If you’re looking to see a side of Cusco beyond the usual Inca sites, this private tour hits three fascinating stops: the hydraulic marvel of Tipón, the sprawling Wari city of Pikillaqta, and the breathtaking Andahuaylillas Church, often called the “Sistine Chapel of America.” For $85 per person, you get a full day of exploration that balances ancient engineering, impressive pre-Incan ruins, and colonial artistry—all in a comfortable, private setting.

What we really appreciate about this experience is how accessible and personalized it is. The tour provides a detailed look at sites that are often overlooked by larger group excursions, and with a guide in either English or Spanish, you’ll get stories and context that bring each place to life. Plus, the amount of time spent at each site feels well-paced—enough to soak it in without feeling rushed.

However, keep in mind that the tour involves about a 27-kilometer drive from Cusco, so weather or traffic could affect timing. Also, while the tour covers impressive highlights, it doesn’t include meals or extra expenses, so plan to bring snacks or buy souvenirs if something catches your eye.

This tour suits history buffs, archaeology lovers, and anyone eager to see some of the most striking sites outside of Cusco’s city center at a relaxed pace. If you’re interested in water engineering, pre-Incan city layouts, or colonial art, this trip will hit the mark.

Key Points

Unique Sites: Visits to Tipón, Pikillaqta, and Andahuaylillas offer a broad look at Peruvian history and culture.
Expert Guide: Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with detailed explanations in your choice of English or Spanish.
Comfort & Convenience: Hotel pick-up and drop-off make this a hassle-free day, especially for travelers staying in Cusco.
Impressive Architecture: From hydraulic terraces to ancient city walls and colonial murals, each site boasts stunning craftsmanship.
Authentic Experiences: The sites are less crowded than Inca remains and provide a more intimate look at Peru’s diverse past.
Value for Price: At $85, the tour offers a comprehensive experience that’s hard to beat considering transportation and entry fees included.

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Exploring the Sites in Depth

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Tipón: A Marvel of Hydraulic Engineering

We start the day with a visit to Tipón, just 27 kilometers from Cusco. This site is renowned for its incredible irrigation system—a true testament to the ingenuity of the Andean peoples. You’ll see the series of long, stone-lined canals, a marvel of ancient water management that still supplies the terraces and local communities today.

Walking among the twelve cultivated terraces, it’s easy to imagine their role in supporting agriculture—perhaps even more impressive given the site’s age. The terraces are still productive, which adds a layer of authenticity to the visit. As one visitor put it, “The hydraulic work here is unlike anything I’ve seen in other archaeological sites.”

Your guide, likely a local with a passion for explaining water engineering, will point out how the water flows naturally downhill, a system built to last centuries without modern technology. We loved the way Tipón connects engineering brilliance with agricultural life—seeing it in action still today.

Pikillaqta: An Extensive Pre-Incan City

Next, you’ll travel to Pikillaqta, a sprawling Wari city covering over 3,000 hectares and home to roughly 700 structures. This site is often called one of the best-preserved pre-Incan cities in the country. The stone and mud structures, some two or three stories high, give a glimpse into urban planning and construction techniques predating the Incas by centuries.

What makes Pikillaqta especially interesting is its large scale—you’ll walk through a maze of fine terraces, plazas, and residential areas. The condor-shaped rock carving provides insight into Wari symbolism and artistry. Visitors consistently comment on how imposing and well-preserved the site is, making it a fantastic window into an ancient civilization that influenced the Incas.

While the site is less polished than Inca ruins, its raw, sprawling nature offers a sense of discovery. We loved imagining the lives of the people who built this city—how they organized such a large population and managed their infrastructure.

Andahuaylillas: The Church of Artistic Wonders

Your final stop is the church in Andahuaylillas, a colonial gem often called the “Sistine Chapel of America.” The interior murals are a feast for the eyes, many with educational themes meant to instruct indigenous populations about Christianity during the 16th-century evangelization.

