CUSCO – SOUTHERN VALLEY TOUR Tipon, Pikillaqta, Andahuaylillas

The Cusco – Southern Valley Tour is a captivating journey through the region’s rich cultural heritage. Departing from Plaza Regocijo, this 7-hour excursion delves into the impressive Inca ruins of Tipon, the expansive pre-Inca site of Pikillaqta, and the stunning religious art of Andahuaylillas. With professional guidance and all necessary inclusions, this tour promises deep insights into the area’s past. What secrets might these ancient sites reveal?

Key Points

• This 7-hour tour visits three archaeological and cultural sites in the Cusco Southern Valley: Tipon, Pikillaqta, and Andahuaylillas.
• Tipon features well-preserved Inca agricultural terraces and aqueducts, providing insight into Inca engineering and farming practices.
• Pikillaqta is an extensive pre-Inca site built by the Huari civilization, showcasing their advanced urban planning.
• Andahuaylillas is a 17th-century church known as the "Sistine Chapel of America" for its elaborate religious art and architecture.
• The tour includes hotel pickup, professional guide, transportation, entrance tickets, and free time for food.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The South Valley Tour takes visitors on a 7-hour journey to explore three remarkable sites around Cusco – Tipon, Pikillaqta, and Andahuaylillas.

A 7-hour journey to three remarkable Cusco sites – Tipon, Pikillaqta, and the Sistine Chapel of America in Andahuaylillas.

Priced from £21.65 per person, the tour departs at 9:00 am from Plaza Regocijo in Cusco.

Highlights include the agricultural terraces and aqueducts of the Inca site Tipon, the well-preserved adobe constructions of the pre-Inca Huari site Pikillaqta, and the ornate colonial church known as the Sistine Chapel of America in Andahuaylillas.

The tour includes hotel pickup, professional guide service, transportation, and entrance tickets, with free time for food purchases.

Itinerary Highlights

The South Valley Tour’s itinerary highlights three remarkable sites.

First, visitors explore the archaeological center of Tipon, believed to be a royal garden created by the Inca god Viracocha. They’ll admire the agricultural terraces and aqueducts dating back to the Pachatusan era.

Next, they discover the pre-Inca site of Pikillaqta, built by the Huari people between 700-900 AD, known for its well-preserved adobe constructions.

Finally, the tour culminates at the colonial church of Andahuaylillas, nicknamed the "Sistine Chapel of America" for its elaborate religious art and architecture.

Tipon

Tipon’s archaeological center, believed to be a royal garden created by the Inca god Viracocha, captivates visitors with its well-preserved agricultural terraces and aqueducts dating back to the Pachatusan era.

Tourists can explore the site, discovering the impressive engineering feats of the Incas. The terraces, designed for crop cultivation, and the intricate aqueduct system, which provided water for the gardens, showcase the advanced agricultural practices of the ancient civilization.

Spending approximately 40 minutes at Tipon, travelers gain a deeper understanding of the Inca’s sophisticated agricultural knowledge and the importance of this site in the region’s history.

Pikillaqta

After exploring the impressive agricultural terraces and aqueducts of Tipon, visitors next discover Pikillaqta, a pre-Inca site built by the Huari people between 700-900 AD.

This well-preserved adobe construction is notable for its:

1. Extensive ruins covering over 50 hectares

2. Planned layout with residential, administrative, and religious structures

3. Impressive stone foundations and walls still standing

Pikillaqta provides a fascinating glimpse into the advanced urban planning and architecture of the Huari civilization, predating the Inca Empire by several centuries.

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Andahuaylillas

From Pikillaqta, the tour continues to the colonial town of Andahuaylillas, home to a church often referred to as the "Sistine Chapel of America".

Visitors will admire the elaborate religious art and architecture inside this 17th-century church. The elaborately decorated interior features exquisite frescoes, gilded altars, and intricate woodcarvings.

Guests can explore the church’s stunning colonial design and learn about its fascinating history. The stop in Andahuaylillas provides a glimpse into Peru’s colonial past and the blending of indigenous and European influences.

This historical site is a highlight of the South Valley tour.

Tour Inclusions

The South Valley tour includes a pick-up from the hotel or designated meeting point, as well as a professional tour guide who can provide commentary in both English and Spanish.

The tour also includes:

1. Tourist transportation and assistance throughout the day.

2. Entrance tickets for the Boleto turístico and Andahuaylillas church.

3. Free time for participants to purchase food as desired.

Travelers don’t need to worry about logistics or admission fees, as these are all covered.

The tour provides a hassle-free experience, allowing guests to focus on exploring the fascinating sites of the Southern Valley.

Important Information

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users. Guests should bring a passport or ID copy.

Luggage, large bags, alcohol, drugs, littering, and making fires aren’t allowed.

The climate is temperate and cold, so the physical condition level is 1-3.

The tours operate year-round, and you can reserve now and pay later.

Additional Notes

Tours operate year-round, allowing visitors flexibility in scheduling their Cusco Southern Valley adventure.

Plus, travelers can take advantage of the "Reserve now & pay later" option, providing further convenience.

This tour highlights several key features:

1. Exceptional accessibility for most visitors, as it’s not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users.

2. Essential items to bring include a passport or ID (copies accepted).

3. Prohibited items include luggage, large bags, alcohol, drugs, littering, and making fires.

Regardless of the season, this comprehensive tour offers an enriching cultural experience in the southern valley of Cusco.

Things To Know

What Type of Transportation Is Provided for the Tour?

The tour includes tourist transportation to take guests to the various sites on the itinerary. Travelers won’t need to worry about driving or finding their own way around during the 7-hour excursion.

Are Meals Included in the Tour Package?

No, meals are not included in the tour package. The tour includes pick-up, transportation, entrance tickets, and a professional guide, but it doesn’t cover food purchases. Travelers have free time to buy their own meals during the tour.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Individual Preferences?

The tour can’t be customized to individual preferences. It’s a set itinerary that visits pre-determined archaeological sites and a colonial church. However, travelers have flexibility to reserve now and pay later if needed.

Is There an Age Limit or Requirement for Participants?

There’s no age limit for the tour, but it’s not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users. Participants should be in good physical condition to enjoy the 1-3 level activities during the 7-hour tour.

Can the Tour Start at a Different Time Than 9:00 Am?

Yes, the tour can start at different times. The overview indicates the departure is at 9:00 am, but it also notes to "Check availability for starting times." This suggests flexibility in the tour’s start time.

Sum Up

The Cusco – Southern Valley Tour offers a captivating 7-hour journey through the region’s rich cultural heritage. Explore impressive Inca agricultural terraces, explore pre-Inca ruins, and marvel at the stunning religious art of Andahuaylillas. With professional guidance and all necessary inclusions, this tour provides deep insights into the area’s history and is a must-do for anyone visiting Cusco.

You can check availability for your dates here: