South Valley Cusco Tour – Tipón, Pikillacta & Andahuaylillas

Tour Type

Cultural

Duration

Full Day

Difficulty

Level 1 – Easy

Maximum Altitude

406 msnm

Maximum Group Size

10 People

Discover a different side of Cusco on our South Valley Cusco Tour, an excellent journey through Inca engineering, pre-Inca history, colonial art and traditional Andean towns.

This cultural route takes you south of Cusco to explore three remarkable attractions: Tipón, Pikillacta and Andahuaylillas.

At Tipón, discover sophisticated Inca water channels, fountains and agricultural terraces that demonstrate the extraordinary hydraulic engineering of the Incas.

Continue to Pikillacta, one of the most important archaeological complexes of the pre-Inca Wari civilization in the Cusco region.

Finally, visit the beautiful church of Andahuaylillas, famous for its extraordinary murals, paintings and Baroque decoration and often referred to as the “Sistine Chapel of America.”

Along the route, you will also travel through traditional communities and enjoy beautiful landscapes of the southern Cusco Valley.


Tour Highlights

  • Explore the impressive Inca hydraulic engineering of Tipón
  • Discover the pre-Inca Wari city of Pikillacta
  • Visit the famous church of Andahuaylillas
  • Travel through traditional Andean towns south of Cusco
  • Enjoy cultural and archaeological interpretation with a professional guide
  • Experience a quieter alternative to Cusco’s most visited tourist circuits
1 Day - South Valley Cusco

8:00 AM – Hotel Pickup in Cusco

We begin the tour with pickup from your hotel and travel south of Cusco toward our first archaeological destination.


Tipón Archaeological Complex

Our first major visit is Tipón, one of the finest examples of Inca hydraulic engineering.

The archaeological complex features impressive agricultural terraces, stone channels and ceremonial fountains through which water continues to flow.

Your guide will explain the importance of water in Andean culture and the sophisticated engineering techniques developed by the Incas.


Oropesa & South Valley Landscapes

We continue through the traditional southern valley, passing through areas such as Oropesa, a town well known locally for its traditional bread.

Along the journey, you will enjoy views of agricultural fields, mountains and traditional Andean communities.


Pikillacta

Our next destination is Pikillacta, an important archaeological complex built by the Wari civilization, which flourished centuries before the rise of the Inca Empire.

Unlike typical Inca architecture, Pikillacta features an extensive urban layout with streets, plazas, enclosures and large adobe and stone structures.

The visit provides an excellent opportunity to understand that Cusco’s history extends far beyond the Inca period.


Andahuaylillas

Our final major stop is the traditional town of Andahuaylillas.

Here we will visit its famous colonial church, celebrated for its elaborate interior decoration, murals, paintings, carved woodwork and Baroque religious art.

The richness of its interior has earned it the popular nickname “Sistine Chapel of America.”

Your guide will explain how European religious art and Andean cultural traditions came together during the colonial period.


Return to Cusco

After completing our visit to Andahuaylillas, we will begin the journey back to Cusco.

Arrival will be in the afternoon.

End of service.

What places will we visit?

The three main attractions are:

  • Tipón
  • Pikillacta
  • Andahuaylillas

No. This is an easy cultural and archaeological tour, although there is some walking inside the archaeological sites.

Yes. It is a good option for families, couples and travelers who prefer archaeology and culture without demanding trekking.

Bring comfortable walking shoes, a small backpack, water, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, camera and some cash in Peruvian soles.

From: USD $89.00 per person

"Tu Viaje Empieza Aquí"