Half-Day Tour to Tipón, Pikillaqta and Andahuaylillas

Uncover the captivating history of Peru’s ancient civilizations on this half-day tour through the Andean highlands. Explore the impressive agricultural terraces and irrigation systems of the Incas at Tipón, explore the meticulously planned ruins of the Wari empire at Pikillaqta, and admire the vibrant ecclesiastical murals adorning the 17th-century church of Andahuaylillas. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, this intimate experience promises to enhance your understanding of the region’s rich cultural heritage. As you venture through these remarkable sites, you’ll be left intrigued, eager to discover more about the enduring legacies of these remarkable ancient societies.

About Your Stay

• This half-day tour offers a comprehensive exploration of three significant historical sites near Cusco, showcasing the Inca’s advanced agricultural practices and the Wari’s architectural prowess.
• The tour includes visits to the Inca Agricultural Terraces of Tipón, the pre-Inca Wari Ruins of Pikillaqta, and the vibrant ecclesiastical murals of the Andahuaylillas church.
• The tour provides insights into the diverse cultural heritage and engineering accomplishments of the Andean civilizations, catering to both history enthusiasts and casual travelers.
• The tour is logistically efficient, with a 7 am start time, a maximum group size of 15, and complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a personalized and well-organized experience.
• The tour is budget-friendly, starting at $35 per person, and includes the Cusco Tourist Ticket for admission to the Tipón and Pikillaqta sites.

Exploring Tipón’s Inca Agricultural Marvels

The tour begins with a visit to the captivating Inca agricultural terraces of Tipón.

This ancient farming complex showcases the Incas’ masterful land management techniques. Visitors can explore the intricate network of stone terraces and irrigation canals that were used to cultivate crops on the steep slopes.

The guide explains how the Incas engineered these systems to maximize food production in the challenging Andean environment. Travelers gain insights into the Incas’ sustainable agricultural practices and their advanced understanding of hydrology and soil conservation.

The terraces offer a glimpse into the impressive agricultural accomplishments of the Inca empire.

Uncovering the Wari Ruins of Pikillaqta

After exploring the Inca agricultural marvels of Tipon, the tour progresses to the enigmatic Wari ruins of Pikillaqta.

This pre-Inca archaeological site offers a glimpse into the advanced civilization that thrived in the region centuries before the Inca Empire. Visitors can wander through the meticulously planned urban layout, admiring the intricate stonework and impressive scale of the structures.

The tour guide provides insights into the Wari culture, their architectural techniques, and the significance of Pikillaqta as a regional administrative center.

Uncovering the mysteries of this ancient site adds depth to the understanding of Andean history and the diverse civilizations that shaped the Cusco region.

Marveling at Andahuaylillas’ Vibrant Ecclesiastical Murals

Concluding the tour, visitors marvel at the vibrant ecclesiastical murals adorning the interior of the San Pedro de Andahuaylillas church.

The 17th-century church, known as the "Sistine Chapel of the Americas", features an array of colorful paintings that depict biblical scenes and religious iconography.

Visitors are captivated by the intricate details and the harmonious blend of indigenous and European artistic styles.

The murals exemplify the cultural exchange that occurred during the colonial era, as indigenous artists incorporated local motifs and techniques into the religious subject matter.

This final stop on the tour offers a unique glimpse into the artistic legacy of the region and the enduring influence of the Catholic Church.

Cusco’s Historical and Archaeological Highlights

Why not begin the tour by exploring Cusco’s rich historical and archaeological highlights?

The half-day excursion takes visitors to three remarkable sites – Tipón, Pikillaqta, and Andahuaylillas.

At Tipón, discover the impressive Inca agricultural terraces and irrigation systems.

Then, venture to the Wari ruins of Pikillaqta, a pre-Inca civilization that once flourished in the region.

The final stop is the charming San Pedro de Andahuaylillas church, known for its vibrant, well-preserved 17th-century murals.

Knowledgeable guides provide context and insights throughout the day, making this tour an ideal way to explore Cusco’s captivating past beyond the city center.

Tour Duration, Start Time, and Group Size

The half-day duration of the tour offers travelers a convenient and efficient way to experience the historical and archaeological highlights outside of Cusco’s city center.

The tour starts at 7:00 am, maximizing the time available to explore the sites.

With a maximum group size of 15 travelers, the experience maintains an intimate and personalized atmosphere.

Some key details:

1. Half-day tour duration
2. 7:00 am start time
3. Maximum of 15 travelers per group
4. Available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese

This compact yet comprehensive tour allows visitors to discover Cusco’s rich cultural heritage in a time-efficient manner.

Language Options and Pricing Information

Along With the convenient tour duration and group size, the half-day excursion offers language flexibility to cater to a diverse range of travelers.

The tour guide is available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, ensuring all participants can easily follow along and engage with the historical narratives.

Pricing for the tour starts at $35.00 per person, making it an affordable option for budget-conscious adventurers.

The inclusion of the Cusco Tourist Ticket for visits to Tipón and Pikillaqta sites further adds value, as it covers the necessary admission fees.

With transparent pricing and multilingual support, this tour provides an accessible and inclusive experience for exploring the remarkable archaeological wonders outside Cusco.

Included and Excluded Tour Elements

Aside from the complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off, the tour also includes a professional guide who can provide insights into the historical significance of the visited sites.

The Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC) required for the Tipón and Pikillaqta visits is covered as well. However, snacks, beverages, and gratuities aren’t included in the tour price.

Key tour aspects:

1. Admission to the Andahuaylillas church
2. Professional tour guide fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese
3. Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC) for Tipón and Pikillaqta
4. Hotel pickup and drop-off from Cusco’s Historic Center

Important Traveler Considerations

For this tour, travelers should note that it isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. The tour rates exclude Peruvians or foreign passengers staying over 60 days in Peru due to sales tax.

Confirmation is received at booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

Snacks, beverages, and gratuities aren’t included in the tour price.

Questions About Your Stay

How Can I Book This Tour Online?

Travelers can book this half-day tour online through travel websites or the tour operator’s website. The booking process typically involves selecting the tour date, entering traveler details, and securely making the payment to confirm the reservation.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

Yes, travelers can typically customize the tour itinerary. Most tour operators are flexible and open to adjusting the schedule or adding/removing sites based on the group’s interests and preferences.

Are There Any Discounts for Larger Groups?

The tour company offers group discounts for larger parties. Groups of 6 or more can receive a 10% discount off the standard per person price. Guests should inquire about group rates when booking the tour.

Are Professional Cameras Allowed During the Visits?

Professional cameras are generally allowed during the visits, though it’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand. They may have specific guidelines or restrictions regarding photography at the historical sites.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?

The tour has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Customers can cancel their booking and receive a full refund if they need to change their plans.

Final Verdict On This Stay

This half-day tour offers a captivating glimpse into Peru’s rich cultural heritage. Travelers will explore the impressive Inca and Wari ruins, marvel at the vibrant ecclesiastical murals, and gain a deeper understanding of the region’s ancient civilizations. With knowledgeable guides and language options, this intimate experience promises to enhance one’s appreciation for Peru’s historical and archaeological treasures.