South Valley – Cusco

Nestled in the heart of Peru’s Sacred Valley, the South Valley – Cusco tour offers an enthralling cultural experience. Visitors can explore ancient Inca and Wari sites, marvel at stunning religious art, and gain insights into the region’s rich history. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking an immersive adventure, this tour promises to captivate and leave you eager to uncover more of Cusco’s remarkable heritage.

Good To Know

• The South Valley – Cusco tour is a full-day excursion that visits three archaeological sites: Tipon, Pikillacta, and Andahuaylillas.
• The tour provides insights into the Inca’s advanced hydraulic engineering and the Wari culture’s military center at Pikillacta.
• Andahuaylillas Church, known as the "Sistine Chapel of America," showcases exquisite Cusco School religious art and colonial era influence.
• Transportation, an English-speaking guide, and entry fees are included in the tour, priced at $59.00 per person.
• The tour lasts approximately 11 hours and returns to Cusco around 3:30 PM.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The South Valley – Cusco tour offers visitors the opportunity to explore a range of archaeological sites south of Cusco. Priced from $59.00 per person, the 11-hour tour takes guests to Tipon, Pikillacta, and Andahuaylillas.

Along the way, travelers can learn about Inca hydraulic knowledge and see the Wari military center and the "Sistine Chapel of America."

The tour includes transportation, an English-speaking guide, and entry fees, though meals and personal expenses are excluded.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance. Guests should dress comfortably and bring a camera, as the tour involves cultural exploration, nature appreciation, and hiking opportunities.

Itinerary Highlights

Explore archaeological sites south of Cusco, including Tipon, Pikillacta, and Andahuaylillas.

At Tipon, uncover the Inca’s impressive hydraulic engineering feats.

Marvel at the massive scale of Pikillacta, a military center of the Wari culture.

Then, visit Andahuaylillas, known as the "Sistine Chapel of America" for its stunning 17th-century Cusquenian religious art.

The highlights include:

1. Tipon: Discover the Inca’s advanced hydraulic knowledge.

2. Pikillacta: Explore the grand military center of the Wari.

3. Andahuaylillas: Admire the breathtaking religious art.

4. Return to Cusco around 3:30 PM.

Tipon: Inca Hydraulic Knowledge

As visitors explore the archaeological site of Tipon, they’ll uncover the Inca’s impressive mastery of hydraulic engineering.

Tipon features an intricate system of canals, aqueducts, and terraced fountains that demonstrate the Inca’s advanced water management capabilities. Carved stone channels direct the flow of water, showcasing the Inca’s sophisticated understanding of hydrology.

The Inca’s advanced water management capabilities are showcased through Tipon’s intricate system of canals, aqueducts, and terraced fountains.

Visitors can marvel at the cascading waterfalls and expertly engineered irrigation network, which provided a reliable water supply for the Inca elite.

This archaeological site offers a unique glimpse into the Inca’s remarkable achievements in civil engineering and their profound respect for the natural environment.

Pikillacta: Military Center of the Wari Culture

Pikillacta, an impressive Wari archaeological site, served as a major military center for this ancient Andean civilization. Visitors can explore the site’s remarkable ruins, which provide insights into the Wari’s strategic planning and engineering prowess:

1. Vast stone structures and fortifications showcase the Wari’s military might and defensive capabilities.

2. Meticulously designed plazas and buildings demonstrate the Wari’s advanced architectural and urban planning skills.

3. Aqueducts and drainage systems highlight the Wari’s sophisticated water management techniques.

4. Artifacts and artifacts uncovered at the site offer glimpses into the Wari’s cultural practices and daily life.

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Andahuaylillas: The Sistine Chapel of America

The small village of Andahuaylillas, located south of Cusco, is home to a remarkable 17th-century church often referred to as the "Sistine Chapel of America."

Visitors are captivated by the church’s exquisite Cusco School religious art, which adorns the interior walls and ceilings. The highlights include intricate murals, elaborate altarpieces, and an ornate pulpit.

This architectural gem is a testament to the artistry and religious devotion of the Andean people. Touring the church offers a glimpse into the cultural legacy of the region and the enduring influence of colonial era religious art.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes tourist transportation, an official tour guide who can provide information in both Spanish and English, and entry fees for the General Tourist Ticket and the Temple of Andahuaylillas.

Explore the highlights of the tour with transportation, a bilingual guide, and admission to key attractions.

However, the tour excludes:

1. Meals

2. Drinks

3. Snacks

4. Personal purchases, such as souvenirs and gifts.

Guests should bring a camera and wear comfortable clothing.

The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and the use of alcohol and drugs is prohibited.

Important Information

While the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, it offers ample opportunities for cultural exploration, nature appreciation, and hiking.

Visitors are encouraged to bring a camera and wear comfortable clothing. Alcohol and drugs are prohibited on the tour.

The archaeological sites and religious art of the Cusco region make this an insightful excursion for those interested in Inca history and Andean culture.

With an experienced guide providing commentary in Spanish and English, travelers can explore the significance of Tipon, Pikillacta, and Andahuaylillas on this 11-hour journey through the South Valley.

Tour Themes

As a cultural exploration tour, the South Valley – Cusco excursion offers visitors the chance to explore the region’s rich Inca heritage and Andean traditions.

The tour themes include:

1. Appreciating nature as you explore archaeological sites nestled in the scenic landscapes south of Cusco.

2. Embarking on light hiking opportunities to access these significant sites connected to Inca development and early habitation.

3. Marveling at the ingenious hydraulic engineering feats of the Incas at the Tipon site.

4. Discovering the religious art and architecture of the Andahuaylillas chapel, known as the "Sistine Chapel of America".

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Group Size for This Tour?

The group size for this tour is not specified in the provided information. The tour details cover the itinerary, inclusions, and important information, but do not mention the group size.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions, and it’s suitable for participants of all ages. Families with children are welcome to join the cultural exploration and visit the historic sites on this tour.

Can I Book This Tour in a Different Language?

Yes, the tour offers guides in both Spanish and English. Customers can select their preferred language when booking the tour, ensuring a seamless and informative experience regardless of their native tongue.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

There isn’t an option to extend the tour duration directly with the tour provider. However, you could explore adding on additional activities or sites to the itinerary for a customized experience if interested in spending more time in the region.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?

The tour has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This allows travelers flexibility to adjust their plans without penalty if needed.

The Sum Up

The South Valley – Cusco tour provides an excellent opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage of the region. Visitors will gain insights into Inca engineering, Wari military power, and the stunning religious art that has earned Andahuaylillas the title of the "Sistine Chapel of America." At just $59.00 per person, this 11-hour tour offers exceptional value and a comprehensive cultural experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: