South Valley Tour - Half Day
Expedition Overview
Escape the crowds and discover the hidden architectural marvels of the Cusco region on the South Valley Tour. This fascinating half-day excursion takes you through three distinct periods of Peruvian history. You will explore the impressive Incan water engineering at the agricultural terraces of Tipón, wander through the vast, grid-like ruins of Pikillaqta built by the pre-Incan Wari culture, and marvel at the stunning colonial artwork inside the church of Andahuaylillas, often referred to as the 'Sistine Chapel of the Andes'.
Day by Day Itinerary
Half Day: Tipón, Pikillaqta, and Andahuaylillas
We pick you up from your hotel at 8:30 AM and drive south of Cusco. Our first stop is Tipón, a sprawling Incan archaeological site featuring perfectly preserved agricultural terraces and an intricate, still-functioning water channel system that showcases the Incas' mastery of hydraulic engineering. Next, we travel further back in time to Pikillaqta, an enormous pre-Incan city built by the Wari civilization around 700 AD. We explore its rigid, grid-like streets and tall adobe walls. Finally, we visit the quiet colonial village of Andahuaylillas to see the San Pedro Apóstol Church. Known as the 'Sistine Chapel of the Andes', the interior is entirely covered in magnificent 17th-century frescoes and gold leaf altars. After the tour, we return to Cusco, arriving around 2:30 PM. • Estimated Time: 6 hours • Highest Altitude: 3,400m / 11,154ft (Tipón)
Guaranteed departure dates, official DIRCETUR entrance permits, and zero intermediary commission fees when you reserve directly with our Cusco headquarters.
✅ What is Included
- ✓Pick-up from your hotel near the historical center
- ✓Professional bilingual tour guide
- ✓Comfortable tourist transportation
- ✓Guided tours of Tipón, Pikillaqta, and Andahuaylillas
- ✓Drop-off near the Plaza de Armas in Cusco
✕ Not Included
- —Boleto Turístico (Tourist Ticket) - Required for Tipón and Pikillaqta
- —Entrance fee to the Andahuaylillas Church (approx. 15 Soles)
- —Meals and snacks
- —Tips for the guide and driver
Need Custom Itineraries or Private Dates?
Speak instantly with our experienced mountaineering coordinators in Cusco for immediate itinerary customization and permit verification.