Table of Contents
The Abode of the Gods, known as Apukunaq Tianan, is an artistic site featuring sculptures carved into rock, located in the Sencca sector, in the district of Poroy, near the city of Cusco. The site is surrounded by mountains and nature, where you can discover, through sculpture, part of Cusco’s history.
An ideal place for travelers who love art, history, and Andean landscapes. The Abode of the Gods allows you to enjoy hiking, cycling, meditation, or simply contemplating the spiritual surroundings, because more than just a tourist attraction, it is an invitation to reconnect with the ancient essence of the Andes.
"Apukunaq Tianan" comes from Quechua and is interpreted in Spanish as “guardian gods of the mountains.”
According to Andean beliefs, the Apus are spiritual protectors who dwell in the mountains. For this reason, Apukunaq Tianan was designed to honor the first peoples of Peru and their spiritual legacy.
Today, the site is presented as a space inspired by Andean spirituality and the ancestral stories of the region. According to some of the stories shared at the site, the Apus appeared to the local people through dreams or visions, offering them guidance. Others claim that this was a center of spiritual connection, where wise men or paqos (known as healers) came to meditate and communicate with the gods.
Michael Monteagudo, the sculptor and creator of the magnificent artworks that make up Apukunaq Tianan, was born on August 17, 1983, in the picturesque town of Ichiquiato, in the district of Echarate, province of La Convención, Cusco.
During his childhood, he discovered his natural talent for sculpture, inspired by the wise advice of his grandmother, Doña Juana, who taught him the values needed to become a man proud of his roots and of the ancestral culture of the Incas. He began his artistic journey with small creations, quickly standing out thanks to his discipline and determination.
The creator of the monuments that decorate the Abode of the Gods was inspired by his way of seeing the world of Andean cultures, blending myths, spirituality, and traditions of pre-Hispanic peoples, with a special focus on everything related to Inca culture.
Most of the sculptures were handmade, without heavy machinery, using chisels, hammers, and traditional tools, which gives his work even greater value.
Among the best-known sculptures at the site are:
This sculpture of Mother Earth seems to emerge from the depths of the mountain, representing the respect and spiritual bond that Andean peoples maintain with the earth.
Considered the second largest feline in the Americas after the jaguar, it was one of the most sacred animals for the Incas. Its strength, agility, and wisdom made it a symbol of power that remains present to this day. That is why its presence in Apukunaq Tianan represents energy and protection, accompanying you throughout your visit.
One of the most powerful and revered deities of the Inca Empire, he is the supreme creator of all things. In the Andean worldview, Wiracocha emerges from chaos to shape the world. His image is displayed majestically, carved into living rock, holding a citadel in his hand, a symbolic representation of his creative power.
This sculpture symbolizes the ancient “Children of the Sun,” protagonists of Inca history. According to Andean tradition, it was the Sun god who sent Manco Cápac and Mama Ocllo to found one of the greatest empires in South America. As you look at this figure, you will feel the strength of a civilization that left an unforgettable mark on history.
The Amazon formed part of the eastern horizon of the Inca world, linked to Antisuyo, and it was always seen as a mysterious and fascinating place. At the Abode of the Gods, this sculpture pays tribute to the Amazonian peoples and the cultural richness of the tropical forest.
It represents the three planes of existence: Hanan Pacha (the upper world), Kay Pacha (the earthly world), and Uku Pacha (the inner world). Crossing this door is a symbolic act of introspection and transcendence.
Within the Andean worldview, symbolic doors were considered portals that allowed priests to move between different sacred spaces. Although this impressive sculpture does not possess that mystical quality, it will undoubtedly awaken your imagination. At the top stands the image of the Sun god, while at the center appears the face of an Inca crowned with three coca leaves, a symbol of wisdom and spiritual connection.
This is the perfect spot to admire the rural landscape of the Sencca sector and breathe fresh air. From here, you can enjoy open views and capture memorable photographs that will make your visit an unforgettable experience.
The Abode of the Gods is located in the community of Sencca, in the district of Poroy, just a few kilometers from downtown Cusco. At an approximate altitude of 3,850 meters above sea level (12,700 ft), it is surrounded by mountains, farmland, and stunning Andean scenery.
From downtown Cusco, there are three ways to get there:
The main access is via an unpaved road that leads directly to the site. It is also very common to arrive by bicycle or hiking, as there are adventure routes crossing rural Andean landscapes. The path is suitable for all types of visitors, although there are some sloped areas, so wearing comfortable shoes is recommended.
At CuscoPeru.com, we help you plan your visit to the Abode of the Gods, where we offer a tour that includes an ATV ride so you can make the most of your adventure. Our travel agents make sure you enjoy a pleasant and safe trip without any setbacks.
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
General admission: Entrance for Peruvian adult visitors is 15 soles, and for foreign adult visitors, 20 soles.
Important: Opening hours and fees may vary, so we recommend confirming them before your visit.
We recommend visiting the Abode of the Gods during the dry season, which runs from April to October, since the weather is more stable and the roads are in better condition.
It is important to bring:
Altitude: Since it is located at nearly 4,000 meters above sea level, it is important to acclimatize beforehand if you are coming from lower-altitude areas. You should avoid sudden physical effort and remember to stay hydrated.
Happy passengers