South Valley of Cusco Tour – Tipón, Pikillacta & Andahuaylillas

Discover the fascinating history of southern Cusco with our South Valley of Cusco Tour, a cultural day trip to three remarkable attractions: Tipón, Pikillacta, and Andahuaylillas. Explore impressive Inca water engineering, an ancient Wari archaeological city, and a beautiful colonial church known as the Sistine Chapel of America.

Located southeast of Cusco, the South Valley offers a different perspective on Peru’s history, combining pre-Inca civilizations, Inca architecture, colonial religious art, traditional Andean communities, and scenic mountain landscapes.

With Chacras Travel Peru, you can explore these historical attractions with organized tourist transportation and an English-speaking guide. This tour is ideal for travelers who want to learn about the civilizations that shaped the Cusco region beyond the famous sites of the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.

Photo South Valley Cusco Tour

Why Take a South Valley Tour in Cusco, Peru?

The South Valley of Cusco is an excellent choice for travelers interested in archaeology, history, architecture, and local culture. In one day, you can discover three important sites representing different periods of Andean history.

During this Cusco South Valley day tour, you will visit:

• Tipón Archaeological Site: Explore impressive agricultural terraces, stone-lined water channels, and fountains that demonstrate the Incas’ advanced hydraulic engineering.
• Pikillacta Archaeological Complex: Discover the remains of a planned urban center built by the Wari civilization before the rise of the Inca Empire.
• Andahuaylillas Church: Admire colonial religious art, elaborate murals, and decorative interiors in the historic Church of San Pedro Apóstol.

This cultural excursion is suitable for couples, families, history enthusiasts, photographers, and visitors looking for a memorable day trip from Cusco.

South Valley of Cusco Tour Itinerary

1. Hotel Pickup in Cusco

Your South Valley of Cusco Tour begins with pickup from your hotel in Cusco at approximately 8:00 AM. After meeting your guide and boarding your tourist vehicle, you will travel southeast through the beautiful Andean countryside.

Your guide will introduce you to the region’s history, geography, and cultural traditions as you make your way to the first archaeological site.

Pickup time can be adjusted according to your booking arrangements.

2. Visit Tipón – The Inca Water Engineering Masterpiece

Tipón is one of the most impressive examples of Inca hydraulic engineering in the Cusco region. The archaeological complex is famous for its carefully constructed agricultural terraces and sophisticated water distribution system.

During your visit to Tipón, you can discover:

• Large agricultural terraces built into the mountainside.
• Stone water channels that direct water through the complex.
• Carefully designed fountains and irrigation features.
• Inca stonework and panoramic views of the surrounding valley.

Tipón demonstrates how the Incas combined practical agricultural knowledge, engineering, and their relationship with water and the natural environment.

It is a fascinating stop for travelers interested in Inca architecture, ancient technology, and the history of the Andes.

3. Explore Pikillacta – The Ancient Wari City

Continue to Pikillacta, one of the most important archaeological sites associated with the Wari civilization in the Cusco region.

Unlike the famous stone architecture of the Incas, Pikillacta is known for its planned urban layout, long walls, rectangular structures, and extensive network of buildings.

Highlights of the Pikillacta archaeological site include:

• Remains of an organized pre-Inca urban settlement.
• Stone and adobe architectural features.
• Streets, enclosures, and numerous archaeological structures.
• Views across the South Valley landscape near the Huacarpay wetlands.

Pikillacta provides valuable insight into the Wari civilization, which flourished centuries before the Inca Empire reached its height.

Visiting Pikillacta helps explain the cultural history of the Cusco region and the societies that influenced the development of later Andean civilizations.

4. Visit Andahuaylillas Church – The Sistine Chapel of America

Your South Valley tour continues to Andahuaylillas, a traditional Andean town famous for the Church of San Pedro Apóstol.

Often called the Sistine Chapel of America, this historic church is celebrated for its richly decorated interior, colorful murals, religious paintings, and elaborate colonial artistic traditions.

Inside the church, visitors may admire:

• Intricate mural paintings and decorative artwork.
• Ornate altarpieces and religious imagery.
• Baroque artistic details and historic architectural features.
• The blending of European religious traditions with local Andean influences.

The church is an important cultural attraction in the Cusco region and forms part of the historic Route of the Sun between Cusco and Puno.

Please note that photography restrictions and visiting hours may apply inside the church.

5. Return to Cusco

After visiting Tipón, Pikillacta, and Andahuaylillas, you will begin the return journey to Cusco.

The tour typically finishes at approximately 2:30 PM, depending on traffic, site visiting times, and your pickup arrangements.

You will return with a deeper understanding of the Wari civilization, Inca engineering, and colonial art that make the South Valley an important part of Peru’s cultural heritage.

What Is Included in the South Valley Cusco Tour?

