You start racing the Andes before sunrise. This full-day ATV trip is built around getting to Vinicunca in a more active way—Andean valleys, wildlife you can actually spot, and plenty of stops for photos. I love that breakfast and a buffet lunch are included, so you’re not hunting for food in the middle of nowhere. I also love the vibe of this route: you’re moving, stopping on demand, and watching for llamas, alpacas, and birds along the way.

One thing to plan for: the ATV part may not carry you all the way up to the top viewpoint, depending on access and conditions, so you may face an extra hike or added transport costs if you want the highest views.

Because this is a long day (about 12–13 hours), start time matters. You’ll meet at Plaza de Armas Cusco at 3:30am, and you’ll be coming back to the same meeting point by the end. If the weather turns (and January can be tough), bring the right gear—gloves, waterproof layers, and warmer clothing—so the cold doesn’t steamroll your energy.

Quick hits for Montana 7 Colores ATV (Cusco)

• 3:30am departure from Plaza de Armas Cusco, because Vinicunca day runs on timing
• Cusipata breakfast + buffet lunch included, with a short stop and no extra admission listed there
• ATV driving through Andean valleys with photo/video stops along the route
• Wildlife spotting is part of the plan: look for llamas, alpacas, and local birds
• Bring extra cash for altitude access: a 25 soles entrance ticket is not included
• Max group size 15 and first aid kits are included for peace of mind

Rolling out from Plaza de Armas at 3:30am

If you hate early starts, this tour might feel like a dare. It begins at 3:30am, meeting at Plaza de Armas Cusco, and you’ll return there when you’re done. That start time is not random—it’s a long day built around getting you to Vinicunca with enough daylight.

The payoff is that you’re not stuck on a slow, passive sightseeing loop. With private transportation and an ATV per person, you get a sense of momentum right away. You’ll also have a smaller group than the huge bus crowds—this tour caps at 15 travelers, which tends to make the day feel more manageable when things get bumpy or spread out.

How the Cusipata stop turns into your energy reset

Before you hit the mountain zone, the day slows down in a good way. You’ll wait at your hotel for pickup at the indicated time, then head toward Cusipata for food.

In Cusipata, the schedule is straightforward:

• Breakfast first (free admission noted for the stop)
• Then lunch buffet at the same stop

This matters more than it sounds. Vinicunca days are physically demanding and weather can change fast. Having a real breakfast and a backup lunch included means you’re less likely to gamble with snacks you can’t trust to be filling or available later.

The downside: Cusipata is a short stop (about 40 minutes). So if you want a leisurely meal, you’ll need to keep your pace. Treat it like a refuel stop, not a sit-and-chat cafe visit.

ATV ride to Vinicunca: what you’ll actually experience

The heart of the day is the ATV journey toward Vinicunca (Montaña de Siete Colores). The tour is built as a “different way” to reach the mountain area: you ride in the middle of Andean valleys, with nature all around you and chances to pause for photos and video.

This is where I think the tour earns its reputation. You’re not only looking at the destination—you’re watching the environment along the way:

• You can look out for llamas and alpacas
• You’ll scan for birds in the area
• You’ll stop at photo points you choose during the drive

Practical reality check: the ATV segment is more about getting you to the mountain area efficiently than about turning the whole route into a smooth ride to the very top. One guide you might get—Rogelio—has explained that access can be affected by local and government issues. When access changes, the route you take can change too, including how far the ATV can take you up.

About the mountain top: set expectations before you go

Here’s the key consideration you should treat as non-negotiable planning info: the ATV experience may start at the bottom and end where many tour buses finish, not at the summit viewpoint.

That affects your goals. If your dream is standing at the very top, you may need one of these options (depending on what access allows that day):

• A steep climb (reported as around 50 minutes in one case)
• Going up via other transport like horseback or scrambler motorbikes (reported as extra paid options)

If you’re going in months with worse weather, the stakes go up. In at least one example, January conditions were described as awful, and additional transport costs were paid on the spot to reach higher views and then return.

What to do with this information? Decide ahead of time what you want most:

• If you’re happy with big colors and views without a summit push, the ATV day can be plenty.
• If you want the highest viewpoint no matter what, plan for extra costs and a possible uphill slog.

