Tour Tipón, Pikillaqta and Andahuaylillas | private tour |

Exploring Tipón, Pikillaqta, and Andahuaylillas: A Day of Ancient Marvels and Colonial Art

If you’re craving a day trip that combines engineering marvels, archaeological wonders, and colonial artistry, this private tour from Cusco is a treasure. For around $85 per person, you’ll spend the day exploring three distinctly different yet equally fascinating sites: Tipón, famed for its incredible water channels; Pikillaqta, a sprawling pre-Inca city built by the Wari culture; and the church of Andahuaylillas, often called the “Sistine Chapel of America” for its stunning murals. The tour lasts roughly a full day, with flexible morning or afternoon options.

What makes this experience stand out are the detailed stories behind each site—from the sophisticated hydraulic engineering of Tipón to the ancient urban planning of Pikillaqta, and finally to the colonial religious art that adorns Andahuaylillas. We especially appreciate the fact that it’s a private tour, meaning you get personalized attention and a flexible pace, ideal for those who want to really absorb each site without feeling rushed.

That said, one thing to consider is the travel time—it’s about 27 kilometers from Cusco, which is manageable, but it’s still a full day’s outing, so plan for some driving. Also, since the tour is structured around significant outdoor and indoor visits, comfortable shoes and a camera are must-haves.

This tour is perfect for travelers who love history, architecture, and unique engineering feats, and it appeals especially to those looking for a mix of culture and awe-inspiring sights. If you’re curious to see how ancient water systems still work today or want to walk through a city older than the Incas, this is a solid choice.

Key Points

• Unique hydraulic engineering at Tipón showcasing impressive water management techniques.
• Pre-Inca city Pikillaqta offers insight into Wari civilization ruins predating the Incas.
• The church of Andahuaylillas features murals and art often compared to the Sistine Chapel.
• The tour is private, providing personalized attention and flexibility.
• Cost of $85 per person includes transportation, a guide, and entry tickets.
• The trip runs roughly 4-5 hours, making it a manageable day trip from Cusco.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Experiences

Tipón: A Hydraulic Wonder

We loved the way Tipón exemplifies ancient engineering. Built around 500 years ago, this site was dedicated to the cult of water, and it shows in the carefully constructed terraces, aqueducts, and canals. As your guide explains, the system was designed to irrigate crops on twelve terraces, many still in use today by local farmers. The precision of the water channels, which still flow, reveals a level of sophistication that rivals many modern systems.

Standing at Tipón, you get a real sense of how important water was to both agriculture and spiritual life. The terraces are lush and green, a vivid reminder that these structures have been functioning for centuries. The site offers excellent photo opportunities and a chance to appreciate how the Incas and their ancestors manipulated the landscape to sustain themselves.

Pikillaqta: A Wari City of Imposing Scale

Next, we travel about 30 minutes to Pikillaqta, a sprawling urban center built by the Wari culture, which pre-dates the Incas. Covering over 3,000 hectares, Pikillaqta is an architectural mosaic of over 700 structures, including multi-story stone and mud buildings, terraces, and public spaces.

What struck us most was the scale and preservation of Pikillaqta. Walking among the remains, you realize that this was once a bustling metropolis, with well-planned streets and complex architecture. The site also features a carved condor head, which hints at the symbolic importance of certain animals in Wari culture.

A visitor remarked, “It felt like walking through a city that had its own vibrant life thousands of years ago, with stories etched into every wall.” It’s a rare chance to see the urban planning and social organization of a civilization that influenced later cultures, including the Incas.

Andahuaylillas: The “Sistine Chapel of America”

Our final stop is the church of Andahuaylillas, often called the “Sistine Chapel of America” thanks to its beautiful murals. Its interior is a feast of colorful frescoes and baroque detailing, many of which served as educational tools for indigenous populations during the evangelization efforts of the 16th century.

Inside, you’ll notice the detailed murals on the ceiling and walls, depicting biblical stories, saints, and scenes that served to teach Catholic doctrine. The church’s architecture and art combine colonial European styles with local craftsmanship—truly a visual narrative of cultural blending.

One reviewer noted, “The murals are so vibrant; you almost feel like you’re inside a storybook. It’s a beautiful reminder of the complex history of the region.” Visiting Andahuaylillas offers a chance to reflect on the cultural transformations that took place over centuries.

The Return to Cusco

After this full day of exploration, you’ll head back to Cusco, feeling enriched and inspired by what you’ve seen. The flexible timing means you can tailor the experience to your pace and interests, which is a real plus.

Practical Details & Value

This tour offers excellent value considering its inclusions: transportation, a professional guide speaking both English and Spanish, and tickets to the church of Andahuaylillas. The private group format ensures a more relaxed, personalized experience, ideal for those who dislike large crowds.

The timing flexibility—with options in the morning or afternoon—means you can choose a schedule that works best for your plans. The roughly 4-5 hour length keeps it manageable for a day trip, especially if you want to include other activities in Cusco afterward.

While the tour doesn’t include snacks, drinks, or the Cusco Tourist Ticket, these are easily arranged locally. The guide’s insights help turn what might be just ruins into fascinating stories, making the trip both educational and visually stunning.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This journey is perfect for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts, and those curious about ancient water engineering. If you’re interested in the pre-Inca civilizations and the colonial art that shaped the region’s history, you’ll find this tour rewarding. It’s also suitable for travelers who prefer a private, flexible experience over crowded group tours.

If you’re looking for a cultural highlight that combines outdoor exploration, historical storytelling, and impressive art, this day trip hits the mark. It’s especially good for those who want a well-rounded taste of Cusco’s diverse past without venturing too far from the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs roughly 4 to 5 hours, depending on the selected schedule and pace.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pick-up and drop-off at your hotel, making it convenient to start and end the day.

What languages are available for the guide?
Guides speak both English and Spanish, and the tour is designed as a private experience for personalized attention.

Are tickets to the church of Andahuaylillas included?
Yes, the entrance ticket to the church is included in the price.

Can I choose a morning or afternoon schedule?
Yes, the tour offers options in the morning (around 8 am) or afternoon (around 1 pm), depending on availability.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable shoes for walking, a camera, and sun protection are recommended. Since parts of the tour involve outdoor sites, be prepared for weather variations.

Is there any food or drinks included?
No, snacks and drinks are not included, so plan to bring your own if desired.

Will I need the Cusco Tourist Ticket?
The ticket is not included in the tour price, and you might consider purchasing it separately if you plan to visit other sites during your stay.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, it’s suitable for most ages, especially those interested in history, architecture, and culture. However, comfort with walking and outdoor exposure is advised.

In essence, this private tour offers a well-balanced look at some of the most intriguing archaeological and colonial sites near Cusco. Whether you’re captivated by ancient engineering or moved by vivid murals, it’s a day that stitches together the many layers of Peruvian heritage, all at a reasonable price and with plenty of space for your questions and curiosity.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby