Cusco South Valley Tour (Half-Day)

4.8 (210 Reviews) New

Duration Half-Day

Tour Type Cultural, History

Group Size 18

Languages English, Spanish

Description

Uncover Inca hydraulic engineering, pre-Inca Wari architecture, and magnificent colonial art on an immersive half-day journey off the beaten path.

The Cusco South Valley Tour is an excellent alternative for travelers who wish to discover some of the most significant historical and cultural sites in the region, away from the more crowded tourist routes.

During this excursion, you will visit Tipón, world-renowned for its extraordinary Inca hydraulic system; Pikillacta, one of the best-preserved ancient cities belonging to the pre-Inca Wari culture; and Andahuaylillas, home to the famous Church of San Pedro Apóstol—widely known as the “Sistine Chapel of America” due to the breathtaking richness of its golden Baroque art.

This circuit is ideal for travelers deeply interested in history, archaeology, and the diverse cultural heritage of Cusco.

Why choose this tour?

Visit three of the top historical attractions in the South Valley.
Marvel at the water systems of Tipón, a true masterpiece of Inca engineering.
Explore Pikillacta, a massive pre-Inca city built by the Wari civilization.
Discover the Andahuaylillas church, recognized as the Sistine Chapel of America.
Learn about the fascinating evolution of pre-Inca, Inca, and colonial history.
Low-difficulty excursion, making it perfectly suitable for all ages.

Overview Cusco South Valley Tour (Half-Day)

Day 1

Cusco South Valley Tour

Detailed Itinerary

08:20 – 08:50 | Hotel Pickup in Cusco

We begin the morning by picking you up directly from your centrally located hotel in Cusco’s historical center.

Tipón Archaeological Complex

Our first stop will be Tipón, considered one of the greatest masterpieces of hydraulic engineering within the Inca Empire. Here, you will walk along impressive agricultural terraces, ceremonial stone fountains, and ancient water channels that were carved with absolute precision and continue to flow perfectly to this day.

Approximate visit duration: 45 minutes.

Pikillacta (Wari Citadel)

We continue our journey to Pikillacta, a vast pre-Inca city built by the Wari culture between the 6th and 9th centuries. The site stands out for its advanced urban planning, straight geometric streets, and thick stone and adobe structures, representing one of the finest examples of pre-Inca architecture in Peru.

Approximate visit duration: 45 minutes.

Andahuaylillas (The Sistine Chapel of America)

Our final stop is the Church of San Pedro Apóstol in Andahuaylillas. Famous for its exquisite mural paintings, intricate gold-leaf altars, and majestic Baroque ceilings, this church is dubbed the “Sistine Chapel of America” due to the outstanding quality of its colonial artwork.

Approximate visit duration: 40 minutes.

14:30 – 15:00 | Return to Cusco

After completing our visits, we will drive back to Cusco, dropping you off near the historical city center.

Amenities & Inclusion

Included

Hotel pickup from accommodations in the historical center.
Round-trip touristic transportation.
Certified professional bilingual tour guide.
Guided tour at each historical attraction.
First aid kit.
Emergency medical oxygen.
Continuous assistance throughout the tour.

Not Included

Cusco Tourist Ticket.
Entrance fee to the Andahuaylillas church.
Meals and food.
Drinks and beverages.
Personal expenses.
Tips and gratuities.
Travel insurance.

Important Information

Altitude Acclimatization: We recommend taking this tour after your first night in Cusco to ensure an easy and comfortable acclimatization process.
Bring Cash: Please carry local currency (Peruvian Soles) in cash to pay for the Andahuaylillas church entry and the Cusco Tourist Ticket if you do not have it yet.
Footwear: Wear comfortable walking shoes or sports sneakers suitable for dirt trails and stone steps.
Rainy Season: If traveling during the rainy months, packing a waterproof jacket or a light rain poncho is highly advised.

Packing Check List

Original Passport or ID document.
Cusco Tourist Ticket (if already purchased).
Cash in Peruvian Soles (for entrance fees).
Comfortable clothing.
Lightweight jacket or windbreaker.
High-SPF Sunscreen.
Sun hat or cap.
Sunglasses.
Refillable water bottle.
Camera or smartphone.

Questions & Answers

Yes. Accessing Tipón and Pikillacta requires the Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico). Please note that the admission fee for the Andahuaylillas church is a separate entry and is paid directly at the site.

No. This is a low-difficulty excursion involving short, relaxed walks through the ruins and the town. It is suitable for almost all fitness levels and travelers of all ages.

The tour takes approximately 6 hours in total, departing in the morning and returning to Cusco around 15:00.

This tour can be thoroughly enjoyed all year round. The dry season (April to October) usually features clearer blue skies, while the rainy season (November to March) requires waterproof layers due to sudden showers.

From $18