Exploring the rich history and stunning landscapes of Cusco’s South Valley is an opportunity not to be missed. This 6-hour tour whisks visitors through a tapestry of archaeological wonders, from the impressive Inca engineering of Tipon to the ancient Wari ruins at Pikillaqta. Along the way, the captivating Andahuaylillas Chapel, with its colonial art and baroque architecture, offers a glimpse into the region’s diverse cultural heritage. With professional guidance and a reasonable price tag, this tour promises an unforgettable experience for those seeking to uncover the secrets of Cusco’s overlooked gems.

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Key Points

The Cusco: South Valley tour is a 6-hour excursion that costs €18.39 per person and includes hotel pickup, a professional guide, transportation, and site entrance fees.
The tour visits the archaeological site of Tipon, known for its impressive Inca hydraulic engineering, and the ancient Wari civilization site of Pikillaqta.
Participants will also explore the 17th-century Andahuaylillas Chapel, renowned for its colonial art and baroque paintings.
The tour may offer an optional tasting of traditional chicharrón (fried pork belly) in the town of Saylla during the return trip.
The tour is not recommended for pregnant women, wheelchair users, visually impaired individuals, or people over 70 years old due to the extensive walking and uneven terrain involved.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Cusco: South Valley tour offers an immersive experience for €18.39 per person, with a duration of 6 hours.

Enjoy the Cusco: South Valley tour for €18.39 per person and 6 hours of exploration.

Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and reserve their spot without payment.

The tour includes hotel pickup, a professional guide, first aid, transportation, and site entrance fees.

However, food, beverages, tips, and souvenirs aren’t included.

Participants must bring a passport or ID, sunscreen, water, and cash.

Restrictions apply for certain individuals, and prohibited items include weapons, sharp objects, oversized luggage, drones, alcohol, and drugs.

A WhatsApp number with country code is required for communication.

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Itinerary and Highlights

Guests get picked up from their hotel in the historic center of Cusco between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. to begin the tour.

The first stop is the archaeological center of Tipon, showcasing the Inca’s impressive hydraulic engineering.

Next, they’ll explore Pikillaqta, which represents the ancient Wari civilization.

The tour then visits the chapel of Andahuaylillas, famous for its colonial art, gold leaf altars, and baroque paintings.

Optionally, guests can sample the traditional chicharrón dish in Saylla on the return trip.

Inclusions

The tour includes hotel pickup, a professional guide fluent in Spanish and English, a first aid kit and tourist transportation, and entrance fees to the sites. However, the tour does not include food and beverages, tips, or souvenirs. Here is a table with the key inclusions and exclusions:

| Inclusions | Exclusions |

| — | — |

| Hotel pickup | Food and beverages |

| Professional guide | Tips |

| First aid kit and transportation | Souvenirs |

| Entrance fees | |

Participants are advised to bring their passport or ID, sunscreen, water, and cash. Certain items, such as weapons, sharp objects, oversized luggage, drones, alcohol, and drugs, are not allowed on the tour.

Participant Restrictions

According to the tour information, the Cusco: South Valley tour isn’t suitable for certain participants.

It’s not recommended for pregnant women, wheelchair users, visually impaired individuals, or people over 70 years old. The tour involves visiting archaeological sites and may require extensive walking or uneven terrain.

The organizers want to ensure the safety and comfort of all guests. Participants should consider their physical abilities before booking.

However, the tour may be accessible with appropriate assistance or accommodations. Interested parties should inquire about accessibility options when making their reservation.

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Important Information

When booking the Cusco: South Valley tour, participants should bring their passport or ID, sunscreen, water, and cash.

They won’t be allowed to bring weapons, sharp objects, oversized luggage, drones, alcohol, or drugs.

To enhance communication and service, the tour operator requests a WhatsApp number with the country code.

To enhance communication and service, the tour operator requests a WhatsApp number with the country code.

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, visually impaired individuals, or people over 70 years old.

There's plenty more to explore in Cusco

Exploring Tipon

One of the first stops on the Cusco: South Valley tour is the archaeological center of Tipon.

This Inca site showcases the civilization’s impressive hydraulic engineering. Visitors explore the tiered stone terraces, canals, and fountains that demonstrate the Incas’ sophisticated water management system.

The site offers a glimpse into the Incas’ mastery of hydrology and their ability to harness natural resources. Tipon’s well-preserved structures and ingenious design leave a lasting impression on tour participants, highlighting the technological prowess of the Inca Empire.

Discovering Pikillaqta

What comes next on the Cusco: South Valley tour is the exploration of Pikillaqta, a remarkable site representing the Wari civilization.

Nestled in the heart of the Andes, Pikillaqta stands as a testament to the engineering prowess of the Wari people. Visitors will marvel at the well-preserved architectural remnants, including houses, plazas, and intricate irrigation systems.

The site offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Wari, who dominated the region long before the rise of the Inca Empire. An insightful guide will unravel the mysteries of this ancient settlement, captivating tour participants.

Visiting Andahuaylillas Chapel

After exploring the remarkable Wari ruins at Pikillaqta, the tour moves on to the chapel of Andahuaylillas.

This 17th-century chapel enchants visitors with its lavish colonial art and ornamentation. Gold-leafed altars and baroque paintings adorn the interior, showcasing the impressive artistic talents of the era.

The chapel’s architectural design also impresses, blending indigenous and Spanish influences. Travelers have the opportunity to wander through this captivating site, marveling at its beauty and rich cultural heritage.

The visit to Andahuaylillas chapel provides a fascinating glimpse into Cusco’s colonial past.

Things To Know

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour permits bringing your own food and drinks, though the inclusion covers some snacks and beverages. Participants should avoid consuming alcohol or drugs during the tour for safety reasons.

Are There Any Safety Precautions for the Tipon Archaeological Site?

The tour includes safety precautions for the Tipon archaeological site. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and exercise caution when exploring the site’s uneven terrain and historical structures. The professional guide will provide instructions to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.

Is There a Dress Code Required for Visiting the Andahuaylillas Chapel?

There’s no specific dress code for visiting the Andahuaylillas chapel, but it’s recommended to dress modestly out of respect for the religious site. Casual, comfortable clothing that covers shoulders and knees is generally appropriate.

How Reliable Is the Pickup Service From the Hotel?

The pickup service from the hotel is reliable, as the tour includes hotel pickup between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. Participants can expect a prompt and efficient transfer to the start of the South Valley tour.

Can I Customize the Tour to Include Additional Stops?

The tour can be customized to include additional stops, but there may be an extra charge. Guests should discuss any special requests with the tour provider in advance to ensure the changes can be accommodated.

Sum Up

The "Cusco: South Valley" tour offers an enriching journey through the region’s remarkable archaeological and cultural sites. Participants will explore Inca engineering, ancient Wari ruins, and the stunning Andahuaylillas Chapel, while emphasizing the importance of physical capability. The tour’s €18.39 price tag includes hotel pickup and professional guidance, ensuring a memorable experience for those seeking to discover the captivating history and architecture of the Cusco region.