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South Valley Tour Cusco Half Day

Starting from USD25 per person

Dificulty

Easy

Duration

1 Day

Group Size

15 a 19 people

Max Altitude

3,400 msnm

Description

Discover the Inca, Pre-Inca, and Colonial legacy in a single tour.

The South Valley Tour is a fascinating half-day excursion that takes you on a cultural journey through three remarkable historical stages: Inca, Pre-Inca, and Colonial. Ideal for travelers who want to experience an authentic connection with the nature, architecture, and spirit of the Andes, this tour is one of the best Cusco day trips for culture lovers and history enthusiasts.

As part of the South Valley Tour, you will pass through picturesque Andean towns that still preserve their colonial mansions and ancestral traditions. The adventure begins at Tipón, an impressive Inca site dedicated to water worship. This archaeological complex showcases an advanced irrigation system that remains functional today—an extraordinary example of ancient engineering and sacred landscape design.

Next, the tour continues to Pikillaqta, a massive Pre-Inca urban center built by the Wari culture. Known as the “Chinese Wall of Cusco” for its scale and fortification, it offers a rare look into the Inca and Wari heritage sites of Peru, predating the Inca Empire by centuries.

The final stop of the South Valley Tour is Andahuaylillas, a tranquil town renowned for housing the Sistine Chapel of the Andes. This 16th-century church, adorned with murals, gold leaf altars, and intricate frescoes, is one of the most dazzling examples of colonial religious art in Latin America. The surrounding valley and village life offer a peaceful contrast to the grandeur inside the chapel.

This tour is perfect for those seeking Peru off-the-beaten-path tours that combine history, sacred architecture, and cultural richness. Whether you’re a curious traveler or a passionate explorer, the South Valley Tour invites you to witness how past civilizations continue to shape the identity and beauty of the Cusco region.

Embark on a fascinating journey through the Southern Valley of Cusco, a region full of cultural treasures and breathtaking landscapes. This tour will take you through unique archaeological sites, vestiges of ancient civilizations, and a colonial gem that will leave you in awe.
Tipón Archaeological Site:
Admire the impressive agricultural terraces and the advanced Incan irrigation system that still works to this day. Tipón is a testament to the incredible hydraulic engineering of the Incas and a perfect place to connect with history and nature.
Pikillacta Archaeological Site:
Discover one of the most important pre-Incan cities of the Wari culture. Its imposing stone walls and urban layout reveal a highly organized society that flourished before the arrival of the Incas.
Andahuaylillas Church:
Known as the “Sistine Chapel of America,” this colonial church is a true artistic treasure. Its interior is adorned with magnificent frescoes and baroque decoration that make it one of the most beautiful churches in Peru.
This half-day trip through the Southern Valley of Cusco gives you the opportunity to explore the grandeur of ancient civilizations and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Andes. It is a unique experience for lovers of history, culture and unforgettable landscapes.

Discover the charm of Cusco’s South Valley on a morning tour full of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. This alternative tour will allow you to explore ancient civilizations, colonial architecture, and exquisite local gastronomy.

Pickup time: Between 08:30 a.m. and 09:00 a.m. from hotels in Cusco. We head southwest of the city to begin this incredible adventure.

Our first stop is Tipón, an Inca archaeological site known for its advanced irrigation system. Here, you will admire vertical and horizontal irrigation channels over stepped terraces, showcasing the Incas’ mastery in water management. This site was an important agricultural production center in its time.

We continue to Pikillacta, one of the best-preserved pre-Inca cities in Peru. Covering approximately 50 hectares, this site belonged to the Wari culture and features impressive stone walls and an organized urban layout. Its name comes from Quechua: “Piki” (flea or small) and “Llaqta” (town), which could be translated as “Flea Town” or “Small Town.”

Our last stop is Andahuaylillas, home to one of the most beautiful churches in America. Its colonial architecture, along with its stunning frescoes, wood carvings, and baroque decorations, has earned it the title of the “Sistine Chapel of America.”

Throughout the tour, you will have the opportunity to taste the delicious local gastronomy, with typical dishes such as roasted guinea pig, chicharrón, or chairo, a traditional Andean soup.

Return time: Approximately 2:00 p.m. in the city of Cusco. We conclude this enriching experience full of history, culture, and unforgettable landscapes.

Ready to discover Cusco’s South Valley? Don’t miss this fascinating journey through time!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
This tour to Cusco’s South Valley lasts half a day, allowing you to enjoy a free afternoon to continue exploring the city.

