Excursion to the South Valley

Exploring the rich cultural heritage of the Inca empire is a must for any traveler to Peru. The Excursion to the South Valley offers an immersive journey through significant archaeological sites, showcasing advanced hydraulic engineering and well-preserved pre-Inca architecture. Visitors can marvel at the stunning Sistine Chapel of America, the Church of San Pedro in Andahuaylillas, all while discovering the captivating history of this remarkable region. With expert bilingual guides and an affordable price range, this excursion promises an unforgettable experience.

Key Points

• This 5.5-hour excursion explores the rich cultural heritage of the Inca Empire in the South Valley of Cusco, including Tipon, Pikillacta, and Andahuaylillas church.
• The excursion is priced between $19 to $20 per person and includes hotel pickup, transportation, and a bilingual guide.
• Key highlights include the impressive hydraulic engineering at Tipon, the pre-Inca city of Pikillacta, and the "Sistine Chapel of America" church in Andahuaylillas.
• Visitors gain insights into the architectural and urban planning prowess of ancient Andean civilizations through guided explorations of the archaeological sites.
• The excursion provides the opportunity to experience the cultural and historical significance of the South Valley, with flexible cancellation policies up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Excursion Overview

The excursion to the South Valley offers a captivating journey into the rich cultural heritage of the Inca empire. Priced from $19 to $20 per person, the 5.5-hour tour explores significant archaeological sites and architectural marvels.

Visitors can save up to 5% and enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. The itinerary includes visits to the Tipon hydraulic engineering site, the pre-Inca Wari city of Pikillacta, and the renowned Andahuaylillas church, known as the "Sistine Chapel of America."

With expert bilingual guides, this excursion provides an immersive experience into the region’s remarkable history and cultural treasures.

Pricing and Inclusions

Priced from $19 to $20 per person, the excursion offers excellent value for the diverse array of inclusions.

Travelers can enjoy convenient hotel pickup and return transportation, as well as the expertise of a bilingual guide to navigate the historic sites.

Convenient hotel pickup and return transportation, along with the expertise of a bilingual guide to navigate historic sites.

The partial Cusco tourist ticket, valid for select attractions, is included, granting access to the remarkable Andahuaylillas church.

For those seeking a more comprehensive experience, the general tourist ticket can be purchased, covering 16 sites across the region.

With free cancellation and the ability to reserve now and pay later, this South Valley excursion is a compelling option.

Highlights and Attractions

While the excursion takes visitors to significant archaeological sites of the Inca empire, it also allows them to appreciate the impressive hydraulic engineering at Tipon and explore one of the constructions of the Wari Culture at Pikillacta.

Tipon’s temple of the waters showcases the Incas’ innovative irrigation system. At Pikillacta, travelers discover the well-preserved pre-Inca city, marveling at the distinctive Wari architecture.

The highlight is the Church of San Pedro in Andahuaylillas, nicknamed the "Sistine Chapel of America" for its exquisite religious art murals and baroque-style paintings.

Itinerary Details

Participants begin their excursion with hotel pickup between 8:30 to 9:00 am in Cusco.

First, they’ll visit the Tipon Archaeological Site, known for its impressive hydraulic irrigation system.

Then, they’ll explore Pikillacta, a well-preserved pre-Inca city built by the Wari culture.

Afterward, they’ll head to the Church of San Pedro in Andahuaylillas, often called the "Sistine Chapel of America" for its stunning religious murals and baroque-style paintings.

The tour concludes with a return to Cusco around 3:00 pm, providing a comprehensive look at the region’s rich history and cultural heritage.

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Archaeological Sites

The excursion features visits to two significant archaeological sites that showcase the impressive engineering feats and architectural prowess of ancient Andean civilizations.

First, guests explore Tipon, an Inca site known for its advanced hydraulic system that still operates today. Intricate stone channels and terraced gardens demonstrate the Inca’s mastery of water management.

Next, they discover Pikillacta, a well-preserved pre-Inca city built by the Wari culture. Visitors marvel at the site’s impressive stone structures and gain insights into the urban planning and construction techniques of this ancient civilization.

Hydraulic Engineering at Tipon

As visitors explore the Tipon archaeological site, they’re immediately struck by the site’s impressive hydraulic engineering.

Tipon features an intricate system of canals, aqueducts, and water channels that were engineered centuries ago by the Inca. These hydraulic structures were designed to control and distribute water flow, harnessing the natural slope of the land.

The Inca constructed an intricate hydraulic system at Tipon, harnessing the land’s natural slope to control and distribute water flow.

Visitors can marvel at the site’s technical prowess, which allowed the Inca to cultivate crops and sustain their communities in the challenging Andean terrain.

The well-preserved water features at Tipon offer a glimpse into the Inca’s advanced understanding of hydrology and civil engineering.

Wari Culture Architecture at Pikillacta

After visiting the impressive hydraulic engineering at Tipon, the excursion takes participants to the archaeological site of Pikillacta, one of the best-preserved pre-Inca cities from the Wari culture.

The Wari, who flourished between 600-1000 AD, left behind impressive architecture at Pikillacta. Visitors can explore:

1. Sophisticated stone masonry and intricate wall patterns

2. Remnants of residential compounds, plazas, and administrative buildings

3. Evidence of advanced urban planning and engineering

Exploring Pikillacta provides a glimpse into the architectural accomplishments of the Wari, a civilization that pre-dated the Inca Empire.

Andahuaylillas Church: The Sistine Chapel of America

Next on the itinerary is the Church of San Pedro, located in the town of Andahuaylillas.

Nicknamed the "Sistine Chapel of America," this stunning 17th-century church boasts an interior adorned with intricate religious murals and baroque-style paintings.

Visitors will be captivated by the church’s exquisite frescoes, which depict biblical scenes and celestial imagery.

The ornate altar and rich, gilded decor create an atmosphere of awe and reverence.

Exploring this architectural and artistic marvel provides a unique cultural experience, offering a glimpse into the region’s vibrant religious heritage.

Things To Know

What Is the Minimum Group Size Required for This Excursion?

There’s no minimum group size required for this excursion. It’s available for individual travelers, and the price per person remains the same regardless of group size. Participants just need to reserve their spot in advance.

Are Any Meals or Snacks Included During the Tour?

The excursion doesn’t include any meals or snacks. Participants are responsible for their own food and refreshments during the 5.5-hour tour. The focus is on exploring the historical sites and attractions in the South Valley region.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Accommodate Specific Interests?

The tour can be customized to accommodate specific interests. Travelers can speak with the tour operator to tailor the itinerary and explore areas of particular interest within the South Valley region.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour company offers a 5% discount for students and seniors. To take advantage of this, customers should mention their eligibility when booking the excursion. No further customization options beyond the standard itinerary are available.

Can the Tour Be Extended to Include Additional Sites or Activities?

Yes, the tour can be extended to include additional sites or activities. Travelers can request customized options with the tour provider based on their interests and available time. Pricing may vary for any added components.

Sum Up

The Excursion to the South Valley offers a captivating journey through Peru’s rich Incan heritage. Visitors will explore stunning archaeological sites, marvel at advanced hydraulic engineering, and admire the breathtaking Andahuaylillas Church. Guided by knowledgeable experts, this immersive 5.5-hour tour provides a unique opportunity to discover the cultural treasures of the Inca empire at an affordable price.

You can check availability for your dates here: