SOUTH VALLEY OF CUSCO
In this tour, you will explore the beautiful South Valley of Cusco and get off the beaten path!
The South Valley is known for its spectacular natural landscapes and a mix of Wari (pre-inca), Inca, and Colonial architecture in the three main sites of this region: Tipón, Pikillacta and the church of San Pedro Apóstol, in Andahuaylillas.
The oldest of the sites is Pikillacta, a pre-Inca structure built by the Wari people.
It was one of the most important Wari administrative centers between 6th and 9th century and it represents the excellence on urban planning.
On the Inca side we’ll visit Tipón, a masterpiece of inca’s engineering that contains one of the most intact irrigation systems in the Inca world, with canals and even a working fountain fed by water melting from the ice far above the complex.
You will continue with the tour to Andahuaylillas, place that holds a beautiful XVI century church know as “The Sistine Chapel of the Andes”, which has an impressive organ decorated with angels and cherubs. Also, you may look at mural paintings and the gold-decorated altars.
SOUTH VALLEY OF CUSCO - Map
Itinerary
PACKAGE DETAILS | SOUTH VALLEY OF CUSCO (HALF-DAY)
DETAILED ITINERARY:
In this tour, you will explore the beautiful South Valley of Cusco and get off the traditional tourist trail. The South Valley is known for its spectacular natural landscapes, Inca architecture in Tipon, pre – Inca Wari architecture in Pikillacta, and a beautiful chapel, known as “The Sistine Chapel from America”. You will have the opportunity to visit all of these incredible sites during this tour.
We will pick you up from your Hotel between 8:40 am and 9:00 am to start our adventure.
Stop 1: Tipon
The Tipon Archeological Complex is located 24km southeast of Cusco. Tipon is one of the lesser visited sites in the Cusco area, but it is equally as impressive as those in the Sacred Valley. It is an ancient Inca site and thought to be a royal garden commissioned by Wiracocha. It is one of the most elaborate examples of agricultural terracing created by the Incas. These tall terraces, which run up the narrow valley are irrigated by an aqueduct from Pachatusan and the mountain is located above the site. In addition to the terracing, there are also some other structures at Tipon including baths, a temple complex, canals, and aqueducts.
Stop 2: Pikillacta
Pikillacta is the only pre-Inca site in the Cusco area. This adobe complex was built around 700 to 900 AD by the Huari people. In the area there is a small Inca site just a short walk from Pikillacta, known as Rumicolca, a travel checkpoint for the Incas.
Stop 3: Andahuaylillas
Here we will discover the “Sistine Chapel of Peru,” a church that is home to golden altars, paintings, and many colored ceilings. The chapel is simple and unassuming on the outside, but on the inside you’ll find masterpiece after masterpiece.
On our way back to Cusco we will visit Saylla, where you can enjoy the delicious and infamous pork chicharrones (optional).
We return to Cusco around 2:30 p.m.
Don’t miss out on this adventure. Book it today!
It is included
IT IS INCLUDED:
- Transportation
- Professional guide
- Taxes
IT IS NOT INCLUDED:
- Turistic ticket
What to Bring?
- Daypack for personal items
- Money in soles for entrance fees, water, snacks and other expenses during each tour
- Comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear (hiking boots recommended)
- Waterproof clothes and rain cover
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Water (1.5L per day)
- Sunglasses
- Scarf or hat in order to protect against the intense sunlight
- Warm jacket for the evening/wind
- Personal medications
FAQ
What is the difference between the Sacred Valley and the South Valley?
On the “Sacred Valley” tour we visit the Pisac and Ollantaytambo regions, while on the “South Valley” tour we visit Tipón, Pikillacta and Andahuaylillas.
Why is the tourist ticket not included?
The Boleto Turístico (tourist ticket) is a personal ticket and is not sold in advance. It must be purchased in Cusco or at the entrance of the visited sites where this ticket is required.
Check our guide with all the information about the tourist ticket.
I will already be staying in the Sacred Valley, can I start the tour from there?
All group tours depart from Cusco. If you want to start the tour from your hotel in the Sacred Valley, you will need to book a private tour.
Flexibility
Flexibility cancellation/ change
- Cancel your tour 48 hours in advance and be reimbursed for the full amount of the tour. If you cancel the tour after these 48 hours prior to your tour no refund will be processed.
- The policy to reschedule or to make any amendment allows the update to be made no more than 5 days prior to the date of your tour and it is valid until December 30th, 2022.
- The itinerary may be subject to changes due to unforeseen circumstances, beyond the control of the operator, changes without prior notice.
