South Valley: Cusco tours, a beautiful place south of the city of Cusco. Adorned by beautiful and picturesque villages, they make this tour an unbeatable experience on your visit to the city of Cusco. This is a trip that leads to the unique and magnificent archaeological site of Tipón, where we can observe the impressive irrigation system of the Incas, then we move to Piquillacta, where we admire the great urban planning of the Wari culture. And finally we come to visit Andahuaylillas, where “the Sixtina Chapel of America” is located with impressive mural paintings from the 16th and 17th centuries. South Valley Cusco tours offers you an option of visits to interesting places near the city of Cusco.
Overview
Escape the crowds and discover one of Cusco's best-kept secrets on the South Valley Cusco Tour. This fascinating cultural journey takes you through a lesser-visited region rich in history, archaeology, colonial heritage, and breathtaking Andean landscapes. Perfect for travelers seeking a deeper understanding of Peru's ancient civilizations, the South Valley offers a unique blend of Inca, pre-Inca, and colonial influences.
Throughout the tour, you'll travel through picturesque valleys, traditional farming communities, and beautiful Andean landscapes while learning about the region's rich cultural heritage from an expert local guide.
General Tourist Ticket.
South Valley Cusco. With the general tourist ticket of Cusco, you can visit, in the tour, Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Pukapukara, Tambomachay, besides that this ticket includes the entrance to sacred valley: Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Moray, Tipón, Pikillaqta, and museums within the city of Cusco such as: The Koricancha site museum, Regional Historical Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art and the Pachacútec Inca Monument. Cusco city tour.
Partial Tourist Ticket.
If you want to take a half-day tour, such as the Cusco City Tour, South Valley or Maras Moray, in the city of Cusco, you need the Partial Tourist Ticket, which includes the entrance to Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Pukapukara and Tambomachay:
What income Ticket do you Need.
Andahuaylillas - Your entrance tickets cost S/. 15 Soles for foreign / Peruvian visitors.
*Difficulty level depends very much on your fitness and acclimatization.
Useful Information:
The Southern Valley of Cusco is a lesser-known but culturally and historically rich region southeast of Cusco. It offers a mix of Inca and pre-Inca archaeological sites, colonial architecture, traditional villages, and unique gastronomy. Unlike the Sacred Valley, it sees fewer tourists, making it a great off-the-beaten-path destination.
- Duration: Half Day (Approximately 5–6 Hours)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Departure Point: Cusco
- Best For: History enthusiasts, cultural travelers, photographers, families, and anyone interested in discovering hidden gems around Cusco.
Main Attractions
- Tipón – An impressive Inca archaeological site known for its well-preserved terraces and advanced water channels, which still function today.
- Pikillaqta – A pre-Inca city built by the Wari culture, featuring structured streets and buildings made of stone and adobe.
- Andahuaylillas – A small town famous for the Church of San Pedro de Andahuaylillas, known as the "Sistine Chapel of America" due to its elaborate murals and gold-covered decorations.
- Huasao – A village known for its eucalyptus forest and wood sculptures inspired by cultural and pop icons.
Gastronomy
The Southern Valley is also well known for its local cuisine, particularly in Saylla, Tipón, and Oropesa:
- Cuy al horno (roasted guinea pig) – A specialty in Tipón.
- Chicharrón (fried pork with corn and potatoes) – The signature dish of Saylla.
- Pan chuta – A large, round, and fluffy bread made in Oropesa.
Itinerary
South Valley Cusco
Tipón: the first place in the south valley of Cusco, Tipón Inca construction with impressive culture spaces containing 12 terraces that are currently protected by the government, whose walls were built with finely carved stones. Even more impressive is the irrigation system that remains intact and is serving the agriculture of local communities
Pikillaqta: Construction of the pre-Inca period (wari culture) It has characteristics of a large urban center with more than a thousand constructions between squares, colcas (food deposits), courts or houses, temples, long narrow streets with buildings that had up to 4 floors high.
Andahuaylillas: Typical Andean village of the time of the colony of singular origin and architecture. Stands in Andahuaylillas, its Catholic Chapel of the colonial era, with a beautiful decoration and mural painting of the seventeenth and eighteenth century known as the Sistine Chapel of Cusco. On the way back we will go through Saylla, a typical Cusco town where you can enjoy the delicious pork rinds (optional). We will be returning to the city of Cusco at approximately 3:30 p.m.
DEPARTURES: Daily: 08:00 to 14:00
Includes
WHAT IS INCLUDED
- Round-trip transportation (tourist bus)
- English-speaking Tour Guide
DOES NOT INCLUDE:
- Extra expenses
- Entrance tickets S/. 130 Soles - S/. 70 Soles.
