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South Valley
- Duration1 Day
- DifficultyEasy
- Group sizeMax. 15
Overview
South Valley ✨ Jewels of the Southern Sacred Valley of the Incas 🌄 💧 Tipón – Inca hydraulic engineering in perfect harmony with nature. 🏛️ Pikillaqta – Pre-Inca ruins and astonishing urban planning. 🎨 The Sistine Chapel of Andahuaylillas – Art and history in a dazzling temple. 👉 A route brimming wi…
South Valley ✨ Jewels of the Southern Sacred Valley of the Incas 🌄
💧 Tipón – Inca hydraulic engineering in perfect harmony with nature.
🏛️ Pikillaqta – Pre-Inca ruins and astonishing urban planning.
🎨 The Sistine Chapel of Andahuaylillas – Art and history in a dazzling temple.
👉 A route brimming with history, culture, and beauty, that goes far beyond Machu Picchu. ✨
General conditions
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ID / Passport Mandatory: You must bring your original physical passport or official national identity card for vehicle check-in and entrance verification at historical monuments.
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Entrance Tickets & Exclusions: Admission to Tipón and Pikillaqta is covered by the Boleto Turístico del Cusco (Partial Circuit II or Full Tourist Ticket). The Church of Andahuaylillas requires a separate local entry fee. Entrance tickets are paid directly on-site in Peruvian Soles (cash only) unless explicitly pre-booked as an all-inclusive package.
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Half-Day Schedule: This is a half-day excursion lasting approximately 5 to 6 hours. Pickup and drop-off times are fixed, and participants must be ready at their designated hotel or meeting point at the scheduled time.
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Elevation & Altitude: The tour operates between 3,100 meters (10,170 feet) and 3,400 meters (11,150 feet) above sea level. Walking requirement is light to moderate, involving short uphill walks and stone steps.
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Non-Refundable Policy: Guided group transportation and reserved guide services are non-refundable and non-transferable within 24 to 48 hours of departure.
Itinerary
Day 1Tipón Archaeological Complex
It is an archaeological site that impresses with its hydraulic and agricultural ingenuity. Unlike other famous Inca sites, what stands out at Tipón is its irrigation system, which is still fully functional. Finely constructed canals and reservoirs built by the Incas continue to carry water throughout the area, even centuries later.
Furthermore, Tipón boasts extensive agricultural terraces that demonstrate the Incas' profound knowledge of soil management and the use of different altitudes for cultivation. A visit to Tipón offers an opportunity to appreciate the engineering prowess and agricultural planning that sustained the powerful Inca Empire.
Day 2Pikillaqta Archaeological Complex
Pikillaqta is a fascinating pre-Incan city covering an area of approximately 50 hectares and containing more than 200 stone and adobe structures, including temples, palaces, dwellings, storehouses, and plazas. This archaeological site reveals the impressive vestiges of an ancient civilization known as the Wari Culture, which flourished in the region between the 6th and 10th centuries AD and was abandoned around the 10th century, likely due to a political and social crisis that affected the Wari Empire.
With its well-preserved ruins and meticulously constructed stone structures, Pikillaqta offers visitors a unique glimpse into the architecture and daily life of a mysterious civilization that thrived before the rise of the Inca Empire. Wandering its narrow streets and exploring its temples, palaces, and dwellings is like stepping back in time, providing an enriching and memorable experience for those seeking to understand the complexities of Peruvian history.
Day 3Sistine Chapel of Andahuaylillas
The Sistine Chapel of Andahuaylillas, located near Cusco, Peru, is an architectural and artistic gem that captivates visitors from around the world. Known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas,” this modest 17th-century colonial church houses a treasure trove of sacred art, including impressive frescoes and murals that adorn its walls and ceiling.
The most outstanding masterpiece is the gilded Baroque altarpiece, a true work of art for its rich detail and artistic expression. The Sistine Chapel of Andahuaylillas is a living testament to the splendor of Peru’s colonial period and a must-see destination for art and history lovers.
Return to Cusco: Around 3:30 p.m., with hearts full of unforgettable memories, we will return to the vibrant city of Cusco.
Our van will drop you off near the Plaza de Armas, so you can continue exploring this historic and enchanting city.
What's included
Included
- • Transfer from your hotel to the tour location for guests staying near the Plaza de Armas.
- • Professional tour guide fluent in English and Spanish.
- • Tourist transportation in a comfortable van / group service.
- • Constant assistance from our team.
Not included
- • Partial Tourist Ticket (entrance to the complexes) USD 20.00
- • Meals
What to bring
- • Bring personal documents: ID or passport
- • Sunscreen
- • Leggings
- • Hat or cap
- • Comfortable shoes
- • Rain gear during the rainy season
- • Clothing suitable for cold weather
- • At the end of the tour, check everything carefully before getting out of the van
- Optional
- • Professional Portuguese-speaking guide for private tours, please inquire
- Start: 9:00 AM / End: 3:00 PM
- Price: USD 25 per person
Frequently asked questions
What are the main highlights of the South Valley circuit?
The South Valley route combines three distinct historical periods: Tipón showcases master-level Incan hydraulic engineering and working water fountains; Pikillaqta displays pre-Inca Wari civilization urban planning; and the Church of San Pedro Apóstol in Andahuaylillas features dazzling Baroque art and gold leaf decorations earning it the name "The Sistine Chapel of the Americas."
Are entrance tickets to the sites included in the tour price?
Unless you purchased an all-inclusive package, entrance fees are not included. You will need a Boleto Turístico del Cusco for Tipón and Pikillaqta (available to buy at the first site stop) and cash in Peruvian Soles for the separate entrance fee to Andahuaylillas Church.
How long does this tour last, and is lunch included?
The tour lasts roughly 5 to 6 hours, usually departing Cusco in the morning (around 8:30 AM) and returning by early afternoon (around 2:00 PM). Because it is a half-day excursion, meals are not included, though you can purchase local street snacks (such as traditional chicharrón or baked guinea pig in Saylla or Tipón) along the route.
How does Pikillaqta differ from other archaeological sites in the Cusco area?
Unlike most archaeological sites around Cusco which belong to the Inca Empire, Pikillaqta was built by the pre-Inca Wari culture between 550 and 1100 AD. Its strict geometric grid pattern, stone and mud plaster walls, and defensive architecture offer a fascinating contrast to Incan stonework.
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