ATV Adventure through the Quillabamba Jungle

Prepare for an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Cusco high jungle, where nature vibrates in every sound, aroma, and landscape. This full-day tour is designed for those seeking more than just a simple excursion: here you’ll experience adventure, feel the culture, and breathe freedom. It all begins with the thrill of driving an ATV along scenic routes that wind through mountains covered in tropical vegetation, accompanied by birdsong, the murmur of rivers, and the fresh air gently caressing your face as you travel.

📍 Itinerary

The day begins with a drive from the city of Quillabamba to the San Juan viewpoint, a panoramic spot offering a spectacular view of the valley. Here the real adventure begins: after a brief safety briefing, we mount our ATVs to start our journey along off-road routes, surrounded by tropical vegetation, dirt roads, and rural landscapes that change with every meter traveled.

Our first destination is the Santo Domingo Theme Park, a fascinating place where creativity and local culture merge with nature. This space is filled with giant sculptures, Andean totems, mythical figures, and pre-Incan artifacts that you can explore at your own pace, discover, and photograph. The park is not only a backdrop for incredible photos but also a place that conveys the Andean-Amazonian worldview through folk art. Everything is set amidst the jungle, creating a stunning visual and cultural experience.

After exploring the park, we continued our ATV journey to the access point for Yanay Waterfall. We left the vehicles and began a short, easy 15-minute hike along a nature trail. This brief trek took us through a vibrant, humid forest, where birdsong, the whisper of the wind, and the fragrance of the forest completely enveloped us.

Upon arrival:

A true natural spectacle unfolded before us: Yanay Waterfall, a cascade of crystal-clear water that plunges powerfully between the rocks, surrounded by dense vegetation and mosses that adorn the landscape. The atmosphere is fresh, mystical, and revitalizing. You’ll have time to take a dip, snap photos, and soak in the serenity of the place. The water is pure, cool, and energizing—ideal for those seeking to reconnect with nature.

Once recharged, we headed to the Madera Verde Ecolodge, an eco-friendly retreat that blends art, rustic architecture, and warm hospitality. Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed by the local team and enjoy a typical regional lunch, prepared with fresh produce from the valley. The main course is usually a traditional choice of meat, fish, or vegetarian, accompanied by local ingredients such as yucca, plantains, rice, or a fresh salad.

After lunch, we’ll tour the ecolodge facilities, which feature wood carvings, nature trails, relaxation areas, and a swimming pool surrounded by nature. Here you can unwind, sunbathe, take a dip, or simply relax and contemplate the jungle landscape. The entire atmosphere exudes harmony, sustainability, and creativity, making it the perfect place to disconnect from stress.

Conclude

We conclude the tour by returning to the San Juan viewpoint on our ATVs, once again enjoying the rural scenery, the aromas of the forest, and the thrill of the ride. From there, we return to the city of Quillabamba with hearts full of adventure, unforgettable landscapes, and vibrant memories.

✅ What’s Included in the Tour?

This full-day tour has been designed to provide you with a complete and hassle-free experience. It includes all the necessary services for you to fully enjoy your adventure:

• ATV Use throughout the Guided Route
• Enjoy the adrenaline rush of driving an ATV on rural and jungle roads. Includes a pre-ride safety briefing, basic equipment, and technical support.
• Admission to Santo Domingo Theme Park
• Access this fascinating cultural space with giant sculptures, symbolic art, and areas for taking photos and exploring freely.
• Guided Hike to Yanay Waterfall
• Access a nature trail that leads you to a spectacular waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation, where you can relax and take a refreshing dip.
• Admission and Visit to Madera Verde Ecolodge
• Explore its art installations, gardens, and carved sculptures, with free time to enjoy its eco-friendly pools.
• Typical Regional Lunch
• Includes a dish prepared with local ingredients, served in the ecolodge restaurant, with options tailored to your dietary preferences (with prior arrangement).
• Professional Tour Guide throughout the tour
• Specialized accompaniment providing cultural and natural information, as well as practical advice at each stage of the tour.
• Personalized assistance and first-aid kit
• Guaranteed safety with support for any minor unforeseen events.

❌ What’s not included?

To ensure a transparent and well-organized experience, we detail the services not included in the tour price:

• Round-trip transportation from Cusco to Quillabamba
• Interprovincial transportation must be arranged independently by the traveler (although we can advise you free of charge).
• Bottled or additional beverages during lunch
• Only the main course is included; beverages and other extras must be purchased separately.
• Souvenirs, snacks, or other local products
• You’ll find chocolates, coffee, handicrafts, and snacks in the park and ecolodge, but these are not included in the package.
• Tips for the guide, driver, or ecolodge staff
• Tips are not required, but they are always welcome if you are satisfied with the service you received.

🌟 Recommendations

Before embarking on this adrenaline-filled experience of stunning landscapes and nature, here are some practical tips to ensure your day is comfortable, safe, and enjoyable:

• Wear comfortable, athletic clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty.
• The ATV tour includes dirt roads and wet areas. We recommend wearing quick-drying clothes or clothes you don’t mind getting stained.
• Wear closed-toe shoes with good traction.
• It’s important to have athletic shoes or lightweight boots for the hike to the waterfall and for safely driving the ATV.
• Don’t forget your swimsuit and a light towel.
• Yanay Waterfall invites you to take a refreshing dip, so if you plan to swim, be prepared with appropriate clothing.
• Use sunscreen and insect repellent. You’ll be in the heart of the rainforest, so protecting your skin from the sun and insects will make your experience more comfortable.
• Bring a change of clothes.
• After getting wet at the waterfall or sweating while driving, changing can make your return trip more enjoyable.
• Bring cash in soles.
• At the theme park and ecolodge, you can find snacks, drinks, and artisanal products that do not accept cards.
• Always follow the guide’s instructions.
• Especially while using the ATV, as individual and group safety is the priority.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need prior experience to drive the ATV?

No, it’s not necessary. Before starting the tour, you’ll receive a brief instruction on how to operate and safely use the ATV. It’s simple and suitable for beginners.

Can I share the ATV with another person?

Yes. You can drive alone or share it with a companion. This must be arranged before booking the tour.

Is the tour suitable for children or seniors?

Yes, but with some considerations. Children can participate as co-pilots accompanied by an adult, and seniors should be in good mobility. The activity has a moderate level of physical exertion.

Can I swim at Yanay Waterfall?

Absolutely! Swimming is completely optional, but highly recommended. The water is refreshing and the natural environment is safe, as long as you follow the guide’s instructions.

What lunch options are available if I’m vegetarian or have dietary restrictions?

We offer options tailored to your needs, provided you let us know in advance. Lunch is prepared at the ecolodge using fresh ingredients from the valley.

Is there cell phone and internet service during the tour?

Coverage is limited in rural areas such as the park and the waterfall, although there is usually basic signal at the ecolodge. We recommend enjoying the opportunity to disconnect.

Can I bring my camera or drone?

Yes. The scenery is spectacular. You can bring a camera or even a drone, always respecting the natural environment and the group’s rules.