Cusco South Valley: Tour Tipón, Pikillacta, Andahuaylillas

The Cusco South Valley offers a captivating journey through Peru’s rich cultural heritage. This guided tour takes visitors to three remarkable sites – Tipón, Pikillacta, and Andahuaylillas – showcasing the architectural wonders of the Inca and Wari civilizations. From the intricate water systems of Tipón to the unique structures of Pikillacta, and the stunning 16th-century church in Andahuaylillas, this tour promises to immerse travelers in the region’s remarkable history. What secrets and insights await those who embark on this captivating exploration?

Good To Know

• A 6-hour journey through the Cusco South Valley, visiting Inca and pre-Inca sites like Tipón, Pikillacta, and the "Sistine Chapel of America" in Andahuaylillas.
• Tour pricing starts from $86 per person, with hotel pickup, round-trip transportation, and guided explorations included.
• Highlights include the intricate water channels and terraces at Tipón, the unique architectural styles of Pikillacta, and the 16th-century church in Andahuaylillas.
• Cancellation policy allows for full refunds up to 24 hours in advance, and payment options include reserve now and pay later.
• Visitors must bring passport/ID, comfortable clothing, and a camera, and are not allowed to bring alcohol, drugs, or baby carriages.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Cusco South Valley Tour takes visitors on a 6-hour journey to uncover the rich cultural and architectural heritage of three significant sites: Tipón, Pikillacta, and Andahuaylillas.

Priced from $86 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup, round-trip transportation, and guided explorations of each location.

Participants can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they’ve the option to reserve their spot now and pay later.

The tour highlights Inca and Wari architectural wonders, as well as the renowned "Sistine Chapel of America" in Andahuaylillas.

Itinerary and Highlights

After picking up participants from the Centro Histórico, the tour begins with a 1.5-hour bus or coach ride to the first stop, Tipón.

Here, visitors embark on a guided tour of the important Inca worship center for water, featuring captivating channels, terraces, and waterfalls.

Visitors embark on a guided tour of the important Inca water worship center, featuring captivating channels, terraces, and waterfalls.

Next, the group journeys to Pikillacta, a pre-Inca Huari urban center showcasing distinct architectural styles.

The final destination is Andahuaylillas, where the group explores the 16th-century church known as the Sistine Chapel of America, adorned with paintings and murals by Tadeo Escalante.

The tour then returns participants to the Centro Histórico.

Cultural Significance

Though the Cusco South Valley Tour takes visitors through several distinct archaeological sites, each holds significant cultural and historical importance.

Tipón was an important Inca worship center for water, featuring intricate channels, terraces, and waterfalls.

Pikillacta, on the other hand, was a pre-Inca Huari urban center with a unique architectural style.

The tour also includes a visit to the 16th-century Church of Andahuaylillas, known as the "Sistine Chapel of America" for its stunning interior paintings and murals by Tadeo Escalante, as well as an ornate organ decorated with angels and cherubs.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The Cusco South Valley Tour includes several key services and amenities.

The tour provides hotel pickup, round-trip tourist transportation, and a bilingual tourist guide who can provide commentary in both Spanish and English.

Entrance fees to the Tipón archaeological site, the Church of Andahuaylillas, and the Pikillacta archaeological site are all covered.

However, the tour excludes food, drinks, and snacks, as well as any additional personal expenses.

Guests are advised to bring their passport or ID card, a hat, a camera, and comfortable clothing, but the use of alcohol, drugs, and baby carriages isn’t permitted.

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Preparation and Restrictions

Guests are advised to bring their passport or ID card, a hat, a camera, and comfortable clothing when joining the Cusco South Valley Tour. The tour operator has a few restrictions in place to ensure a smooth and safe experience. Alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited, as is bringing baby carriages.

| What to Bring | What’s Allowed | What’s Not Allowed |

|—————|—————-|——————-|

| Passport/ID | Comfortable Attire | Alcohol/Drugs |

| Hat | Camera | Baby Carriages |

| Comfortable Clothing | | |

Discover Inca Architecture at Tipón

One of the highlights of the Cusco South Valley Tour is the opportunity to discover the impressive Inca architecture at Tipón.

This important Inca worship center features intricate water channels, terraced hillsides, and cascading waterfalls. Visitors can explore the well-preserved ruins and admire the engineering feats of the Inca.

The site’s strategic location and proximity to water sources suggest it was a center for rituals and ceremonies related to water veneration.

Exploring Tipón provides a fascinating glimpse into the Inca’s advanced urban planning and reverence for the natural environment.

Explore Wari Architecture at Pikillacta

After exploring the impressive Inca architecture at Tipón, the tour moves on to the pre-Inca Wari urban center of Pikillacta.

Established around 600 AD, Pikillacta was a major administrative and religious site for the Wari civilization.

Visitors can marvel at the site’s distinct architectural style, including its intricate stone walls, plazas, and buildings.

The guided tour provides insight into the engineering feats and cultural significance of this pre-Inca settlement.

Exploring Pikillacta offers a glimpse into the rich history and diverse cultural heritage of the Cusco region.

Visit the Sistine Chapel of America in Andahuaylillas

After visiting the impressive Inca and Wari archaeological sites, the tour continues to the picturesque town of Andahuaylillas, home to the 16th-century church known as the "Sistine Chapel of America."

Adorned with exquisite paintings and murals by Tadeo Escalante, this church is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the region. The interior is decorated with stunning artwork, including an organ featuring angels and cherubs.

Visitors can marvel at the church’s architectural beauty and learn about its significance as an important cultural and religious landmark in the Cusco South Valley.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Available in Other Languages Besides English?

The tour is available in both Spanish and English. The bilingual tourist guide provides commentary in these two languages throughout the excursion, ensuring visitors can fully engage with the cultural and historical significance of the sites.

Can I Customize the Tour to Visit Additional Sites?

The tour can be customized to visit additional sites, but there may be an additional fee. Customers should check with the tour operator to see if they offer the option to add extra stops.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

Yes, the tour operator offers discounts for students and seniors. Customers can inquire about these discounts when booking the tour. The standard tour price starts at $86.00 per person, but discounted rates may be available.

Is Photography Allowed at All the Sites Visited?

Photography is allowed at all the sites visited on the tour. However, visitors should be respectful and avoid using flash photography, as this could damage the historic artifacts and structures.

How Much Walking Is Involved During the Tour?

The tour involves moderate walking, with guests exploring the archaeological sites and churches on foot. Visitors should expect to walk for around 3-4 hours total during the 6-hour tour, including short walks between sites.

The Sum Up

The Cusco South Valley tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and stunning landscapes of the region. From the intricate Inca architecture at Tipón to the impressive Wari ruins at Pikillacta, and the exquisite colonial church in Andahuaylillas, this tour provides a comprehensive and insightful glimpse into the area’s cultural heritage. Convenient transportation and a knowledgeable guide ensure a seamless and enriching experience for visitors.

You can check availability for your dates here: