REVIEW · CUSCO
From Cusco: Tour Private – ATV´s Apukunaq Tianan
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Chullos Travel Peru · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Stone gods, then engine noise.
This private ATV half-day in the Cusco region takes you to Apukunaq Tianan (the Abode of the Gods), where carved stone sculptures connect Andean culture with the natural setting—while also keeping things efficient at about 3 hours total with set departures (8:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00).
What I like most is the pairing of guided storytelling with hands-on time on the ATVs. You’ll get a guided visit to the sculptures and a real chance for impressive photos once you’re there, not just a quick drive-by.
One big drawback to consider: value can suffer if the ATV condition and gear don’t match the price. At least one recent review complained about worn, unstable ATVs, weak braking, and dirty equipment like helmets.
In This Review
- Key points before you go
- ATV to Apukunaq Tianan: What you’re really paying for
- Cusco pickup and the 30-minute ride toward Tica Tica–Sencca
- The base and the 15-minute ATV practice test
- Views and the ride to Apukunaq Tianan
- Apukunaq Tianan: the stone sculptures and guided meaning
- The return ride and getting back to Cusco
- Price and value check: $41 + entrance fee and equipment reality
- Safety, suitability, and who should skip this ATV day
- What to bring (and what to skip) for comfort in Cusco weather
- The bottom line: should you book this private ATV tour?
- FAQ
- How long is the ATV tour to Apukunaq Tianan?
- What time does the tour run?
- Where do you get picked up?
- Is there a practice session before riding?
- Is the entrance to Apukunaq Tianan included in the price?
- What’s included in the tour package?
- Do you need to walk much during the visit?
- What should you bring?
- Who shouldn’t take this tour?
Key points before you go
- Private pickup from central Cusco: you’re collected from your accommodation and transferred to the ATV base.
- Tica Tica–Sencca transfer + short practice: about 30 minutes of travel, then roughly 15 minutes to learn the ATVs.
- Not a long hike: you’ll have time at the site without dealing with lots of walking.
- Apukunaq Tianan is the main event: carved stone sculptures tied to Andean cultural meaning.
- Entrance fee is extra: plan for the onsite entrance (not included in the tour price).
- Check equipment quality before you ride: one review reported major issues with brakes/steering and worn helmets.
ATV to Apukunaq Tianan: What you’re really paying for
This tour is built around one clear payoff: reaching Apukunaq Tianan—also described as the Abode of the Gods—and seeing the stone sculptures up close with enough time for photos. The ATV ride is the transport and the thrill. The sculptures are the destination.
You’re paying for convenience and structure more than for an all-day adventure. Pickup is included, transfers are handled, you get a briefing plus safety equipment, and you return to Cusco the same day. That matters in Cusco, where logistics can eat your energy fast.
At the same time, the tour is only as good as the ride equipment. One low rating stands out with complaints about worn ATVs (including steering/brakes) and dirty gear. So I’d treat this as a “worth it if the ATVs are in good shape” kind of experience, not a guaranteed smooth cruise.
You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Cusco
Cusco pickup and the 30-minute ride toward Tica Tica–Sencca
Your day starts with pickup from your accommodation, ideally within the historic center of Cusco. The guide will message or call you about 15 minutes before pickup, and you should plan on waiting in the hotel lobby for roughly 10 minutes.
After pickup, you head to Tica Tica–Sencca for about 30 minutes by private transport. This transfer is short enough that it doesn’t feel like you’re burning time, and it sets up the ATV portion without a complicated schedule.
What to watch for here: your comfort level with being transferred before you ever touch the ATV. If you’re sensitive to bumps or vehicle motion, keep that in mind because Cusco-region roads can be lively.
The base and the 15-minute ATV practice test
Once you arrive at the base, you’ll get recommendations from the instructor and then about 15 minutes of practice. This is the part that can make or break your confidence on the ride.
The goal of practice isn’t to train you for a motocross event—it’s to help you understand how to handle the ATV before you start enjoying views and moving through the route. If you’re new to ATVs, this is a big advantage. If you’re experienced, it still helps you get used to the specific vehicle you’ll ride that day.
A practical tip: during that practice time, pay attention to how responsive the ATV feels—especially braking and steering. One review complained about a lack of effective braking and steering that didn’t feel right. You can’t fix a mechanical problem yourself, but you can choose to speak up early if something feels unsafe.
Views and the ride to Apukunaq Tianan
After the practice, the tour begins with a drive that’s meant to be fun and scenic. The schedule keeps everything moving: you’ll head out, enjoy the spectacular views along the way, and eventually arrive at Abode of the Gods (Apukunaq Tianan).
This is also where the private format helps. You’re not juggling a large group’s pace, and the rhythm of the ride tends to feel smoother. The tour is listed as a private group, which usually means less waiting and fewer coordination headaches.
One more consideration: you’ll be doing ATV riding as your main activity. That means your comfort with driving over uneven terrain matters more than your walking stamina. The tour explicitly says it does not involve a lot of walking, which is great if your goal is to see the carvings without a long trek.
Apukunaq Tianan: the stone sculptures and guided meaning
This is your core stop. You arrive at Apukunaq Tianan and can visit the sculptures and enjoy the tour with time to take pictures.
