Cusco: ATVs to the Abode of the Gods.

REVIEW · CUSCO

Cusco: ATVs to the Abode of the Gods.

  • 2.73 reviews
  • 3 hours
  • From $42
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Operated by Zarate Adventours · Bookable on GetYourGuide

Traveller rating 2.7 (3)Duration3 hoursPrice from$42Operated byZarate AdventoursBook viaGetYourGuide

Quad bikes and Inca carvings in one outing. You get the adrenaline of driving a quad bike, then you pause for photos at the huge carvings that commemorate Andean Inca cosmovision. One thing to plan for: food isn’t included, and entrance to the Abode of the Gods is extra.

I like how this is built for people who want an active break without wrestling logistics. You’ll start in the Historic Center of Cusco, ride out to the Sencca-Tica Tica base, and do a practice run before you head to the attraction.

The tour runs about 3 hours, with multiple departure options through the day. Languages are English and Spanish, and you’ll want to have a WhatsApp number ready with your country code.

Key things to know before you go

Cusco: ATVs to the Abode of the Gods. - Key things to know before you go

  • Hotel pickup from Cusco’s Historic Center so you’re not figuring out transport first
  • Sencca-Tica Tica base as your launch point, about 30 minutes from central Cusco
  • Practice session on the quad bikes before the main ride
  • Safety equipment included plus a professional guide to keep things on track
  • A photo-focused stop at the Abode of the Gods carvings tied to Andean Inca cosmovision
  • Entrance and food are not included, so budget a bit beyond the $42

Cusco pickup to Sencca-Tica Tica base: start strong, stay simple

Cusco: ATVs to the Abode of the Gods. - Cusco pickup to Sencca-Tica Tica base: start strong, stay simple
This tour begins with pickup from your hotel in Cusco’s Historic Center (or very nearby). It’s an easy setup if you’re staying central and don’t want to spend your morning chasing a meeting point.

From there, you’ll transfer about 30 minutes to the Sencca-Tica Tica base. I find this matters more than it sounds. When you’re doing an ATV-style activity, you want a calm start—time to arrive, get briefed, and settle before you put the throttle down.

The provider is Zarate Adventours, and you’ll have a professional guide with you. You’ll also have transport back into Cusco at the end, using an individual bus for your group. Translation: less stress, fewer surprises.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Cusco.

Quad bike practice and safety gear you’ll actually rely on

Cusco: ATVs to the Abode of the Gods. - Quad bike practice and safety gear you’ll actually rely on
The first activity at the base is your quad bike practice. This is a big deal if you’re not used to driving something like this. Instead of throwing you straight into the route, you get time to get the basics down with guidance.

You’ll be given safety equipment, and you’ll ride with a guide who can help with real-time adjustments. You should expect instruction to cover control basics and safe behavior while you’re mounted.

A practical tip: treat the practice session like your warm-up, not just a formality. If you take it seriously, the ride to the Abode of the Gods will feel more fun and less like you’re concentrating the entire time. And yes, the adrenaline is part of the point here.

The ride to the Abode of the Gods: action first, culture built in

Cusco: ATVs to the Abode of the Gods. - The ride to the Abode of the Gods: action first, culture built in
After the practice, you head out toward the attraction known as the Abode of the Gods. The tour is designed as a mix: drive time plus a cultural stop that’s short but memorable.

When you arrive, your focus shifts from speed to seeing. The highlight is the huge carvings—made to commemorate Andean Inca cosmovision. Even if you don’t read every detail (and you won’t have time to do a deep study in a 3-hour outing), you can still enjoy the scale and craftsmanship. These are the kind of visuals you can photograph from multiple angles.

I also like that the tour doesn’t pretend to be a full-day archaeology or museum visit. This is more of a “get out, ride, then pause to appreciate” format. You’ll come away with a strong Cusco contrast: high-energy quad bike time paired with a symbolic Inca-inspired site.

Photo moment: how to get the best shots of the carvings

You’ll want your camera ready here. The tour specifically calls out taking pictures with the huge carvings, so give yourself a few minutes to:

  • Find a viewpoint that shows scale (not just close-up textures)
  • Step back and frame multiple carvings in one shot
  • Take at least one photo without rushing, in case the first try has motion blur

If the light is bright, consider holding your phone steady and using both hands. ATV rides get jerky—your hands will be tired. Let the carvings be the payoff.