The church’s artistic richness provides a stark contrast to the ancient sites, but it’s equally compelling. The surrounding town offers a charming glimpse into colonial life, with cobbled streets and local markets. Visitors frequently mention how breathless they are after seeing the murals—some call it a highlight of their trip.

This site is especially meaningful for those interested in how religion and art intertwined during the Spanish colonial period. It’s a clear example of the cultural layers that make the Cusco region so intriguing.

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The Return Journey

After exploring Andahuaylillas, the tour departs for Cusco, giving you a chance to reflect on the day’s discoveries. The total time at each site is carefully balanced—long enough to appreciate their significance without fatigue.

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Practical Details & Tips

Transportation: The tour includes tourist transport and hotel pick-up and drop-off, making it very convenient, especially if you’re staying in Cusco.
Guide: A professional guide speaking English and Spanish is part of the package, adding valuable context and answering questions.
Tickets: Entrance to Andahuaylillas Church is included, but you’ll need to buy your own tickets for Tipón and Pikillaqta unless specified otherwise.
Duration & Scheduling: The tour lasts approximately 4-8 hours, depending on the shift you choose (morning or afternoon). Starting times are flexible based on availability.
Cost & Value: At $85 per person, this tour is quite reasonable considering the transportation, guide, and entry fees. It’s an affordable way to cover diverse sites in one day.
What to Bring: Wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and consider a hat or sunscreen for outdoor sites. Snacks are not included, so plan accordingly.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This trip suits those who want a well-rounded snapshot of Peruvian history outside of Machu Picchu—archaeology enthusiasts, history lovers, and travelers craving cultural depth. It’s ideal if you prefer a private, personalized experience rather than a large group tour. If your interest leans toward pre-Incan civilizations, hydraulic engineering, or colonial art, you’ll find plenty to love here.

While it’s a full-day commitment, the pace is comfortable, and the sites are remarkably different from one another, making it a rich, varied experience. It’s perfect for those who want a more authentic, less touristy perspective of Cusco’s surroundings.

The Sum Up

In all, this private tour offers a fine balance of archaeological marvels, ancient cityscapes, and colonial art—each with its own story to tell. The inclusion of Tipón’s water engineering, Pikillaqta’s sprawling Wari metropolis, and Andahuaylillas’ artistic splendor makes it a well-rounded cultural experience.

For a reasonable price, you get expert guidance, convenience, and authentic sites that reveal different layers of Peru’s history. It’s especially suitable for travelers eager to avoid tourist crowds and explore with depth and comfort. Whether you’re passionate about ancient civilizations or simply want a scenic, educational, and inspiring day, this tour ticks many boxes.

If you appreciate stunning views, detailed stories, and sites that are less crowded, this trip will likely be a highlight of your Cusco visit. It’s a great way to see the diversity of Peru’s past—all in one day.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most likely, yes. It’s a full day of walking and exploring, so you should be comfortable with some long periods outdoors and uneven terrain.

How long are we at each site?
The itinerary suggests roughly an hour at Tipón, about an hour at Pikillaqta, and around 40 minutes at Andahuaylillas, enough to appreciate their features without feeling rushed.

Are meals included?
No. The tour price does not include snacks or drinks, so you might want to bring some or plan to buy something at the stops.

Can I choose the starting time?
Availability varies, but you can check whether a morning or afternoon shift fits your schedule.

Are guides available in my language?
Yes, guides speak both English and Spanish.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and weather-appropriate clothing. Outdoor sites may be exposed to the sun or wind.

Is entrance to Tipón and Pikillaqta included?
The tour mentions entrance tickets for Andahuaylillas, but you may need to purchase tickets separately for Tipón and Pikillaqta unless specified otherwise.

How big are the groups?
As a private tour, it typically involves just your party, ensuring a more personalized experience.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with mobility issues?
It depends on individual mobility; sites involve walking on uneven surfaces. It’s best to assess your comfort level for outdoor exploration.

This carefully curated tour provides a genuine taste of Peru’s archaeological, colonial, and natural wonders—all comfortably managed for your convenience. It’s a great way to deepen your understanding of Cusco’s surroundings without the rush or crowds of larger group excursions.