Experience the rugged beauty and cultural richness of Cusco on a 7-hour quad bike tour that covers 85 km of scenic trails, tranquil lagoons, and ancient stone sculptures. Led by knowledgeable guides, you’ll start with a short hotel pickup, then venture into the Peruvian countryside from the historic city center. Along the way, you’ll visit the shimmering Huaypo and Piuray lagoons, enjoy close encounters with endemic bird species, and explore the enigmatic “Home of the Gods” lithic complex. For just $140, this tour combines adventure, culture, and nature—delivered in small groups for a personalized experience.

What we love most about this tour are two key things: first, the stunning landscapes you’ll encounter—the snow-capped Vilcabamba mountains and the tranquil lagoons make for incredible photo opportunities; second, the blend of adrenaline and cultural insight, especially with the guided tour of the impressive lithic sculptures that pay homage to Andean deities. A potential consideration is the tour’s physical demands—if you’re not comfortable on a quad or have mobility issues, this might be less suitable. Overall, it’s a fantastic pick for adventure travelers, nature lovers, and anyone eager to experience the region beyond the typical tourist spots.

This tour is best suited for those who enjoy a combination of outdoor activity and cultural exploration. It’s ideal if you’re comfortable riding a quad bike, eager to see diverse landscapes, and curious about local traditions expressed through art and sculpture. The small group size ensures a more intimate experience, perfect for travelers seeking genuine interaction and personalized attention.

Key Points

Stunning Landscapes: Enjoy breathtaking views of the Vilcabamba mountain range and Sacred Valley.
Unique Cultural Stop: Visit the “Home of the Gods,” a captivating space featuring lithic sculptures of Andean deities.
Wildlife Sightings: Observe endemic bird species around the lagoons, adding a touch of nature’s magic.
Thrilling Adventure: Cover 85 km of trails and gravel roads, blending scenic riding with cultural insights.
Expert Guides & Safety: Guides speak both English and Spanish, and safety equipment is included.
Small Group Experience: Limited to 10 participants for more personalized attention.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Appreciating the Adventure: A Deep Dive into the Tour

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Starting Point and Logistics

The adventure begins with a pickup from your hotel or designated meeting points within Cusco’s historic center—an arrangement that ensures a hassle-free start. From there, a 25-minute drive takes you to the operation base in Cruz Verde, Poroy. This proximity means you’re out of the city’s chaos quickly, setting the tone for a peaceful yet exhilarating day.

Once at the base, you’ll receive a thorough safety briefing and instructions on handling the quad bikes—an essential step for those unfamiliar with ATVs. The 15-minute practice session on the bikes helps everyone feel confident before hitting the trails. The small group size (max 10) ensures personalized guidance and safety, which is especially reassuring for first-timers or less experienced riders.

The Ride and Scenic Routes

The core of this experience is the 85 km ride, which mixes trails, gravel roads, and scenic routes. Expect a gentle start through village landscapes before ascending to more rugged terrain. The route offers constant visual rewards: sweeping vistas of snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and open skies.

The highlight for many is reaching the lagoons—Huaypo and Piuray—where calm waters reflect the sky and mountains, creating picture-perfect moments. These spots are also excellent birdwatching locations, with endemic species fluttering around, adding an element of wildlife observation to the journey.

Lagoons and Wildlife

Spending time at the lagoons allows for quiet reflection and photographic opportunities. The tranquil waters and surrounding nature make these stops peaceful respites from the adrenaline of the ride. The guides often point out endemic bird species—if you’re lucky, you might spot herons, ducks, or even rare waterfowl, giving a taste of the region’s biodiversity.

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The “Home of the Gods”

A standout aspect of this tour is the visit to the “Home of the Gods,” a contemporary sculpture complex carved into rocky outcrops on Huayna Qorqor mountain. Crafted by artist Michael Monteagudo Mejía, this evolving space pays homage to Andean gods, animals, and characters via massive lithic sculptures.

The sculptures are still under construction, but even in their unfinished state, they are awe-inspiring. The site offers a profound connection to local beliefs and art, blending natural surroundings with human creativity. Many visitors describe it as “a magical place,” where ancient spirituality and modern art collide in a beautiful harmony.

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Return Journey and Final Impressions

After a roughly five-hour ride, the group heads back to the base, completing the journey with a total of 85 km covered. The ride is not just about the distance but the layered experiences—stunning scenery, wildlife encounters, and cultural insights. Returning to Cusco, you’ll be dropped off at Plaza de Armas or Plaza Regocijo, feeling invigorated and enriched.

Value for Money

For $140, this tour offers a lot: active exploration, cultural exposure, and scenic beauty, all guided by bilingual experts. The inclusion of safety gear and the small group setting enhances the overall experience. Additional costs might include entrance fees for the “Home of the Gods” (around 20-30 soles) and personal expenses like meals.

What We Heard from Other Travelers

Many reviews highlight how well-organized and scenic the tour is. One mentions, “The views are incredible—every turn offers a new mountain or lagoon landscape,” while another praises the guide’s knowledge and friendliness. Some appreciated the balance of adrenaline and cultural education, noting that the sculptures felt “like a contemporary tribute to ancient traditions.”

A few travelers point out that the ride can be physically demanding, and the altitude may affect some. It’s best suited for those in decent health and comfortable on a quad bike.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers looking for a combination of adventure and culture. If you’re eager to traverse beautiful landscapes on an ATV, enjoy wildlife, and explore a modern artistic tribute to Andean deities, this tour fits your bill. It’s also excellent for small groups or families with older children (over 6 years old) comfortable on bikes. However, those with mobility issues, pregnant women, or individuals over 297 lbs should consider other options.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup from hotels within Cusco’s historic center is included, making the start smooth and convenient.

What should I wear or bring?
Wear comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor riding, and bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. The tour provides safety gear, but you might want to bring your own camera for photos.

Is there an age limit?
The tour is not suitable for children under 6 years old, but older children and teenagers can participate if comfortable riding quad bikes.

Can I participate if I’ve never ridden a quad before?
Absolutely. The guide provides a safety briefing and a practice session to familiarize you with the quad bikes before starting the tour.

How physically demanding is this tour?
It involves riding for about five hours over varied terrain. Physical fitness helps, especially at high altitude, but the pace can be adjusted based on group comfort.

Are there extra costs?
Entrance fee to the “Home of the Gods” (20-30 soles) is not included. Personal expenses, meals, and optional tips are also extra.

Final Thoughts: Why This Tour Stands Out

If you’re craving a mix of adventure, culture, and natural beauty, this quad bike tour checks all the boxes. The landscapes are spectacular, with mountain views and tranquil lagoons that truly capture the essence of the region’s diverse geography. The art at the “Home of the Gods” adds a modern, spiritual dimension that’s rare in typical scenic tours.

The experience offers excellent value for the price—covering 85 km of trails, guided insights, and safety assurance—all in a small group setting that makes the day personal and engaging. It’s especially suited for travelers who want to see more than just the usual sights and are open to a bit of physical activity in high-altitude terrain.

In essence, this tour is a wonderful way to combine thrilling riding with meaningful cultural exploration. Whether you’re an adventure junkie, a wildlife enthusiast, or a curious traveler, you’ll leave with memorable images and stories to tell. Just remember to bring your sense of adventure—and a camera!