listing says 12 to 14 hours. Pickup is at 4:00 or 5:00 am, and you are back at Plaza Regocijo around 4:30 to 5:30 pm.

Ready to book

Book Rainbow Mountain by ATV

Ride a quad through the Red Valley, then walk the last 40 minutes to the stripes. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

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Ride a quad through the Red Valley, then walk the last 40 minutes to the stripes. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

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