Cusco: Adobe of the gods on quad bikes tour

REVIEW · CUSCO

Cusco: Adobe of the gods on quad bikes tour

  • 3.73 reviews
  • From $33
Book on GetYourGuide →

Operated by Libertrek Peru Travel Agency · Bookable on GetYourGuide

ATV rides in Cusco take you somewhere mythic fast. The Abode of the Gods tour mixes adrenaline with a serious visual stop: massive stone sculptures carved into cliffs, including La Pachamama and the Puma. You’ll also roll past a colonial landmark, so the day isn’t just thrill-seeking.

What I like most is the hands-on nature of it. You get a guided ATV experience with training at the base, then you ride for stretches through the Cusco countryside and return for a second round.

One thing to weigh first: this is not a slow, easy sightseeing stroll. It’s designed for riders, and it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments or for pregnant women.

Quick take: What makes this tour worth your time

Cusco: Adobe of the gods on quad bikes tour - Quick take: What makes this tour worth your time

  • Giant stone Inca-god sculptures carved into cliff faces, roughly 4 to 8 meters tall
  • Two ATV riding segments plus a guided visit and photo time at Morada de Los Dioses
  • Colonial Aqueduct Fortress stop for history-focused photos
  • Bilingual guides (English and Spanish) and entrance included
  • Hotel pickup and transport from Cusco to the Tica Tica, Sencca sector base
  • Budget-friendly price for 4 hours of guided ATV time and sightseeing

ATV adrenaline meets Inca-god sculpture at Apukunaq Tianan

Cusco: Adobe of the gods on quad bikes tour - ATV adrenaline meets Inca-god sculpture at Apukunaq Tianan
This tour is built around one big wow moment: Morada de Los Dioses (also known as Apukunaq Tianan). Instead of a museum stop, you reach a place where stone images of Inca deities are scaled up to dramatic sizes, then displayed as outdoor art carved directly into the cliff. Expect to spend time looking up—literally—because sculptures here are said to measure around 4 to 8 meters high.

And yes, you still get the adrenaline part. The route includes about an hour to reach the destination and another hour or so of ATV time back at the site area. So you’re not just parked and walking; you’re actively moving through the landscape, getting that crisp mountain-air feeling with your heart rate up.

If you like attractions that blend myth and modern presentation, this one fits. You’ll see named sculptures such as La Pachamama, the Puma, and a three-dimensional door, plus a Mirador viewpoint.

A few more Cusco tours and experiences worth a look

Cusco pickup, transport to Tica Tica, and ATV training you actually need

Cusco: Adobe of the gods on quad bikes tour - Cusco pickup, transport to Tica Tica, and ATV training you actually need
Your day starts with hotel pickup in Cusco at 09:00. You can be collected from either a pickup point at Plaza de Armas, and then you’ll transfer by van for about 25 minutes to the base in the Tica Tica, Sencca sector.

Once you arrive, you get help from a specialized guide to learn how to handle the ATVs. This matters more than it sounds. ATV tours go from fun to frustrating fast if you’re unsure about basic controls, braking, and turning on uneven ground. The training segment is there so you can enjoy the ride without feeling like you’re guessing.

Then you begin the main route to the destination area. The ride to reach Apukunaq Tianan is about 1 hour, which means you get time to feel comfortable and settle into the experience rather than being shoved off immediately.

The Colonial Aqueduct Fortress: a quick history pause with great photo odds

Cusco: Adobe of the gods on quad bikes tour - The Colonial Aqueduct Fortress: a quick history pause with great photo odds
Before you reach Morada de Los Dioses, the route includes a photo and stop at the Colonial Aqueduct Fortress. This is a useful break in tone: after motion and open air on the ATV, you slow down for a landmark that connects Cusco’s Spanish-era building style with the broader story of the region.

You should plan to bring your camera ready here, because a fortress-and-aqueduct look is built for snapshots. If you care about context, this stop gives your day more texture than a straight-up ride to a single attraction.

One caution: this part is brief by design. You’ll have a photo stop and visit time, so don’t expect a long sit-down explanation. If you want to ask questions, do it early while the guide is still with the group.

Morada de Los Dioses: Pachamama, Puma, the 3D door, and a Mirador view

Cusco: Adobe of the gods on quad bikes tour - Morada de Los Dioses: Pachamama, Puma, the 3D door, and a Mirador view
When you arrive, the whole experience centers on the sculptures at Morada de Los Dioses. The setting is half outdoor gallery and half living landscape, since the carvings are described as being cut directly into stone cliff faces. That cliff-hugging presentation is what makes the scale feel believable. A few meters tall in a photo can look small. In person, it reads as monumental.

You’ll get two main chunks here. First comes a combined photo stop and visit plus a quad bike ride session (about 1 hour). Later there’s another 1 hour block that includes break time, photo stops, a guided tour, free time, shopping, sightseeing, and a walk, with scenic views along the way.

The named highlights are worth anchoring in your head before you go:

  • La Pachamama (a foundational concept in Andean belief)
  • The Puma
  • A three-dimensional door
  • Mirador viewpoints
  • Other sculptures included in the same cliff display area

You might wonder: is it “Inca” or “modern”? The way this place is presented is that the sculptures are recent lithic works connected to local Cusco-native creativity, and the themes draw from Inca gods and symbolism. That blend is part of why it feels different from a classic archaeological site.