We recommend using this time to visit some of Cusco’s fascinating museums and colonial temples, such as:

  • Regional Historical Museum
  • Inca Museum
  • Machu Picchu Museum
  • Museum of Pre-Columbian Art
  • The Church of the Society of Jesus

📌 Tour details
Tour duration: Half-day (6 hours)
🥾 Total hiking time: 3 hours
🟢 Difficulty level: Easy
📉 Minimum altitude: 2,800 m / 9,186 ft
📈 Maximum altitude: 3,400 m / 11,154 ft

Incluye

✓ PRE-DEPARTURE BRIEFING OR PHONE CALL

  • The night before the tour, you will receive a WhatsApp call from your guide, who will provide important information about your trip. To ensure you receive all necessary details, it is essential that you provide accurate and complete personal information.

✓ FIELD STAFF

  • Professional Guides:
    Our official tour guides speak English and Spanish and are professionally trained and certified. We select them for their experience, responsibility, passion for exploration, and pride in sharing our culture and history. In every experience, they will keep you safe and comfortable so you can enjoy your time worry-free.

✓ TRANSPORTATION

  • All transportation is included in this tour. You will be picked up from your hotel and travel in private transportation along with the group to the excursion site. We provide specialized transportation for the Sacred Valley tour, ensuring a comfortable journey between each point of interest.

✓ EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT AND REMOTE MEDICAL ASSISTANCE

  • First Aid Kit:
    We carry alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, iodine tincture, germicidal soap, cotton, gauze, bandages, medical adhesive tape, surgical gloves, pain relievers for muscle and stomach aches, and antipyretics. If you take prescription medications, you may bring your own.
  • Portable oxygen tank.

✓ IMPORTANT:

  • Please note that only a medical professional can issue a prescription. Our guides DO NOT have the authority to prescribe treatment to clients. Throughout the hike, all medications will be administered with your consent and under your own responsibility. If you have a prescription, it is recommended that you bring your own medication(s).

No Incluye

× CUSCO TOURIST TICKET:

  • This ticket is required and allows entry to many of Cusco’s most popular attractions, including archaeological sites and museums in the Sacred Valley.

Prices range from 70.00 soles (US$ 20.00) to 130.00 soles (US$ 36.00) per person.

× ENTRANCE TICKET TO THE CHAPEL OF ANDAHUAYLILLAS:

  • The entrance fee is 20 soles per person (US$ 6.00).

× CLOTHING AND PERSONAL HIKING GEAR.

× TRAVEL INSURANCE:

  • This is not a requirement, but we always recommend that our clients obtain it in case of flight issues or unexpected health problems. Please check if your travel insurance policy has altitude restrictions, as some policies are void above 4,000 m / 13,123 ft.

× ADDITIONAL COSTS:

  • Delays beyond administrative control (landscape, bad weather, itinerary changes due to safety concerns, illness, changes in government policy, political instability/strikes, etc.).

✓ TIPS FOR YOUR CREW:

  • Tipping is customary in tourism or any excursion. Although we pay fair wages to our entire team, an extra tip is always appreciated, especially considering their hard work. Typically, group participants pool their tips.
  • Original ID or passport.
  • Sun hat and wool hat for different temperatures.
  • Warm clothing (jacket, scarf, gloves, hat).
  • Short-sleeved shirt.
  • Hiking shoes or waterproof boots for greater comfort; rubber or thick-soled sneakers are an excellent option.
  • Rain gear: A good raincoat and rain pants (only for the rainy season).
  • Long pants.
  • Sunglasses.
  • Small backpack for water, snacks, camera, etc.
  • 2 liters of water (there are options to purchase along the route).
  • Snacks such as apples, cereal bars, candy, and chocolates.
  • Personal medical kit.
  • Sunscreen.
  • Cash in soles for personal expenses.

✓ Price per person:
$25 USD – Adults

✓ Price Guarantee:

  • Once your reservation is confirmed, we guarantee that the price will not increase under any circumstances. Therefore, before booking, please make sure to read all the important information about the tour.

✓ How to Book:

  • You can reserve your spot online through our website, where our booking platform will guide you step by step. The tour payment can be made with any credit or debit card, and you can also pay in your home currency for added convenience.

Please note that IZIPAY charges a 5% fee, which we ask the customer to cover as it is due to the use of their service. This fee applies only to online deposits.

