Abode of the Gods Tour (Apukunaq Tianan) from Cusco
Half Day
Up to 16 travelers
3,800 m / 12,467 ft
Easy
Overview
The Abode of the Gods, Apukunaq Tianan in Quechua, is a contemporary sculpture site in the community of Sencca, in the Poroy district, a short drive from Cusco. Sculptor Michael de Titan carved six monumental figures into the rock, each 15 to 17 m tall, inspired by Andean cosmology: Pachamama, the god Wiracocha, a puma head and a portal to the three worlds of the Andean worldview. It is modern art, not an archaeological site, and this half-day tour with a bilingual guide adds a different view of Cusco to your trip.
Highlights
- Pachamama and Wiracocha: two of the large figures carved directly into the rock.
- The puma head and the portal: the puma, a sacred animal in Andean tradition, and a doorway that represents the three worlds.
- The viewpoint: the site looks over part of the city of Cusco and the surrounding mountains.
- Your guide’s context: the artistic references behind each sculpture and a clear line between this modern work and Inca heritage.
What's Included
Included 5
- Pre-tour coordination
- Professional bilingual guide
- Round-trip tourist transport
- First-aid kit and emergency oxygen
- Small-group service (up to 16 travelers)
Not Included 4
- Tourist entrance fees unless expressly stated
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses and tips
- Services or activities not described in the itinerary
What Should You Bring? 7
- Passport or ID
- Water
- Sun protection
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Warm layers
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Small amount of cash
Itinerary
1
Departure from Cusco
Cusco – Sencca (Poroy)
Short drive from the city in tourist transport toward the rural community of Sencca and the sculpture site.
2
Guided visit to Apukunaq Tianan
Abode of the Gods (Apukunaq Tianan)
Walk between the monumental carvings of Pachamama, Wiracocha, the puma head and the portal, while your guide explains their artistic and Andean references.
3
Photos and return
Sencca – Cusco
Free time for photographs at the sculptures and the viewpoint, followed by the drive back to the city.
Good to know
Difficulty and altitude
Difficulty is easy. The site reaches about 3,800 m (12,467 ft), roughly 360 m higher than Cusco (3,439 m according to INEI). The walking is short, between the sculptures and on uneven rural ground. If you have just arrived, take it slowly and read our guide to altitude sickness in Cusco.
Who this tour is for
Travelers with a free half day, photographers, families and anyone curious about how Andean symbols are reinterpreted today. Groups have up to 16 travelers. If you want more adventure, the Abode of the Gods and Piuray Lake ATV tour adds a countryside ride.
Best time to go
You can visit all year. The site is in open countryside, so rain and wind feel stronger than in the city. According to Senamhi, moderate to heavy rain in Cusco can continue until mid-April, and from May the mornings are cold.
What to bring
Passport or ID, water, sun protection, comfortable walking shoes, warm layers, a rain jacket or poncho and a small amount of cash.
Good to know
- The tour includes pre-tour coordination, a professional bilingual guide, round-trip tourist transport and a first-aid kit with emergency oxygen.
- Weather, road conditions or community access may require the guide to change the order of the visit without removing the main experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Abode of the Gods (Apukunaq Tianan)?
A group of six contemporary sculptures carved into the rock in the community of Sencca, Poroy district, near Cusco. They represent figures of Andean cosmology such as Pachamama, Wiracocha, a puma head and a portal to the three worlds (La República).
Is the Abode of the Gods an Inca site?
No. It is a modern artistic project by sculptor Michael de Titan, inspired by Andean and Inca imagery. Your guide explains the difference between this work and the archaeological sites around Cusco.
How tall are the sculptures?
Each figure measures between 15 and 17 m in height, according to La República (2020 and 2022).
How far is it from Cusco?
It is a short drive. Peruvian press reports between 30 minutes and an hour from the city center, depending on traffic.
How difficult is the tour?
It is easy. You walk short distances between the sculptures on uneven ground. The site is at about 3,800 m, roughly 400 m above Cusco, so walk slowly.
Do I need to acclimatize first?
The tour is manageable for most travelers, but a relaxed first day in Cusco helps if you have just arrived at altitude. See our altitude sickness guide.
Should I choose this tour or the ATV tour with Piuray Lake?
This tour is a half day from USD 35 for up to 16 travelers. The ATV tour is a full day from USD 80 for up to 10 travelers: it adds a guided ATV ride through the Chinchero countryside and a stop at Piuray Lake.
What should I bring?
Passport or ID, water, sun protection, comfortable walking shoes, warm layers, a rain jacket or poncho and some cash.