Photo stops and timing: how to make the best of it

The tour is designed with stopping in mind. You’ll have opportunities along the ATV route to take photos and videos, and that flexibility is part of the value.

But don’t treat every stop as automatic free time to wander. On a long day, your best photos usually come when you’re ready to move again—so keep your camera handy and your layers accessible. With an early start and a 12–13 hour total day, you want to avoid the classic mistake: getting comfortable, then watching your best window close.

Also, remember that altitude and weather can affect your pace. If your breathing tightens or you feel chilled, slow down and let your guide and group flow guide you.

Included value vs. what costs extra

Let’s talk money in plain terms.

The tour costs $80 per person, and it includes:

• Private transportation
• ATV per person
• Breakfast
• Lunch buffet
• First aid kits

Not included:

• Entrance ticket (25 soles)

This is where I’d focus your decision. You’re paying for the ATV day machine plus two meals and transportation. The extra entrance ticket is the one clear, named add-on cost.

But you should also budget for uncertainty around the summit. The route can be shaped by access issues and conditions. If the ATV doesn’t get you all the way up, you may need to pay extra or climb. That’s not listed as a standard extra cost in the basics—but it’s real enough that you should plan financially.

Safety and physical fit: what “moderate” means here

The activity asks for a moderate physical fitness level. That’s accurate because this is not a flat city stroll. Even if you stay within the easier parts of the day, you’re dealing with:

• Early wake-up and long hours
• Riding and stopping in uneven mountain terrain
• The possibility of walking steep sections if you want higher views

First aid kits being included helps you feel safer on the day, but it doesn’t remove the need for smart choices. If you know you struggle with hills or cold, bring layers and take breaks when you need them.

What to pack for Vinicunca ATV days (especially colder months)

You’ll get the best experience when you dress for weather that can swing. One review example singled out January and recommended:

• Gloves
• Waterproofs
• Warmer clothing

That advice is easy to follow and hard to regret. Even if the forecast looks fine when you leave Cusco, Vinicunca-area conditions can feel different quickly once you’re up and out.

Also, keep your essentials easy to reach while riding and stopping. You don’t want to fumble for your gloves or scarf the moment clouds roll in.

Who this ATV tour is best for

This tour fits best if you want a mix of:

• Active transport (ATV, not just bus viewing)
• A full day with real meals included
• Wildlife spotting and photo-friendly stops
• A smaller group experience (max 15)

It’s a strong choice for couples, friends, and solo travelers who can handle an early start and don’t mind that the day might involve extra effort if you chase the very top viewpoint.

If you want a low-effort “sit and admire” day, or if you’re not comfortable with possible steep walking or extra options for altitude views, you’ll probably be happier with a route that clearly matches a summit goal.

Should you book Montana 7 Colores ATV in Cusco?

I’d book it if you’re excited by the idea of riding through Andean valleys, spotting llamas and alpacas, and having breakfast and lunch handled for you. The ATV component and the included meals are real value at $80, especially with private transportation and a max group size of 15.

I wouldn’t book it without a plan for the summit question. If your priority is reaching the very top viewpoint, treat the standard ATV ride as possibly not enough on its own. Ask yourself:

• Are you okay with extra walking or extra transport if access limits the ATV route?
• Do you have the budget buffer for the entrance ticket (25 soles) and possible add-ons if you want higher views?

If you can answer those confidently, this is a fun, practical way to reach Vinicunca without turning the day into pure waiting. If not, you may feel frustrated when the mountain area doesn’t match the dream of a full ATV summit ride.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the tour?

You’ll start at Plaza de Armas Cusco (08000), Peru. The tour also ends back at the meeting point.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 3:30am.

How long is the full day tour?

The duration is approximately 12 to 13 hours.

How much does it cost?

The price is $80.00 per person.

What’s included in the price?

Included are private transportation, an ATV per person, breakfast, a lunch buffet, and first aid kits.

Is the entrance ticket included?

No. The entrance ticket is 25 soles and is not included.

Do I need to be physically fit?

The tour asks for moderate physical fitness.

Is the group size limited?

Yes, the tour has a maximum of 15 travelers.

What is the cancellation policy?

This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason.