South Valley Cusco Experience – Tipón, Pikillacta & Andahuaylillas Full Day Tour
Traditional tours
Discover the cultural and historical richness of Cusco’s South Valley on a full-day journey through impressive archaeological sites, colonial art, and scenic Andean landscapes. This tour offers a deeper understanding of civilizations that shaped the region long before and after the Inca Empire.
Visit Tipón, renowned for its advanced Inca hydraulic engineering, explore Pikillacta, one of the most important urban centers of the pre-Inca Wari culture, and admire the artistic beauty of Andahuaylillas, home to one of the most remarkable colonial churches in Peru. This experience combines history, nature, and architecture in a relaxed and enriching itinerary.
Duration
1 Day
Difficulty level
1/5
Languages
Spanish, English
Guide
Included in the service
Transfers
All transfers included
What’s Included?
It is included:
- Private transportation to and from your hotel in Cusco
- Professional certified bilingual tour guide (Spanish / English)
- Box lunch during the tour
- Personalized assistance throughout the experience
Not included:
- Partial Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC) for archaeological sites
- Entrance ticket to Andahuaylillas Church
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Additional meals or beverages
Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – South Valley – Cusco
Morning Departure from Cusco
Your experience begins with a hotel pick-up in Cusco. From there, you will travel south through picturesque Andean landscapes, passing traditional villages and fertile valleys.
Visit to Tipón Archaeological Site
Explore Tipón, an outstanding example of Inca hydraulic engineering. Walk through its agricultural terraces, where water still flows through precisely carved stone channels. Learn how the Incas mastered irrigation systems that continue to function centuries later.
Exploration of Pikillacta
Continue to Pikillacta, an extensive archaeological complex built by the Wari culture. Discover its urban planning, stone and adobe structures, ceremonial spaces, and learn about the society that dominated this region long before the Incas.
Huacarpay Lagoon and Picnic Break
Enjoy a relaxing stop near Huacarpay Lagoon, a scenic wetland surrounded by native flora such as reeds, cactus, and carob trees. This peaceful setting provides the perfect moment to enjoy a box lunch while appreciating local biodiversity.
Visit to Andahuaylillas Church
Conclude the cultural journey in Andahuaylillas, home to a stunning 16th-century church often referred to as the “Sistine Chapel of the Andes.” Admire its richly decorated altars, colonial murals, and impressive wooden organ adorned with angels and cherubs.
Return to Cusco
After the visit, return comfortably to Cusco and your hotel, completing a full day of cultural discovery and scenic exploration.
Extra Details
The South Valley is less visited than other areas around Cusco, making this tour ideal for travelers seeking a quieter and more authentic experience. The route features mostly flat terrain with short walks, making it accessible to travelers of most fitness levels.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as well as layered clothing due to changing mountain weather conditions. This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, culture lovers, and travelers looking to explore beyond the traditional Sacred Valley routes while still enjoying a relaxed pace.