Sacred Valley: ATV to Perolniyoc Waterfall with guide

Summary

ATV adventure to Perolniyoc Waterfall, ancient ruins & local flavors

You’ll ride ATVs through Peru’s Sacred Valley with a local guide, hike up past Perolniyoc Waterfall’s misty spray, explore ancient ruins above it, and maybe share a craft beer with new friends before heading home. It’s a day full of little surprises you’ll remember long after you’ve washed off all that valley dust.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the dust — that fine, dry Sacred Valley dust that gets everywhere, even inside your helmet. We’d just bounced off the main road near Urubamba, engines humming under us, and our guide Julio grinned like he knew something we didn’t. The air smelled faintly of eucalyptus and gasoline. I kept glancing sideways at the mountains — they’re so close here it feels like you could reach out and touch them if you weren’t gripping the quad bike for dear life.

After maybe an hour (I lost track), we parked by a cluster of wildflowers and started hiking up toward Perolniyoc Waterfall. The sound hit me before I saw it — this low, steady roar behind a curtain of green. My legs were wobbly from the ATV but the cold spray woke me right up. Julio pointed out tiny orchids clinging to the rocks; I pretended to know what he was talking about but honestly, I was just trying not to slip on the moss. The hike up to the archaeological site above was steeper than I expected — 45 minutes or so, but worth every step for that view over the valley. There’s this silence up there, except for birds and water below. Hard to explain but it sticks with you.

On the way back down someone suggested stopping at Cerveceria del Valle Sagrado. Not part of my original plan but nobody complained — especially after tasting their pale ale (I tried asking about the hops in Spanish; got a laugh from the bartender). We swapped stories with a couple of locals at the bar before heading back toward Cusco in that late afternoon light that makes everything look softer somehow. My boots were muddy and my hair smelled like river water and engine oil — not glamorous but honestly? That’s half the point.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — ATV Tour and Waterfall Visit

• Travel from Cusco or Urubamba to Sacred Valley
• ATV quad bike lesson
• Ride ATV to Perolniyoc Waterfall
• Hike to Perolniyoc Archaeological Site (45-60 min)
• Optional stop at Cerveceria del Valle Sagrado for craft beer tasting
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off included

Top questions

How long does the ATV tour to Perolniyoc Waterfall take?

The full-day tour includes travel from Cusco or Urubamba, ATV riding, hiking to Perolniyoc Waterfall and archaeological site (about 45 minutes each way), plus optional brewery stop.

Is hotel pickup included for this Sacred Valley ATV tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included from hotels in Cusco or Sacred Valley towns.

Do I need experience riding quad bikes for this tour?

No prior experience is needed; there’s a quick lesson before starting the ATV ride.

How difficult is the hike to Perolniyoc archaeological site?

The hike takes about 45 minutes to an hour uphill; moderate fitness is recommended.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

No set lunch is included, but there’s an optional stop at Cerveceria del Valle Sagrado for craft beer tasting.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco or Sacred Valley towns, all quad bike equipment with helmet and fuel, guidance in English or Spanish throughout, plus an optional stop at Cerveceria del Valle Sagrado for local craft beer before returning home.