South Valley
Group Size
2 to 8
Type Service
Group/Private
Max Altitude
3.399 m.s.n.m
Difficulty
Easy
Transportation
Bus / Walk
Duration
Half Day
South Valley
Explore a less-traveled route through the Sacred Valley on our South Valley Half-Day Tour from Cusco. This cultural and historical experience will take you through beautiful Andean landscapes as you visit impressive Inca and pre-Inca archaeological sites. The South Valley is known as the “Route of the Sun” for its warm climate, scenic valleys, and rich heritage. Discover the ancient complex of Tipón, where the Incas demonstrated their advanced hydraulic engineering through a series of canals, terraces, and water fountains still functioning today.
Continue your journey to the pre-Inca site of Pikillacta, a large city built by the Wari culture, where perfectly aligned streets and vast stone structures tell stories of civilizations older than the Incas. Finally, visit the colonial church of Andahuaylillas, often called the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas,” renowned for its beautiful murals, gold-leaf altars, and intricate woodwork. This half-day tour offers a perfect mix of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes, ideal for travelers seeking to explore the hidden gems of Cusco.
Places to Visit:
- Tipón Archaeological Complex
- Pikillacta Wari Site
- Andahuaylillas Colonial Church
Itinerary
Day
- 08:00 am | Hotel Pickup in Cusco
We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and begin a comfortable journey towards the beautiful South Valley. Enjoy scenic views of Andean landscapes, small villages, and rolling hills along the way. - 09:00 am | Guided Visit to Tipón Archaeological Complex
Your first stop will be Tipón, an impressive example of Inca hydraulic engineering. Explore its agricultural terraces, ceremonial fountains, and sophisticated water channels that continue to function after centuries. Your guide will explain the spiritual significance of water for the Incas and the advanced techniques they used in their constructions. - 10:30 am | Exploration of Pikillacta Pre-Inca City
Next, visit the large pre-Inca city of Pikillacta, built by the Wari culture. Walk through ancient streets lined with high stone walls, and learn about one of the oldest civilizations that inhabited the Andes before the rise of the Inca Empire. - 11:30 am | Visit to Andahuaylillas Colonial Church
Continue to the picturesque town of Andahuaylillas, where you’ll visit its beautiful 16th-century church. Known as the "Sistine Chapel of the Americas," it features impressive murals, gold-leaf altars, and intricately carved woodwork that showcase the blending of Andean and European artistic traditions. - 12:30 pm | Return Trip to Cusco
Begin your journey back to Cusco, passing through scenic countryside landscapes. - 13:30 pm | Arrival at Your Hotel in Cusco
You’ll be dropped off at your hotel, concluding your exploration of Cusco’s South Valley.
Includes
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco
- Private transport throughout the tour
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Entrance tickets (Tourist Ticket for Tipón & Pikillacta / Church entrance)
Not Included
- Meals or snacks
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Tips (optional)
Recommendations
- Bring your original passport or ID.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat.
- Dress in layers, as the weather can vary.
Gallery
Price
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South Valley
Half Day
Group
2 to 8
Difficulty
Easy
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