ATV Abode of the Gods and Piuray Lagoon From Cusco

If you’re looking to add some adrenaline and rural charm to your Cusco trip, the ATV Abode of the Gods and Piuray Lagoon tour offers a memorable 4-hour journey that combines scenic countryside riding with visits to notable natural and cultural sites.

Starting at just $50 per person, this tour takes you through lush landscapes, vibrant local communities, and dramatic viewpoints, all led by knowledgeable guides who speak both Spanish and English.

What we love about this experience is how accessible and fun it is — with a full 3-hour ATV ride that introduces you to the area's natural beauty, plus stops at Piuray Lagoon and the surprisingly recent attraction of Apukunaq Tianan. Another highlight is how you get to see local people dressed in traditional Chinchero costumes, giving you a tiny glimpse into everyday rural life.

One consideration is that the tour is quite active, requiring moderate physical fitness, and some travelers have noted issues with the ATV equipment — so do keep that in mind if you're more sensitive to technical glitches or if you're traveling with very young or less mobile companions.

This tour suits adventurous travelers who enjoy outdoor activities, those wanting to explore outside Cusco’s city center, and anyone eager for authentic interactions with local communities. It’s also perfect for those who appreciate scenic, less touristy sites.

Key Points

• Accessible scenic adventure suitable for moderate fitness levels
• Engaging stops at Piuray Lagoon and Apukunaq Tianan, offering natural beauty and cultural insight
• Affordable value at $50, including ATV rental, guide, helmets, and gloves
• Limited group size (max 10 travelers) for a more personalized experience
• Tour duration around 4 hours, balancing activity and sightseeing
• Weather-dependent: tour requires good weather; cancellations possible in bad conditions

The Experience in Detail

A Practical and Fun Start in Cusco

We begin with a straightforward pickup from Plaza Regocijo or nearby hotels, which already sets a friendly tone. The transportation to the base in Tica Tica takes about 15 minutes, giving you a quick first look at the outskirts of Cusco’s urban sprawl. It’s a small detail, but it helps ease you into the adventure, with the transition from the city to open countryside feeling seamless.

Once at the base, you’ll get a 10-minute safety briefing and driving instruction on TRX 250 ATVs. This is essential, especially if you're new to riding ATVs, but the guides are friendly and patient. The equipment includes helmets and gloves, which are provided and are standard safety gear.

The Piuray Lagoon: Nature’s Quiet Gem

The first stop is the Piuray Lagoon, a serene natural basin that irrigates surrounding fields. Here, you’ll spend about 30 minutes soaking in the views and snapping photos. The lagoon’s calm waters and surrounding greenery make for a tranquil scene — perfect for nature lovers. You’ll also see local farmers tending to their fields and locals dressed in traditional Chinchero costumes, adding an authentic touch to your visit.

One traveler told us, “Piuray Lagoon is absolutely gorgeous. I could have stayed there several hours,” highlighting how captivating this place is, even in a brief visit. The lagoon isn’t just a pretty backdrop — it’s a vital part of the local community’s livelihood, which adds a layer of meaningful connection.

Riding Through the Countryside

After the lagoon, your ATV adventure continues for around 20 more minutes before reaching Apukunaq Tianan, a newly popular attraction in Cusco. This site, which took about 30 minutes to explore, offers a different perspective — a blend of scenic views and a chance to learn about local history or natural formations. While not as old or traditional as other sites, its recent popularity shows how Cusco’s attractions are evolving beyond the conventional.

The ride back to the starting point is equally scenic, with the guide sharing insights about the landscape and local communities along the way. During the entire 3-hour ride, you’ll be surrounded by lush fields, small villages, and rugged hills. It’s a low-speed cruise, so it’s more about enjoying the scenery than rushing through.

Ending Back in Cusco

After the ATV ride, you'll return to the garage and be transported back to Plaza Regocijo, completing your 4-hour adventure. The tour is well-paced, balancing activity with enough downtime to appreciate the surroundings. The last stop at Apukunaq Tianan is optional, with entrance not included ($6), but many find it worthwhile for the views and photo opportunities.

What Travelers Say

Among the 96 reviews, the overall rating is a solid 4.9/5, with many praising the tour for its friendliness and authenticity. One reviewer exclaimed, “Stop scrolling & book now!” citing the long ride to Piuray Lagoon as a highlight, along with the chance to ride through communities and see the gorgeous lagoon.

In contrast, a less favorable review mentioned equipment issues and a guide with limited English skills, which underscores the importance of choosing reputable operators and being aware that not every aspect may be perfect. Still, these are outliers — most travelers find the experience enjoyable and well worth the cost.

Why This Tour Offers Good Value

At $50, this tour packs in multiple highlights: ATV riding, scenic landscapes, local cultural encounters, and visits to notable natural sites. The inclusion of safety gear, a bilingual guide, and transportation all contribute to making it a hassle-free adventure.

The small group size (maximum 10) means you'll get more personalized attention, and the flexible cancellation policy (free up to 24 hours in advance) offers peace of mind.

The key is the balance — it’s active but not physically daunting, making it accessible for most travelers with moderate fitness. The tour’s focus on countryside scenery and authentic interactions makes it a great choice for those wanting more than just sightseeing — we especially recommend it to travelers craving an off-the-beaten-path experience topped with a bit of adventure.

Practical Tips for Participants

• Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothes since you’ll be outdoors for several hours.
• Bring sunscreen and a hat for sun protection, especially in the open countryside.
• Be prepared for some bumpy riding — a moderate fitness level helps.
• If you’re interested in the Piuray lagoon entry, budget an extra dollar.
• Confirm your booking in advance, as the tour is popular and booked on average 26 days ahead.
• Arrive promptly at Plaza Regocijo to start your adventure smoothly.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children or beginners?
This tour is best suited for travelers with moderate physical fitness and some comfort riding ATVs. Beginners can participate if they’re comfortable with basic safety instructions, but very young children or those with mobility issues might find the ride challenging.

What is included in the price?
The $50 fee covers transportation from Cusco, ATV rental with helmets and gloves, a bilingual guide, and safety equipment. Entrance to Piuray Lagoon costs $1 extra, and the Apukunaq Tianan site entry is $6.

How long is the ATV ride?
The full ATV course lasts about 3 hours, with a safety briefing and multiple stops along the way. The entire tour, including stops and transportation, lasts approximately 4 hours.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather to operate safely. If canceled due to poor conditions, you'll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Are there group size restrictions?
Yes, the tour caps at 10 travelers, ensuring more individualized attention and a less crowded experience.

Where does the tour end?
It ends back at Plaza Regocijo, making it easy to continue exploring Cusco afterward.

Final Thoughts

The ATV Abode of the Gods and Piuray Lagoon tour offers a wonderful mix of adventure, scenery, and cultural sights at a reasonable price. It’s a fantastic way to get outside the city and experience the Peruvian countryside with a dash of adrenaline. While equipment reliability could be an issue in some cases, most travelers find the overall experience rewarding and fun.

This is perfect for active travelers eager for authentic landscapes and local interactions, especially those who enjoy a good dose of outdoor fun combined with scenic beauty. If you’re up for a bit of dirt, some photos, and a genuine taste of rural Cusco, this tour is definitely worth considering.