Morada De Los Dioses
James Bustamante is Native to New York but born to Peruvian parents. He has been traveling throughout Latin America since early 2003 and finally made his home in Peru. James has made his way by eating and traveling through almost every country in Central and South America.
Last Updated on August 28, 2024 by James Bustamante
Morada de los Dioses (the “Abode of the Gods”) is a relatively new destination that showcases large, stone-carved sculptures inspired by Andean mythology and spirituality.
Morada de los Dioses showcases large stone carvings of Andean deities and mythological figures. It is a growing attraction for those interested in Andean heritage, art, and nature. It provides a peaceful retreat with stunning views and artistic representations of ancient gods.
How To Get To Morada De Los Dioses
Morada De Los Dioses is about 6 miles (10 kilometers) from Cusco. It is accessible via a short drive, hike, or bike ride, and the route takes you through a scenic, natural setting with breathtaking mountain views.
As I mentioned, there are many ways to get there, but driving is the fastest way. It typically takes 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Some notable views on the way to Morada De Los Dioses are the panoramic view of the Cusco Valley, the Andes Mountains, Sacsayhuaman ruins, local villages, and the impressive Huayllarcocha Lagoon.
A trip to Huayllarcocha could be a whole adventure on its own. The Lagoon is known for its quiet, reflective waters and its picturesque setting amidst the Andean landscape. The surrounding area offers views of lush fields, distant mountains, and sometimes grazing animals like llamas and alpacas.
Local communities still come to this Lagoon to fish, camp, and bird-watching.
Sculptures in Morada De Los Dioses
The site features several sculptures carved right into the stone. The artist made several representing deities, mythological beings, and animals from Incan and even pre-Incan cultures. Some of the most notable statues are Pachamama (Mother Earth), Wiracocha (the creator god), Inti (the sun god), and other important figures from Andean cosmology. The carvings were no easy feat; their sizes are massive, and the structural work is intricate. The rock work blends natural rock formations with artistic interpretations of ancient gods.
Here is a complete list of carvings and sculptures at Morada de Los Dioses, so you can make sure you visit each one.
- Wiracocha: The creator god in Incan mythology, depicted as an influential figure.
- Pachamama: The representation of Mother Earth, honoring the Andean spiritual connection to nature.
- Inti: The sun god, one of the most important deities in the Incan pantheon.
- Amaru: The serpent god, often associated with wisdom and the underworld in Andean mythology.
- Puma: Symbolizing strength and power, the puma is often connected with the earthly realm.
- Cóndor: The Andean condor represents the sky, often symbolizing freedom and protection.
- Tayta Inti: Another representation of the sun god, blending artistic style with ancient spiritual symbolism.
The Artist Michael de Titan
The sculptures are the work of a local Cusco artist, Michael de Titan, and various collaborators from the Cusco region who wanted to join this project to preserve the Andean people’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
De Titán’s work at complex reflects his deep respect for Andean mythology and spirituality. His sculptures depict ancient gods, deities, and symbols representing the Andean cosmovision.
The Site’s Cultural Significance
The carvings and sculptures are deeply rooted in the spiritual traditions of the Andean people. Even though most local communities are now Catholic, they still celebrate their connections to nature, ancient gods, and ancestors, reflecting the local culture’s reverence for the sacred aspects of their surroundings.
Visiting Morada De Los Dioses
Morada de los Dioses is quickly becoming more popular among tourists due to its artistic and spiritual significance and a few social media campaigns aimed at promoting the site. Every travel season, more and more travelers ask to include this site on their Cusco itineraries along with the Sacred Valley, the Cusco city tour, and several other day trips.
As opposed to the more well-known tours like Maras and Moray or the Rainbow Mountain Hike, Morada de Los Dioses offers a peaceful escape from Cusco’s more crowded day trips.
People interested in history, culture, and spirituality often visit the area. Many visitors take the opportunity to reflect, meditate, or simply enjoy the natural beauty and artistic works since it is a half-day tour, travelers like to include it in the mornings and leave the afternoon/evening open to explore other areas of Cusco.
Does Morada de Los Dioses Have an Entry Fee?
Yes, Morada de los Dioses does have an entrance fee. The cost to enter the complex is approximately ten soles per person (about $2.50 USD). Prices can change depending on the season or if you’re visiting as part of a guided tour. Remember that as a tour, there are additional costs like transportation, a guide, and meals.
Please confirm the total cost with a travel advisor before your visit, as fees are subject to change.
The Weather in Morada de Los Dioses
The site is only 30 minutes from Cusco City, so the weather and and climate will be the same. If you have your packing done for Cusco, you won’t need to add much to visit Morada de los Dioses.
As any other part of the Andes mountains, the weather can vary significantly throughout the year and even during the day, given the region’s high elevation (around 3,400 meters or 11,200 feet above sea level). Here’s what you can expect during the dry and wet seasons.
Dry Season (May to October):
- Temperature: During the dry season, daytime temperatures can range from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F). However, temperatures drop significantly at night, often falling to around 0°C to 5°C (32°F to 41°F), so mornings and evenings can feel quite chilly.
- Weather: This is the best time to visit, as the weather is mostly clear, sunny, and dry, with little to no rain. You’ll experience sunny days, which are ideal for sightseeing and exploring.
- Sun Exposure: Due to the high altitude, the sun can be pretty intense during the day, so sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are recommended.
Rainy Season (November to April):
- Temperature: Daytime temperatures during the rainy season remain fairly mild, usually between 15°C and 22°C (59°F to 72°F). Night temperatures are slightly warmer than in the dry season, typically around 5°C to 8°C (41°F to 46°F).
- Weather: This season sees frequent rain showers, particularly in the afternoons. Mornings are often more straightforward, but clouds and rain typically build up throughout the day. The rain can sometimes be heavy, making the trails muddy and slippery.
- Rain Gear: If you’re visiting during the rainy season, you should bring rain gear such as a waterproof jacket, umbrella, and sturdy footwear with good grip.
Conclusion
Going to Morada de Los Dioses can be a great addition to your Cusco trip. Travelers can include a visit to the complex, which takes half a day to complete, and also visit an additional destination like Huayllarcocha Lagoon, for example.
