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South Valley Tour & Andahuaylillas Chapel
Explore the rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty on the South Valley Tour from Cusco, a captivating private half-day adventure that blends three important periods of Peruvian history: Inca, Pre-Inca, and Colonial.
Discover the impressive Inca temple of Tipon, where advanced aqueducts, canals, fountains, and agricultural terraces reveal the remarkable engineering skills of the Inca civilization.
Continue to Andahuaylillas Church, often called the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas,” and admire its beautiful murals and golden altars. Then explore Pikillacta, an important pre-Inca Wari city that offers a fascinating look into one of the region’s earliest civilizations.
With archaeological sites, colonial heritage, and beautiful Andean landscapes, the South Valley Tour is an ideal cultural experience for travelers who want to discover a different side of Cusco.
Discover the hidden gems of the South Valley Tour with a personalized, half-day cultural tour led by an expert guide. Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of Cusco as you explore the ancient Inca ruins of Tipon, the mysterious pre-Inca city of Pikillacta, and the stunning Andahuaylillas Church, often called the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas.” Ideal for history enthusiasts and travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience, this exclusive tour offers a deeper understanding of Cusco’s rich cultural heritage, all while avoiding the crowds and enjoying a more intimate, authentic adventure. The South Valley Tour from Cusco also offers a fascinating look at the region’s ancient cultures and living traditions. From Tipon’s sophisticated hydraulic systems and Pikillacta’s pre-Inca architecture to the artistic heritage of Andahuaylillas, each stop reveals a different chapter of Cusco’s history and creates a rewarding cultural experience in just half a day. 8:00 AM: Pickup from your hotel in Cusco and begin your journey through the historic South Valley.
Highlight of the Day: Discover three important chapters of Peruvian history through Tipon’s Inca engineering, Pikillacta’s Wari heritage, and the colonial art of Andahuaylillas Church. Your South Valley Tour from Cusco begins with a convenient hotel pick-up and a scenic drive toward Tipon, one of the finest examples of Inca hydraulic engineering in the Cusco region. Explore its terraces, channels, fountains, and carefully designed water systems while learning how the Incas used water for agriculture and daily life. From Tipon, continue to Pikillacta, an important archaeological site built by the Wari civilization between approximately 700 and 900 AD. Walk through its organized streets, multi-story structures, and ancient ceremonial areas while discovering the advanced urban planning of this pre-Inca culture. The journey then continues to Rumicolca, a small but historically significant Inca site that served as a checkpoint along an important route. This short stop adds another layer to the historical story of the South Valley of Cusco. Your final major stop is Andahuaylillas Church, one of the finest examples of colonial religious art in the region and popularly known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas.” Admire its richly decorated interior, impressive murals, golden altars, and beautifully painted ceilings while learning about the artistic traditions that developed during the colonial period. After visiting these three remarkable attractions, return to Cusco. This approximately 5.5-hour South Valley Tour combines archaeology, history, architecture, and Andean scenery in a relaxed half-day experience away from the busiest tourist routes. If you would like to try traditional Peruvian cuisine, you can make an optional stop in Saylla, a village known for its local specialties. You may choose dishes such as pork chicharrones or roasted guinea pig before returning to Cusco.
We offer flexible departure dates and operate the Sacred Valley Tour daily, subject to availability. ✔ Small-group experience for greater comfort and personalized service A more personalized experience with flexible pacing and tailored logistics. 2 Persons: $139 per person * All our tours are priced in US dollars. Please Note: The tour includes visits to Tipon Inca Ruins, Pikillacta, Rumicolca, and Andahuaylillas Church. You’ll discover Inca engineering, pre-Inca culture, and colonial art while traveling comfortably with a professional guide. Yes. The South Valley Tour from Cusco is ideal for travelers with limited time who want to explore important archaeological and cultural attractions without spending an entire day away from the city. The tour is easy and accessible for most travelers, including families and older adults. Walking is limited and takes place at a relaxed pace, making it a comfortable cultural experience. Mornings are generally mild, while midday can become warmer. We recommend bringing sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a light jacket or rain protection because weather conditions can change during the day. Absolutely. The South Valley Tour complements the Cusco City Tour by introducing you to rural colonial art, Inca engineering, and pre-Inca cultures that are not usually included in the city route. Lunch is optional and is not included in the tour price. You can stop in Saylla village to try traditional dishes such as pork chicharrones or roasted guinea pig. Tipon is renowned for its advanced aqueducts, canals, fountains, and agricultural terraces. The site showcases the Incas’ remarkable knowledge of hydraulics, water management, and agriculture. Pikillacta is a remarkable Wari pre-Inca city featuring multi-story buildings, temples, streets, and sophisticated urban planning. Rumicolca is a small Inca site that served as an important travel checkpoint. The 17th-century colonial church is famous for its intricate murals, golden altars, and beautifully painted ceilings created by local Quechua artists. Its remarkable interior makes it one of the most important colonial attractions in the Cusco region. The South Valley Tour lasts approximately 5.5 hours and departs in the morning. This makes it an excellent half-day cultural experience for travelers who want to explore more of Cusco without committing to a full-day excursion.
