Excursion to the South Valley

Exploring the captivating South Valley of Peru offers a journey through the country’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors will marvel at engineering marvels like the Tipon Archaeological Site, step back in time at the well-preserved Wari city of Pikillacta, and admire the stunning baroque beauty of Andahuaylillas Church. With convenient transportation and an expert guide, this excursion promises an immersive experience of Inca history. What unique insights might this excursion reveal about Peru’s ancient civilizations?

Key Points

• The South Valley excursion features a visit to the Tipon Archaeological Site, known for its sophisticated Inca hydraulic engineering and impressive stone terraces.
• Participants can explore the well-preserved pre-Inca city of Pikillacta, showcasing the architectural prowess of the Wari culture.
• The tour includes a visit to the Andahuaylillas Church, often referred to as the "Sistine Chapel of America" for its ornate baroque-style interior.
• The excursion provides hotel pick-up, round-trip transportation, and a bilingual guide, offering a comprehensive exploration of Inca and pre-Inca history and culture.
• Entrance fees are included for the Church of San Pedro, while a Partial or General Cusco Tourist Ticket is required for the other sites visited.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Highlights of the Excursion

The highlights of this excursion include the captivating Tipon Archaeological Site, known for its sophisticated hydraulic irrigation system that once sustained ancient Inca agricultural practices.

Next, visitors will explore Pikillacta, one of the best-preserved pre-Inca cities, showcasing the impressive architecture of the Wari culture.

The tour then ventures to Andahuaylillas, where the Church of San Pedro, dubbed the "Sistine Chapel of America," captivates with its baroque style and religious art murals.

Throughout the day, guests will enjoy hotel pick-up, round-trip transportation, and the expertise of a bilingual guide.

Tipon Archaeological Site: The Temple of the Waters

Known as the "Temple of the Waters," Tipon Archaeological Site captivates visitors with its sophisticated hydraulic irrigation system that once sustained ancient Inca agricultural practices.

The site features intricate stone terraces, canals, and cascading waterfalls, showcasing the Inca’s advanced engineering and reverence for water.

Visitors can explore the well-preserved ruins and marvel at the incredible feats of Inca architecture and hydrology.

The site’s tranquil atmosphere and panoramic views of the surrounding mountains make it a must-see destination for anyone interested in Inca history and cultural heritage.

Exploring Pikillacta: The Wari Culture’s Legacy

After exploring the captivating Tipon Archaeological Site and its sophisticated hydraulic engineering, the excursion moves on to uncover the remarkably well-preserved pre-Inca city of Pikillacta.

Situated near the tranquil Wakarpay lagoon, Pikillacta stands as a testament to the architectural prowess of the Wari culture, which flourished in the region centuries before the Inca Empire.

Visitors can wander through the meticulously planned city layout, marveling at the intricate stonework and the advanced urban planning that showcases the Wari’s mastery of engineering and urban design.

Pikillacta offers a captivating glimpse into the rich history and achievements of this enigmatic pre-Inca civilization.

The Sistine Chapel of America: Andahuaylillas Church

Next on the itinerary is a visit to the Andahuaylillas Church, often referred to as the "Sistine Chapel of America" for its remarkable baroque-style interior and ornate religious art murals.

This 17th-century church dazzles visitors with its exquisite gold-leaf altarpieces, intricate frescoes, and beautifully carved wooden pulpits.

Travelers marvel at the church’s stunning architecture and the sheer level of detail and craftsmanship that went into its creation.

A true highlight of the South Valley excursion, the Andahuaylillas Church offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions of Peru.

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Transportation and Logistics

The excursion includes hotel pick-up in Cusco, with guests being collected between 8:30 to 9:00 am. From there, the group embarks on a round-trip journey to the South Valley sites. Upon return, the approximate time back in Cusco is 3:00 pm.

| | Included | Not Included |

| — | — | — |

| Transportation | Hotel pick-up and drop-off | – |

| Guide | Bilingual guide | – |

| Entrance Fees | Church of San Pedro | Tipon, Pikillacta |

The [PREVIOUS SUBTOPIC] Church of San Pedro in Andahuaylillas is the only included entrance fee, as visitors must purchase either a Partial or General Cusco Tourist Ticket to access the other archaeological sites.

Cusco Tourist Tickets: A Comprehensive Exploration

To fully experience the sites visited during the Excursion to the South Valley, travelers have the option to purchase either a Partial or General Cusco Tourist Ticket.

The Partial Cusco Tourist Ticket costs 70 soles and provides access to selected sites, while the General Tourist Ticket, priced at 130 soles, is valid for 10 days and covers 16 tourist sites, including the City Tour, Sacred Valley, South Valley, and various museums.

Both tickets offer a comprehensive way to explore Cusco’s rich history and cultural heritage, ensuring visitors make the most of their excursion to the South Valley.

Booking and Availability

How can travelers check the availability and book the Excursion to the South Valley?

The tour operator offers various starting times, allowing travelers to select a convenient option. To make a reservation, travelers must provide the number of participants and the desired date.

The tour operator offers various starting times, allowing travelers to select a convenient option. Reservations require the number of participants and desired date.

The meeting point details are available via Google Maps, ensuring a seamless start to the journey.

With a "reserve now & pay later" option, travelers can secure their spot without immediate payment.

This flexibility in booking and availability makes the Excursion to the South Valley an accessible and convenient choice for exploring the region’s historical treasures.

What to Expect on the Excursion

As travelers embark on the Excursion to the South Valley, they’ll be treated to a captivating exploration of the region’s rich history and cultural heritage.

The tour begins with a hotel pickup in Cusco, followed by a visit to the Tipon Archaeological Site, known for its intricate hydraulic system.

Next, they’ll discover the well-preserved ruins of Pikillacta, a pre-Inca city of the Wari culture.

The final stop is the picturesque village of Andahuaylillas, home to the "Sistine Chapel of America," a baroque-style church with exquisite religious art.

The excursion concludes with a return to Cusco by 3:00 pm.

Things To Know

What Is the Level of Physical Activity Required for the Excursion?

The excursion involves a moderate level of physical activity, including walking and exploring archaeological sites. Visitors should be able to navigate uneven terrain and walk for extended periods. Comfortable shoes and attire are recommended.

Can I Customize the Itinerary or Make Any Special Requests?

Customers can customize the itinerary or make special requests, but they must inform the tour provider in advance. The provider will try to accommodate any reasonable requests to enhance the overall excursion experience.

Are There Any Additional Costs or Fees Not Included in the Price?

The price listed covers the core activities and transportation. However, travelers should budget for any optional expenses, such as additional snacks, meals, or souvenirs, as these are not included in the excursion price.

How Experienced Are the Guides, and What Is Their Level of English Proficiency?

The guides are experienced and proficient in English. They provide knowledgeable commentary on the historical and cultural significance of the sites visited during the excursion.

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

Participants can bring their own food and drinks on the excursion. The tour includes hotel pick-up, transportation, and a bilingual guide, but doesn’t provide meals. Bringing snacks and water is recommended to stay refreshed throughout the 5.5-hour tour.

Sum Up

The Excursion to the South Valley offers a captivating journey through Peru’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors will marvel at the advanced hydraulic engineering of Tipon, the well-preserved pre-Inca city of Pikillacta, and the baroque beauty of Andahuaylillas Church. With convenient transportation and a knowledgeable guide, this excursion promises an enriching experience of Inca history. It’s an opportunity to dive deeper into Peru’s fascinating past and uncover the remarkable achievements of its ancient civilizations.

You can check availability for your dates here: