Daily group departure · Cusco → Cusipata → Red Valley → Vinicunca
Same mountain the buses go to, a different way up. You leave Cusco before dawn, ride your own quad across the red hills while the hiking groups queue on the main trail, and walk only the last stretch to the 5,036 m viewpoint. Breakfast, lunch, gear and a bilingual guide are included.
Both end at the same viewpoint. The difference is how you get there, who you share the path with and how much of the day you spend walking at 4,600 m or more.
You drive from the Cusipata base along the vehicle track through the red hills and reach Vinicunca from the back, away from the main trail.
Buses drop groups at the Vinicunca car park. From there everyone walks the same 7 km round trip on the main trail.
One departure a day. The early start is what gets the group to the Red Valley before the buses arrive at the main trail.
Shared minivan from hotels in the historic centre; other neighbourhoods are picked up on the way out. Sleep on the 2-hour drive.
Hot breakfast at a local restaurant: bread, eggs, fruit, coffee or coca tea. Restrooms and a last check of layers.
Helmet, gloves and goggles. The guide explains the automatic quad and the rules of the track, then a few practice laps on flat ground.
About an hour on the vehicle track, with stops at the red hills for photos. The guide rides ahead; a support vehicle follows.
Quads are parked at the upper base. The last 30–40 minutes are on foot at your own pace, or on horseback paid locally. About 40 minutes at the top.
Back down on the quads to the base, then lunch in Cusipata.
Drop-off at your hotel or at Plaza Regocijo between 16:30 and 17:00.
Warm jacket and windbreaker (it is below freezing at 04:30 and cold on the quad), sunglasses, sunscreen, closed shoes, 1 L of water, original passport and cash in soles.
Group tour, so the price is per person and does not change with the size of your party. It depends only on whether you ride alone or share the quad. Prices in US dollars, updated November 2026.
| Option | Price |
|---|
Children under 18 travel as passengers behind an adult or the guide. If you want your own guide, vehicle and start time, we also run this route as a private tour — ask on WhatsApp.
The Red Valley is a paid detour on the bus tour. Here you ride through it on the way to the viewpoint.
40 minutes on foot instead of three hours. The quad does the climb; you keep your energy for the top.
The vehicle track runs apart from the main trail. You meet the crowd only at the summit, and you got there first.
Operated directly by Enjoy Peru Holidays from our office in Cusco, with our own drivers and guides.
Group, with one daily departure and up to 10 quads per guide. If you prefer your own guide, vehicle and start time, we run the same route privately; ask on WhatsApp.
No. Quads cover the Red Valley section, about an hour each way. The final 30 to 40 minutes to the viewpoint are on foot or on horseback, because motor vehicles are not allowed at the summit.
No. The track is on community land, not a public road. Drivers must be 18 or older; younger travellers ride as passengers.
The viewpoint is at 5,036 m (16,522 ft). We recommend at least two nights in Cusco before the tour, plenty of water and a light dinner the night before. The support vehicle carries oxygen and the guide is trained in altitude first aid.
Pickup at 04:30 puts the group in the Red Valley around 08:00, with clear skies and before most buses reach the main trail. Afternoons at Vinicunca are cloudier and windier, especially from December to March.
Light rain: the tour runs with ponchos provided. If the community closes access for snow or storms, we move you to the next day or refund in full.
Tell us your date and group. We confirm seats and price in one message.