- Tour Type
Cultural | Archaeological - Duration
Half Day - Elevation
3100m – 3500m - Difficulty
Easy - Departure
Hotel - Destination
South Valley - Latitude
-13.5924 - Longitude
-72.620
Discover Cusco’s South Valley on a Half-Day Tour
Explore the South Valley of Cusco on a half-day group tour that connects three important chapters of Andean history: Tipon, Pikillacta and Andahuaylillas.
First, visit Tipon and discover an impressive network of water channels, terraces and irrigation systems that reflects the advanced engineering of the Inca civilization. Then, continue to Pikillacta, an important archaeological site associated with the Wari culture, where ancient streets, walls and buildings reveal a fascinating pre-Inca urban settlement.
Finally, visit Andahuaylillas Church, renowned for its remarkable Andean Baroque art, ornate interiors and colonial heritage. As you move from one site to another, your guide will explain how different cultures and historical periods shaped the South Valley of Cusco.
Moreover, this South Valley Tour from Cusco is ideal for travelers who want to explore significant archaeological and cultural sites without spending an entire day on the road. With hotel pick-up, tourist transportation and a professional local guide, the itinerary combines history, architecture and Andean landscapes in a convenient half-day experience.
As a result, you can discover a different side of Cusco beyond the better-known Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, while exploring three destinations with very different historical identities.
Ready to discover another side of Cusco? Join our South Valley Tour and explore Tipon, Pikillacta and Andahuaylillas with a local guide.
Gallery
South Valley Tour Highlights
- Tipon: Inca Water Engineering
First, discover Tipon, one of the most impressive examples of Inca hydraulic engineering in the Cusco region. Its terraces, channels and carefully designed water systems demonstrate how the Incas managed water for agriculture and daily life. As you explore the site, your guide will explain how the water continues to flow through parts of this remarkable network, helping you understand why Tipon is considered an important example of Inca engineering. - Pikillacta: Wari Archaeological Complex
Next, travel to Pikillacta, an extensive archaeological complex associated with the Wari civilization, which developed in the Andes before the rise of the Inca Empire.
Here, you’ll see ancient walls, streets and structures that reveal an organized pre-Inca settlement. Therefore, the visit provides an opportunity to understand a different chapter of Andean history that is often overlooked by travelers visiting Cusco. - Andahuaylillas Church: Andean Baroque Art
Finally, visit the Church of San Pedro de Andahuaylillas, widely recognized for its exceptional Andean Baroque art.
Inside, intricate murals, religious artwork and ornate colonial details reveal the cultural encounter between European religious traditions and Andean artistic expression. For this reason, Andahuaylillas adds an important cultural dimension to the archaeological sites visited earlier in the tour.
Three Historical Worlds in One Tour
Together, Tipon, Pikillacta and Andahuaylillas create a distinctive journey through different periods of Andean history.
In one half-day, you move from Inca hydraulic engineering, to Wari urban planning, and finally to colonial Andean Baroque art.
This combination makes the South Valley Tour particularly appealing to travelers interested in archaeology, history, architecture and the cultural heritage of Cusco.
Itinerary: South Valley Tour
South Valley Tour Itinerary
- 7:30 AM | Hotel Pick-Up in Cusco
First, your South Valley Tour from Cusco begins at approximately 7:30 AM with pick-up from your hotel. From there, travel toward the southern part of the Cusco region with your professional guide and the rest of the group. - Tipon, Next, arrive at Tipon, where you’ll explore its impressive Inca terraces and water channels. As you walk through the archaeological site, your guide will explain how the Incas developed sophisticated hydraulic systems to manage water for agriculture and other purposes.
- Pikillacta, Afterward, continue to Pikillacta, an important archaeological complex associated with the Wari civilization. Here, explore its ancient streets, walls and structures while learning about one of the most important pre-Inca cultures of the Andes.
- Andahuaylillas Church,Then, visit San Pedro de Andahuaylillas Church, renowned for its remarkable Andean Baroque art and richly decorated interior. In particular, its murals and colonial artwork reveal an important cultural encounter between European and Andean traditions.
- Saylla | Local Food Experience,On the way back to Cusco, make a stop in the traditional town of Saylla, a destination known locally for its variety of traditional Cusco dishes.
During this stop, you’ll have the opportunity to explore local food options such as chicharrón, cuy and other typical Andean dishes. However, food at this stop is not included in the tour price, so each traveler can choose whether to purchase a local dish according to their preferences.
This stop adds a different dimension to the South Valley experience, allowing you to discover not only archaeological heritage but also part of the local culinary culture of the region. - Return to Cusco
Finally, continue the journey back to Cusco after the stop in Saylla. The tour concludes at approximately 3:00 PM, although the exact arrival time may vary depending on road and group conditions.
Tour Information
- Duration: Half Day
- Departure: Approximately 7:30 AM
- Return: Approximately 3:00 PM
- Tour Type: Cultural and Archaeological
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Distance: Approximately 100 km round trip
- Local food stop: Saylla
- Food in Saylla: Not included
Include
- Professional local guide
- Hotel pick-up
- Tourist transportation
Excludes
- Entrance tickets to the attractions
- Food and drinks in Saylla
- Personal expenses
- Optional gratuities
Important.
Please note that food in Saylla is not included in the tour price. Therefore, you can choose and purchase local dishes according to your preferences during the stop.
Also, entrance fees are paid separately, so we recommend carrying enough cash in Peruvian soles.
