South Valley Cusco Tours

South Valley Cusco Tour – Half Day (5 Hours)

The South Valley Tour in Cusco is an excellent alternative for those looking to explore attractions beyond the Sacred Valley and the city of Cusco. This short but enriching route combines Inca archaeological remains, vestiges of pre-Inca cultures, and a remarkable example of Andean colonial art.

This half-day tour is perfect if you’re short on time and want to make the most of your visit by discovering sites of great historical and cultural value in just a few hours.

What places will you visit in Cusco’s South Valley?

1. Tipón – Inca Hydraulic Engineering
   The tour begins around 8:00 a.m., with pick-up from your hotel in the city. Our first stop is Tipón, an Inca archaeological site known for its advanced water channel system, agricultural terraces, and ceremonial enclosures. It is considered a masterpiece of Inca hydraulic engineering, where water still flows precisely through stone canals.

2. Pikillaqta – Pre-Inca Wari City
   Next, we head to Pikillaqta, an archaeological site that belonged to the Wari culture, which predates the Inca Empire. Here, you’ll see a planned city with straight streets, stone and adobe buildings, and an impressive urban layout for its time. It is one of the few preserved examples of Wari architecture in the region.

3. Andahuaylillas – The Sistine Chapel of America
   Our final stop is the town of Andahuaylillas, home to the Church of San Pedro, a jewel of colonial religious art. This 17th-century temple is known as the “Sistine Chapel of America” for its murals, golden altarpieces, and paintings from the Cusco School. The interior is richly decorated with artworks that depict religious scenes and elements of Andean-Christian fusion.

South Valley Tour Details

• Duration: Half day (approximately 5 hours)

• Schedule: Departure at 8:00 a.m. / Return at 1:00 p.m.

• Mode: Guided group or private tour

Why choose this tour?

The South Valley of Cusco is a less-visited route compared to the Sacred Valley, but it offers an authentic experience with fewer tourists and unique landscapes. It’s an ideal addition to your travel itinerary, especially if you’ve already visited Machu Picchu or the archaeological sites in northern Cusco.

You’ll get a close look at three important stages in Peru’s history: the pre-Inca Wari culture, the development of the Inca Empire, and the emergence of colonial religious art.