South Valley of Cusco Tour: History, Engineering, and Baroque Art
Tour Details
While most travelers head toward the Sacred Valley, the South Valley of Cusco awaits with treasures that tell a far broader and more diverse story. This tour is a fascinating journey through three distinct historical eras: the hydraulic genius of the Incas at Tipón, the pre-Inca urban planning of the Wari culture at Pikillacta, and the religious splendor of the colonial period embodied in the jewel of Andahuaylillas. It is the perfect route for travelers who want to understand that Cusco is a mosaic of civilizations layered together in remarkable harmony.
The journey begins among water channels that seem to defy gravity, where the sound of streams flowing through perfectly carved stone connects you with Andean spirituality. The landscape then transforms, revealing the magnitude of one of the largest cities of ancient Peru a stone labyrinth that shows how people lived long before the rise of the Incas. Finally, the tour concludes at the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas,” a place where gold leaf and mural paintings narrate the fusion of two worlds.
Visiting the South Valley also means enjoying a warmer climate, landscapes surrounded by lagoons such as Huacarpay, and renowned local gastronomy, where traditional dishes like roasted guinea pig and artisan bread take center stage. It is an authentic, peaceful, and meaningful experience ideal for culturally curious travelers who seek to go beyond the obvious and be surprised by the elegance of the ancient world.
Itinerary
Day 1: A Journey Through Time (Half-Day Tour)
08:30 AM – Hotel Pick-up:
Departure toward the southern part of the city of Cusco.
09:30 AM – Tipón (The Temple of Water):
Explore this masterpiece of hydraulic engineering. Observe its 12 levels of agricultural terraces and irrigation channels that have functioned flawlessly for over 500 years, honoring the most vital element of life: water.
11:00 AM – Pikillacta (The Wari Capital):
Visit the remains of this vast pre-Inca citadel. Walk through its straight streets and observe two-story buildings constructed of stone and adobe by the Wari culture more than a thousand years ago.
12:30 PM – Andahuaylillas (The Sistine Chapel of the Americas):
Arrive at the charming town of Andahuaylillas and enter its colonial church. Be amazed by its gold-leaf ceiling, frescoes from the Cusco School of Art, and its impressive Baroque altar.
01:30 PM – Gastronomic Tasting (Optional):
On the return journey, we may stop in Tipón or Saylla, famous for local cuisine such as roasted guinea pig or pork cracklings (chicharrón).
02:30 PM – Return to Cusco:
The tour ends near Cusco’s Main Square (Plaza de Armas).
Services
Included
- Modern and comfortable tourist transportation
- Professional guide specialized in history and sacred art
- Hotel pick-up (within the historic center)
- Personalized assistance throughout the tour
Not Included
- Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTG): Required for Tipón and Pikillacta
- Entrance fee to Andahuaylillas Church: Paid on site (approx. S/ 15.00)
- Lunch and personal expenses
Recommendations
- Tourist Ticket: This tour includes attractions from Circuit II. Make sure you have the Integral Ticket or the 2-day Partial Ticket.
- Photography: Please note that photography and video recording are not allowed inside Andahuaylillas Church to protect the artwork. However, the exterior and archaeological sites are ideal for photos.
- Weather: The South Valley is usually sunnier than Cusco. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and light clothing, plus a light jacket for the wind.
- Cash: Carry small-denomination Peruvian soles for entrance fees and to purchase artisan bread from Oropesa or local snacks.
What to bring
ESSENTIAL
CLOTHING
EQUIPMENT
RECOMMENDED
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the South Valley of Cusco Tour last?
The tour is a half-day experience, lasting approximately 5 to 6 hours, with departure in the morning and return to Cusco around 2:30 PM.
Which archaeological sites are visited during the tour?
The tour includes visits to Tipón Archaeological Complex, Pikillacta (the Wari city), and the Church of San Pedro Apóstol of Andahuaylillas, known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas.”
Do I need the Cusco Tourist Ticket for this tour?
Yes. The Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTG – Circuit II) is required to enter Tipón and Pikillacta. The entrance fee to Andahuaylillas Church is paid separately at the site.
Is this tour physically demanding or suitable for all travelers?
This is a low-difficulty tour with minimal walking and sites located at similar or slightly lower altitudes than Cusco, making it suitable for travelers of all ages.
Can I take photos inside Andahuaylillas Church?
No. Photography and video recording are not allowed inside the church to preserve its colonial artwork, but photos are permitted in the exterior areas and archaeological sites.