Pachatusan , Pikillacta, Andahuaylillas

South Valley Tour Cusco

Would you like to enjoy a complete experience in Cusco that combines history, colonial art, culture, and archaeology, all without high altitudes? South Valley Tour Cusco is perfect for you. It is an opportunity to dive into the rich Andean past and uncover hidden treasures. This half-day tour takes you away from the crowds and helps with altitude acclimatization. You will have the chance to visit extraordinary, less frequented sites.

If you are looking for comfort, breathtaking views, and a rich historical background during your first days in Cusco, this tour is ideal. Enjoy a memorable historical experience while making the most of your time.

Details of the trip.

South Valley Tour

South Valley Tour Itinerary:

The tour begins with pickup from your hotel between 8:00 am and 9:00 am as we head southeast of Cusco for this magical half-day excursion.

Our first stop is at Tipón, renowned for its impressive irrigation system, which has been in use for centuries and still provides water for the surrounding communities' agriculture. Next, we will travel to Pikillacta, an ancient urban center built by the pre-Inca Wari culture. This historic site features over a thousand buildings, including granaries, plazas, houses, temples, and streets, some up to four stories high. Known as Rumicolca, it also served as a travel checkpoint for the Incas.

After exploring this complex, we will continue to Andahuaylillas. Here, you will discover the "Sistine Chapel of Peru," a church that houses golden altars, vibrant paintings, and colorful ceilings. The chapel is modest and unassuming from the outside, but inside you'll find one masterpiece after another as you explore its fascinating walls.

At the end of the tour, transportation will drop you off in the historic center of Cusco, approximately at 2:30 pm.

What is Included

Southern Valley Tour Includes:

Pickup from your hotel (historic center)
Return to the historic center
Professional guide in English and Spanish
Oxygen supply
Partial Tourist Ticket Circuit II
Entrance to Andahuaylillas Church

Southern Valley Tour Does Not Include:

Food or drinks
Travel insurance

South Valley Tour Travel Information

What to Bring for the South Valley Tour

It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes, light clothing, a hat, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, water, and rain gear (especially from November to April).
Passport or ID.
Devices for audiovisual recording (cell phone, camera, camcorder).
Cash (local currency).

Location

The South Valley tour of Cusco starts in the city of Cusco and heads southeast along the Cusco-Puno route. Key stops include the Tipón Archaeological Complex, known for its ancient irrigation system, Pikillacta, a pre-Inca urban center of the Wari culture, and Andahuaylillas, famous for its church known as the "Sistine Chapel of Peru."

Climate

The climate of the South Valley of Cusco varies according to altitude and the time of year, but generally, it has a typical Andean climate with moderate temperatures throughout most of the year. Summers tend to be warm with sunny days and cool nights, while winters are mild with sporadic rain. The altitude and proximity to mountains influence climatic variations, especially humidity and wind. Rainfall is concentrated between the fall and winter months.

Altitude

The South Valley of Cusco is at varying altitudes depending on the specific location within the valley. Here are approximate altitudes for some of the major sites:

Tipón: About 3,560 meters above sea level.
Pikillacta: Approximately 3,250 meters above sea level.
Andahuaylillas: About 3,100 meters above sea level.

Tipón Archaeological Complex

The Tipón Archaeological Complex, located 24 kilometers southeast of Cusco, is an impressive example of Inca hydraulic and agricultural engineering. This site is known for its agricultural terraces and irrigation channels, which are still functioning and distributing water to local communities.

Agricultural Terraces: Large stepped terraces used by the Incas for farming, maximizing land and water use.
Irrigation Channels: Ingenious channels that distribute water from springs and rivers, showcasing the advanced hydraulic knowledge of the Incas.
Ceremonial Fountains: Fountains that likely had ceremonial uses, reflecting the importance of water in Inca culture.
Water Temple: A sacred structure dedicated to the worship of water, highlighting the significance of this resource in Inca cosmology.
Natural Landscape: The natural environment surrounding Tipón, with panoramic views and a tranquil atmosphere, makes it an ideal place to appreciate both nature and history.

Pikillacta

Pikillacta is an ancient urban center of the pre-Inca Wari culture, located about 30 kilometers southeast of Cusco. This archaeological site is one of the most important and best-preserved cities of the Wari civilization, which flourished between the 6th and 9th centuries.

Urban Structures: Over a thousand buildings, including plazas, streets, temples, and houses, some up to four stories high.
Walls and Fortifications: Impressive walls surrounding the site, reflecting its defensive and strategic role.
Colcas: Storage facilities used for keeping food and other products, demonstrating the advanced economic organization of the Wari.
Temples and Ceremonial Areas: Spaces dedicated to rituals and ceremonies, showing the importance of religion and spirituality in Wari culture.
Rumicolca: A structure that served as a travel control post and as an aqueduct for the Incas, highlighting the continuity and adaptation of technologies across cultures.

Pikillacta offers a fascinating insight into pre-Inca urban life and Wari engineering.

Andahuaylillas

Andahuaylillas is a small town located about 40 kilometers southeast of Cusco, primarily known for its impressive colonial church. This town is famous for its religious architecture and picturesque Andean surroundings.

Church of San Pedro de Andahuaylillas: Known as the "Sistine Chapel of America," this 16th-century church is famous for its elaborate frescoes, gilded altars, and intricately painted ceilings. Its simple facade contrasts with the splendor of its interior.
Mural Paintings: The church houses a collection of Baroque-style mural paintings depicting religious and cultural scenes, created by indigenous and Spanish artists.
Gilded Altars and Retables: Altars and retables covered in gold leaf are exceptional examples of the blend of European religious art with indigenous iconography.
Colonial Organ: A 17th-century organ that is still preserved and is a musical and historical treasure.
Parochial Museum: A small museum adjacent to the church exhibiting religious art, textiles, and other historical objects from the colonial era.
Main Square: The charming main square of Andahuaylillas, surrounded by trees and with a tranquil atmosphere, is an ideal place to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Andahuaylillas offers a unique blend of history, art, and culture, making this town a must-visit stop in the South Valley of Cusco.

Price for the South Valley Tour

Shared Service Tour

This group service means you will take the tour with other people. This standard service operates with a group size between 12 and 18 people. We have confirmed departures every day, so if there are only one or two people, don't worry—you can join one of our groups.

Price: From $50 USD

Private Service Tour

This service offers an exclusive way to experience the trip with a more personalized service. Prices vary depending on the size of your group. Please inquire: WhatsApp +51 914201334.

South Valley Tour FAQs

What is the optimal season to explore the South Valley?

The dry season (from April to October) is the preferred time to visit the South Valley of Cusco. During this period, the days are sunnier, and there is less chance of precipitation.

What should you bring during the South Valley tour?

It is recommended to bring rain gear, hats, sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable footwear, bottled water, snacks, and extra money.

Is food included in the tour?

No, the service does not include meals. We conclude the tour at 2:30 PM in a central plaza in Cusco, where you can find restaurants. It is advisable to bring snacks and drinks.

Are there any risks associated with the trip to the South Valley?

No, the archaeological sites on the tour are safe. It is advised to acclimate to the climate of Cusco at least one day before the trip.

Are the tour schedules flexible?

Yes, the schedules are adaptable. If visitors wish to spend more time at a particular location, the guide can make adjustments. However, the start and end times of the tour are punctual.

Can I experience altitude symptoms during the trip?

The maximum altitude is 3,316 meters above sea level. It is normal to experience altitude symptoms. It is suggested to spend one or two days in Cusco (3,399 meters) before the trip to acclimate and reduce these symptoms.