Tour overview
Our Cusco South Valley Tour is a half-day outing south of the city: we visit Tipón and its water engineering, the Wari citadel of Pikillaqta, and the church of Andahuaylillas, known as the Sistine Chapel of the Americas, with private transport and entrance fees included, so you can see another side of Cusco’s history at an easy pace, with Andean landscapes in the background.
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Best time to travel Between April and October
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Maximum altitude 3,560 m a.s.l. (Tipón)
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Physical difficulty Short walks; gentle elevation changes
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Minimum number of passengers 2 adults
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Maximum number of passengers 10 adults
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Booking lead time 1 day in advance
Overview
- A half day south of Cusco: Inca archaeology, Wari culture, and a colonial church.
- Visits: Tipón, Pikillaqta, and the Church of Andahuaylillas (Sistine Chapel of the Americas).
- A good choice if you have already done the City Tour or want a different route, with smaller crowds.
- Approximate duration: 4 to 6 hours, with daily departures.
- From USD 50 per person, with private transport and entrance fees to the sites included.
Itinerary
We pick you up at your hotel and leave in a private vehicle toward the south of Cusco. Andean highland landscapes stay with us as we approach the valley.
Tipón
The first stop is Tipón, an Inca ceremonial center famous for its water management: stone channels that carried the flow down from the summits of Pachatusan hill to the valley lands. It is a place to understand Inca hydraulic engineering up close.
Pikillaqta
We continue to Pikillaqta, the “city of the fleas.” It was a walled citadel of the Wari Empire and one of its most important regional centers in the expansion toward Cusco. The story shifts here: it is no longer only the Inca period, but the pre-Inca history that came before the Tahuantinsuyo.
Andahuaylillas
We finish in Andahuaylillas, in front of its colonial church, known as the Sistine Chapel of the Americas. Inside there are canvases in gold-leaf frames, mural paintings, baroque altarpieces, and the famous five-language door. After the visit we return to Cusco; the afternoon is free for the center or other plans.
Recommendations
- Stay hydrated and walk at an easy pace: Cusco and the valley are at altitude.
- Wear comfortable shoes, dress in layers, and bring sunscreen.
- Bring a light jacket; the afternoon can turn cool.
- Confirm the exact departure time and pickup point with us.
- If you have just arrived by plane, choose the most comfortable departure and avoid a heavy meal right before.
- Keep your tickets and follow your guide at each entrance.
- In high season (Inti Raymi, holidays, vacation periods) book ahead.
Inclusions
Included
- Private transport.
- Entrance tickets to the sites on the program.
Not included
- Meals or drinks.
- Tips (optional).
- Personal expenses, souvenirs, or other extras.
- Accommodation.
- Services not mentioned in this program.
Frequently asked questions
How long is it?
Between 4 and 6 hours, depending on the group’s pace and traffic.
Does it run every day?
Yes. We operate this tour daily.
Which places do we visit?
Tipón, Pikillaqta, and the Church of Andahuaylillas.
Are entrance fees included?
Yes: entrance tickets to the sites, plus private transport.
Is it physically demanding?
Not very. There are short walks at each site; Tipón has gentle elevation changes along the terraces and canals.
How is it different from the City Tour?
The City Tour covers the center and Sacsayhuamán. The South Valley goes to Tipón, Pikillaqta, and Andahuaylillas, with more valley scenery and a focus on water, Wari culture, and a colonial church.
Should I bring cash?
Yes, in case you want water, a snack, or a souvenir.
Can I take photos?
In general, yes. Inside the church, follow your guide’s instructions and any restrictions on flash or restricted areas.
