Discover the stunning sites that lie beyond Cusco’s vibrant city center. This captivating tour takes you on a journey through the South Valley, showcasing the engineering marvels of the Inca at Tipon, the pre-Inca ruins of Piquillacta, and the breathtaking murals of Andahuaylillas church. Along the way, you’ll savor the local gastronomy and learn about the region’s rich cultural heritage. Get ready to be amazed by the wealth of historical treasures that await.

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Key Points

Discover the Inca engineering marvels at Tipon, with its intricate irrigation system.
Explore the pre-Inca archaeological site of Piquillacta, with over a thousand structures.
Visit the "Sistine Chapel of Peru," the 17th-century church of Andahuaylillas.
Savor traditional Peruvian dishes like pork cracklings and trout in the town of Saylla.
Enjoy a comprehensive 6-hour tour with hotel pickup, transportation, and a bilingual guide.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This tour offers visitors the opportunity to explore the South Valley of Cusco, known for its rich history, culture, and gastronomy.

Priced at just $39.20 per person, it provides a 6-hour experience, including hotel pickup, transportation, and a bilingual guide.

Travelers can visit the iconic sites of Tipon, Piquillacta, and Andahuaylillas, each with its own unique cultural and historical significance.

The tour also includes entrance fees and the convenience of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Guests can reserve their spot now and pay later, making it an accessible and hassle-free adventure.

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

Itinerary and Highlights

Starting from Cusco, the tour begins with a 1-hour bus/coach transfer to the archaeological site of Tipon.

Visitors will enjoy a 45-minute guided tour of Tipon, famous for its Inca irrigation system.

Discover the intricate Inca irrigation system of Tipon during a 45-minute guided tour.

Next, the group will visit Piquillacta, a pre-Inca archaeological complex with over a thousand structures, including the impressive Rumicolca gateway.

After, the tour heads to Andahuaylillas, known as the "Sistine Chapel of Peru", for a 45-minute guided tour.

The return to Cusco includes a stop in Saylla, renowned for its local gastronomy.

Cultural and Historical Significance

The South Valley of Cusco is rich in history and cultural treasures, offering visitors a chance to discover Inca and colonial-era complexes.

At Tipon, marvel at the intricate Inca irrigation system, an engineering feat showcasing the civilization’s advanced knowledge.

Pikillacta, with over a thousand structures, including the Rumicolca gateway, provides a glimpse into the Wari culture that preceded the Inca.

In Andahuaylillas, the "Sistine Chapel of Peru" impresses with its ornate 17th-century church murals.

The tour also introduces local gastronomy in Saylla, where visitors can savor traditional dishes like pork cracklings and trout.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes hotel pick-up, tourist transport, a bilingual guide, and a first aid kit.

Hotel pick-up, tourist transport, a bilingual guide, and a first aid kit are included in the tour.

Entrance fees cover the partial tourist ticket for Tipon and Pikillacta (70 PEN) as well as the Sistine Chapel (20 soles).

However, the tour excludes food, drinks, tips, souvenirs, and any extra expenses.

Travelers should bring their passport or ID, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a hat, and weather-appropriate clothing.

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, and drones aren’t allowed.

With these inclusions and exclusions, visitors can focus on exploring the cultural and historical treasures of the South Valley of Cusco.

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Preparation and Restrictions

When planning for this tour, visitors should bring their passport or ID, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a hat, and weather-appropriate clothing.

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, and drones aren’t allowed. This ensures the safety and enjoyment of all participants.

The tour’s highlights include:

Discovering the South Valley of Cusco‘s history, culture, and gastronomy
Marveling at archaeological and cultural treasures, including Inca and Colonial complexes
Experiencing local dishes in Saylla, such as pork cracklings and trout

There's plenty more to explore in Cusco

Discover the South Valley of Cusco

Situated in the picturesque South Valley of Cusco, this tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and cultural heritage of the region.

Discover the ancient Inca complexes of Tipon, renowned for its sophisticated irrigation system, and Pikillacta, a vast administrative center.

Discover the ancient Inca complexes of Tipon and Pikillacta, showcasing sophisticated irrigation and vast administrative centers.

Explore the Colonial Andahuaylillas Chapel, dubbed the "Sistine Chapel of Peru" for its stunning frescoes.

Along the way, savor the local gastronomy of Saylla, known for its pork cracklings and trout dishes.

This comprehensive excursion provides a comprehensive glimpse into the South Valley’s captivating blend of pre-Columbian and colonial legacies.

Marvel at Archaeological and Cultural Treasures

Although the South Valley of Cusco is renowned for its natural beauty, this tour invites visitors to marvel at the extraordinary archaeological and cultural treasures that lie within.

Highlights include:

Exploring the Inca irrigation system at the archaeological site of Tipon, a masterpiece of engineering.
Discovering the vast Pikillacta complex, with over a thousand structures and the impressive Rumicolca gateway.
Marveling at the Sistine Chapel of Peru, the stunning Andahuaylillas Church, a treasure of colonial architecture.
Experiencing the local gastronomy in Saylla, known for its pork cracklings and trout dishes.
Uncovering the rich history and cultural significance of these remarkable sites.

Experience Local Dishes in Saylla

Why not savor the local gastronomy in Saylla, a town renowned for its mouthwatering pork cracklings and freshly caught trout dishes?

On the return journey from your Cusco day tour, you’ll pass through Saylla, where you can indulge in these regional specialties. The crispy pork skin, known as chicharrón, is a popular snack that melts in your mouth.

Trout, abundant in the nearby streams, is expertly prepared in traditional recipes. Complement your meal with locally-grown potatoes and refreshing drinks.

Experiencing Saylla’s vibrant food culture is the perfect way to cap off your adventure.

Since You Asked

Is This Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour isn’t explicitly mentioned as suitable for children. However, the itinerary doesn’t indicate any specific restrictions for children. Families with children may enjoy the cultural and historical sites visited, but parental discretion is advised.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

Sorry, pets are not allowed on this tour. The tour information states "Not allowed: Drones", indicating that only the listed items are permitted. For the comfort and safety of all participants, pets cannot be brought along.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors?

The tour doesn’t offer any senior discounts. However, the overall cost is already discounted by up to 20%, bringing the price down to $39.20 per person. Seniors can take advantage of this general discount.

Can I Request a Vegetarian or Halal Meal Option?

The tour doesn’t offer specific vegetarian or halal meal options, but the guide can likely assist in accommodating dietary needs if requested in advance. Travelers should inform the provider of any special requests when booking.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour duration can be extended for an additional fee. Customers can request a longer tour to spend more time exploring the sites or to add extra stops. Extended tours are subject to availability.

The Sum Up

This captivating tour through the South Valley of Cusco offers a chance to explore Inca ruins, pre-Inca sites, and breathtaking religious art. Discover the intricate irrigation system at Tipon, the impressive ruins of Piquillacta, and the stunning murals of Andahuaylillas. Along the way, savor local cuisine in Saylla, creating an unforgettable cultural and historical experience.