Cusco: ATV tour to Residence of the Gods with guide

Summary

Ride ATVs from Cusco & discover the sculpted gods up close

You’ll ride ATVs through Cusco’s outskirts with a local guide, feel mountain air on your face, and stand among giant hand-carved gods at Sencca. Includes hotel pickup and all gear—plus stories and small moments you’ll remember long after you’re back in town.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it feels like to grip an ATV throttle just outside Cusco, wind carrying that earthy mountain smell? I didn’t expect my heart to pound so much before we even left the base in Sencca. Our guide, Diego, handed me a helmet and grinned — “You’ll get used to it fast.” He was right. After a quick briefing (and honestly, some nervous laughs from our group), we were off, engines buzzing louder than I thought they’d be at 9am.

The ride itself was bumpy in a way that makes you pay attention — gravel popping under the wheels, cold air stinging my cheeks. I kept catching glimpses of locals tending fields nearby, barely glancing up as we sped past. There’s something about seeing their quiet routine against our noisy little convoy that made me feel both out of place and weirdly welcome. The main keyword here is “ATV tour Cusco”, but what sticks is how Diego pointed out little things along the way — wildflowers I would’ve missed, or how the clouds always seem to hang low over these hills.

When we finally reached the Residence of the Gods, I had dust on my hands and a grin I couldn’t shake off. The sculptures are massive — cyclopean, Diego called them — and carved right into stone. He told us stories about each face; I tried repeating one name in Quechua and he laughed (I definitely butchered it). We walked around for maybe 25 minutes, just enough time for my legs to stop buzzing from the ride. The silence there felt heavy but not uncomfortable — like even the wind was paying respect.

I still think about those stone faces sometimes. On the drive back to Cusco (my helmet hair was wild), nobody talked much — just watched the city come back into view through dusty windows. If you’re looking for a day trip from Cusco that’s more than just checking off sights… well, this one sticks with you in odd ways.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — ATV Adventure and Sculpture Visit

• Travel to Sencca base
• Safety briefing and ATV training
• ATV tour first leg
• Visit Residence of the Gods sculptures
• ATV tour return leg
• Return to downtown Cusco

Top questions

How long does the ATV tour last?

The ATV route lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes total.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?

Yes, pickup from hotels near downtown Cusco is included.

Do I need experience riding ATVs?

No experience needed; there’s a safety briefing and training before starting.

What is the Residence of the Gods?

It’s an area near Cusco with large hand-carved stone sculptures known as cyclopean figures.

Is lunch included on this tour?

No, lunch is not included in this tour.

How do we get to the starting point?

You’ll travel by vehicle for about 30 minutes from downtown Cusco to Sencca (Tica Tica).

Are there any health restrictions?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnant travelers.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from central Cusco, all safety equipment for riding ATVs (one per person), transport by air-conditioned vehicle to Sencca, a professional local guide throughout the experience, plus time exploring the Residence of the Gods before returning downtown.