Practical takeaway: give yourself permission to just look and re-look. The three-dimensional elements and carved cliff surfaces can change how you understand them as you move around. If you rush, you miss the effect.

Timing, comfort, and what you really get for $33

Cusco: Adobe of the gods on quad bikes tour - Timing, comfort, and what you really get for $33
The price is listed at $33 per person, and for Cusco, it’s positioned as a budget-friendly way to do three things in one window: transport, ATV time, and guided entry to the main stops. You also get professional support through an English and Spanish guide, which is a real value add when you’re trying to understand what you’re seeing.

The tour runs about 4 hours total, with pickup at 09:00 and return transit scheduled so you arrive back around 1:00 p.m. The itinerary has clear blocks: transfer to the base, training, travel to the site, a guided visit/photos, break and guided time on-site, and then a return ride and transfer back to Cusco.

What’s included:

  • Hotel pickup
  • Tourist transport and the ATVs
  • Professional English and Spanish guide
  • Entrance to all tourist spots

What’s not included:

  • Feeding

That last line is the one to plan around. You’ll want to have a plan for water and snacks because the tour is only half a day, and your comfort will depend on it. The tour info also specifically tells you to bring water. Good move, especially in higher-elevation sun.

The tour also isn’t set up for luggage. You’re told no luggage or large bags. If you’re traveling light already, you’re fine. If you’ve got a full day bag, you’ll want to stash it at your hotel.

Who this ATV Abode of the Gods tour fits best

Cusco: Adobe of the gods on quad bikes tour - Who this ATV Abode of the Gods tour fits best
This is ideal if you want active sightseeing, not just walking. If you love photos and you like adrenaline, this hits both. You get movement on the ATV plus structured time at Morada de Los Dioses for photos, guided context, and a chance to browse during the on-site break.

It’s also a solid choice for couples or small groups who prefer doing something memorable without spending all day. The 4-hour format keeps it realistic even if you’re still adjusting to Cusco altitude and want a shorter commitment.

You might skip it if you:

  • Need step-free access or have mobility limitations (it’s not suitable)
  • Are pregnant (also not suitable)
  • Prefer a calm, seated tour with minimal physical activity

If you’re a first-time ATV rider, the training at the base helps, but you’ll still want to wear sensible clothes and focus during the instructions. ATV tours reward attention.

What to bring and how to prepare so the ride stays fun

Cusco: Adobe of the gods on quad bikes tour - What to bring and how to prepare so the ride stays fun
The tour list is straightforward, and you should follow it:

  • Passport or ID card
  • Sunglasses (the light can be strong)
  • Sunscreen
  • Cash (because there’s mention of shopping during the on-site break)
  • Water
  • Comfortable clothes
  • A camera

A few “don’t regret later” notes:

  • Wear clothing you don’t mind getting dusty.
  • Keep your camera secure during ATV time; think about how you’ll carry it before you mount the bike.
  • Arrive early enough to feel ready in the pickup window, because you’re relying on timely transfer to the base.

Should you book the Cusco Abode of the Gods ATV tour?

Cusco: Adobe of the gods on quad bikes tour - Should you book the Cusco Abode of the Gods ATV tour?
I’d book this if you’re looking for a short, high-impact outing that mixes ATV fun with standout sculpture visuals and a colonial photo stop. The $33 price point is strong when you consider that it includes transport, ATV access, guide support in English and Spanish, and entrance.

I’d hesitate if you want a slow, gentle experience or if you’re in a category where riding isn’t appropriate. Also, if you hate the idea of not having food provided, plan ahead with water and a snack before pickup.

If you’re excited by the idea of seeing named stone works like La Pachamama and the Puma at monumental scale—plus getting time for photos and a Mirador perspective—this tour is a smart fit for a half-day in Cusco.

FAQ

Cusco: Adobe of the gods on quad bikes tour - FAQ

What time is hotel pickup for the Abode of the Gods ATV tour?

Pickup in Cusco is scheduled for 09:00. You should wait in your hotel lobby about 10 minutes before the pickup time.

How long is the tour from pickup to return?

The duration is listed as 4 hours. You’ll return to Cusco with arrival time around 1:00 p.m.

Where do you visit during the tour?

You travel from the Cusco area to the base in Tica Tica (Sencca sector), then head to Morada de Los Dioses / Apukunaq Tianan. The route also includes a photo stop at the Colonial Aqueduct Fortress.

Are entrance fees included?

Yes. Entrance to all tourist spots is included in the tour price.

What languages does the guide speak?

The tour includes a live guide in English and Spanish.

What should I bring, and what isn’t allowed?

Bring a passport or ID card, sunglasses, sunscreen, cash, water, comfortable clothes, and a camera. Luggage or large bags are not allowed.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

It’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments and not suitable for pregnant women.

Can I reserve now and cancel if needed?

Yes—there is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and there’s also a reserve now, pay later option so you can book without paying immediately.

Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Cusco we have reviewed

Explore Peru