That first ATV climb starts way before sunrise. This full-day ride out of Cusco combines high Andean scenery above 4,000 meters with a slow, steady quad ascent to Montaña de Colores, plus photo time at the top. I especially like the ATVs for single use (less stress, more freedom with pacing) and the chance to spot South American camelids along the route. One thing to consider is day-of coordination, so I recommend you double-check your pickup spot and pay attention to which ATV you’ll have for both the climb and the descent.

You’ll start at 04:30, ride south past Cusipata and places like Checacupe, Pitumarca, and Hanchipacha, then reach Kayrahuiri around 9:00. After a short practice, you’ll roll up to Montaña de Colores around 10:00, get about 40 minutes there, then return for lunch in Cusipata before finishing back in Cusco around the historic center (Plaza Regocijo). Bring warm clothes, closed-toe shoes, and cash for the Mountain of Colors entry fee.

Key highlights at a glance

• High-altitude ATV fun above 4,000 meters, without rushing the ride up
• A real pre-ride practice session (about 20 minutes) so you’re not thrown in cold
• Camelids on the way south, often visible in the wide, open stretches
• Forty minutes on site, enough time for photos and a slow, unhurried look around
• Breakfast and lunch included, which matters on a long day that starts early
• Entrance to Montaña de Colores costs extra (25 PEN), so budget ahead

A 04:30 start you’ll either love or hate

This is a long day, and it begins early on purpose. Pickup happens from the historic center options (Centro Histórico, near Plaza De Armas), and the activity officially starts at 04:30. You’re not just going “to a mountain,” you’re spending hours getting there and back, so plan your night beforehand and avoid late plans in Cusco.

Once you’re on the road, the drive heads south along the Pan-American highway toward Cusipata. Then you continue past Checacupe, Pitumarca, and Hanchipacha before reaching Kayrahuiri. Expect a mix of vehicle time and short breaks, and use those breaks to hydrate and get your layers sorted.

Cusipata breakfast, plus the route stops that break up the drive

The rhythm goes like this: about 1.5 hours south to Cusipata, breakfast there for about 1 hour, then another 1.5 hours continuing the route. Breakfast is included, which is a big deal for a start time that’s earlier than most people can comfortably eat without rushing.

On the way, you may also see small clusters of life in the Andes, including the South American camelids that show up in the views en route. That’s one of the quiet perks of a guided ATV day, because you’re not only staring at dirt tracks. You’re watching a working countryside as you head higher.

Along the transfer portion, there’s also a cultural stop built into the schedule: a Maum walk of about 10 minutes, a visit of about 45 minutes to Ibn Abdul Wahab Masjid, then additional short walking and tuk-tuk time. You won’t spend the whole day sightseeing buildings, but it’s a useful pause that adds context and gives you a break from the motion.

Kayrahuiri arrival around 9:00, then 20 minutes of practice

Around 9:00 a.m., you switch from the road transport over to the ATV portion. Before you go full speed into the climb, there’s a practice session for about 20 minutes. I think this is one of the most valuable parts of the whole tour, because it lets you get comfortable with handling before you’re focused on altitude and the track in front of you.

The ride up to Montaña de Colores is slow, which helps with control and helps you manage effort at altitude. You start driving around 10:00 a.m., and the uphill time is about 30 minutes. If you’ve never driven an ATV on uneven ground, this “slow and guided” approach is the difference between feeling confident and feeling panicked.

Also, remember the altitude is real. The tour is set up for high Andean conditions above 4,000 meters, and thin air can affect breathing and heart rate fast. If you’re even a little sensitive to altitude, take the practice seriously, keep your pace steady, and don’t try to prove anything on the climb.

Montaña de Colores: 40 minutes to see the colors and take photos

Once you arrive around 10:00, you’ll have about 40 minutes at Montaña de Colores. That time window is short, but it’s a smart design for an ATV day. You’re on a schedule that protects the rest of the ride and keeps you from sitting too long at altitude in colder conditions.

What you do with those 40 minutes depends on your style:

• If you love photos, arrive ready. Wear eye protection if the sun is strong and keep your camera accessible.
• If you prefer a slower pace, use the time to walk around at an easy speed and let your breathing catch up after the climb.
• If you want both, do it in layers. Quick photos first, then a calmer loop once you feel stable.

One practical point: entry to the Mountain of Colors is not included. You’ll need 25 PEN on site. Bring cash in small bills if possible, because having the right amount reduces stress at the gate.

The descent in your ATV, and why bike matching matters

The downhill portion is about 30 minutes back toward the parking lot, followed by reboarding the car for the return trip. Many people focus on the excitement of the climb, but the descent can be the moment that decides whether the day feels smooth or stressful. That’s because you’re often tired, and you might be dealing with changes in grip, stability, or your comfort level after hours of cold and altitude.

Here’s the careful advice I’d follow if you want a stress-free day: pay attention to the ATV you get for the return. I’ve seen coordination problems happen, including situations where the rider wasn’t matched to an ATV comparable to the one used at the top. If you end up with a bigger or harder-to-control ATV during the descent, it can turn into an avoidable hassle. Politely check the bike before you start down and confirm that the setup is workable for you.

