Cusco South Valley Tour | Tipón, Pikillacta and Andahuaylillas

Duration
Full Day
Service
Group
Pickup
Hotel
Cancel
Non-refund
Guide
Difficulty
Easy

About this experience

Discover the hidden cultural treasures of Cusco with our Cusco South Valley Tour, a full-day journey through history, archaeology, and stunning Andean scenery. Explore Tipón, an impressive Inca engineering masterpiece; Pikillacta, a vast pre-Inca city built by the Wari culture; and Andahuaylillas, home to the “Sistine Chapel of America.” This South Valley Cusco Tour offers a rich blend of ancient civilizations and colonial art, guided by local experts who bring each site to life. Perfect for travelers seeking authentic experiences beyond Machu Picchu or Rainbow Mountain, it’s a relaxing and cultural escape into the lesser-known heart of the Andes. 

Detailed itinerary

Day 1: Cusco South Valley Tour | Tipón, Pikillacta & Andahuaylillas

Our Cusco South Valley Tour | Tipón, Pikillacta & Andahuaylillas begins with hotel pickup in Cusco around 8:00 AM. We will travel southeast along the beautiful Andean landscapes, passing small villages and valleys rich in culture and history. The route offers a more peaceful experience compared to the Sacred Valley, ideal for travelers seeking authentic exploration.

 Tipón – Inca Engineering Wonder

We will arrive at Tipón, located about 23 kilometers from Cusco. This archaeological site sits at an altitude of 3,560 meters above sea level. Tipón is famous for its complex network of agricultural terraces and advanced irrigation channels that still function today.

Our professional guide will explain how the Incas used this site for agricultural experimentation and water worship. We will walk through the terraces, listen to the sound of flowing water, and admire the precision of Inca stonework. The natural scenery surrounding Tipón provides stunning panoramic views, perfect for photography and relaxation.

 

 Pikillacta – Pre-Inca Wari City

Next, we will continue our Cusco South Valley Tour to Pikillacta, one of the most impressive pre-Inca archaeological complexes in southern Peru. The site lies 32 kilometers from Cusco and stands at an altitude of 3,250 meters above sea level.

Pikillacta was built by the Wari civilization, which flourished long before the Inca Empire. We will explore its vast network of streets, stone walls, and rectangular buildings that once housed thousands of people. Your guide will share stories about Wari architecture and urban planning, which influenced later Andean cultures. We will also enjoy sweeping views of the Huacarpay Lagoon, a natural sanctuary for migratory birds.

Andahuaylillas – The Sistine Chapel of America

Our final stop is the charming town of Andahuaylillas, located about 40 kilometers from Cusco at an altitude of 3,122 meters above sea level. This colonial town is home to the Church of San Pedro de Andahuaylillas, often called the “Sistine Chapel of America.”

We will admire the church’s baroque front and enter to see its incredible interior filled with gold-leaf altars, colorful murals, and religious paintings from the Cusco School of Art. The guide will explain how this church reflects the blend of Andean and Spanish cultures, a hallmark of Cusco’s colonial history.

After visiting the church, we will enjoy some free time to stroll through the main square, interact with locals, or shop for handicrafts.

After a full day of exploration, we will return to Cusco in the late afternoon. During the drive back, we will enjoy beautiful mountain and valley views while reflecting on the history, culture, and artistry of the South Valley. We will arrive in Cusco around 4:30 PM., ending the tour with unforgettable memories.

Note: itineraries are subject to change.

Inclusions & exclusions

What's included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off in central Cusco
  • Comfortable tourist-class transportation
  • Professional bilingual tour guide (Spanish/English)
  • Guided visits to Tipón, Pikillacta, and Andahuaylillas (Church of San Pedro)
  • Entrance ticket to the Church of Andahuaylillas
  • First aid kit and assistance during the tour

What's not included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off in central Cusco
  • Comfortable tourist-class transportation
  • Professional bilingual tour guide (Spanish/English)
  • Guided visits to Tipón, Pikillacta, and Andahuaylillas (Church of San Pedro)
  • Entrance ticket to the Church of Andahuaylillas
  • First aid kit and assistance during the tour

Frequently asked questions

We answer your questions about this tour

1 What does the Cusco South Valley Tour include?

The tour includes visits to the archaeological sites of Tipón, Pikillacta, and Andahuaylillas, as well as stops at scenic Andean viewpoints along the route. It also includes round-trip transportation, a professional bilingual guide, and entrance tickets (depending on your package).

2 Who built Pikillacta?

Pikillacta was built by the Wari culture, one of the most advanced pre-Inca civilizations. This archaeological site functioned as an administrative and military center long before the Inca Empire expanded across the Andes.

3 When is the best time to do the Cusco South Valley Tour?

The tour can be done year-round, thanks to its proximity to Cusco and paved roads. However, the dry season from April to October offers clearer skies and better photographic opportunities. During the rainy season, it’s recommended to bring a waterproof jacket and comfortable non-slip shoes.

4 What is the difficulty level of the Cusco South Valley Tour?

The circuit is easy and suitable for travelers of all ages. Most visits involve short walks around the archaeological sites and churches, with minimal physical effort required.

5 What should we bring for the South Valley Tour?

We recommend carrying comfortable clothing, a hat, sunscreen, bottled water, and a camera. During the rainy season, bring a poncho or light rain jacket.

