ATV Excursion Review: Cusco to the Gods’ Abode

So, you know, doing the ATV excursion from Cusco to the Abode of the Gods is something I had on my list for ages. I’d seen pictures that looked pretty awesome, almost magical even, and had read, like, a couple of mixed reviews. Was it just hype, really? Would the views actually be as incredible as everyone claimed, arguably? Or was I setting myself up for a very long, bumpy ride on four wheels, and stuff? Let’s get into my, kind of, unfiltered experience so you can, basically, decide if it’s your thing, or not. I mean, the destination itself is pretty striking; ‘Abode of the Gods’, really, almost has this epic ring, you know?

Gearing Up for the Adventure

The initial pick-up, too it’s almost always earlier than you would, naturally, prefer – I think mine was at, like, 7 a.m., basically. You are then transported, fairly, outside Cusco to this place where all the ATVs are located. First things first: gear. The provided equipment, at least by my tour company, like your standard helmet, goggles, and, just a little, dusty gloves. You may, typically, find this pretty gross. If you care too much, arguably, you may want to take your own. Definitely, very bring a scarf or, maybe, a balaclava. Seriously, the dust on the trails is, like, extremely real, literally.

Before you even, honestly, touch an ATV, that is, you’re walked through a little safety briefing. How to operate the ATV, like, what to watch out for on the route, very hand signals, that. The guides, often, seem genuinely helpful, alright, especially if you’ve, actually, never ridden an ATV before. If you are experienced, you, kind of, might feel like you are listening to something obvious. Nevertheless, for a newbie, in fact, it’s vital information. After a bit of practice, that is, on a small course, it was, kind of, go-time. Very remember to adjust your mirrors.

Hitting the Trails: Cusco’s Backroads

Once out on the trail, so you, kind of, very quickly leave, very, behind the main roads, which is, I mean, where the true adventure begins. These are not smooth city streets; the paths are, for instance, dirt roads, and stuff, rocky climbs, in some respects, and some slippery descents too, honestly. The scenery, in short, is, definitely, a highlight in itself, anyway. We are, like, passing by farmland, clearly, remote villages, actually, and, honestly, the occasional herd of sheep or, maybe, a llama crossing the road. Definitely try to watch for those.

The ride can be, very, physically demanding. It is, I mean, definitely not just sitting and steering, in some respects. You’ll be, like, standing on the pegs, literally, leaning into turns, really, and absorbing bumps with your legs. It will seem, frankly, like your whole body is working, often, especially if you are new to this. There were times, by the way, I was covered head to toe, that is, in dirt, in fact, yet smiling so wide my face hurt, clearly. Now, maybe that just my weirdness, though.

The Abode of the Gods: Was it Worth it?

So, after a solid few hours of riding, or, actually, more accurately bouncing and rumbling, arguably, you, kind of, finally reach the Abode of the Gods. Now, let me tell you: the pictures do, naturally, not fully prepare you for, frankly, the, I mean, real thing. This spot is a collection of, actually, giant sculptures and carvings, actually, created by a nearby local artist named Michael de Titan, usually. The mountains loom around it. It makes the whole experience even better.

Is the artwork itself what I’d call fine art, really? Not necessarily, at the end of the day. Is it impressive, in that case, and thought-provoking, to be honest? Absolutely. The scale of it all, literally, coupled with the views of the Andes stretching out behind, definitely, leaves you with this unforgettable impression, at the end of the day. I was with others, kind of, reflecting on our lives there. We may, seemingly, never see those others again. Also, for that, in some respects, the, almost, trip was great.

Now, just a little, heads up: the Abode of the Gods, that, definitely, now draws crowds, definitely. You might, typically, have to wait your turn, naturally, to get, just, that photo, literally, without loads of tourists, in short, in the background, or so I heard, literally. But, very honestly, even with the crowds, as I was saying, the atmosphere has this unique feeling to it. Seeing something different and epic from some dude that just lives right nearby made me reflect on the world a fair amount.

Things to Consider Before Booking

Before you rush to book your own ATV experience, you may want to consider some of this stuff. First off, you’re like, a bit fit. The excursion, typically, isn’t super extreme, often, yet it does require a fair amount of physical stamina. Next thing is weather, often. Cusco weather, typically, is unpredictable; be prepared for sun, honestly, rain, finally, and cold – all in one ride, really!

The tour companies vary, as I was saying. Very do your research and read reviews, or so I heard, before choosing one. Are the ATVs are, typically, well-maintained, or not. Do they provide proper safety gear, just? Is the guide informed and helpful, that? And then, consider what is and what isn’t included. Lunch, anyway? Entrance fees, like? Transportation, as a matter of fact? This might, could be, a little expensive otherwise.

Consider tipping, very! Some do, anyway, others don’t, arguably, I just always have so I continue to mention it. It could be the service providers expect one too. Maybe others have experienced something different. All tour operators could, might be, looking to change that system anyways! It really tends to feel great just in case, too, arguably. If it ends up causing some great feeling for them.

Would I Do it Again?

Would I recommend this excursion to others, too? Absolutely, still, in some respects. The combination of, naturally, an exciting ATV ride through pretty amazing scenery and a visit to, like, this truly unique location makes it a winner, and stuff. The Abode of the Gods ATV tour may not be everyone’s idea of, definitely, the ultimate travel experience, like your traditional luxury vacation.

You know, it’s an adventure; its a test for the body, I mean; a bit rough, you see. But, I mean, sometimes, the most awesome travel experiences are. You might, actually, come back dusty and tired and probably, very, slightly sunburnt, though I did bring tons of sunscreen, in fact, anyway. Yet, at the end of the day, you would feel more alive, almost. That ride through the Andes may change something with you, for example.

• The ATV ride itself is physically demanding but offers stunning views.
• The Abode of the Gods is, at the end of the day, this unique and impressive sight, you see, yet can get crowded.
• Weather can be, just, unpredictable in Cusco; pack accordingly, so.
• Do your research before you book to check, very, for reputable tour companies.
• Bring a scarf to avoid dust getting into your respiratory system, for instance.