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Cusco South Valley Full Day

  • Full Day
  • Max 12 people
  • Moderate
  • Expert Guide

Beyond the traditional Sacred Valley route, the southern part of the city of Cusco holds archaeological and colonial treasures that surprise travelers from all over the world. We invite you to discover the Southern Valley, a half-day tour that will take you through impressive Andean landscapes, fascinating pre-Inca and Inca archaeological sites, and charming colonial villages full of history and tradition.

With Inca Trail Explorer, you will explore the cultural richness of the region while marveling at incredible views of valleys, lagoons, and mountains. A perfect tour for those who wish to complement their visit to Cusco with an authentic and enriching experience.

Program

09:00 am | Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco
Our Inca Trail Explorer team will pick you up from your accommodation to board our comfortable tourist transport. We will begin the journey south of the city, venturing into a landscape of Andean valleys and traditional villages.

10:00 am | Visit to Andahuaylillas – The Sistine Chapel of America
Our first stop will be the picturesque village of Andahuaylillas, famous for housing the Church of San Pedro Apóstol, known worldwide as the “Sistine Chapel of America.” This 17th-century colonial temple surprises with its simple façade, which contrasts with an interior profusely decorated with impressive frescoes, baroque altarpieces bathed in gold leaf, and artworks from the Cusco School. In addition to the church, we will stroll through its charming Main Square, adorned with imposing coral trees (“pisonay”) and palm trees, and have the opportunity to appreciate the daily life of this Andean village.

11:15 am | Exploration of Tipón – Inca Hydraulic Engineering
We will continue our journey east of the city to visit the impressive archaeological complex of Tipón. Considered one of the most outstanding monuments of Inca hydraulic architecture, Tipón is a testament to the advanced engineering knowledge of our ancestors. Its enormous, perfectly aligned agricultural terraces are irrigated by a system of canals and water fountains that still, centuries later, continue to flow from natural springs. We will walk through its ceremonial and agricultural terraces, marveling at the precision of its construction and the beauty of the surroundings.

12:30 pm | Visit to Pikillacta – The Pre-Inca Wari City
We will conclude our archaeological tour at the enigmatic Pikillacta Archaeological Complex, located in the province of Quispicanchis, about 32 km east of Cusco. This extensive site, covering more than 3,400 hectares, is one of the most important settlements of the Wari (or Huari) culture, a civilization that dominated the central Andes before the rise of the Incas. Unlike Inca constructions, Pikillacta is characterized by its stone and mud walls, straight streets, and quadrangular enclosures organized with surprising urban precision. Along the way, we will enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of Huacarpay Lagoon, a wetland of great beauty and biodiversity.

02:00 pm | Return to the City of Cusco
After our exploration, we will board the transport to begin the return journey. During the trip, you can relax and once again enjoy the Andean landscapes.

03:30 pm (approx.) | Arrival in Cusco
We will arrive in the city of Cusco, dropping you off at the Plaza de Armas or a central point near your accommodation. Thus concludes an enriching tour of the Southern Valley.

Inclusions

Includes

  • Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco (within the historic center and nearby areas).
  • Comfortable tourist transport round trip.
  • Professional bilingual guide (Spanish / English) throughout the tour.
  • Guided visits to Andahuaylillas, Tipón, and Pikillacta.
  • Entrance tickets to the archaeological centers and to the church of Andahuaylillas.
  • Personalized assistance and coordination by Inca Trail Explorer.
  • Shared group of approximately 15 to 20 people (depending on the season), allowing for a social and enriching experience.

Does Not Include

  • Food (does not include lunch, although there will be time to buy snacks or soft drinks during the tour).
  • Additional beverages (bottled water, soft drinks, etc.).
  • Tips for the guide and driver (personal appreciation, optional).
  • Personal expenses not specified in the program.

Recommendations

Recommendations for your trip:

To ensure your experience with Inca Trail Explorer is perfect, we share these key recommendations:

Documentation and Money:

  • Bring your original passport or valid identification document.
  • Bring cash (soles) in small denominations to buy handicrafts, snacks, drinks, or for tips.

Clothing and Footwear:

  • Comfortable footwear: Wear comfortable walking shoes or sneakers, as the archaeological sites require walking on uneven terrain.
  • Light but warm clothing: Wear comfortable, breathable layered clothing. Mornings and afternoons can be cool, while at midday the sun can be intense.
  • Sun protection: Bring a hat or cap, sunglasses, and apply high-resistance sunscreen (50+ SPF). UV radiation in Cusco is very strong.

Hydration and Food:

  • Bottled water: Bring your own water bottle to stay hydrated during the tour. You can purchase it at the stops.
  • Snacks: You can bring some light snacks (cereal bars, nuts) in case you feel hungry between visits.

Other Useful Tips:

Punctuality: Respect the pick-up times and your guide’s instructions to ensure the itinerary is followed.

Camera: Do not forget your camera or cell phone with enough battery to capture the incredible landscapes and architectural richness of the sites visited.

Respect for heritage: Respect the rules and regulations of the archaeological sites and the church. Always follow your guide’s instructions. Touching the structures or entering sacred precincts with food or drinks is not permitted.

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