Apukunaq Tianan and Piuray Lagoon ATV Tour

Big views, giant stone gods, and a little engine noise. This compact Cusco outing combines a scenic ride around Piuray Lagoon with a visit to Apukunaq Tianan, the Abode of the Gods. I like the mix of open water and bold modern sculpture, and I like that helmets, gloves, and a professional guide are included. The main drawback is that the advertised three hours leaves limited time at both stops, especially if you want many photos.

I also like the small maximum group of 10 people. That should make the ride easier to manage than a large convoy, although the $65 price does not include the $4 entrance fee or bottled water, which costs 5 soles. Pickup is offered, but the stated meeting point is Plaza Regocijo, and the return transport ends two blocks from Cusco’s main square.

Key points to know before booking

• Piuray Lagoon is both scenic and practical: Its waters supply much of Cusco and the Sacred Valley, giving the photo stop a useful local connection.
• Apukunaq Tianan features enormous modern carvings: The sculptures are about 4 to 8 meters high and include Pachamama, a puma, and a three-dimensional gate.
• The tour includes ATV riding: You return to the base for a 30-minute ride after visiting the sculptures.
• The group is capped at 10 people: This is a manageable size for a guided activity.
• The $65 price is not all-inclusive: Add the $4 entrance fee and plan for water separately.
• The schedule is short and focused: Expect an outing of about three hours, not a full-day excursion.

What this Cusco outing is really about

This tour gives you two very different sights in one short trip. Piuray Lagoon offers broad water views and a rural setting, while Apukunaq Tianan is a purpose-built attraction filled with giant carved figures. The contrast is part of the appeal.

You are not visiting an ancient Inca site at Apukunaq Tianan. The sculptures were recently carved by Cusquenian artist Michel de Titan Monteagudo Mejia. They draw on Inca gods and symbols, but the attraction is modern. That distinction matters if you are looking for archaeological ruins. If you want large-scale art with an Andean theme, the stop offers something quite different.

The tour also adds an ATV ride, giving the outing more movement than a standard sightseeing transfer. One direct account describes the four-wheeler ride as a lot of fun, with the lake and route making the trip worth the cost. That praise points to the tour’s strongest feature: it is not just a stop-and-photo excursion. You get scenery, sculpture, and a hands-on ride in a short package.

Starting from Plaza Regocijo in Cusco

The listed starting point is Plaza Regocijo, Cusco 08002. Pickup is offered, but you should confirm the exact arrangement when booking rather than assume that a vehicle will collect you from your hotel.

The end point is Plaza San Francisco. Transport drops you about two blocks from Cusco’s main square, so the return is fairly central. This is useful if you want to continue sightseeing or find a meal after the tour.

The schedule lasts approximately three hours. That makes it easier to fit around other Cusco plans, including a morning or afternoon of exploring the city. At the same time, a short schedule means you should arrive ready to go. Delays at the start could reduce the time available for photos and the ATV segment.

The group limit is 10 people. That is small enough to keep the outing fairly personal and should help the guide manage the group at the riding areas. A professional guide is included, and the tour is offered in English.

Following Piuray Lagoon for about two hours

Piuray Lagoon is the longer portion of the outing, listed at about two hours. The route follows the edge of the lagoon, with stops for photographs. The water supplies much of Cusco and the Sacred Valley, so this is more than a pretty viewpoint. It is part of the practical water system that supports the area.

That detail gives the lagoon a useful sense of place. You are not simply stopping at a body of water with a camera in hand. You are seeing a source that matters to nearby communities and to the wider Cusco region.

The exact pace depends on the group and the number of photo stops. You might spend more time moving along the edge than standing at one formal viewpoint. That suits you if you want a ride with changing views. It may disappoint you if you expect a long, quiet picnic beside the water.

The tour information does not provide a detailed account of the road surface or technical difficulty. I would treat the ride as a guided ATV outing rather than assume an advanced off-road course. The supplied equipment includes a helmet and gloves, which are sensible basics for a motorized ride.

The lake is also where the tour earns much of its visual appeal. The route and water were specifically praised in the available feedback, along with the fun of riding four-wheelers. If you enjoy seeing a place from the seat of a vehicle rather than from a bus window, this part should carry much of the tour’s value.

Meeting the modern gods at Apukunaq Tianan

The second stop is Apukunaq Tianan, also called the Abode of the Gods. The attraction features recently carved stone sculptures by Michel de Titan Monteagudo Mejia. The figures measure approximately 4 to 8 meters high, so this is large-scale work rather than a small garden display.

The pieces are dedicated to figures and ideas connected with Inca culture. You can see La Pachamama, the puma, and a three-dimensional gate. A viewpoint is still under construction, so the site may not feel fully finished.

That unfinished element is worth keeping in mind. Apukunaq Tianan is a modern attraction that is still developing, not a polished ancient monument. You may appreciate seeing a living artistic project take shape. You may also find construction or incomplete areas less satisfying than a completed archaeological site.

The giant scale gives the stop its impact. A 4-meter figure already changes how you experience a sculpture, and some pieces reach about 8 meters. The attraction uses size to create drama, so wide photos and shots with people nearby should help you understand the proportions.