Packing List
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Water
- Sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Light layers
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
- Personal medication
- Some cash in Peruvian soles for entrance fees and food in Saylla
Know Before You Go
Before joining your South Valley Tour from Cusco, keep a few practical details in mind so you can enjoy the archaeological sites, Andean landscapes and local food experience comfortably.
- Prepare for a Half-Day of Walking
First, although the tour is rated easy to moderate, you will walk through archaeological sites, terraces and ancient pathways. Therefore, comfortable shoes with good support are recommended. - Protect Yourself from the Sun
Because several sections of the route are exposed, bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. In addition, apply sunscreen regularly during the day, especially when spending time outdoors at Tipon and Pikillacta. - Be Ready for Changing Weather
Moreover, weather conditions in the Cusco region can change during the day. For this reason, bring a light waterproof jacket or rain poncho, particularly during the rainy season. - Bring Cash for Entrance Fees
Please note that entrance fees are not included in the tour price. Therefore, carry cash in Peruvian soles so you can pay the applicable entrance fees during the excursion. - Try Local Food in Saylla
On the return journey, the tour includes a stop in Saylla, where you can explore local culinary options. For example, you may find traditional dishes such as chicharrón, cuy and other regional specialties.
However, food and drinks are not included in the tour price. Therefore, bring some additional cash if you would like to enjoy a meal or snack during this stop. - Keep the Itinerary in Mind
Finally, the tour begins at approximately 7:30 AM and returns to Cusco at around 3:00 PM. Arriving on time for hotel pick-up helps ensure that the group can visit all scheduled destinations and make the planned stop in Saylla. - A Different Way to Experience Cusco
Unlike a tour focused on only one archaeological site, this route connects Inca engineering at Tipon, Wari heritage at Pikillacta, Andean Baroque art at Andahuaylillas and local cuisine in Saylla.
As a result, the South Valley Tour from Cusco offers a compact cultural experience that combines archaeology, history, architecture and local traditions in one half-day itinerary.
Discover the South Valley from Cusco
Ready to explore Tipon, Pikillacta, Andahuaylillas and the local flavors of Saylla?
Reserve your South Valley Tour from Cusco and discover four different sides of the region in one half-day experience: Inca engineering, Wari heritage, Andean Baroque art and traditional local cuisine.
Book Your South Valley Tour
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FAQs
What places are included in the South Valley Tour from Cusco?
The South Valley Tour from Cusco visits three important cultural and archaeological attractions: Tipon, Pikillacta and Andahuaylillas Church. In addition, the return journey includes a stop in Saylla, where travelers can explore local food options.
How long is the South Valley Tour from Cusco?
The tour is a half-day experience, departing from Cusco at approximately 7:30 AM and returning around 3:00 PM. However, the exact return time can vary depending on traffic, road conditions and the group’s pace.
What is the difference between the South Valley and Sacred Valley?
The South Valley is located south of Cusco and is known for sites such as Tipon, Pikillacta and Andahuaylillas. In contrast, the Sacred Valley is associated with destinations such as Pisac and Ollantaytambo. Therefore, they are two different regions and two different tour experiences.
Is the South Valley Tour from Cusco worth it?
Yes, especially if you are interested in history, archaeology and culture. The route combines Inca hydraulic engineering at Tipon, pre-Inca Wari heritage at Pikillacta and colonial Andean Baroque art at Andahuaylillas. As a result, you can experience several periods of Cusco’s history in one half-day tour.
Is the South Valley Tour easy?
The tour involves easy to moderate walking. Although there is no demanding trekking, you will walk around archaeological sites, terraces and uneven surfaces. Therefore, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Is hotel pickup included in the South Valley Tour?
Yes. Hotel pick-up in Cusco is included according to the tour service. The exact pick-up arrangements may depend on the location of your accommodation.
Are entrance tickets included in the South Valley Tour?
No. Entrance fees are paid separately. Therefore, we recommend bringing cash in Peruvian soles to cover the applicable entrance fees for the attractions.
Is food included in the South Valley Tour?
No. Food and drinks are not included. However, the itinerary includes a stop in Saylla, where you can purchase traditional local dishes such as chicharrón, cuy and other regional specialties.
What can I eat in Saylla during the South Valley Tour?
Saylla is known for traditional local food, particularly chicharrón, and you may also find dishes such as cuy and other regional specialties. However, food purchases are optional and are not included in the tour price.
What is Tipon known for?
Tipon is known for its impressive Inca hydraulic engineering, including terraces, canals and water channels. During the visit, you can learn how the Incas managed water for agriculture and other purposes.
What is Pikillacta?
Pikillacta is an important pre-Inca archaeological site associated with the Wari culture. Unlike Inca archaeological sites, Pikillacta provides insight into an earlier Andean civilization and its urban planning.
Why is Andahuaylillas Church called the Sistine Chapel of the Andes?
Andahuaylillas Church is known for its richly decorated interior, including murals, religious artwork and Andean Baroque elements. For this reason, it is often referred to as the Sistine Chapel of the Andes
What should I bring for the South Valley Tour?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, water, sunscreen, a hat and a light waterproof jacket or rain poncho. Additionally, carry cash in Peruvian soles for entrance fees and for any food you would like to purchase in Saylla.
Is the South Valley Tour suitable if I have limited time in Cusco?
Yes. Because the tour lasts approximately half a day, it is a practical option for travelers who want to explore Tipon, Pikillacta and Andahuaylillas without dedicating an entire day to the excursion.
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