Entrance and food: what’s extra, and why it matters

The tour price is $42 per person, and it includes hotel pickup, transportation to and from Cusco, a professional guide, an individual bus, and safety equipment.

What’s not included is food and entrance to the Abode of the Gods. That means you should think of $42 as the cost of the quad-bike experience and guided outing, not as a complete all-in-one package.

Here’s how I’d handle it:

  • Eat before you go, or plan snacks for after your return.
  • Expect to pay the entrance fee at the site if you want to fully access that part of the attraction.

It’s not a deal-breaker, but it does affect value. If you show up hungry or assume everything is included, the day can feel more expensive than the headline price.

Timing and pacing: a fast, focused 3-hour plan

The tour runs for 3 hours. It’s also scheduled with multiple starting times throughout the day, including 08:00, 11:00, 13:00, and 15:00.

That short duration is part of the appeal. You get:

1) pickup and transfer out of town

2) practice on the quad bikes

3) the ride to the Abode of the Gods

4) a visit centered on the huge carvings and the Andean Inca cosmovision theme

5) return to the base and drop-off in Cusco

A quick warning (the non-dramatic kind): if you’re hoping for a long, unhurried cultural deep dive, this format won’t give you that. The tour is built for motion and a photo-friendly stop, not for spending hours reading and wandering.

Who this ATV tour is best for

This tour fits best if you’re the kind of traveler who:

  • Wants adrenaline without giving up a meaningful cultural moment
  • Likes guided visits where you don’t have to plan transport
  • Enjoys hands-on activities more than long lectures
  • Stays in or near Cusco’s Historic Center and values convenience

It may be less ideal if you:

  • Prefer slow, quiet sightseeing for hours at a time
  • Don’t feel comfortable driving a quad bike, even with practice and safety equipment
  • Want food included as part of the price

If you’re unsure, think of it like this: you’re buying an organized quad-bike outing with a short stop at a carved, Inca-themed site. You’ll get both, just not in a slow and stretched-out way.

Value check: is $42 a fair deal?

For $42, you’re getting several things that usually cost extra when you do them separately: pickup from the Historic Center area, round-trip transportation, a professional guide, safety equipment, and a dedicated ride format on a quad bike.

The costs you should expect beyond the base price are mainly:

  • Entrance to the Abode of the Gods
  • Food, since it’s not included
  • Any other personal expenses

So is it good value? If you want a one-session adventure that combines action and a cultural stop, yes. The money goes toward making the experience organized, not just toward the quad bike itself.

Practical tips to make the day smoother

Cusco: ATVs to the Abode of the Gods. - Practical tips to make the day smoother
Because the tour includes driving time and a visit with photo stops, a few common-sense choices help:

  • Wear closed-toe shoes that can handle dust or minor splashes
  • Plan for sun and wind; Cusco mornings and afternoons can feel very different
  • Bring your camera/phone mount or strap if you have one, so you’re less likely to fumble during the stop
  • Go in fed or plan a snack after, since food isn’t included

Also, make sure your contact number is correct with your country code for WhatsApp. The tour instructions specifically note this—so don’t ignore it.

Should you book Cusco: ATVs to the Abode of the Gods?

Book it if you want a short, well-run Cusco experience that combines quad bike fun with a memorable stop featuring huge carvings tied to Andean Inca cosmovision. It’s a good pick for active travelers who don’t want to spend the day arranging transport.

Hold off if you’re trying to maximize museum-style time, or if paying extra entrance plus food would annoy you. Also, if quad biking makes you nervous, don’t assume you’ll magically become fearless—use the practice seriously, and ask your guide questions before you set off.

If you like your tours energetic and your sightseeing quick but meaningful, this one fits the bill.

FAQ

Where does the tour pickup happen?

The tour includes pickup from your hotel near or within the Historic Center of Cusco.

How long is the ATV tour?

The duration is 3 hours.

How much does it cost?

The price is $42 per person.

What’s included in the tour price?

Included are hotel pickup (near or within the Historic Center), tourist transportation to and from the hotel, a professional guide, an individual bus, and safety equipment.

Is food included?

No, food is not included.

Is entrance to the Abode of the Gods included?

No, entrance to the Abode of the Gods is not included.

What languages is the guide available in?

The live tour guide is available in English and Spanish.

Do I need to provide a WhatsApp number?

Yes. You should put your contact number correctly with your country code and have WhatsApp.

Are there multiple departure times?

Yes. Starting times include 08:00, 11:00, 13:00, and 15:00, depending on availability.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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