Cusco: Half Day Tour of the South Valley |Private Service|

Exploring the rich cultural heritage of Cusco’s South Valley is an immersive experience. This private half-day tour offers a chance to witness Inca engineering at the Tipon Archaeological Site and uncover the well-preserved architecture of the pre-Inca city of Pikillacta. But the true gem lies in the Baroque-style Church of San Pedro, known as the "Sistine Chapel of America." With round-trip transportation, entrance fees, and a knowledgeable guide, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure. What secrets await in the South Valley?

Good To Know

• Explore the cultural and architectural treasures of Cusco’s South Valley on a private half-day tour, including Tipon, Pikillacta, and the Church of San Pedro.
• Benefit from the expertise of a bilingual guide who provides in-depth commentary on the sites’ history, engineering, and significance.
• Enjoy round-trip transportation, entrance fees, and the flexibility of a private tour tailored to your preferences.
• Discover the advanced hydraulic systems and innovative engineering techniques of the Inca and Wari civilizations.
• Marvel at the stunning Baroque-style Church of San Pedro, nicknamed the "Sistine Chapel of America" for its impressive religious art and architecture.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This private half-day tour of Cusco’s South Valley offers a comprehensive exploration of the region’s rich cultural and archaeological heritage.

Priced from $80 per person, the 7-hour tour is available in Spanish and English for private groups. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, the tour provides flexibility and convenience.

The 7-hour private tour of Cusco’s South Valley is priced at $80 per person, with flexible cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Highlights include the Tipon archaeological site, the pre-Inca city of Pikillacta, and the renowned Church of Andahuaylillas.

Round-trip transportation, entrance fees, and a knowledgeable bilingual guide are included, ensuring an immersive and seamless experience.

Highlights of the Itinerary

The tour offers a captivating exploration of Cusco’s South Valley, showcasing the region’s rich cultural and architectural treasures.

Highlights of the itinerary include:

1. Tipon Archaeological Site: An awe-inspiring pre-Inca site known as the "Temple of the Waters," featuring a sophisticated hydraulic system and agricultural terraces.

2. Pikillacta: One of the best-preserved pre-Inca cities, showcasing the remarkable Wari culture’s architectural marvels, located near the serene Wakarpay lagoon.

3. Andahuaylillas: Visit the renowned "Sistine Chapel of America," the Church of San Pedro, renowned for its stunning baroque-style paintings and gold leaf frames.

4. Guided commentary: A knowledgeable bilingual guide provides in-depth insights into the history and significance of each site, enhancing the overall experience.

Tipon Archaeological Site

Tipon Archaeological Site is a captivating pre-Inca complex known as the "Temple of the Waters."

This ingeniously designed site showcases a sophisticated hydraulic system that channeled and distributed water across its agricultural terraces, demonstrating the advanced engineering prowess of the Inca civilisation.

Visitors can explore the intricate stone channels, aqueducts, and water fountains, while marveling at the impressive stone architecture and agricultural infrastructure.

The site’s strategic location offers stunning views of the surrounding Andean landscape, providing a glimpse into the Incas’ deep connection with the natural world and their innovative water management techniques.

Pikillacta

Pikillacta is one of the best-preserved pre-Inca cities, showcasing the remarkable architecture and urban planning of the Wari culture.

Visitors can explore the following features of this archaeological site:

1. Expansive Plazas: The site boasts large ceremonial plazas, evidence of the Wari’s advanced urban design.

2. Residential Compounds: Pikillacta features well-organized residential compounds, indicating a structured social hierarchy.

3. Hydraulic Engineering: The Wari constructed a sophisticated water management system, demonstrating their expertise in hydraulic engineering.

4. Wari Architectural Style: The buildings exhibit the distinctive Wari architectural style, characterized by stone masonry and intricate decoration.

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Andahuaylillas and the Church of San Pedro

One of the highlights of the South Valley tour is the visit to the Church of San Pedro in Andahuaylillas. This baroque-style church is renowned for its stunning religious art and gold-leaf frames, earning it the nickname "Sistine Chapel of America." Visitors can admire the intricate frescoes, ornate altars, and impressive organ. The church’s architectural and artistic merits make it a must-see destination for anyone interested in Cusco’s rich cultural heritage.

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Style | Baroque |

| Artwork | Frescoes, altars, organ |

| Nickname | "Sistine Chapel of America" |

| Significance | Cultural and architectural heritage |

Included Services

The tour includes several key services to enhance the overall experience.

Guests can enjoy:

1. Convenient hotel pickup, allowing for a seamless start to the day.

2. Round-trip transportation to explore the archaeological sites and attractions.

3. A knowledgeable bilingual guide to provide insights and commentary throughout the tour.

4. Entrance fees to the Church of Andahuaylillas, ensuring access to this stunning religious landmark.

These included services streamline the tour, making it a hassle-free and enriching exploration of Cusco’s South Valley.

Ticket Information

Along With the included services, visitors have the option to purchase different types of tourist tickets to access the various sites. The Partial Tourist Ticket costs 70 soles and allows access based on selected sites, while the General Tourist Ticket costs 130 soles and is valid for 10 days, granting access to 16 sites including the City Tour and Sacred Valley. The choice of ticket depends on the visitor’s itinerary and preferences. The following table outlines the key details:

| Ticket Type | Cost (Soles) | Access |

|————-|————–|——–|

| Partial | 70 | Selected sites |

| General | 130 | 16 sites, 10-day validity |

Additional Details

Specific meeting point details are available on Google Maps to ensure convenient access to the tour start location.

To provide maximum booking flexibility, customers can reserve their spot now and pay later. When booking, it’s important to check availability for the desired date and number of participants.

The tour includes the following additional details:

1. Knowledgeable bilingual guides to enhance the overall experience.

2. Roundtrip transportation to all sites on the itinerary.

3. Entrance fees to the Church of Andahuaylillas.

4. Convenient hotel pickup service from your accommodation in Cusco.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement for This Tour?

The tour does not have a minimum group size requirement. It’s a private service, so you can book it for just yourself or a small group. The price is per person regardless of group size.

Can I Request a Tour in a Language Other Than Spanish or English?

The tour offers options for Spanish and English, but doesn’t mention other language choices. Travelers should inquire with the tour provider about the possibility of arranging a tour in a different language if needed.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour duration can be extended beyond the standard 7 hours. Guests can discuss customized itineraries and extended tour lengths with the tour operator when booking. Additional fees may apply for extended tours.

Do the Entrance Fees Cover All Sites on the Itinerary?

The entrance fees cover the Church of Andahuaylillas, but not the other sites on the itinerary. Visitors will need to purchase a Partial Tourist Ticket or General Tourist Ticket to access the rest of the sites.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Visit Additional Sites?

The entrance fees cover the specific sites listed in the itinerary. Customers can’t customize the itinerary, but they may be able to add additional sites for an extra cost. It’s best to check with the tour provider about any customization options.

The Sum Up

Discover the rich cultural heritage of Cusco’s South Valley on this private half-day tour. Explore the impressive Inca engineering at Tipon, the well-preserved pre-Inca city of Pikillacta, and the stunning Baroque-style Church of San Pedro in Andahuaylillas. With round-trip transportation, entrance fees, and a knowledgeable bilingual guide, this immersive 7-hour journey offers an unforgettable experience for $80 per person.

You can check availability for your dates here: