Exploring the Cusco South Valley: Tipón, Pikillacta, and Andahuaylillas

If you’re looking to get off the beaten tourist path in Cusco, the South Valley Tour offers a fascinating glimpse into Peru’s diverse history and culture. For $86 per person, this 6-hour journey takes you through three significant archaeological sites — Tipón, Pikillacta, and Andahuaylillas — with plenty of opportunities to step back in time and see some of the most unique architecture and art in the region.

Two things we really appreciate about this tour are the chance to see Inca water engineering at Tipón and the distinct Wari urban layout at Pikillacta. The natural beauty of the valley, combined with these remarkable ancient sites, makes for a meaningful day. Also, the visit to the beautiful colonial church of Andahuaylillas, often called the “Sistine Chapel of America,” adds a colorful contrast to the Inca and Wari ruins.

A potential drawback to consider is that the tour’s schedule can be tight, with travel times between sites and some less structured stops, like optional museum visits or snack breaks. If you prefer a slower, more in-depth exploration, you might find this tour a bit rushed. It’s ideal for travelers eager to see a variety of sites in one day without losing the essence of each location.

This experience suits travelers who want a broad overview of the region’s archaeology and history, enjoy guided walks, and don’t mind a lively schedule. It’s especially good for those who want to combine history, culture, and natural scenery all in one day but are prepared for some group travel logistics.

Key Points

Diverse archaeological sites: Features Inca, Wari, and colonial architecture.
Authentic experience: Visits to Tipón’s water channels, Pikillacta’s pre-Inca layout, and Andahuaylillas church.
Comfortable transportation: Round-trip coach service with hotel pickup.
Guided insights: Bilingual guides provide explanations in both Spanish and English.
Flexible options: Cancel up to 24 hours before for a full refund.
Additional costs: Entrance fees to sites and optional visits are not included, so plan accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

In-Depth Review of the Cusco South Valley Tour

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Starting Your Day: Convenient Pickup and Travel

The tour begins with hotel pickup in Cusco’s historic center. This is a thoughtful touch, saving you the hassle of finding a meeting point and ensuring your day starts smoothly. After boarding the bus, expect about an hour’s ride through scenic landscapes before arriving at Tipón.

The journey itself is a chance to relax and get oriented, leaving the busy streets of Cusco behind for a quieter, greener part of the region. The comfortable coach transit is an important part of the experience, especially considering the multiple stops and the roughly 6-hour duration.

Tipón: A Water Wonder and Inca Engineering Marvel

Our first stop is Tipón, a site renowned for its sophisticated water management system and terraced agricultural landscape. The Incas revered water for its spiritual and practical significance, and Tipón showcases their mastery in hydraulic engineering.

Expect a guided tour lasting about an hour, where your guide will point out the channels, waterfalls, and terraces that demonstrate their skill. We loved the way the water seems to flow naturally through the stonework, creating a serene, almost sacred atmosphere. The terraces themselves are quite impressive, blending seamlessly into the landscape.

From the reviews, one notable highlight is the detailed storytelling about Inca water worship — a key part of understanding why Tipón is so special. A visitor mentioned, “We loved the way water channels intertwine and the terraces cascade; it’s like stepping into an ancient water temple.”

Pikillacta: A Wari Urban Center with a Different Vibe

Next, the tour proceeds to Pikillacta, a significant Wari site that predates the Incas. Here, the construction style is noticeably different — large, rectangular stone buildings with straight walls and a grid-like layout.

Your guide will explain how Wari civilization built this extensive urban complex around 500 AD, giving you context about their society. It’s a stark contrast to the Inca architecture, and it’s fascinating to see how different cultures in Peru evolved their urban planning.

One reviewer noted, “The constructions here are quite different from Inca structures, and it’s intriguing to think how the Wari laid out a city so long ago.” You may get a sense of the Wari’s influence on later cultures, which is an added bonus.

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Andahuaylillas: The Colonial “Sistine Chapel”

The last main site is Andahuaylillas, home to a beautifully preserved 16th-century church. This church, often called the “Sistine Chapel of America,” features stunning murals, a decorated organ, and large paintings by Tadeo Escalante.

A guided walk inside reveals a vibrant mix of colonial religious art and indigenous influences. The murals, along with the organ’s angels and cherubs, showcase a fascinating fusion of cultures, offering a window into Peru’s colonial past.

One traveler wrote, “The church’s murals and decorations are truly breathtaking; it feels like walking into an art gallery. It’s a perfect end to the archaeological stops.”

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Optional Visit to the Sacred Stones Museum

Before heading back to Cusco, there’s a little free time to visit the Sacred Stones Museum, an optional addition. It’s a chance to see artifacts and learn about the region’s ancient stonework, although it’s not included in the main tour fee.

Return Journey and Final Thoughts

After a full morning of exploration, the bus takes you back to Cusco’s historic center, arriving around mid-afternoon. The overall experience provides a good balance of guided insight and free time, though some travelers have mentioned feeling the schedule is a touch tight or that Spanish-language presentations dominate some parts.

The Experience in Perspective

The value of this tour becomes clear when considering the sites visited — a mixture of Inca, Wari, and colonial architecture that offers a broad perspective of Peruvian history. The transportation, guided tours, and hotel pickup simplify logistics, making it easier to focus on the sights.

However, the additional costs for entrance fees (Tipón, Pikillacta, and Andahuaylillas church) are not included, which is common in tours but worth noting for budgeting. Also, some reviews mention that the tour’s length might make for a rushed experience, especially if you want to linger at each site.

This tour suits those who want a comprehensive snapshot of the South Valley’s archaeological treasures within a manageable half-day trip. You’ll gain insights into ancient city planning, hydraulic engineering, and colonial art, making it a worthwhile addition to your Cusco itinerary.

Who Should Take This Tour?

This tour is ideal if you’re looking for a culturally enriching half-day that covers three distinct sites. It’s perfect for travelers who prefer guided visits, appreciate diverse historical contexts, and want to avoid the hassle of organizing transport between sites. If you’re interested in Inca water systems, pre-Inca civilizations, and colonial art, this tour delivers a well-rounded experience.

However, if you prefer slower explorations or in-depth visits to fewer sites, you might find the schedule a bit hurried. Also, if you’re on a tight budget, remember to factor in the extra entrance fees.

FAQ

Are hotel pickups included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup in Cusco’s historic center, making it easier to start your day without extra planning.

How long is the tour?
The total duration is approximately 6 hours, including travel time, site visits, and transfers back to Cusco.

What is the price?
The tour costs $86 per person, but keep in mind that entrance fees for Tipón, Pikillacta, and Andahuaylillas are not included.

Is a guide provided?
Yes, you’ll have a bilingual guide offering insights in both Spanish and English.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

What should I bring?
Bring your passport or ID, hat, camera, and comfortable clothes. Note that alcohol, drugs, and baby carriages are not allowed.

Is there an option for a longer or more in-depth tour?
This specific tour is about 6 hours, focusing on a broad overview of three sites. For more in-depth exploration, you might need additional tours or private guides.

Are meals included?
No, food, drinks, and snacks are not included. There are options to buy snacks or lunch during free time, but it’s not part of the package.

In the end, the Cusco South Valley Tour is a solid choice for curious travelers eager to see varied archaeological sites with minimal hassle. It offers a taste of Peru’s ancient and colonial past, set against a backdrop of lush scenery — a day well spent for those wanting a meaningful introduction to the region.