CUSCO

Cusco South Valley Tipón, Pikillacta and Andahuaylillas

  • Full Day
  • Easy difficulty
  • Max 12 people
DURATION
Full Day
MAX ALTITUDE
3,560 m
BEST TIME
All year round

FROM $35 / person

THE EXPERIENCE

What makes it special to this trip

The least-travelled valley around Cusco: the water engineering of Tipón, the Wari city of Pikillacta and the chapel of Andahuaylillas, known as the Sistine Chapel of the Americas.

  • Tipón’s terraces and water channels, still running
  • Pikillacta, a Wari city that predates the Incas
  • The baroque chapel of Andahuaylillas
  • A crowd-free circuit under an hour from Cusco

DAY-BY-DAY PROGRAM

The route, step by step

This is how the day unfolds, hour by hour, with everything you'll do and where.

  1. DAY 1

    A journey through history and beautiful landscapes

    09:00 am | Pick-up from your hotel in CuscoOur Peru America Tours 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 AmericaOur 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 EngineeringWe 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 CityWe 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 CuscoAfter 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 CuscoWe 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.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Everything you need, no surprises

The tour 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 Peru America Tours.
  • Shared group of approximately 15 to 20 people (depending on the season), allowing for a social and enriching experience.

GALLERY

The tour in pictures

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We solve all your doubts

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Talk to an advisor
Do I need previous experience?

No. It is an easy-difficulty tour: you walk little and at a relaxed pace, with transportation to each point of interest. Suitable for all ages with normal mobility.

What is the best time to do it?

It can be done all year round. Between November and March it rains more, so bring a raincoat; the rest of the year the weather is dry and stable.

How high do we go and how do I prepare?

The highest point of the route is at 3,560 m. We recommend spending at least two days in Cusco before leaving, drinking plenty of water, avoiding alcohol the night before and eating light. If you feel any discomfort from the altitude, let the guide know: the team carries oxygen.

How many people are in the group?

We work with small groups: Max 12 people. This way the guide can look after each traveler and the pace adjusts to the group.

What does the price include?

Check the «Everything you need, no surprises» section of this same page: there you will find the detail of what is included and what is not. If you have any doubts, write to us on WhatsApp.

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