Cusco: ATV Morada de los Dioses & Piuray Lagoon Day Trip

Summary

ATV ride from Cusco to Piuray Lagoon and Inca carvings

You’ll hop on an ATV just outside Cusco and ride through open fields to Piuray Lagoon, where you’ll meet locals in Chinchero dress and pause for photos by calm waters. Then it’s off to Morada de los Dioses—massive Inca-inspired carvings—before heading back muddy and smiling. There’s something about that mountain air you won’t forget.

What’s the experience like?

“Just squeeze the throttle gently,” our guide Marco said, grinning as he handed me the helmet. I could smell that faint mix of gasoline and mountain air—kind of sharp, but not bad. We’d barely left Cusco when the city noise faded, swapped for the crunch of gravel under the ATVs. I was nervous at first (never really trusted myself with machines), but Marco’s patience helped. He joked about my driving—“slow is smooth, smooth is fast”—and honestly, I needed to hear it.

The ride up to Piuray Lagoon felt longer than it probably was—maybe because I kept stopping to look around. The fields were this patchwork of green and gold, and there were locals in bright Chinchero clothes waving as we passed. We stopped by the lagoon for photos; some women let us try on their hats (mine sat crooked, everyone laughed). The water had that glassy stillness you only get early in the day. I didn’t expect it to feel so peaceful after all that engine rumble.

After another stretch on the ATVs—my hands buzzing from the handlebars—we reached Morada de los Dioses. These huge stone faces stared out over everything; Marco told us stories about each one (I forgot most of them except something about a puma spirit). The carvings are new but somehow feel ancient—like they’ve always been here. It started drizzling just as we headed back, which made the rocks shine and turned my hair into a mess under the helmet. By the time we rolled back into Cusco, I was muddy, tired, and weirdly happy. Not sure if it was the altitude or just being outside all day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — ATV tour to Piuray Lagoon and Apukunaq Tianan

• Pick up from Cusco main square
• Drive 15 minutes to Tica Tica base
• Attend 10-minute safety briefing and training
• Ride ATV to Piuray Lagoon
• Explore Piuray Lagoon and take photos
• Ride ATV 20 minutes to Apukunaq Tianan
• Visit Apukunaq Tianan for 30 minutes
• Return to garage and drive back to Cusco
• Tour ends at Plaza Regocijo

Top questions

How long does the ATV tour from Cusco last?

The ATV route lasts about 3 hours total, plus transfers from Cusco.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, pickup is included from hotels near Cusco’s main square.

Do I need previous ATV experience?

No experience needed—a 10-minute safety briefing and training are provided before riding.

What places do we visit during this tour?

You’ll visit Piuray Lagoon and Morada de los Dioses (Apukunaq Tianan).

Are helmets and gloves provided for the ATV ride?

Yes, helmets and gloves are included with your ATV rental.

Is lunch included in this tour?

No lunch is mentioned in the inclusions for this tour.

Where does the tour end?

The tour ends back at Plaza Regocijo in Cusco.

Is this tour suitable for beginners or kids?

This tour requires moderate fitness; not recommended for young children or people with certain health conditions.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup near Cusco’s main square, a professional bilingual guide who keeps things relaxed (and safe), all your ATV gear like helmets and gloves, plus transport between stops before you’re dropped off again downtown.