The key value here is the guided angle on what you’re seeing. The tour is designed to help you understand the representations of Andean culture carved in stone—how the site’s meaning connects to Andean harmony and the natural setting. Even if you’re not an expert on Andean iconography, a guide can help you look at details instead of just snapping photos.
Photography tip: go slowly with your framing when you’re at the sculptures. The best shots usually come from taking a moment to line up carvings with what’s around them—pathways, angles, and light—rather than only shooting from the first spot you reach.
Entrance note: the entrance is not included. You can purchase it onsite for 15.00 Peruvian soles per person. Plan for that, especially if you’re trying to stick to a tight budget.
A few more Cusco tours and experiences worth a look
The return ride and getting back to Cusco
After your time at Apukunaq Tianan, you return to the base by ATV and then head back to Cusco by private transportation.
The tour structure keeps your time predictable: about 3 hours total. That means you can usually plan other activities the same day without needing a full vacation-day slot. It also helps if you’re trying to manage altitude fatigue (Cusco can make big days feel heavier than expected).
If your ATV ride experience felt rough on the way out, take a moment before heading back. Even if you’re eager to finish, it’s worth staying focused through the return.
Price and value check: $41 + entrance fee and equipment reality
The tour price is listed at about $41 per person, and it includes a lot of the “adulting” parts:
- pickup and transfers in private transportation
- ATV briefing plus instructive practice
- safety equipment
- guided tour at Apukunaq Tianan
- return transfer back to Cusco
Entrance is the main extra cost: 15.00 soles per person onsite. Water and snacks aren’t included either.
So is $41 good value? It can be—especially if you want an organized way to reach a specific cultural site without a long walk and without dealing with local transport logistics. The included guide and practice time add real value for people who aren’t comfortable figuring things out alone.
But here’s the caution flag: one low review complained the ATVs were worn and unstable, with a brake issue and worn steering, plus dirty equipment and helmets. If you arrive and the vehicles look questionable, that can turn a paid thrill into stress. In that case, the “value” isn’t just about price. It’s about whether the experience feels safe and well-maintained.
Safety, suitability, and who should skip this ATV day
Safety equipment is included, and you’ll have a briefing plus practice time. That’s the right baseline.
Still, this activity isn’t for everyone. It’s listed as not suitable for:
- pregnant women
- people with heart problems
- wheelchair users
- people with vertigo
- people with epilepsy
- people over 70
- and it also avoids anyone who shouldn’t handle the ATV nature of the ride
This is important: you’re not just sitting in a vehicle. You’re actively riding, reacting to uneven terrain, and dealing with motion and balance demands. If vertigo is part of your medical picture, don’t treat this as a “maybe.” The ride experience is a key part of the tour.
Also, don’t bring alcohol or drugs, and smoking is not allowed in the vehicle. Pets aren’t allowed either.
What to bring (and what to skip) for comfort in Cusco weather
For comfort, bring:
- passport or ID card
- comfortable shoes
- sunglasses
- sun hat
- sunscreen
- water
- comfortable clothes
You might get mud depending on conditions—one review mentioned being given equipment dirty with mud after morning rain. Even if that’s not typical, assume you could encounter some rough weather.
What to skip:
- pets
- alcohol and drugs
- explosive substances
One more practical point: bring water because it’s not included, and Cusco sun can be sneaky even when the air feels crisp.
The bottom line: should you book this private ATV tour?
You should book if:
- you want a private, structured way to get from Cusco to Apukunaq Tianan
- you’re comfortable with ATV riding and want limited walking
- you care about photo time at a specific cultural stone sculpture site
- you’re okay adding the onsite entrance fee
You should think twice or avoid it if:
- you’re worried about ATV safety/maintenance and want to see the equipment first
- you have any of the listed suitability issues (vertigo, heart problems, epilepsy, pregnancy, age over 70, wheelchair use)
- you’re expecting everything to feel polished and brand-new based on equipment cleanliness and condition
My take: this is a good idea for the right rider, mainly because Apukunaq Tianan is the point and the tour is time-efficient. But go in with your eyes open. During the practice period, make sure the ATV feels controllable—especially braking and steering—and don’t hesitate to ask questions if something feels off.
FAQ
How long is the ATV tour to Apukunaq Tianan?
The duration is listed as 3 hours total.
What time does the tour run?
Departure times are available at 8:00, 11:00, 13:00, and 15:00.
Where do you get picked up?
Pickup is included from your accommodation, preferably in the historic center of Cusco.
Is there a practice session before riding?
Yes. You’ll have about 15 minutes for an instructive practice test before the main ride begins.
Is the entrance to Apukunaq Tianan included in the price?
No. The entrance costs 15.00 Peruvian soles per person and can be purchased onsite.
What’s included in the tour package?
Included are private transportation pickup/transfer to the base camp, briefing and instructive practice, safety equipment, a guided tour at Apukunaq Tianan, and private transportation back to Cusco.
Do you need to walk much during the visit?
No. The tour does not involve a lot of walking.
What should you bring?
Bring a passport or ID card, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, and water, plus comfortable clothes.
Who shouldn’t take this tour?
It’s not suitable for pregnant women, people with heart problems, wheelchair users, people with vertigo, people with epilepsy, and people over 70.