Also, consider your exertion level. One rider learned the hard way that pushing too hard in the thin air can trigger fast breathing and a racing pulse. You don’t need to crawl, but you should avoid macho pacing. If you feel off, raise it early with the guide rather than waiting for it to get worse.

Lunch back in Cusipata and the way home to Cusco

After the ATV portion, you drive back and reach Cusipata for lunch around 2:00 p.m. Lunch is included, so you’re not stuck hunting food while your body is adjusting back from altitude and motion. This timing is also part of the tour’s logic. It gets you fed before you tackle the final leg back to Cusco.

Then it’s about 1.5 hours returning to the city. Your last stop is in the historic center of Cusco, and the tour finishes at Plaza Regocijo, with goodbye and final drop-off there. The tour text also notes that return all the way back to your exact hotel is not included, so build in a little flexibility. Plan to walk, use a short taxi, or coordinate your own final route from Plaza Regocijo.

Price and value: what you pay for, and what costs extra

The price is $75 per person for a 13-hour day, and that sounds like a lot until you list what’s included. You get hotel pickup within the historic center, tourist transport, a professional guide, breakfast and lunch, and ATVs for single use.

So the “value” here is mostly convenience and guidance:

• You don’t have to arrange the long transfer yourself.
• You get someone managing timing and route flow.
• You get fed twice during a day that starts at 04:30.
• You get the ATV experience without sharing a machine.

What’s not included is also clear. You’ll pay 25 PEN for entrance to Montaña de Colores on site, and drinks are not included. I’d treat that entry fee as a normal part of the budget rather than a surprise. Bring cash so you’re not scrambling mid-morning when you’re already busy with altitude and motion.

What to bring so the cold and dust don’t ruin your day

This tour runs high and long, so your packing should match that reality. I’d bring:

• Warm clothing, including something that blocks wind
• A hat
• Biodegradable sunscreen
• Cash for the 25 PEN entry fee
• Clothes that can get dirty
• Personal medication if you need it
• Closed-toe shoes you can walk in and handle dust

If you’re sensitive to cold, add a layer even if the morning starts sunny. Above 4,000 meters, temperatures can swing, and you’ll be spending time outside during pickup, transfers, and your on-site stop.

Who this ATV tour is best for

This is not a soft, slow sightseeing day. It’s a full-day ATV outing with active time at altitude, so it fits people who handle exertion and basic riding comfort.

It’s not suitable for:

• Children under 12
• Pregnant women
• People with heart problems

If you’re generally healthy but new to altitude, you still need a cautious plan. Take the practice session seriously, don’t chase speed, and keep your breathing steady on the climb and descent.

On the flip side, it’s a great fit if you want a guided way to reach Montaña de Colores without worrying about transport schedules. And if you like the outdoors, this route gives you wide views and a sense of scale that you just don’t get from a car window alone.

Small planning steps that reduce day-of stress

If you want this day to feel fun instead of chaotic, do a few things before you go:

• Confirm your pickup spot in the historic center area (Centro Histórico near Plaza De Armas) and be waiting early.
• Bring the cash you’ll need for the 25 PEN entrance fee.
• Wear layers you can adjust, not just a single thick jacket.
• Use closed-toe shoes that don’t slip, because you’ll do short walks and transfers.
• During the ATV portion, pay attention to how your ATV feels before you commit to the climb and especially before you start the descent.

These steps sound basic, but they directly protect the moments that matter most: the first ride out and the ride back down.

Should you book Montaña de Colores on an ATV day trip?

Book it if you want an all-in guided ATV day with breakfast, lunch, and a professional guide, and you’re comfortable with a long start time. The big payoff is the combination of altitude views and real time at Montaña de Colores, not just a quick pass-through.

Consider skipping if:

• You know altitude or exertion affects you strongly.
• You have any medical constraints, especially around the heart.
• You dislike early mornings and long transport days.
• You want guaranteed door-to-door hotel service, because the tour finishes at Plaza Regocijo.

If you do go, you’ll likely love the practical rhythm: calm early pickup, a guided route south, a short training session that builds confidence, then those 40 minutes up at Montaña de Colores for photos and a slow look around.

FAQ

What time does the Montaña de Colores ATV tour start?

The activity starts at 04:30.

Where can pickup happen?

Pickup is included within the historic center, with two options listed: Centro Histórico near Plaza De Armas.

How long is the tour?

The duration is 13 hours.

What’s included in the price?

Included are hotel pickup within the historic center, tourist transport, a professional guide, breakfast, lunch, and ATVs for single use.

What is not included?

Not included are drinks, the entrance to Montaña de Colores (to be purchased on site for 25 PEN), and return back to your hotel.

Do I need to pay for entry to Montaña de Colores?

Yes. Entrance to the Mountain of Colors costs 25 PEN and must be purchased on site.

Are there any practice or training sessions before riding?

Yes. There is a practice session of about 20 minutes before you start the main ATV route.

How much time do I spend at Montaña de Colores?

You get about 40 minutes to tour the place and take pictures.

What should I bring with me?

Bring warm clothing, a hat, biodegradable sunscreen, cash, clothes that can get dirty, personal medication, closed-toe shoes, and a passport or ID card.

Who is the tour not suitable for?

It is not suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, or people with heart problems.