We want to help you prepare for your South Valley Tour from Cusco. Below, you’ll find useful information about hotel pick-up, entrance tickets, weather conditions, group services, and other important details to help you enjoy a smooth and well-organized experience. Please take a few minutes to review this information before your excursion begins, as it will help you know what to expect and make the most of your visit to the South Valley of Cusco. Please note that entrance tickets are not included in the tour price. Weather in the South Valley can change throughout the day, so we recommend wearing comfortable layers. Our group services welcome travelers of different ages and nationalities. Please keep your passport, money, camera, and other valuables with you throughout the excursion. We recommend bringing only the items you’ll need during the day. Cusco Journeys cannot accept responsibility for personal belongings that are lost, forgotten, or left unattended. For your convenience, avoid carrying unnecessary valuables and keep your personal items secure throughout the journey. Although uncommon, strikes, demonstrations, or road closures may occasionally occur in Peru and are beyond our control. If these situations affect the normal operation of the excursion, Cusco Journeys will make every reasonable effort to adjust the itinerary and continue providing the service whenever possible. Your safety, comfort, and overall travel experience will always remain our highest priority. Whenever possible, we’ll keep you informed of any operational changes and provide suitable alternatives to minimize disruptions to your travel plans. Ausangate 7 Lakes hike is an exhilarating trek that takes you to one of the most stunning and remote landscapes in South America. Where you’ll encounter… The Waqrapukara Trek is an unforgettable journey that takes adventurers off the beaten path to one of Peru’s most fascinating and lesser-known Inca archaeological sites.…Overview
Highlights
South Valley Tour at a Glance
8:45 AM: Visit Tipon Archaeological Complex and discover its impressive terraces, aqueducts, fountains, and canals.
10:30 AM: Explore Pikillacta, the remarkable pre-Inca Wari city, with an optional short stop at Rumicolca.
12:00 PM: Visit Andahuaylillas Church and admire its colonial murals, golden altars, and beautifully decorated interior.
1:00 PM (Optional): Enjoy traditional dishes in Saylla, including chicharrones or roasted guinea pig.
2:00 PM: Return to Cusco and finish the tour at your hotel.Itinerary
Deatailed Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Tipon Inca Ruins – Pikillacta – Andahuaylillas – Cusco
Optional Lunch
Inclusions
✅ Included
❌ Not Included
🎒 What to Bring for the South Valley Tour
Prices
💰 Prices
Price: USD $49 per person
✔ Professional guides and full Tour logistics included
Private Service
3 Persons: $119 per person
4 Persons: $99 per person
5 Persons: $79 per person
6 or more Persons: $69 per person
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – South Valley Tour & Andahuaylillas Chapel
1.- What is included in the South Valley Tour from Cusco?
2.- Is this tour suitable if I only have half a day in Cusco?
3.- How physically demanding is the South Valley Tour?
4.- What kind of weather can I expect on this tour?
5.- Can I take this tour if I already did the Cusco City Tour?
6.- Is lunch included in the South Valley Tour?
7.- What makes Tipon Inca Ruins special?
8.- What can I see at Pikillacta and Rumicolca?
9.- Why is Andahuaylillas Church called the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas”?
10.- How long does the South Valley Tour last and when does it depart?
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