Tipon, Pikillacta and Andahuaylillas South Valley Day Tour From Cusco

The Tipon, Pikillacta, and Andahuaylillas South Valley Day Tour from Cusco promises a captivating exploration of ancient Incan and pre-Incan wonders. Travelers can marvel at Tipon’s intricate agricultural terraces, uncover the rich history of the Wari civilization at Pikillacta, and admire the stunning Sistine Chapel-esque church in Andahuaylillas. This personalized small-group tour not only immerses visitors in the region’s cultural heritage but also invites them to savor local culinary delights along the way. Those seeking a deeper understanding of the Andes’ pre-Columbian past won’t want to miss this fascinating journey.

Key Points

• A full-day small-group tour from Cusco visiting Tipon, Pikillacta, and Andahuaylillas to explore Incan and pre-Incan archaeological sites and cultural landmarks.
• Discover the elaborate agricultural terraces and intricate water channels at the Incan site of Tipon, showcasing advanced engineering and sustainable practices.
• Explore the ancient Wari site of Pikillacta, learning about the pre-Incan civilization’s influence on the Incas through its sophisticated urban planning and engineering.
• Visit Andahuaylillas, known as the ‘Sistine Chapel of the Americas’, to admire the church’s impressive interior artworks.
• Enjoy a personalized experience with a maximum of 15 participants, including convenient hotel pickup, private transportation, and all admission tickets.

Tour Overview and Highlights

The full-day small-group tour from Cusco takes visitors to three remarkable sites: Tipon, Pikillacta, and Andahuaylillas.

At Tipon, they’ll explore the Incan agricultural terraces and intricate water channels.

Next, they’ll visit Cusco’s only pre-Inca site, Pikillacta, to learn about the Wari culture.

The tour culminates at the Baroque church of Andahuaylillas, known as the ‘Sistine Chapel of the Americas’.

With a 92% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence, this tour offers a personalized experience for up to 15 participants, including hotel pickup, transportation, and admission tickets.

Tour Logistics

Although the tour has a maximum of 15 participants to ensure a personalized experience, it provides convenient hotel pickup from anywhere in Cusco, including Airbnb accommodations, starting at 8:00 AM.

Transportation is via private vehicle or minibus, and admission tickets are included for the three sites – Andahuaylillas, Tipon, and Pikillacta.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps. Guests can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the experience begins.

Prices start at $69 per person, varying based on group size, with a minimum of 2 people required for group tours.

Itinerary Details

Beginning with Tipon, the tour explores the elaborate agricultural terraces and intricate water channels of this Incan site.

Next, they’ll stop in Oropesa, renowned for its delectable bread, before heading to Pikillacta to uncover the influence of the Wari culture on the Incas.

The final stop is Andahuaylillas, where visitors marvel at the interior artworks from the Cusco Religious Art School.

On the return to Cusco, the group will pause in Saylla for a lunch of the local specialty, fried pork (chicharrones).

Tipon: Incan Agricultural Terraces

As the tour begins at Tipon, visitors are immediately captivated by the site’s elaborate agricultural terraces and intricate water channels.

These impressive structures, dating back to the Incan Empire, were engineered to maximize crop yields and efficient water management.

Traversing the terraces, guests witness the Incas’ advanced understanding of hydrology, as they explore the canals that sustainably distributed water throughout the farming complex.

The site’s preserved condition allows visitors to step back in time and gain insight into the Incas’ sophisticated agricultural practices that supported their thriving civilization.

Oropesa: Famous for Its Bread

After exploring the impressive Incan agricultural terraces at Tipon, the tour moves on to the town of Oropesa, renowned for its exceptional bread.

As the group arrives, the aroma of freshly baked loaves fills the air.

Oropesa’s renowned bread is known for three distinct features:

1. Traditional recipes passed down through generations.
2. Use of locally-sourced, high-quality ingredients.
3. Baking techniques perfected over centuries.

Participants will have a chance to sample the bread and learn about the town’s proud baking heritage before continuing the journey to the next site, Pikillacta.

Pikillacta: Exploring the Wari Culture

From Oropesa, the tour proceeds to the ancient Wari site of Pikillacta.

This pre-Incan archaeological site offers insights into the Wari culture, which predated and influenced the Incas. Visitors can explore the remains of ceremonial and administrative structures, as well as housing complexes.

The Wari were known for their sophisticated urban planning and engineering feats, and Pikillacta provides a glimpse into their advanced civilization.

The tour guide shares details about the Wari’s impact on the region and their relationship with the later Inca Empire.

Exploring Pikillacta offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich pre-Columbian history of the Andes.

Andahuaylillas: The Sistine Chapel of the Americas

The final stop on the South Valley Day Tour from Cusco is the charming town of Andahuaylillas, home to a remarkable Baroque church known as the "Sistine Chapel of the Americas."

Visitors are immediately struck by the church’s ornate interior, which showcases an impressive array of frescoes, gilded altarpieces, and intricate murals that rival the artistic masterpieces found in the Vatican.

The highlights of the church include:

1. The stunning Spanish colonial architecture and vibrant religious artwork.
2. The elaborately decorated ceilings and walls, covered in gold leaf and vivid paintings.
3. The opportunity to explore this lesser-known gem and learn about its historical significance.

Saylla: Lunch and Local Specialties

With the visit to the stunning Andahuaylillas church complete, the tour makes its final stop in the charming town of Saylla.

Here, participants have the opportunity to savor the local specialty – fried pork, known as chicharrones. This hearty dish is a beloved delicacy that reflects the culinary traditions of the region.

Accompanied by freshly baked bread, the lunch provides a satisfying conclusion to the day’s explorations.

While the meal isn’t included in the tour price, it offers a chance to take in the authentic flavors of the Cusco countryside before the return journey to the city.

Sum Up

This captivating day tour from Cusco showcases the region’s rich Incan and pre-Incan heritage. Visitors can marvel at the engineering feats of Tipon, explore the ancient Wari site of Pikillacta, and admire the stunning Andahuaylillas church. Along the way, they’ll savor local culinary delights, making this a truly immersive cultural experience. With a small group, travelers can enjoy a personalized and enriching journey through the South Valley’s remarkable historical sites.