Cusco || South Valley | Half Day

Explore the captivating South Valley of Cusco on this half-day adventure. Uncover the ancient wonders of Tipon and Pikillaqta, marveling at their impressive engineering. Visit the colonial gem of Andahuaylillas, known for its exquisite religious art. Along the way, savor the local delicacy of chicharron. This guided tour promises an immersive experience, revealing the rich cultural tapestry that defines this historic region. What secrets await as you explore the South Valley?

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Key Points

This half-day tour explores the Cusco South Valley, showcasing Inca engineering at Tipon, the Wari civilization site of Pikillaqta, and the colonial Temple of Andahuaylillas.
The tour lasts 6.5 hours and includes hotel pickup in Cusco’s historic center, a professional guide, and transportation, with an optional stop for traditional chicharron.
Highlights include discovering the advanced hydraulic systems at Tipon, marveling at the impressive architecture of Pikillaqta, and admiring the colonial artwork at the Temple of Andahuaylillas.
The tour is available in English and Spanish, with a group size limited to 15 participants, and entrance fees are covered in the price.
Booking can be done online, with the option to reserve the tour and pay later, ensuring flexibility in planning the Cusco South Valley experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This tour offers a 6.5 hour journey through the scenic South Valley of Cusco. Priced from $49 per person, it’s limited to 15 participants and available in English and Spanish.

Hotel pickup in Cusco’s historic center starts between 8-9am. Highlights include renowned Inca sites like Tipon and Pikillaqta, and the colonial-era Temple of Andahuaylillas.

The tour begins with hotel pickup in Cusco’s historic center, visiting renowned Inca sites like Tipon and Pikillaqta, and the colonial Temple of Andahuaylillas.

Travelers can also opt to try the local chicharron pork dish. Transportation, entrance fees, and a guide are included.

With flexible booking and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour provides an immersive exploration of Cusco’s cultural riches.

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

Itinerary

The tour begins with hotel pickup between 8:00 and 9:00 am from your accommodation in Cusco’s historic center.

From there, you’ll visit:

The renowned Tipon Archaeological Center, marveling at the Inca’s advanced water management techniques.
Pikillaqta, an impressive Wari civilization site known for its architecture and urban planning.
The Temple of Andahuaylillas, admiring its colonial artwork and baroque-style paintings.
An optional stop in Saylla to try the traditional pork dish, chicharron, on the return trip to Cusco.

After these immersive experiences, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel in the historic center.

Inclusions

The tour includes hotel pickup, a professional guide, a first aid kit, tourist transport, and entrance fees. Depending on your preferences, you can also enjoy a taste of the local cuisine with an optional stop to try chicharron, a traditional pork dish, on the return trip to Cusco. The inclusions are as follows:

| Inclusions | Included |

| ——————— | ——– |

| Hotel Pick-up | Yes |

| Professional Guide | Yes |

| First Aid Kit | Yes |

| Tourist Transport | Yes |

| Entrance Fees | Yes |

| Food and Drink (Chicharron) | Optional |

| Tips and Souvenirs | No |

Highlights

Offering a chance to explore unique archaeological sites, the Cusco South Valley Half Day tour allows visitors to appreciate Inca engineering and Wari urbanism.

Explore unique archaeological sites and appreciate Inca engineering and Wari urbanism on the Cusco South Valley Half Day tour.

The highlights include:

Discovering the renowned Tipon Archaeological Center, famous for its Inca hydraulic engineering and advanced water management techniques.
Exploring the Pikillaqta Archaeological Center, a well-preserved Wari civilization site known for its remarkable architecture and urban planning.
Admiring the colonial artwork, including gold leaf altars and baroque-style paintings, at the Temple of Andahuaylillas.
Enjoying a taste of the traditional pork dish, chicharron, during a stop in Saylla on the return trip to Cusco.

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Booking Information

How can you check availability for starting times?

On the tour booking page, you can view the calendar and select your preferred date. This will show you the available start times for that day.

Once you’ve chosen your date and time, you’ll need to enter the number of participants joining the tour. The booking page will then display the total cost based on the group size.

To secure your spot, you can reserve the tour now and pay later, taking advantage of the flexible booking option. This ensures you get your desired tour time before it sells out.

There's plenty more to explore in Cusco

Tipon Archaeological Center

Renowned for its intricate Inca hydraulic engineering and advanced water management techniques, the Tipon Archaeological Center offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the ingenuity of the Inca civilization.

Tipon Archaeological Center showcases the Inca’s masterful hydraulic engineering and innovative water management techniques.

Visitors can explore:

Impressive stone terraces and canals that demonstrate the Inca’s mastery of water flow and irrigation.
Ornate stone carvings and architectural features that showcase the Inca’s attention to detail.
Sweeping views of the surrounding Andean landscape that provide a scenic backdrop to the site.
Insights into the Inca’s sophisticated understanding of hydrology and their ability to adapt to challenging terrain.

Pikillaqta Archaeological Center

After exploring the engineering marvels of the Tipon Archaeological Center, the tour continues on to the Pikillaqta Archaeological Center. This Wari civilization site, dating back to the 6th century AD, is notable for its impressive architecture and urban planning. Visitors can wander through the well-preserved ruins, marveling at the intricate stonework and layout of the ancient city. The site offers a glimpse into the advanced urban development of the Wari people, providing valuable insights into the pre-Inca cultures of the region.

| Key Facts | |

| — | — |

| Era | 6th century AD |

| Culture | Wari civilization |

| Highlights | Impressive architecture, urban planning |

| Significance | Insights into pre-Inca cultures |

| Duration | Approximately 1 hour |

Temple of Andahuaylillas

From the Pikillaqta Archaeological Center, the tour proceeds to the Temple of Andahuaylillas.

This colonial-era church is renowned for its ornate interior, featuring:

Intricate gold-leaf altars and baroque-style paintings
Impressive artwork that blends Andean and European influences
Meticulously preserved architectural details from the 17th century
A serene ambiance that invites visitors to appreciate the temple’s cultural significance

Exploring the Temple of Andahuaylillas offers a unique glimpse into the artistic and religious legacy that flourished during the Spanish colonial era in the Cusco region.

Since You Asked

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy walking shoes are recommended. Layers are advisable as the tour may involve cooler temperatures at some sites.

Are There Any Physical Requirements for Participants?

The tour doesn’t have any strict physical requirements, but participants should be able to walk moderate distances on uneven terrain. Comfortable walking shoes and a light jacket are recommended to enjoy the tour comfortably.

Can We Stop for Photos During the Tour?

Yes, the tour allows for photo stops throughout the day. Participants can take photos at the archaeological sites and the scenic viewpoints, providing ample opportunities to capture the highlights of the tour.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour duration can be extended for an additional fee. Travelers can inquire with the tour operator about extending the tour to explore more sites or spend more time at the included locations.

Can We Customize the Itinerary to Our Preferences?

Yes, the tour can be customized to your preferences. The operator offers flexibility in adjusting the itinerary and duration to suit your interests. Just let them know your preferences when booking the tour.

The Sum Up

The South Valley Half Day tour offers a captivating exploration of Cusco’s rich cultural heritage. From the advanced water management at Tipon to the impressive Wari ruins of Pikillaqta, this guided journey showcases the region’s remarkable archaeological wonders. Coupled with a visit to the colonial Temple of Andahuaylillas and a chance to savor local cuisine, it’s an immersive experience that immerses visitors in Cusco’s vibrant history and traditions.

You can check availability for your dates here: