Discover the captivating history and cultural riches of Peru’s South Valley on this immersive 5-hour tour from Cusco. Venture beyond the city’s iconic landmarks to uncover the ancient wonders of Tipón, Pikillacta, and Andahuaylillas – a journey that promises to delight the senses and ignite your curiosity. With an expert guide leading the way, you’ll explore the mystique of the Inca and pre-Inca civilizations, uncovering their architectural marvels and artistic legacies. But the true surprise lies in the unexpected delights that await along the way.

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Key Points

Explore archaeological sites like Tipón, Pikillacta, and Andahuaylillas on a 5-hour cultural tour from Cusco.
Discover Inca farming methods and learn about the pre-Inca adobe complex of Pikillacta.
Visit the "Sistine Chapel of Peru," Andahuaylillas Church, and sample local delicacies in Saylla.
Enjoy hotel pickup and drop-off, shared transportation, and a bilingual guide throughout the tour.
Enjoy the cultural heritage of the South Valley region with a well-rounded experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This South Valley Villages and Archaeology Tour from Cusco provides a fascinating glimpse into Peru’s rich cultural heritage.

Priced at $26 per person, the 5-hour tour whisks you away to explore ancient Inca and pre-Inca sites. Highlights include the stunning royal gardens of Tipón, the adobe complex of Pikillacta, and the beautiful Sistine Chapel-like Andahuaylillas church.

Along the way, you’ll learn about Inca farming practices and sample local cuisine. Led by knowledgeable bilingual guides, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off, shared transportation, and all entrance fees included.

Recent reviews praise the peaceful ride and informative guide, though the lunch quality received mixed feedback.

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

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with an exploration of the archaeological site of Tipón, a royal garden commissioned by the Inca god Viracocha.

Visitors will learn about Inca farming methods and marvel at the impressive agricultural terraces.

Next, they’ll discover the pre-Inca site of Pikillacta, an adobe complex built by the ancient Huari people.

The tour culminates in the charming town of Andahuaylillas, known as the "Sistine Chapel of Peru" for its stunning Escuela Cuzqueña art.

On the way back, travelers can sample local delicacies like pork chicharrones or roasted guinea pig in Saylla.

Tipón archaeological site
Pikillacta pre-Inca adobe complex
Andahuaylillas "Sistine Chapel of Peru"

Inclusions

The tour package includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, providing convenient transportation for participants.

A shared vehicle takes visitors to the various sites, accompanied by a bilingual guide who can provide insights in both English and Spanish.

Entrance fees to the archaeological sites are covered, allowing guests to fully explore the Inca and pre-Inca ruins without additional costs.

Lunch is also included, giving travelers a chance to sample local Peruvian cuisine.

With these inclusions, the South Valley Villages and Archaeology Tour offers a well-rounded experience at an affordable price point.

Customer Experience

Based on the customer reviews, the South Valley Villages and Archaeology Tour has received an impressive overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars from 3 visitors.

Travelers commended the peaceful ride and knowledgeable guide, who provided valuable insights throughout the tour.

However, there were some mixed reviews regarding the quality of the included lunch.

The tour seems to offer a well-rounded cultural experience, allowing visitors to:

Explore ancient Inca and pre-Inca archaeological sites
Learn about traditional farming methods and local cuisine
Admire the stunning Andahuaylillas chapel, known as the "Sistine Chapel of Peru"

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Important Information

Although pets aren’t allowed on the South Valley Villages and Archaeology Tour, visitors should check availability for specific dates and participant numbers. This is important, as the tour has a non-refundable cancellation policy.

Checking availability ensures the tour can accommodate the desired group size on the preferred date. The 5-hour excursion from Cusco explores Inca and pre-Inca archaeological sites, providing a glimpse into Peru’s rich cultural heritage.

With a bilingual guide, travelers learn about Inca farming, art, and architecture while sampling local cuisine. Whether seeking a peaceful adventure or an educational experience, this tour offers an immersive look at the South Valley region.

There's plenty more to explore in Cusco

Exploring Tipón

As visitors ascend the hillside, they’re greeted by the impressive ruins of Tipón, an Inca archaeological site that once functioned as a royal garden.

Commissioned by the Inca god Viracocha, this complex features:

Remarkably well-preserved agricultural terraces that illustrate the Inca’s advanced farming techniques
Intricate stone masonry, including precisely fitted blocks and sophisticated water channels
Evidence of buildings, plazas, and ceremonial structures that hint at the site’s former grandeur

Wandering through Tipón, guests gain insight into the Inca’s engineering prowess and reverence for the natural world, setting the stage for the rest of the tour.

Discovering Pikillacta

After exploring the impressive Inca engineering at Tipón, the tour continues to the pre-Inca site of Pikillacta. This adobe complex, dating back to 700-900 AD, was built by the Huari people, ancient rivals of the Inca. Visitors can wander through the ruins, imagining the bustling activity that once filled the halls and plazas.

| Facts about Pikillacta | | |

| — | — | — |

| Age | 700-900 AD | Pre-Inca |

| Builders | Huari people | Ancient rivals of Inca |

| Architectural Style | Adobe complex | Expansive ruins |

The tour guide shares insights into the Huari culture and their influence in the region before the rise of the Inca Empire. Exploring Pikillacta offers a glimpse into the rich pre-Inca history of the South Valley.

Visiting Andahuaylillas

The tour now heads to Andahuaylillas, a quaint village known as the "Sistine Chapel of Peru" for its remarkable 17th-century church.

This architectural marvel features stunning Escuela Cuzqueña artwork, a fusion of European and indigenous styles. Visitors can admire the intricate frescoes, ornate altars, and breathtaking gilded interiors.

Beyond the church, the village offers a glimpse into local life, with opportunities to explore the charming plazas and sample traditional cuisine.

The tour provides a unique chance to take in the rich cultural heritage of this picturesque Andean community.

Admire the Escuela Cuzqueña artwork
Explore the village’s charming plazas
Sample traditional Andean cuisine

Things To Know

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?

The tour doesn’t mention any age restrictions. It’s suitable for all ages, though families with young children should consider the duration and whether their little ones can handle a 5-hour excursion comfortably.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour doesn’t specify a maximum group size, but it’s offered as a shared tour, meaning you’ll likely be part of a small group. The exact group size can vary depending on demand for the tour on your travel dates.

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

You can’t bring your own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes lunch, so you’ll be provided a meal. The itinerary doesn’t mention allowing outside food or beverages during the 5-hour excursion.

Is There an Option to Customize the Itinerary?

Unfortunately, the tour doesn’t offer an option to customize the itinerary. The set itinerary covers key archaeological sites and cultural highlights in the South Valley region. However, the tour company may be open to special requests if you reach out to them in advance.

Can I Store My Luggage During the Tour?

The tour provider doesn’t explicitly mention an option to store luggage during the tour. However, it’s best to check with them directly as they may be able to accommodate luggage storage or provide guidance on where to securely leave any belongings.

Sum Up

This enthralling tour offers a captivating glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Peru’s South Valley. Guests can enjoy the grandeur of Tipón’s royal gardens, the architectural marvel of Pikillacta, and the exquisite Andahuaylillas church, earning it the moniker "Sistine Chapel of Peru." With knowledgeable guidance, local delicacies, and seamless logistics, this tour provides a well-rounded experience of Inca and pre-Inca history, leaving travelers with a deeper appreciation for the region’s remarkable past.