6 What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellations made 30 days or less before the tour date will result in a 100% loss of the total payment. Cancellations made 31 days or more before the travel date may vary according to the specific departure and itinerary. Please contact our travel agent for detailed information.

7 Is this tour suitable for families or older adults?

Yes. The Cusco South Valley Tour | Tipón, Pikillacta & Andahuaylillas is perfect for families, couples, and seniors since the pace is relaxed and the sites are easily accessible.

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Traveler Experiences

What our travelers say about our Machu Picchu tours

Our reputation is built on the experiences of real travelers. With more than 1,200 verified reviews across TripAdvisor and Google, we are consistently rated 4.9 out of 5 — one of the top-rated Machu Picchu tour operators in Cusco.

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Tripadvisor

"Punctuality, very attentive guide and perfect organization. From the hotel exit, transit by train, lunch schedule and guided tours."

AS

Andrey S.

October 14, 2025

Google

"Machu Picchu Peru Tours full day Sacred Valley was an amazing highlight of our trip to Peru. Do not miss it! Our driver Julio Cesar took us on time and safely to all amazing places and experiences beating the crowds. The guide, Erik, was the most passionated guide I've met. An incredible story teller, knowledgeable and giving us a superb experience. It was a real perfect day and an amazing almost private tour feeling like a super engaging history class. Don't think twice."

PN

Patricia N.

A year ago

Tripadvisor

"A very enriching experience, a lot of history, although it rained that day, was a good for nothing our tour. Our guide was very attentive and professional."

MR

Maria R.

October 12, 2025

Google

"We had a amazing tour with Machu pichu Peru tours to the vinicunca mountain, or the rainbow mountain. Tour was well organised and your tour guide took really good care of us. Also the breakfast and lunch was quite good. We can totally recommend this tour organisation."

DK

Daniel K.

2 years ago

Tripadvisor

"The tour starts very early type 3-4 am, how good you can sleep on the way, we breakfast in a very good buffet and then depart for the mountain. Here the height is the problem, you can walk up but it requires a lot of condition, the good thing is that there are horses that you can pay and for 90 suns they leave you 15-20 minutes from the top. Wear layered clothes as you can warm up when climbing. We already walk down and the road is much easier. On horseback you go up in 40 minutes, you are on the mountain an hour to take pictures and the return is about 1 hour or so. In the end we still had lunch in the same very rich buffet!"

AC

Alejandra C.

October 12, 2025

Google

"I highly recommend Machu Picchu Peru Tour. Their service is incredible. I highly recommend their guides, especially Rocio and Jhordi. They are very professional and super friendly. My recommendation is because they have everything arranged and structured so we can fully enjoy the experience: transportation, lodging, food, and tourist attractions. I hope you can take advantage of traveling with them and enjoy it as much as we did."

CG

Cesar G.

8 months ago

Tripadvisor

"I liked the Service and attention I received, plus the quality of the guide who touched us to know the sacred valley on the way to Machu Picchu was first class, with extensive knowledge of the Inca culture and with very good explanation, I highly recommend them."

SM

Salvador M.

September 19, 2025

Google

"It was a wonderful experience. Getting to know one of the wonders of the world and learning its history in detail was very rewarding. We had an excellent guide who answered every one of our questions and her support was unconditional. The guide, Veronica Quispe, and the drivers who supported us were incredible. Thank you so much. They made the trip wonderful."

PN

Patty N.

10 months ago

Tripadvisor

"They were exceptional! Everything very organized, took care of all the details, we hired all the tours, lodging and transfer, we do not regret!"

SE

Sarah E.

October 12, 2025

Google

"The quality and friendliness of the staff were impressive. Wendy served us and was always very attentive to everything, responding quickly. They offer good options without breaking your budget. A short but substantial excursion. The guide Jaime knew everything in detail and provided excellent explanations. I recommend him, especially if you're traveling with children or older adults, as he really has everything under control."

AS

Ara S.

3 years ago

Tripadvisor

"Recommended! What a beautiful place!!! Most of us went up there on mules. Important to clarify if the person weighs more than 110 kg he will not be able to carry it and will have to walk up. It is still very expensive, to have proper footwear."

VL

Veronica L.

October 12, 2025

Google

"I had the wonderful experience of coordinating a group trip with Carolina from this agency, and it was very positive. They were always willing to help and facilitate the trip. On the tours, we had the opportunity to meet Alex on the Sacred Valley tour. He is an excellent guide, very friendly and knowledgeable about all the sites, making the tour very entertaining. In Machu Picchu, we were guided by Edmar, an excellent, knowledgeable, and friendly guide."

KD

Kevin D.

2 years ago

Google

"I loved that the travel agency made everything easy for me in Cusco. All I had to worry about was being on time for pickup and choosing what to eat at the buffet. The agency itself took care of everything. If I could highlight anything, it's the fact that I had a different guide on each tour, and they were all very kind and polite. They did their jobs well and knew how to explain the history of each place."

EG

Enrique G.

10 months ago

Google

"The excursion to the Sacred Valley of the Incas was a great one. Our guide, Veronica, accompanied us the entire time and did her best to make the experience as informative as possible."

AG

Agustin G.

A year ago