Overview
The South Valley Cusco Tour is one of the most fascinating half-day cultural experiences near Cusco. This journey takes you through remarkable archaeological sites, beautiful Andean landscapes, and colonial treasures that reveal the diverse history of the region.
Located south of the city of Cusco, the South Valley offers a unique combination of Inca engineering, pre-Inca civilizations, and colonial art. Unlike the more crowded Sacred Valley, this region remains quieter and provides a deeper insight into the historical development of the Andes.
During this half-day tour you will visit three extraordinary destinations: the impressive Inca water temple of Tipón, the ancient Wari city of Pikillacta, and the famous Church of Andahuaylillas, often called the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas”.
Tour Highlights
- Visit the impressive Inca hydraulic complex of Tipón
- Explore the ancient Wari city of Pikillacta
- Discover the beautiful Church of Andahuaylillas
- Enjoy scenic views of the South Valley landscapes
- Learn about Inca, Wari, and colonial history
Why Visit the South Valley of Cusco?
The South Valley is a lesser-known region that offers an incredible historical journey through different civilizations. Travelers can discover advanced Inca engineering, explore one of the most important Wari archaeological sites, and admire colonial religious art—all within a short distance from Cusco.
Itinerary
Detailed Itinerary
This half-day tour offers two departure options: 8:00 am or 1:00 pm. We pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and begin a scenic drive south through the Andean countryside.
Tipón Archaeological Site
The first stop of the tour is Tipón, one of the most impressive examples of Inca hydraulic engineering. This archaeological complex is believed to have been an important ceremonial center dedicated to water.
Here you will observe an extraordinary system of water channels, fountains, and agricultural terraces that still function today. The water flows from the high peaks of the sacred mountain Apu Pachatusan, demonstrating the remarkable engineering skills of the Incas.
Pikillacta – The Wari City
The journey continues to Pikillacta, an ancient city built by the Wari civilization, which flourished between 500 and 1000 AD—long before the rise of the Inca Empire.
Pikillacta is one of the largest pre-Inca urban centers in the region. The site features long streets, rectangular buildings, and defensive walls that illustrate the advanced urban planning of the Wari culture.
Exploring Pikillacta provides valuable insight into the civilizations that influenced the development of the Andes before the Incas.
Church of Andahuaylillas
The final stop is the beautiful Church of Andahuaylillas, a colonial masterpiece often called the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas.”
Inside the church you will admire stunning murals, gold-leaf decorations, baroque altarpieces, and an impressive collection of colonial paintings. One of the most remarkable elements is the famous Pentalingual Door, which displays inscriptions in five different languages.
After exploring the church, we return comfortably to Cusco.
Maximum Elevation: Cusco 3,400m / 11,084ft
Total Duration: 6 hours
Departure: Monday to Sunday
Tour Package Details
Inclusions:
- Pick up and drop-off from your hotel
- Private transportation
- Professional tour guide
Exclusions:
- Meals
- Entrance tickets to Tipón, Pikillacta, and the Church of Andahuaylillas
- Drinks
- Tips (optional)
- Snacks
What to bring:
- Small backpack for personal items
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Warm jacket
- Rain jacket
- Sunscreen
- Sun hat
- Bottle of water
- Camera
Travel Tips
- Spend at least one day acclimatizing in Cusco before the tour
- Bring your tourist ticket if you already purchased it
- Carry cash for entrance fees
- Bring a camera to capture the landscapes and architecture
Prices
Private service:
This tour is organized as a private experience, ensuring personalized attention and flexibility during the visit. Private transportation and a professional guide allow you to explore the South Valley comfortably and at your own pace.
Price 2026
| Group Size | Price (US$) |
|---|---|
| 2 people | 88.00 $ per person |
| 3 people | 68.00 $ per person |
| 4 people | 56.00 $ per person |
Why Choose a Private Tour?
- More comfortable and flexible itinerary
- Personalized attention from your guide
- Better experience for families or small groups
- More time to explore each site
FAQs
What is the South Valley Cusco tour?
The South Valley Cusco tour is a half-day cultural excursion that visits the Inca site of Tipón, the Wari city of Pikillacta, and the colonial Church of Andahuaylillas.
How long is the South Valley tour?
The tour lasts approximately six hours and includes transportation from Cusco.
Why is Tipón famous?
Tipón is known for its advanced Inca hydraulic engineering system, where water channels and fountains still function perfectly today.
What is Pikillacta?
Pikillacta is a large archaeological site built by the Wari civilization between 500 and 1000 AD, long before the Inca Empire.
Booking Information
Booking deposit required – Online payments
To confirm your reservation, a deposit of US$ 50 + 6% per person is required through PayPal.
Final payment: The remaining balance must be paid in cash upon arrival in Cusco.
Cancellation Penalties
If the tour is canceled after the booking deposit has been paid and confirmed, the deposit of US$ 50 per person is non-refundable.
