Cusco’s South Valley offers an enriching cultural experience for adventurous travelers. This 6-hour excursion delves into the region’s Inca and pre-Inca heritage, visiting three remarkable archaeological sites. Participants can marvel at Tipon’s advanced hydraulic engineering, explore Pikillaqta – the ancient Wari civilization’s political hub, and admire the stunning Andahuaylillas chapel adorned with gold-leaf altars. Along the way, they’ll savor local cuisine and gain insights into the valley’s captivating history.

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Key Points

6-hour excursion from Cusco exploring Inca and pre-Inca heritage at three archaeological sites: Tipon, Pikillaqta, and Andahuaylillas.
Tipon showcases Inca hydraulic engineering achievements, including canals, aqueducts, and stone fountains.
Pikillaqta was the political and administrative center of the Wari civilization, featuring well-preserved structures and advanced urban planning.
Andahuaylillas is home to a colonial-era church known for its exquisite gold-leaf altars and vibrant murals.
Guided tours available in English and Spanish, with transportation and first aid kit provided throughout the tour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the South Valley Tour

The South Valley tour offers visitors a captivating exploration of the region’s rich Inca and pre-Inca heritage.

This 6-hour excursion from Cusco takes guests to three remarkable archaeological sites. First, they’ll marvel at the impressive Inca hydraulic engineering at Tipon.

Next, they’ll discover the ancient ruins of Pikillaqta, remnants of the Wari civilization. The final stop is the Colonial-era Chapel of Andahuaylillas, known for its ornate gold-leaf altars and stunning murals.

Uncover the ancient Wari ruins of Pikillaqta and marvel at the ornate Chapel of Andahuaylillas’ gilded altars and vibrant murals.

Along the way, travelers can optionally savor a taste of the local chicharrón pork dish.

This comprehensive tour provides an immersive glimpse into the area’s captivating cultural legacy.

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

Pickup and Transportation

Guests are picked up from their hotels in Cusco’s historic center between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. for the South Valley tour.

The tour includes professional guides who provide the experience in both English and Spanish. Transportation is provided throughout the tour, which covers the archaeological sites and the optional tasting.

Participants should have their passport or ID ready, as well as cash for any additional expenses. The tour company maintains a first aid kit and communicates with guests via WhatsApp during the process.

Proper attire and staying hydrated are recommended for the 6-hour excursion.

Tipon: Inca Hydraulic Engineering

One of the first stops on the South Valley tour is the archaeological center of Tipon, which showcases the remarkable hydraulic engineering achievements of the Inca civilization.

Visitors can explore the extensive network of canals, aqueducts, and stone fountains that were ingeniously designed to harness and distribute water.

Key highlights include:

Examining the intricate stonework and precision engineering of the waterways
Observing the natural springs that feed the hydraulic system
Learning about the Inca’s advanced understanding of hydrology and water management
Marveling at the careful planning and construction of the site
Imagining the bustling Inca community that once thrived in this location.

Pikillaqta: The Wari Civilization

After exploring the impressive Inca hydraulic engineering at Tipon, the tour continues to the archaeological site of Pikillaqta. This ancient city was the political and administrative center of the Wari civilization, which predated the Inca. Visitors can marvel at the well-preserved stone structures and learn about the advanced urban planning of the Wari. The site provides insights into their social, economic, and religious practices.

| Site Features | Description |

| — | — |

| Architecture | Planned city layout with plazas, residences, and administrative buildings |

| Pottery | Distinctive Wari ceramic styles and production techniques |

| Textiles | Finely woven textiles, demonstrating textile arts |

| Agriculture | Sophisticated agricultural practices and irrigation systems |

| Religious Rituals | Evidence of religious ceremonies and offerings |

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Andahuaylillas: The Chapel of Gold

The final stop on the tour is the Chapel of Andahuaylillas, a stunning colonial-era church known for its exquisite gold-leaf altars, vibrant murals, and impressive religious artwork.

Visitors are captivated by the chapel’s ornate design and attention to detail, which reflects the wealth and influence of the Spanish during the colonial period.

The highlights include:

Admiring the detailed gold-leaf altars and intricate carvings
Marveling at the colorful murals depicting biblical scenes
Exploring the chapel’s impressive collection of religious paintings
Learning about the chapel’s history and its role in the local community
Taking in the serene atmosphere and peaceful ambiance of the sacred space.

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Tasting the Local Delicacy

Participants have the opportunity to savor a taste of the local delicacy, chicharrón, during the optional stop in Saylla.

Chicharrón, a favorite pork dish in the region, is crunchy fried pork belly or rinds. This savory snack is often served with spicy aji sauces that complement its rich, indulgent flavors.

Tasting chicharrón allows visitors to enjoy the local cuisine and get a true sense of the culinary traditions of the South Valley.

Those seeking an authentic cultural experience won’t want to miss this optional tasting during the tour.

Included Services and Amenities

The tour package includes a range of services and amenities to ensure a seamless and comfortable experience.

Pickup at the hotel, a professional guide who speaks English and Spanish, and a first aid kit are all part of the included services.

Plus, the tour provides tourist transportation and covers all entrance fees.

Participants can also enjoy an optional tasting of the local pork dish, chicharrón, during the tour.

Pickup at your hotel
Professional guide (English, Spanish)
First aid kit
Tourist transportation
Entrance fees

Participant Restrictions and Requirements

Although the tour is designed for a wide range of participants, certain restrictions apply to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort.

This tour is open to a wide audience, but certain restrictions ensure safety and comfort for all participants.

Pregnant women, wheelchair users, visually impaired individuals, and people over 70 years old aren’t suitable for this tour due to the physical nature of the activities.

Participants must bring their passport or ID, sun hat, sunscreen, water, and cash.

Weapons, sharp objects, alcohol, and drugs are strictly prohibited.

It’s also important to provide a WhatsApp number with the country code for communication during the tour process.

Things To Know

Can I Book the Tour for a Different Date?

Yes, you can book the tour for a different date. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve your spot and pay later, allowing you to choose the date that works best for you.

Is It Possible to Include Additional Stops on the Itinerary?

Yes, it’s possible to include additional stops on the itinerary. Simply contact the tour provider and discuss your interests. They’ll be happy to customize the tour to meet your needs, for an additional cost.

How Long Is the Drive Between Each Site?

The drive between each site takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. The tour itinerary is designed to minimize travel time between the archaeological centers and the chapel, allowing ample time to explore each location thoroughly.

Can I Request a Different Pickup Location?

Yes, you can request a different pickup location. The tour operator allows flexibility in pickup locations within the historic center of Cusco. Just let them know your preferred location when booking the tour.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour duration can be extended for an additional fee. Guests can discuss options with the tour operator to customize the itinerary and extend the tour as needed. Additional time may be available for further exploration or activities.

Sum Up

The Cusco South Valley tour offers a captivating exploration of the region’s Inca and pre-Inca heritage. Visitors can marvel at Tipon’s advanced hydraulic engineering, discover the ancient Wari civilization’s political center at Pikillaqta, and admire the stunning gold-adorned chapel of Andahuaylillas. With opportunities to savor local cuisine, this 6-hour excursion provides a unique cultural experience and insight into the area’s rich history.