South Valley Full-Day Tour

Duration

1 days

Accommodation

Not Included

Difficulty

Easy

Tour Type

Traditional / Cultural

Overview

Discover the historical and cultural treasures located south of Cusco on the South Valley Full-Day Tour. This experience is ideal for travelers who want to explore impressive archaeological sites away from the busiest tourist routes while learning about the civilizations that shaped the region.

During the tour, you will visit Tipón, an extraordinary Inca archaeological complex famous for its advanced hydraulic engineering; Pikillacta, an ancient pre-Inca city built by the Wari culture; and the colonial church of Andahuaylillas, known as the “Sistine Chapel of America” because of its elaborate frescoes, paintings and interior decoration.

Surrounded by peaceful Andean landscapes and traditional communities, the Cusco South Valley Tour combines Inca engineering, pre-Inca urban planning and colonial religious art in an enriching half-day cultural experience.

Tour Highlights

  • Explore Tipón and its remarkable Inca water channels and agricultural terraces.
  • Learn about the advanced hydraulic engineering developed by the Incas.
  • Visit Pikillacta, one of the most important Wari archaeological sites near Cusco.
  • Discover the urban planning and architecture of a major pre-Inca civilization.
  • Admire the colonial church of Andahuaylillas, known as the “Sistine Chapel of America.”
  • Observe impressive frescoes, paintings, altarpieces and decorative details.
  • Travel through beautiful landscapes and traditional communities south of Cusco.
  • Enjoy a less crowded cultural tour near Cusco.
  • Explore each attraction with a professional bilingual guide.

Included/Excluded

  • Hotel pickup in Cusco
  • Round-trip tourist transportation
  • Professional English- and Spanish-speaking guide
  • Permanent assistance throughout the tour
  • Cusco Tourist Ticket required for Tipón and Pikillacta
  • Entrance ticket to the Church of Andahuaylillas
  • Food and drinks
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips for the guide and driver

Tour Plan

Day 01 Cusco – Tipón – Pikillacta – Andahuaylillas – Cusco

8:30–9:00 a.m. — Hotel Pickup in Cusco

Our team will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco between approximately 8:30 and 9:00 a.m. Once the group is ready, we will begin the journey toward the South Valley.

During the drive, you will enjoy views of agricultural fields, mountains and traditional communities located outside the historic center of Cusco.

Tipón Archaeological Complex

Our first destination will be Tipón, an impressive Inca archaeological complex renowned for its sophisticated hydraulic system.

The site features agricultural terraces, ceremonial fountains, stone channels and continuously flowing water that demonstrates the remarkable engineering knowledge of the Incas.

Your guide will explain the possible agricultural, ceremonial and administrative functions of Tipón, as well as the importance of water within Andean culture.

You will have time to walk through the terraces, observe the precisely constructed channels and photograph the surrounding landscapes.

Pikillacta Archaeological Complex

We will continue to Pikillacta, an extensive pre-Inca urban center associated with the Wari culture.

Built several centuries before the rise of the Inca Empire, Pikillacta contains long streets, plazas, storage areas and hundreds of structures arranged according to an organized urban plan.

Your guide will explain the history of the Wari civilization, its influence in the Cusco region and the architectural characteristics that distinguish Pikillacta from nearby Inca sites.

From the archaeological complex, you can also enjoy panoramic views of the South Valley and the surrounding mountains.

Andahuaylillas Church

Our final stop will be the traditional town of Andahuaylillas, home to one of the most famous colonial churches in Peru.

The Church of San Pedro Apóstol is often called the “Sistine Chapel of America” because of its richly decorated interior. Inside, you can admire religious paintings, murals, carved wooden altars and impressive frescoes created during the colonial period.

Your guide will explain how European religious art was combined with local Andean artistic traditions, creating a distinctive style that reflects the cultural transformation of the region.

Photography may be restricted inside the church, and visitors must follow the instructions of the local staff.

Return to Cusco

After visiting Andahuaylillas, we will begin the journey back to Cusco.

Arrival is expected at approximately 2:30 p.m., although the schedule may vary depending on traffic, road conditions and the pace of the group.

Tour Map

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