The South Valley tour allows you to visit a part of Cusco that is full of surprises. It shows a mixture of colonial, Inca and Pre Inca sites of more than 800 years of the history of Cusco.
South of the city of Cusco, the highland way, there is this stunning valley landscapes and archaeological sites memorable. Navigating the river Vilcanota (Urubamba River beginning) the valley south of Cusco looks picturesque villages and warm nature of beauty.
In this tour, you will explore the beautiful South Valley of Cusco and get off the traditional tourist trail. The South Valley is known for its spectacular natural landscapes, Inca architecture in Tipon, pre–Inca Wari architecture in Pikillacta, and a beautiful chapel, known as the “Sistine Chapel of America”. You will have the opportunity to visit all of these incredible sites on our tour.
We will pick you up from your hotel between 8:40 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. to start our adventure.
Stop 1: Tipon
The Tipon Archeological Complex is located 24km southeast of Cusco. Tipon is one of the lesser visited sites in the Cusco area, but it is equally as impressive as those in the Sacred Valley. It is an ancient Incan site and thought to be a royal garden commissioned by Wiracocha. It is one of the most elaborate examples of agricultural terracing created by the Incas. These tall terraces, which run up the narrow valley are irrigated by an aqueduct from Pachatusan and the mountain is located above the site. In addition to the terracing, there are also some other structures at Tipon including baths, a temple complex, canals, and aqueducts.
Stop 2: Pikillaqta
Pikillacta is the only pre-Inca site in the Cusco area. This adobe complex was built around 700 to 900 AD by the Huari people. In the area there is a small Inca site just a short walk from Pikillacta, known as Rumicolca, a travel checkpoint for the Incas.
Stop 3: Andahuaylillas
Here we will discover the “Sistine Chapel of Peru,” a church that is home to golden altars, paintings, and many colored ceilings. The chapel is simple and unassuming on the outside, but on the inside you’ll find masterpiece after masterpiece.
On our return to Cusco we will pass Saylla, where you can enjoy the delicious and famous pork chicharrones (optional).
We return to Cusco around 2:30 p.m.
Don’t miss out on this adventure. Book here today!