✓ CANCELLATION POLICY:

  • Partial refund: If you cancel within 24 hours but before 5:00 p.m. the day before, you will receive a 50% refund.
  • No refund: Cancellations made after 5:00 p.m. the day before the tour are not eligible for a refund.

✓ Recommendations:

  • We strongly recommend that you fully understand all booking and cancellation policies before making your payment to ensure that your investment is protected and that you have a seamless booking experience for your adventure.

✓ Group Excursions:

  • Group trips consist of people with different physical conditions and ages, meaning some may be faster or slower than others. By joining a group trip, you accept that each person may move at their own pace along the route.
    There may be instances where a group wishes to modify the itinerary; however, the guide will make the final decision after consulting all participants to determine if the changes are possible.

✓ Customer Pickup:
Please note:

  • All pickups take place within the city of Cusco, but we recommend booking a hotel in the historic center with a convenient location. Our guide or staff will confirm the pickup time one day before the tour. Due to traffic conditions, the pickup time may vary by 30 to 45 minutes.
    Cusco is an ancient city with many narrow, cobbled streets. Some hotels and Airbnbs are located on streets inaccessible to vehicles or on steep inclines, making luggage transportation difficult. We strongly recommend choosing accommodations with easy access.

✓ Lost Items:

  • Please pay attention to where you place your belongings and remember to collect everything before leaving our transportation, campsites, or restaurants. You are solely responsible for your belongings during the tour.

✓ Weather:

  • The weather is, of course, unpredictable. Generally, Cusco’s dry season runs from April to October, but that doesn’t mean it won’t rain in June or that the sun won’t shine in December. Be prepared! Regardless of the month, make sure to bring rain gear, including a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho, and gloves. Many people forget about gloves, but the cold and humidity can make the hike quite unpleasant.

Additionally, be ready for four seasons in one day. Hiking in the Andes involves several microclimates, so preparation is key. Layering is essential, as it allows you to adjust to temperature changes easily. Bring a warm jacket, as nighttime temperatures can be freezing.

✓ Altitude Sickness (Soroche) & Stomach Issues:

For travelers arriving in Cusco directly from sea-level locations, we recommend arriving at least two days before your trek. Two of the most common health issues among tourists in Cusco are altitude sickness (Soroche) and stomach issues caused by slow digestion.

  • Altitude Sickness: Some symptoms include headaches and nausea. Over-the-counter medications like Aspirin, Diamox, Sorojchi Pills, or Alti Vital can help minimize symptoms. If symptoms persist, oxygen use is the next step. Our team is equipped and ready to assist hikers in such situations.

  • Stomach Issues: It is recommended to drink 3-4 liters of water per day to stay hydrated. Hot drinks such as coca leaf tea are especially beneficial. Eat light, digestible foods such as soups, vegetables, and non-fried carbohydrates. Sweets, chocolates, cookies, and fruits are also good options. Avoid alcohol and smoking.

Try to sleep at least 8 hours and avoid excessive exercise. Keep your body at a comfortable temperature by wearing warm clothing. During altitude adaptation, follow this general rule: eat in moderation and drink plenty of fluids.

This valley was a sacred area for the Incas as it encompassed a vast and highly productive agricultural region. The main crops cultivated by the Incas included corn, potatoes, olluco, quinoa, and coca leaves, which were considered sacred.

The tour lasts approximately 6 hours. It starts in the morning with hotel pickup and ends around 2:00 PM in the city of Cusco.

Many people arrive the same way as you. Along the route, Cusco is the highest point, while other locations are at lower altitudes. However, the guide will always be attentive to your well-being.

The Southern Valley tour is one of the most comfortable. However, every site visited requires walking, as that is the only way to explore the archaeological sites. If someone has difficulty walking, we recommend booking a private tour, allowing you to move at your own pace without having to follow a group.

No, it is not necessary to purchase tickets in advance. All tickets for tourist sites can be purchased on the day of the tour.

The tour is available year-round, always subject to weather conditions.

We recommend booking in advance because we have high and low seasons, which affect the number of tourists we accommodate. To avoid any availability issues, it’s best to secure your spot early.

Any luggage that is not needed for the excursion should remain in Cusco. All hotels in Cusco are accustomed to and equipped for luggage storage. If you don’t have a place to leave your belongings, you can store them at our offices until the end of your adventure. We will ensure they are safely stored—so no worries!

The best time to visit Cusco is during the dry season, from May to September. During these months, the weather is more stable, with less chance of rain, making it easier to explore archaeological sites and enjoy outdoor activities.

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