Venture beyond Cusco’s bustling city center with the South Valley Tour (Half Day). This immersive half-day excursion takes travelers to the region’s lesser-known gems, from the stunning Andahuaylillas Church to the impressive Incan site of Tipon. Led by knowledgeable bilingual guides, the small-group experience offers personalized attention, allowing visitors to uncover the area’s rich cultural heritage. Explore ancient engineering marvels and gain insights into the Incan and pre-Inkan civilizations that once thrived in this picturesque setting. Ready to discover the secrets of the South Valley?
Good To Know
- This half-day tour explores the outskirts of Cusco, Peru, visiting Andahuaylillas, Tipon, and Pikillaqta, providing a chance to discover lesser-known Incan and pre-Inkan sites.
- The tour features a small group size of up to 15 participants, ensuring personalized attention from a bilingual guide and an immersive cultural experience.
- Key highlights include the stunning Andahuaylillas Church, known as the "Sistine Chapel of South America," and the Incan ceremonial center of Tipon, renowned for its advanced water engineering.
- Travelers can choose between Integral (S/. 130) or Partial (S/. 70) Cusco Tourist ticket options, and the total tour price starts from $16.00.
- The tour includes round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle and an opportunity to explore these off-the-beaten-path destinations away from the crowds.
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Tour Overview and Highlights
Offering an exploration of lesser-known sights with fewer crowds, the South Valley Tour is a half-day excursion that takes visitors to the outskirts of Cusco, Peru.
With a small group limited to 15 participants, the tour provides personalized attention and an opportunity to discover the region’s hidden gems.
Highlights include visiting Andahuaylillas, known as South America’s Sistine Chapel, and exploring the Incan archaeological complex of Tipon, renowned for its intricate water channels and agricultural terraces.
Throughout the journey, travelers will ride in an air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring a comfortable experience as they enjoy the rich cultural heritage of the South Valley.
Inclusions and Pricing
What does the South Valley Tour include, and how much does it cost?
The tour includes round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, a bilingual guide who speaks English and Spanish, and a first aid kit.
The entrance ticket to the Andahuaylillas Church, known as "South America’s Sistine Chapel," is also included at S/. 15 per person.
Plus, visitors have the option to purchase the Cusco Tourist ticket, either the Integral (S/. 130) or Partial (S/. 70) version.
The total price for the tour starts from $16.00.
It’s important to note that the tour is non-refundable, and there are no refunds for cancellations.
Tipon: Incan Ceremonial Center
The South Valley Tour’s first stop is Tipon, an Incan archaeological complex renowned for its remarkable water channels and agricultural terraces.
As a ceremonial center for water worship, Tipon offers visitors a glimpse into the Incas’ sophisticated understanding of hydrology.
Highlights at Tipon include:
- The intricate water channels that were engineered to control the flow of water, demonstrating the Incas’ advanced hydraulic capabilities.
- The well-preserved agricultural terraces, which were used for cultivating a variety of crops, including the popular local delicacy, guinea pig.
- The serene ambiance and scenic views, providing a tranquil contrast to the bustling crowds found at more popular tourist sites.
Pikillaqta: Pre-Inka Wari Site
Following the Tipon archaeological complex, the tour then ventures to Pikillaqta, a pre-Inka site constructed during the Wari regime.
Situated in a hilly region with small lakes, Pikillaqta was significant for maize production, as evidenced by the Wari pottery depicting the crop alongside deities.
Visitors can explore the adobe structures and learn about the site’s role in the pre-Inka Wari civilization.
The tour at Pikillaqta lasts approximately one hour, with admission tickets not included in the overall tour price.
This stop provides a unique opportunity to explore the lesser-known pre-Inka history and cultural influences in the Cusco region.
Pickup and Meeting Information
Pickup from hotels within the historic center of Cusco is provided, though the tour doesn’t offer pickup from private residences like Airbnb.
The tour starts promptly at 9:00 am, so it’s advised to arrive at the meeting point on time.
The ticket redemption point is located at Tipon, Cusco 08003, Peru.
The key highlights regarding pickup and meeting information are:
- Pickup from hotels in the historic center of Cusco only.
- Tour starts at 9:00 am, so punctuality is important.
- Ticket redemption takes place at Tipon, Cusco 08003, Peru.
Tour Feedback and Reviews
Based on the 15 reviews, the South Valley Tour enjoys an overall rating of 4.5. Guests praise the knowledgeable guides and the unique experiences offered, though some note that mixed language groups and tight scheduling can affect the flow. Highlights include the authenticity of the tour and the quality of the sites visited, such as the Andahuaylillas Church, known as "South America’s Sistine Chapel." The tour is recommended for those seeking a less touristy experience in Peru.
| Positive Feedback | Negative Feedback |
|---|---|
| Knowledgeable guides | Mixed language groups |
| Unique experiences | Tight scheduling |
| Authentic tour | – |
| Quality of sites | – |
| Recommended for less touristy experience | – |
Exploring Lesser-Known Sights
The South Valley Tour offers travelers the chance to explore lesser-known sights and uncover the authentic charm of Peru’s Cusco region.
Away from the crowds, the tour takes visitors to destinations like:
-
Andahuaylillas, a quaint village home to the "Sistine Chapel of South America" – a 17th-century church adorned with stunning frescoes and ornate details.
-
Tipon, an Incan archaeological complex renowned for its intricate water channels and agricultural terraces, offering a glimpse into the region’s vibrant history.
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Pikillaqta, a pre-Inka site built during the Wari regime, showcasing the diversity of Peru’s ancient civilizations.
This small-group tour provides a personalized experience, allowing travelers to enjoy the local culture and discover the hidden gems of the South Valley.
Personalized Attention in Small Groups
The South Valley Tour’s small group size, limited to just 15 participants, ensures a personalized and intimate experience.
With fewer crowds, you’ll enjoy undivided attention from your bilingual guide, who can tailor the experience to your interests. This allows for a more immersive exploration of lesser-known sights, where you can engage with the local culture and history at your own pace.
The small group setting also promotes camaraderie and the opportunity to connect with fellow travelers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
You can bring your own food and drinks on the tour, but the tour provider doesn’t provide them. It’s recommended to pack snacks and water to keep hydrated during the excursion.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
There’s no option to extend the tour duration. It’s a fixed half-day itinerary. However, travelers can explore the sites further on their own after the tour ends if they’d like more time at specific locations.
Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment or Clothing?
The tour doesn’t require any specialized equipment or clothing. Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and layers are recommended to stay comfortable during the outdoor visits. The tour provides transportation and a guide, so you can focus on enjoying the sights.
Can I Visit Additional Sites Not Included in the Itinerary?
The tour’s set itinerary covers the key highlights, but you can’t visit additional sites not included. However, you may have the option to extend the tour or book a private excursion for more flexibility.
What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?
The tour has a non-refundable cancellation policy – there are no refunds for cancellations. Customers should be aware of this policy before booking the tour.
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The Sum Up
The South Valley Tour offers an enriching half-day adventure for visitors to Cusco. Travelers can marvel at the stunning Andahuaylillas Church, discover the impressive Incan site of Tipon, and uncover the region’s cultural heritage. With personalized attention from bilingual guides and a small group size, this tour provides an immersive experience beyond the typical tourist trail, allowing guests to explore lesser-known sights in the Cusco countryside.