Cusco: Adobe of the gods on quad bikes tour

REVIEW · ATV & QUAD BIKE TOURS

Cusco: Adobe of the gods on quad bikes tour

3.7 · 3 reviews From $33 Operated by Libertrek Peru Travel Agency · Bookable on GetYourGuide
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Giant stone gods meet ATV adrenaline. This Abode of the Gods quad bikes tour gives you mountain fresh air plus a real dose of ATV adrenaline, set against the dramatic sculptures at Morada de los Dioses.

I especially like the photo power: you get up close to massive Inca-themed stone figures carved directly into the cliff face, including La Pachamama and the Puma, linked to the sculptor Michel of Titan Monteagudo. It’s the kind of stop where your camera works overtime.

One possible drawback: it’s not a sit-and-watch outing. You’ll do ATV training and riding, and feeding isn’t included. It also isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments or pregnant women.

Key points before you go

Cusco: Adobe of the gods on quad bikes tour - Key points before you go

  • ATVs plus guided history: you get adrenaline and a story-led visit with English and Spanish guides.
  • Morada de los Dioses photo stops: giant cliff carvings, including the Pachamama and the Puma.
  • Colonial Aqueduct Fortress stop: you’ll pause for photos before you reach the main sculptures.
  • A full circuit of riding: you’ll ride multiple times, with a long scenic break in the middle.
  • Simple, short day: pickup is around 9:00 a.m., and you’re back by about 1:00 p.m.
  • Bring the basics: sunglasses, sunscreen, ID, water, and cash (no feeding provided).

ATV pickup from Cusco to Tica Tica: get oriented fast

Cusco: Adobe of the gods on quad bikes tour - ATV pickup from Cusco to Tica Tica: get oriented fast
This tour is built for an early start. Pickup from Cusco is at 09:00, and you’ll head out about 25 minutes to the base in Tica Tica, Sencca sector. If you’re staying near the center, there are two pickup options listed around Plaza de Armas.

Once you arrive at the base, you’re not thrown onto the bike right away. You get help from a specialized guide to learn how to handle the ATVs. This matters because the later part of the day is more than just a quick spin. You’re going to drive for about an hour to reach the destination area, then you’ll ride again during the stops.

What I like about this setup is that it keeps you from feeling lost. You get training, then you get to enjoy the ride instead of worrying about what to do with your hands and feet.

The ride to Apukunaq Tianan: colonial aqueduct fortress views en route

Cusco: Adobe of the gods on quad bikes tour - The ride to Apukunaq Tianan: colonial aqueduct fortress views en route
The drive out to Morada de los Dioses is part of the fun. The ATV route lasts about 1 hour, and you’ll start by visiting the Colonial Aqueduct Fortress as a photo stop. This is a nice change of pace because the aqueduct structure gives you a clear “period jump” from Cusco’s colonial layers into the broader story of the region.

Then you continue to Apukunaq Tianan, also known as Morada de los Dioses. In practice, this is when the experience shifts from travel time to destination time. The sculptures start setting the mood, and the terrain becomes more “adventure” than “parking lot tourist photo.”

Even if you’re not chasing adrenaline for its own sake, you’ll likely enjoy this section because it’s active and outdoors. You’re not stuck in a van staring out a window.

Morada de los Dioses: giant cliff carvings and why they feel bigger than photos

Cusco: Adobe of the gods on quad bikes tour - Morada de los Dioses: giant cliff carvings and why they feel bigger than photos
Once you reach Morada de los Dioses, you’ll spend time exploring. There’s a photo stop and visit right away, then later you’ll come back for more riding and a longer guided portion.

The star attraction is the group of modern lithic sculptures carved into stone cliffs. The size is the mind-bender here. The figures are listed at around 4 to 8 meters high—and that scale is hard to fully judge until you’re standing near them.

You’ll see Inca-culture themed figures such as:

  • La Pachamama (earth/mother earth concept)
  • The Puma
  • The three-dimensional door
  • Mirador (listed as part of the complex experience)

You’ll also learn that these works are tied to the sculptor Michel of Titan Monteagudo. That name matters because it turns this from generic “pretty statues” into a specific creative vision placed directly into the cliff setting.

A tip for your camera: don’t just frame the sculpture from far away. With carvings that big, you’ll usually get better results by moving your stance and angling upward. If you take a few steps and vary your height, you’ll capture the scale more honestly than a single wide shot.

Guided tour + free time: what the 1-hour block is really for

Cusco: Adobe of the gods on quad bikes tour - Guided tour + free time: what the 1-hour block is really for
After the initial exploration and photos, you’ll have a longer 1-hour break + visit section. This block is where the tour shifts from “arrive and see” into “understand and breathe.”

During this time, you get:

  • A guided tour
  • Free time
  • Photo stops
  • Shopping opportunity
  • A walk and scenic views on the way

That combination is practical. The guided part helps you connect what you’re seeing to the themes, while the free time lets you slow down. You’re not forced to keep moving every minute, which is a big deal on a tour that includes ATV riding.

Shopping here is listed, but the details of what’s sold aren’t. Still, you should expect small, tourist-friendly items rather than high-end goods. If you want snacks or drinks, remember that feeding isn’t included, so keeping some cash on hand makes life easier.

