Cusco Excursion: a Honest Review of the Trip to the Abode of the Gods

If you’re heading to Cusco, Peru, you’ll probably hear about a spot called the Abode of the Gods, which is close to Cusco. This place, also known as Apukunaq Tianan, is a sculpture park a bit away from the more spots tourists always visit, like Machu Picchu. But it’s really grabbing the eye of many travelers. So, it is, maybe, the perfect plan if you want something different or just a way to spend a free day.

People see this place in a few different lights: Some, too it’s almost as a moving experience, while others might find it just okay. That is all a matter of your personal flavor and your hopes. Now, let’s check into what you might experience if you plan a day excursion from Cusco to see the Abode of the Gods, Apukunaq Tianan.

Getting There: Cusco to Apukunaq Tianan

Figuring out how to get to Apukunaq Tianan is your main task, you see. It’s near the town of Ayusbamba, about an hour from Cusco by car. Now, public transportation will require a change and probably a taxi or two, which can eat up your time. So, in a way, if you value speed and a straightforward plan, arranging private transport is a worthy consideration. Very likely, many Cusco tour operators can put a half-day trip together that takes away the stress. Now, consider the road; parts can get quite bumpy, and your average taxi might not be your friend here. I am talking something suitable if you’re planning to drive alone.

You could always go the taxi route, which a local can set you up with. It does mean negotiating the fee up front, which, if that is not your thing, could be stressful. So, it’s actually wise to chat with the driver about waiting for you while you have look around because finding a ride back is not always assured. This way is not a bank-breaker and has the feeling of planning it by you, so maybe that suits your travel taste more.

What to Expect: Sculptures and Scenery

What you find at Apukunaq Tianan is not a site full of the old building construction, ruins or formal temples that you see in and all over the Sacred Valley. This place presents giant sculptures carved into the side of the hills. Think faces of gods, representations of old spirits, plus the other images a sculptor’s brain puts out for show. The sheer height of some of these things are pretty great for pics, but really great when you get close to them. It’s also good to see, yet, a contrast of contemporary creativity against a countryside backdrop.

Because Apukunaq Tianan keeps to develop, just a little, you’ll likely view works-in-progress together. That is very impressive, it shows the raw making. Remember that while this attraction wants you to step back to ancient times, it’s far from an established piece of history. This aspect will change your thoughts about the whole experience, I mean, based on what you prefer when you are in vacation mode.

Is Apukunaq Tianan Worth Visiting?

Whether Apukunaq Tianan warrants the trip hinges actually on your expectations, is that so. If you’re after ancient ruins and history dipped in the ancient civilization that created Machu Picchu or Sacsayhuaman, then perhaps, actually, this visit won’t fill you. I mean, consider Apukunaq Tianan, too, a unique side trip, that offers cool photo opportunities and supports artists creating things today.

Those very large carvings offer awesome moments that will likely stay as reminders in photos. People traveling around Peru say, too, that Apukunaq Tianan offers a breather from spots everyone else likes. Remember it lacks a lot of what people use, I mean food places and facilities; so maybe, potentially come readied with water and maybe snacks if the situation warrants itself, right.

Tips for Planning Your Visit

• Best Time to Visit: Peru has a dry season from May to September, very, very clear when viewing places because it cuts back on rains and muddy spots. This can affect conditions if you don’t account for this.
• What to Wear: Consider wearing layers, could be, Cusco weather is pretty erratic. Be sure you take walking footwear, a hat, then you have the sun coverage angle taken care of.
• Altitude Considerations: So, Cusco sits high above sea level and altitude affects folks different. Don’t take for granted the need to pace one’s actions and get acclimated prior to tours or a lot of motion.
• Photography Tips: Take your equipment with enough space; these artworks and backgrounds are cool. Try taking in the mornings or evenings for lighting if photos really call you, very likely.
• Snacks and Water: Packing snacks and sufficient water could be the route if you want to go longer; I mean that the offerings up there don’t have any.

Comparing Apukunaq Tianan to Other Cusco Attractions

Places near Cusco such as Machu Picchu pull tons due, while others are well behind the top. Spots in the Sacred Valley, such as Pisac or Ollantaytambo mix cultural landmarks from old times to pretty modern tourism setup, you now. Now, Apukunaq Tianan takes you into art mixed with local views. If you think through if your day is better spent deep in old building pieces, busy open marketplaces, then seeing new-fashioned expressions set against mountain pictures probably dictates your plan, too.

So, a quick excursion at the Plaza de Armas in Cusco has historical importance with museums close by, I mean really showing Cusco’s history, like at the Museo Inka which may be really impressive to those there to grab stories about history. Think too that a day trip that gets far into ruins usually need someone in the know so they talk you all around.