Valle Sur Cusco | Half Day | The Abroad Guide

The Valle Sur Cusco half-day tour offers an immersive exploration of the region’s rich cultural heritage. Participants will explore significant archaeological sites, marvel at impressive Inca engineering, and discover the Wari civilization’s remnants. With a visit to the stunning Andahuaylillas Chapel, this tour promises an engaging and enlightening adventure. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply seeking to uncover the captivating stories that define this remarkable destination, the Valle Sur Cusco half-day tour is sure to leave a lasting impression.

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Key Points

A half-day tour of the Valle Sur region near Cusco, Peru, covering archaeological sites like Tipon, Pikillaqta, and Andahuaylillas Chapel.
The tour lasts approximately 7.5 hours, with hotel pickup, professional guides, transportation, and entrance fees included.
Highlights include exploring Inca hydraulic engineering at Tipon, witnessing the Wari civilization at Pikillaqta, and admiring the baroque art of Andahuaylillas Chapel.
Booking options are flexible, allowing for reservation now and payment later, with cancellations possible up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour is not suitable for certain groups, such as wheelchair users and individuals over 70 years old.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Valle Sur Cusco half-day tour offers visitors an opportunity to explore the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Over 7.5 hours, guests will visit several archaeological sites, including the Inca hydraulic engineering marvel of Tipon and the ancient Wari civilization at Pikillaqta.

They’ll also see the baroque chapel of Andahuaylillas.

The tour includes hotel pickup, professional guides, transportation, and entrance fees.

While it’s not suitable for certain groups, the flexible booking and 4/5 rating make it an appealing option to discover the history and landscapes of the Valle Sur region near Cusco.

Looking for more options in Cusco? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary Highlights

After hotel pickup between 8:00 am and 9:00 am from the historical center, the tour visits the archaeological center of Tipon, showcasing the Inca’s impressive hydraulic engineering feats. Next, the group explores Pikillaqta, representing the Wari civilization. The tour then moves on to the chapel of Andahuaylillas, renowned for its baroque paintings and gold leaf altars. On the return trip, there’s an optional tasting of Chicharrón in Saylla.

| Itinerary Highlights |

| — | — | — | — | — |

Inclusions

The tour includes hotel pickup, a professional guide to lead the experience, tourist transport, and all necessary entrance fees.

The package provides:

A hassle-free and enriching exploration of the Valle Sur region, with everything needed for your convenience.

A first aid kit for any emergencies
Pickup from your hotel in the historical center of Cusco between 8:00 am and 9:00 am
Guided visits to the archaeological sites of Tipon, Pikillaqta, and the chapel of Andahuaylillas
An optional tasting of the local delicacy, Chicharrón, on the return trip
Everything needed for a hassle-free and enriching exploration of the Valle Sur region.

Exclusions

Although the tour includes numerous amenities, certain items are not covered in the price. Travelers will need to bring their own food and beverages, as meals are not provided. Plus, tips for the guide are not included. Guests are welcome to purchase souvenirs, but the cost of these items is the responsibility of the traveler. It’s important to note that the tour is not suitable for individuals in wheelchairs, those with visual impairments, or people over 70 years of age. On top of that, pets, alcohol, and drugs are strictly prohibited.

| Exclusions | Cost |

| — | — |

| Food and Beverages | Varies |

| Tips | Varies |

| Souvenirs | Varies |

| Not Suitable For | – Wheelchair Users
– Visually Impaired
– People Over 70 |

| Not Allowed | – Pets
– Alcohol
– Drugs |

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Booking Information

Booking the Valle Sur Cusco tour is a straightforward process. Customers can check availability for starting times on the tour’s website.

They’ll need to select the desired number of participants and the date they’d like to reserve the tour. The tour operator offers flexible booking, allowing customers to reserve now and pay later.

Customers can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Some key things to note:

Check availability for starting times
Select participants and date for reservation
Reserve now & pay later
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

There's plenty more to explore in Cusco

Tipon Archaeological Center

As visitors approach the Tipon Archaeological Center, they are greeted by the impressive remnants of Inca hydraulic engineering. This site showcases the Incas’ advanced understanding of water management, with a series of terraced agricultural platforms, canals, and aqueducts. The site’s excellent state of preservation allows visitors to fully appreciate the Incas’ engineering prowess.

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Terraced Platforms | Intricate system of agricultural terraces, expertly constructed to maximize crop yields. |

| Canals | Precisely engineered network of canals that distributed water to the terraces. |

| Aqueducts | Impressive aqueducts that channeled water from nearby springs to the agricultural site. |

| Water Management | Demonstrates the Incas’ advanced understanding of hydrology and water conservation. |

| Preservation | The site is remarkably well-preserved, providing a unique glimpse into Inca engineering.

Pikillaqta Wari Civilization Site

Leaving the Tipon Archaeological Center, the tour proceeds to the Pikillaqta Wari Civilization Site.

This impressive pre-Inca archeological site was once a massive administrative and ceremonial center of the Wari culture, dating back to the 6th century AD.

Visitors can explore:

Remnants of stone buildings, plazas, and roads
Irrigation channels showcasing the Wari’s advanced engineering
Intricately carved stone monoliths and sculptures
Remains of residential areas and workshops
Expansive views of the surrounding valley

Exploring Pikillaqta provides a glimpse into the complex social and political structures of the ancient Wari civilization.

Andahuaylillas Chapel

The tour next takes visitors to the picturesque Andahuaylillas Chapel. Known as the "Sistine Chapel of the Americas," this baroque-style church boasts exquisite interior paintings and gold-leaf altars.

Visitors can admire the intricate frescoes, ornate woodwork, and impressive collection of religious art. The chapel’s architectural splendor reflects the region’s rich cultural heritage.

After exploring this architectural gem, the tour continues, providing an opportunity to experience the local culinary delights, with an optional tasting of Chicharrón, a popular fried pork belly snack, on the return trip.

Things To Know

What Is the Group Size for This Tour?

The group size for this tour is not explicitly stated in the provided information. The tour details mention "Select participants" for reservation, suggesting the group size may vary based on the number of people booked for the tour.

Is Photography Allowed at the Sites Visited?

Photography is generally allowed at the sites visited on this tour. However, visitors should check with their guide for any specific restrictions or rules regarding photography at each location.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Optional Tasting?

The optional tasting of chicharrón in Saylla doesn’t mention any dietary restrictions. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator if you have any special dietary needs or concerns before booking the tour.

What Is the Cancellation Policy if I Need to Change My Booking?

The tour offers a flexible booking policy – you can reserve now and pay later, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund if you need to change your booking.

Is There Any Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour offers a flexible booking option. Customers can extend the duration of the tour by contacting the provider in advance. There’s a charge for any changes to the original booking.

Sum Up

The Valle Sur Cusco half-day tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the region’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors can discover the impressive Inca hydraulic engineering at Tipon, explore the remnants of the Wari civilization at Pikillaqta, and admire the stunning baroque art of the Andahuaylillas Chapel. With hassle-free transportation and professional guides, this tour provides an enlightening adventure into the captivating history and architecture of Cusco’s valleys.