If you like to organize your photos, this is the best time to do it. The guided tour gives you direction, and then your free time lets you return to the angles you prefer.

Riding again: the second and third ATV sessions

Cusco: Adobe of the gods on quad bikes tour - Riding again: the second and third ATV sessions
This is the part that makes the tour feel like an actual ATV day rather than a museum visit with transportation.

You’ll have:

  • ATV time as part of reaching the destination
  • A quad bike ride section for about 1 hour
  • Another quad bike ride section for about 1 hour later (after the guided/break block)

So yes, you’re driving more than once. That repetition is exactly what builds the adrenaline payoff. If you’re the type who wants motion and the chance to feel the vehicle working on uneven ground, this plan fits your style.

What to watch: ATV riding tends to be weather-and-conditions dependent. The schedule is set, but your comfort will depend on what the ground feels like that day. Wear comfortable clothes, keep your water close, and be smart about sun exposure. Cusco region sun can be sneaky even when the air feels cool.

Getting back to Cusco: timing that keeps your day flexible

Cusco: Adobe of the gods on quad bikes tour - Getting back to Cusco: timing that keeps your day flexible
The tour runs about 4 hours total. Pickup is listed around 09:00, and the return is scheduled to bring you back by about 1:00 p.m. That “back at lunch” timing is one of the smartest parts of this experience because it keeps your afternoon open for Cusco strolling, markets, or a second stop.

On the way back, there’s another 25-minute van trip from the base to the city. The finish point is listed as Calle Plateros, which is still central enough to continue on without much hassle.

If you’re trying to stack your Cusco day carefully, this timing is a good match. You get action, you get photos, and you’re not stuck out until late afternoon when energy starts fading.

Price and value: why $33 can work for a short, active tour

Cusco: Adobe of the gods on quad bikes tour - Price and value: why $33 can work for a short, active tour
The price is $33 per person for around four hours. On paper, that might look “cheap” for an ATV experience—but the better way to judge value is what’s included.

Included:

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

Not included:

  • Feeding (so you may want snacks or a drink using your own money)

For many travelers, the biggest value here is that the price covers the full “delivery system”: pickup, transport, ATV access, guide time, and entry fees. That reduces the number of separate things you’d otherwise have to arrange yourself.

Where you should adjust your expectations: feeding isn’t included, and you’ll want to factor in water plus any extra purchases during the free time. Also, this is an active tour, so you’ll want at least baseline comfort with riding and short training.

If you’re budgeting and want an affordable way to add adrenaline and major-photo sights into one morning, this is reasonably good value for Cusco.

What to bring (and what not to bring) so you don’t lose time

Cusco: Adobe of the gods on quad bikes tour - What to bring (and what not to bring) so you don’t lose time
You’ll have a short list, but it’s the right one.

Bring:

  • Passport or ID card
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Water
  • Cash
  • Comfortable clothes
  • Camera

Not allowed:

  • Luggage or large bags

This matters because you don’t want to show up carrying extra stuff you’ll have to handle during training and riding. If you can, pack light for Cusco days anyway. It’s one less thing to worry about while you’re trying to enjoy the ride.

Who this ATV tour suits (and who should skip it)

Cusco: Adobe of the gods on quad bikes tour - Who this ATV tour suits (and who should skip it)
This tour is a good fit if you:

  • Want adrenaline and a structured, guided outing
  • Like photography at scale (the 4–8 meter sculptures are built for that)
  • Prefer a mix of transport + activity rather than only sightseeing on foot
  • Don’t mind doing ATV training before riding

It’s not suitable for:

  • People with mobility impairments
  • Pregnant women

If you’re nursing a sore back or you know you’ll struggle with getting on/off a vehicle, take that seriously. The tour is short, but it’s still physical.

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

I’d book it if your Cusco plan needs one active morning that gives you both motion and memorable photos. The combination of ATV riding time, the Colonial Aqueduct Fortress photo stop, and the huge Morada de los Dioses sculptures (with La Pachamama and the Puma) makes it a straightforward “do it once” experience.

Skip it if you want a quiet, mostly historical walk with minimal physical effort. Also skip if you fall into the listed unsuitability categories. This is built for riding, not hovering.

If you do book, do yourself a favor: pack light, bring sunscreen and water, and treat the guided + free-time block as your main window for photos and understanding.

FAQ

FAQ

What time does pickup happen in Cusco?

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

How long is the ATV tour?

The total duration is about 4 hours.

Where do you go after pickup?

After pickup, you take a 25-minute trip to the base in Tica Tica, Sencca sector.

Is there an ATV training session?

Yes. A specialized guide helps you with training on how to handle the ATVs before you start the adventure.

What are the main stops during the tour?

You visit the Colonial Aqueduct Fortress and then Morada de los Dioses (Apukunaq Tianan), including time for photo stops, visits, and guided touring.

How long do you ride the ATVs?

The ride includes about 1 hour of ATV route time to reach the destination, plus additional 1-hour ATV ride sections during the visit period.

Are guides available in English and Spanish?

Yes. The tour includes a professional guide in English and Spanish.

What is included in the price?

Included are hotel pickup, tour transport and ATVs, professional English/Spanish guide, and entrance to all tourist spots.

What isn’t included?

Feeding is not included.

What should you bring, and what’s not allowed?

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

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