The site also offers a clear example of how modern Peru engages with its Inca past. The work is not old stonework from the Inca period, but it uses familiar Andean symbols in a new form. I think that makes the stop best for people who enjoy cultural attractions that are still being created, rather than only preserved.

Admission is not included. The stated entrance cost is $4. Build that fee into your budget before deciding if the $65 price feels right.

The 30-minute ATV ride at the base

After Apukunaq Tianan, the schedule returns to the base for a 30-minute ATV ride. This is an important detail because the tour’s name may suggest a long ATV circuit throughout the entire day. The stated riding portion at the base is half an hour, while the lagoon visit occupies the larger block of time.

That arrangement can work well if you want a taste of ATV riding without committing to a demanding full-day route. It also gives the tour a clear ending after the sculpture visit. You get the excitement of a four-wheeler without making the whole outing about driving.

If ATV riding is your main reason for booking, check how the lagoon route and the 30-minute base ride fit together before paying. The information confirms an ATV ride, helmets, and gloves, but it does not specify the vehicle model, driving rules, or the technical level of the course.

A professional guide leads the activity. Follow the guide’s instructions closely, especially if the group includes riders with different levels of confidence. The small group limit should help keep the ride organized, but the tour remains a guided group outing rather than a private rental.

Is $65 a fair price?

At $65 per person, this is a mid-priced half-day-style activity, though the actual duration is about three hours. The price covers a professional guide, helmet, and gloves, as well as the transport arrangement associated with the tour. You also get two different stops and the ATV portion.

The value is strongest if you want variety. Booking separate transport to Piuray Lagoon, visiting Apukunaq Tianan, and arranging an ATV ride could take more planning than this single package. Here, the route and timing are handled together.

The price is less attractive if you only want a short ATV ride. The listed riding time at the base is 30 minutes, and the sculpture entrance costs an additional $4. Water is also separate at 5 soles per bottle. Those extras are small, but they mean the advertised price is not the final cost.

I would compare the outing with your other Cusco options based on what you want from the day. If you value an easy combination of scenery, local cultural references, and a bit of adventure, $65 is reasonable. If you want a long, technical ATV route or an archaeological site, this may not be the best use of your budget.

Who will enjoy this tour most?

I would choose this tour if you want a short change from Cusco’s churches, plazas, and stone streets. The lagoon provides open views, while Apukunaq Tianan offers a modern attraction that feels very different from the city center.

It suits couples, friends, and families whose members can participate in an ATV activity. The tour states that most people can participate, but it does not provide detailed accessibility information. If you have mobility concerns or need special arrangements, ask the provider before booking.

This is also a good fit if English guidance matters to you. The experience is offered in English, and a professional guide is included.

You may want a different outing if your priority is ancient architecture, a long hike, or a full day in the Sacred Valley. Apukunaq Tianan uses Inca themes, but it is a recent art site. Piuray Lagoon is scenic, yet the tour does not present it as a multi-hour independent nature visit.

Practical advice for making the most of it

Bring enough money for the $4 entrance fee and water, since neither is included. Bottled water is listed at 5 soles, and a short ride under the open sky is easier with something to drink.

Wear clothes that allow movement and shoes suited to an ATV activity. The tour provides helmets and gloves, but the supplied details do not say that other clothing or protective gear is provided.

Keep your camera ready at Piuray Lagoon. The route includes stops for photos, but the schedule is compact. You will get more from the stop if you decide in advance which views matter most to you instead of spending every pause organizing your camera.

At Apukunaq Tianan, look closely at the scale of the carvings and the details of the figures. The puma, Pachamama, and three-dimensional gate each present a different interpretation of Inca-inspired imagery. Remember that the viewpoint remains under construction, so the appearance of the site may change.

The cancellation terms are friendly but strict near departure. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted for a refund, based on the local time in Cusco.

Should you book the Piuray and Apukunaq Tianan tour?

Book it if you want a compact, varied outing with a scenic lagoon, large modern sculptures, and a 30-minute ATV ride. The small group limit, included safety gear, English service, and central return point add practical value.

Skip it if you want a long ATV adventure, a fully archaeological experience, or a leisurely day beside the water. The $65 price needs to be judged with the extra $4 entrance fee and water cost in mind, and Apukunaq Tianan is still partly under construction.

For the right person, this is a lively way to see a different side of the Cusco area. You get a beautiful water stop, a modern piece of Andean-inspired art, and just enough engine-powered fun to keep the day from feeling like a standard sightseeing circuit.

FAQ

How long does the Apukunaq Tianan and Piuray Lagoon tour last?

The tour lasts approximately three hours.

Where does the tour begin?

The listed starting point is Plaza Regocijo in Cusco.

Where does the tour end?

The tour ends at Plaza San Francisco. Transportation drops you about two blocks from Cusco’s main square.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is offered, but the stated meeting point is Plaza Regocijo. Confirm the pickup details when booking.

Is the entrance fee to Apukunaq Tianan included?

No. The entrance fee is listed separately at $4.

What equipment is provided for the ATV ride?

Helmets and gloves are included. A professional guide is also provided.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 10 people.