Your tour package includes:

• Hotel pickup in Cusco city.
• Tourist transportation for the itinerary.
• Professional English-speaking tour guide.
• Visits to Tipón, Pikillacta, and Andahuaylillas.

What Is Not Included?

The following expenses are not included unless confirmed in your booking:

• Entrance tickets to archaeological sites.
• Entrance fee to Andahuaylillas Church.
• Meals, snacks, and drinks.
• Personal expenses.
• Travel insurance.
• Optional tips for your guide or driver.

Please confirm current entrance fees and ticket requirements before your visit.

What Should You Bring for the South Valley Tour?

For a comfortable day exploring the South Valley of Cusco, we recommend bringing:

• Comfortable walking shoes.
• Sunscreen and sunglasses.
• A hat or cap.
• Drinking water.
• A camera or smartphone.
• A light jacket for changing Andean weather.
• Some cash in Peruvian soles for entrance fees and personal expenses.

Cusco is located at high altitude, and weather conditions can change throughout the day. Dress in layers and allow yourself time to acclimatize if you have recently arrived in the region.

Best Time to Visit the South Valley of Cusco

The South Valley can be visited throughout the year. The dry season, generally from April to October, often offers favorable conditions for sightseeing, with less frequent rainfall and good opportunities for photography.

The rainy season, usually from November to March, can bring greener landscapes but also showers and wet walking surfaces.

Regardless of the season, it is advisable to bring sun protection, a light jacket, and rain protection when necessary.

Who Is the South Valley Cusco Tour Best For?

This cultural day trip is ideal for:

• Travelers interested in Inca and pre-Inca history.
• Visitors who enjoy archaeology and ancient architecture.
• Couples and families seeking a cultural excursion.
• Photography enthusiasts interested in Andean landscapes.
• Travelers who want to explore beyond Cusco’s main tourist attractions.
• Visitors traveling between Cusco and Puno who want to learn more about the region’s history.

South Valley of Cusco Tour Price

The price of your South Valley of Cusco Tour depends on the number of travelers, transportation arrangements, guide services, and entrance tickets.

Contact Chacras Travel Peru for a current quote and availability. Please tell us your preferred travel date, group size, and whether you require a private tour.

Contact Chacras Travel Peru

• Email: info@chacrastravelperu.com
• Email: chacrastravelperu@gmail.com
• WhatsApp: +51 943 388 685

How to Book Your South Valley Tour with Chacras Travel Peru

To confirm your booking, you need to send us a deposit of US$20 through our PayPal account. Please note that PayPal charges a 7% fee on any transfer, which is paid by the sender. For this reason, the total amount you need to send is US$22.

The remaining balance is paid in cash upon your arrival in Cusco. After sending the deposit, please send the following details to our WhatsApp number: +51 943 388 685:

• Tour date and type of tour
• Number of people
• Address in Cusco city for hotel pickup
• Email address to stay in contact
• Copy of your passport (profile page only) for Peruvian tax purposes

Once we receive the deposit and your details, we will send you an email confirmation of the payment and your tour reservation.

Note:  The US$22 deposit is paid via PayPal, and the remaining balance is paid in cash in Cusco, either in US dollars or Peruvian soles, whichever you prefer. Please make sure the final payment is made with clean, undamaged US dollar bills, as torn or damaged bills are not accepted in Peru.

PayPal account for the deposit:
deposit@chacrastravelperu.com

Note: Please remind us one day before your trip so we can confirm all the details.

Frequently Asked Questions About the South Valley of Cusco Tour

How long does the South Valley of Cusco Tour take?

The tour generally takes about six to seven hours, with an approximate 8:00 AM pickup and a return to Cusco around 2:30 PM. Actual times depend on traffic, entrance procedures, and time spent at each attraction.

Which places will I visit on the South Valley tour?

The standard itinerary includes Tipón Archaeological Site, Pikillacta Archaeological Complex, and Andahuaylillas Church.

Is the South Valley of Cusco Tour worth visiting?

The tour is a good option for travelers interested in Inca engineering, Wari history, colonial art, and Andean culture. It offers a different historical perspective from the classic Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu itineraries.

Is a guide included in the tour?

Yes. Our stated tour package includes a professional English-speaking tour guide and tourist transportation. Confirm your final inclusions when requesting a quote.

Are entrance tickets included in the price?

Entrance tickets and the church admission fee are not included unless explicitly stated in your booking confirmation. Ask us about current ticket requirements before traveling.

Can I take the South Valley tour as a private excursion?

Contact Chacras Travel Peru to confirm private transportation arrangements, guide availability, and a schedule that suits your group.

Can I combine the South Valley tour with a trip to Puno?

The South Valley lies along the general route between Cusco and Puno. If you are planning to travel between these destinations, ask us about transportation options and a customized itinerary. Visiting all three sites and continuing to Puno on the same day requires careful scheduling and should be confirmed in advance.