Cusco South Valley Tour: Tipón, Pikillaqta and Andahuaylillas
Overview
Discover one of the most fascinating tourist routes in Cusco with our South Valley tour. This excursion will allow you to experience a unique journey that perfectly combines rich pre-Inca and Inca history, vibrant culture, and the stunning natural beauty of the Andean highlands. It's the ideal option for those seeking tours in Cusco that venture off the beaten path.
During this tour, we'll visit Tipón, an ancient Inca royal garden that stands out as one of the finest examples of agricultural terracing and astonishing hydraulic engineering. Next, we'll explore the ruins of Pikillaqta, the only and most important pre-Inca archaeological site near the city, built entirely of adobe by the ancient Wari culture.
We'll conclude our adventure by discovering the wonders of the colonial town of Andahuaylillas, world-renowned for its Church of San Pedro Apóstol, known artistically as "The Sistine Chapel of Peru" for the incredible richness of its frescoes and paintings from the Cusco School. Come and explore the amazing tourist attractions of Cusco in the magical South Valley of Cusco, Peru!
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 – South Valley Circuit: Hydraulic Architecture, Pre-Inca City and Colonial Art
Our tour of the South Valley will take us through three distinct periods of Peruvian history (Inca, Pre-Inca, and Colonial) amidst breathtaking natural scenery.
Tipón Archaeological Complex
Located 24 km southeast of the city, we will begin our tour by visiting Tipón. It is said that this site was an exclusive royal garden commissioned by the Inca Wiracocha. We will admire one of the finest examples of agricultural terracing created by the Incas: terraces that extend across a narrow valley, perfectly irrigated and fed by crystal-clear springs flowing from the sacred mountain (Apu) Pachatusan. In addition to the terraces, we will appreciate a complex of temples, irrigation canals, and aqueducts that continue to function to this day.
Pikillaqta and Rumicolca Ruins
Our second stop will be Pikillaqta, a fascinating site as it is the only pre-Inca archaeological site near Cusco. This enormous urban complex, built entirely of adobe, was erected by the powerful Wari culture between 700 and 900 AD. Very close to this archaeological zone, we will also see Rumicolca, a small but important Inca site that strategically functioned as a kind of tollbooth or checkpoint for travelers crossing the valley in ancient times.
Andahuaylillas and the Sistine Chapel of Peru
To conclude our tour, we will head to Andahuaylillas, one of the most traditional and picturesque colonial towns in the region. Here, we will visit its old church, world-renowned as the "Sistine Chapel of Peru." Although its exterior facade appears quite simple and modest, you will be surprised to discover its marvelous interior: it houses impressive gilded altars, colorful ceilings, and beautiful original paintings belonging to the famous Cusco School. After this cultural visit, we will return to the city of Cusco.
What's Included?
Included
- Round trip tourist transportation.
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English).
Not Included
- Entry to the church of Andahuaylillas ("The Sistine Chapel of Peru").
- Tips.
- Extra expenses not mentioned.
Recommendations
- Bring a valid physical passport or national identity document (DNI).
- Bring cash to pay for the entrance fee to Andahuaylillas, food, or to buy handicrafts.
- Wear comfortable clothing, suitable for the changeable climate of the Andean highlands.
- Wear comfortable shoes (hiking shoes) to easily explore the archaeological sites.
- Use sun protection (hat or cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen).
- Bring a camera (note that flash photography is not always allowed inside the church of Andahuaylillas; check with the guide).
FAQs
The South Valley tour includes visits to three important tourist attractions near Cusco: the Inca archaeological complex of Tipón, the pre-Inca Wari city of Pikillaqta (including Rumicolca) and the colonial town of Andahuaylillas.
The tour is half a day, allowing you to combine nature, amazing old buildings and colonial history in a single short trip south of the city.
No, the entrance ticket to visit the interior of the Andahuaylillas church is not included in the tour price, so we recommend you bring cash to pay for it at the door.
Pikillaqta is very special because it is the only pre-Inca archaeological complex near Cusco. It was built of adobe by the ancient Wari culture between 700 and 900 AD.
We recommend that you bring your passport or ID card, cash, sun protection, warm clothing and comfortable shoes for walking around the ruins.
Tipón is famous for being an ancient royal garden of the Inca nobility and for its astonishing hydraulic engineering. It features canals, fountains, and aqueducts that still function, bringing water from Apu Pachatusan.