Discover the Cusco South Valley Tour. A journey through time through the water engineering of Tipon, the Wari city of Pikillacta, and the Chapel of Andahuaylillas.
The Cusco South Valley tour is a fascinating half-day journey through time. It is the only circuit that allows you to explore three distinct eras of Peruvian history away from the crowds of traditional routes.
You will discover the perfection of Inca hydraulic engineering in Tipon, walk through the streets of the ancient pre-Inca Wari city in Pikillacta, and be dazzled by the Andean baroque art in the church of Andahuaylillas, known worldwide as the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas.”
Tipon (Inca), Pikillacta (Pre-Inca Wari), and Andahuaylillas (Colonial).
Half day (Approx. 5 hours). Morning departures (08:30 a.m.).
Easy. Excellent option for acclimatization on your first day.
We begin the morning picking you up from your accommodation in our tourist transport. Once the group is assembled, we will head along the southern paved highway, accompanied by the scenic beauty of the valley.
We will explore this majestic archaeological complex, considered an icon of Inca hydraulic engineering. We will walk along its impressive agricultural terraces and observe sacred water fountains that continue flowing flawlessly after more than 500 years.
We travel even further back in time to explore the only regional city belonging to the Wari Culture. You will be amazed by its precise urban planning, boasting more than a thousand stone structures, strictly aligned streets, and defensive walls that once reached up to four stories high.
We arrive at the picturesque village of Andahuaylillas to step inside its renowned colonial church. Understated on the outside, its interior holds a dazzling treasure of Andean baroque art, polychrome carved ceilings, gold-leaf altars, and classic paintings from the Cusco School of Art.
On our return journey, we make a traditional stop in the town of Saylla. Here you will have the chance to sample local culinary traditions, headlined by Cusco’s crispy, famous fried pork chicharrones (Optional consumption at passenger’s expense).
We conclude our cultural and culinary journey arriving back in Cusco. Our transport will drop you off at a central location very close to the Plaza de Armas, timed perfectly for you to enjoy the rest of your afternoon.
Make the most of your visit to the Cusco South Valley. Because this route combines three historical eras and descends into milder valleys, conditions are ideal for the entire family. Here are key tips for your excursion:
To enter the archaeological complexes of Tipon and Pikillacta, you need the Partial Tourist Ticket (Circuit 2), which is valid for 2 days. If you have already purchased the Full Tourist Ticket (the 10-day pass for all main attractions), South Valley admissions are already covered and you do not need to pay again.
No, the Church of San Pedro Apostol in Andahuaylillas belongs to the Archbishopric of Cusco and admission is not included in the government Tourist Ticket. The ticket costs S/ 20.00 Soles and is paid only in cash at the church entrance.
It is the perfect excursion for your first day! Unlike other routes, the South Valley sits at a very gentle altitude (descending to 3,122 masl in Andahuaylillas). The walks within the archaeological sites are flat, short, and relaxed. It is the best way to acclimatize without suffering from altitude sickness (soroche).
Both are incredible, but very different. The Sacred Valley is larger and more famous (ideal for connecting to Machu Picchu), whereas the South Valley is an uncrowded hidden gem. Its greatest advantage is allowing you to see three distinct historical eras in a single day: pre-Inca architecture (Pikillacta), Inca engineering (Tipon), and colonial art (Andahuaylillas). We recommend visiting both on separate days!
The tour does not include lunch, but it features a fantastic gastronomic component. On our way back to Cusco, we usually make an optional stop in Saylla, the “fried pork chicharrón capital of Cusco,” or in Oropesa, famous for its giant and sweet “Pan Chuta.” Bring cash to try these local delicacies!
It is a half-day tour lasting approximately 5.5 hours. Pick-ups typically begin at 08:30 a.m. and we return to Cusco’s historic center around 02:00 p.m., leaving your entire afternoon free to rest, enjoy lunch, or explore the city.
Due to conservation regulations, it is strictly forbidden to take photos or record videos inside the church. This policy protects the invaluable 17th-century murals and gold-leaf altarpieces from camera flashes. However, you are welcome to take as many photos as you like in the scenic outer plaza and throughout Tipon and Pikillacta.
Make sure to bring your original physical ID or passport (required at Tourist Ticket checkpoints), cash (Peruvian Soles) for tickets and food, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a windbreaker jacket, as Andean weather changes quickly.
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