- Tips
- Others not mentioned
More Information
WHAT YOU NEED TO TAKE.
- Tourist ticket (included in price)
- Sun hat
- Sun protection cream (factor 35 recommended)
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
- Water
- Camera
- Money for lunch
Price & Add-ons
Group: U$: 50
Private: U$: 130
Group versus Private Treks: What’s the difference?
- Depending on the number of people in your booking, additional people may join the trek to make a full group.
- If you choose “private”, no additional people will be joining your group, no matter the size.
- Minimum booking size is 02 people; one person may book a group trek if Pacha Expeditions Travel Peru, is able to join that person with additional groups.
Map (South Valley Cusco)
South Valley Cusco Tour – FAQs
What is the South Valley Cusco Tour?
The South Valley Cusco Tour is a half-day cultural excursion that explores some of the region's most important archaeological and colonial sites, including Tipón, Pikillaqta, and Andahuaylillas.
How long does the tour last?
The tour typically lasts between 5 and 6 hours, including transportation, guided visits, and free time for photographs.
What sites are visited during the tour?
The tour usually includes:
- Tipón Archaeological Park
- Pikillaqta Archaeological Complex
- Andahuaylillas Church
- Scenic viewpoints along the South Valley
What is included in the tour?
Most tour packages include:
- Hotel pickup in Cusco
- Tourist transportation
- Professional bilingual guide
- Guided visits to all attractions
Entrance fees may be included depending on the package selected.
Is the South Valley Tour suitable for all ages?
Yes. The tour is suitable for families, children, adults, and seniors. The walking is relatively easy and does not require advanced fitness.
What is the difficulty level of the tour?
The tour is considered easy. Visitors should be comfortable walking on uneven paths, stone steps, and archaeological sites.
What is Tipón?
Tipón is an impressive Inca archaeological site famous for its sophisticated irrigation channels, agricultural terraces, and hydraulic engineering systems that still function today.
Why is Tipón important?
Tipón is considered one of the finest examples of Inca hydraulic engineering, demonstrating the advanced knowledge the Incas had of water management and agriculture.
What is Pikillaqta?
Pikillaqta is a large pre-Inca archaeological complex built by the Wari civilization between the 6th and 10th centuries AD.
Why is Pikillaqta significant?
Pikillaqta provides valuable insight into the Wari culture, one of the most influential civilizations in ancient Peru before the rise of the Inca Empire.
What is Andahuaylillas famous for?
Andahuaylillas is renowned for its colonial church, often called the "Sistine Chapel of America" because of its extraordinary murals, frescoes, and religious artwork.
Is the Church of Andahuaylillas still active?
Yes. The church remains an active place of worship while also serving as one of Peru's most important colonial monuments.
Do I need the Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico)?
Yes. Entry to Tipón and Pikillaqta requires a valid Cusco Tourist Ticket. Some tour packages include it, while others require it to be purchased separately.
Is the entrance fee to Andahuaylillas included?
This depends on the tour package. Please verify inclusions at the time of booking.
What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are recommended due to changing mountain weather conditions.
Is lunch included?
Generally, lunch is not included because the South Valley Tour is a half-day excursion.
Can I take photographs at the sites?
Photography is allowed at most archaeological sites. Restrictions may apply inside the Church of Andahuaylillas depending on local regulations at the time of your visit.
Is altitude sickness a concern?
The South Valley is located at similar elevations to Cusco. Spending at least one day acclimatizing before the tour is recommended.
What is the best time of year to take the tour?
The tour operates year-round. The dry season (May to September) typically offers clearer skies and excellent conditions for sightseeing and photography.
Is the tour available during the rainy season?
Yes. Tours operate throughout the rainy season, although weather conditions may occasionally affect visibility and travel times.
Is this tour crowded?
No. Compared to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu routes, the South Valley is generally less crowded, providing a more relaxed and authentic experience.
Can I book a private South Valley Tour?
Yes. Private tours are available and offer greater flexibility, personalized service, and a customized pace.
Is the South Valley Tour suitable for photographers?
Absolutely. The tour offers beautiful landscapes, colonial architecture, ancient ruins, and unique cultural attractions that make it ideal for photography enthusiasts.
Why choose Pacha Expeditions for the South Valley Tour?
Pacha Expeditions provides knowledgeable local guides, comfortable transportation, personalized service, and authentic cultural experiences while supporting responsible and sustainable tourism practices throughout the Cusco region.
