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Cusco South Valley Tour

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Duration

Half Day

Type of tour

Historical

Difficulty

Easy

Best Time

All year round

The Southern Valley Tour in Cusco is a simple and comfortable experience, ideal for those with limited time who want to make the most of their stay. In this half-day tour, you will visit iconic sites that showcase the cultural and archaeological richness of the southern valley: Tipón, with its impressive terraces and Inca canals; Pikillaqta, a pre-Inca city of the Wari culture that demonstrates remarkable urban planning; and Andahuaylillas, home to the famous church known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas.”

This tour requires no physical effort, making it suitable for all ages. It combines nature, history, and art in an accessible and well-organized circuit—perfect for travelers who want to explore more of Cusco in a short time in a comfortable and enriching way.

  • 08:30 a.m. – Hotel Pickup: Coordination of meeting point in case of Airbnb or remote areas.
  • Departure from Cusco (9:00 a.m.): Start of the tour heading to the southern Cusco valley.
  • Tipón: Inca complex with terraces and functioning water canals, an example of hydraulic engineering.
  • Pikillaqta: Pre-Inca city of the Wari culture, with streets, enclosures, and walls showcasing its urban planning.
  • Andahuaylillas: Colonial town with the Church of San Pedro Apóstol, known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas” for its murals and decorations.
  • 2:30 p.m. – Return to Cusco: Transfer back to the hotel and end of service.

The Southern Valley Tour in Cusco begins around 8:30 a.m. with hotel pickup and departure heading south of the city. Along the way, you will enjoy beautiful Andean landscapes, cultivated fields, and picturesque traditional villages. The first stop is Tipón, an Inca archaeological complex renowned for its impressive system of agricultural terraces and water canals, still functioning thanks to mountain springs. In addition to its agricultural purpose, it is believed to have had a ceremonial use linked to water worship, considered a sacred element by the Incas.

The tour continues to Pikillaqta, an extensive pre-Inca city of the Wari culture that flourished between 500 and 900 A.D. This site stands out for its planned urban design, with wide streets, rectangular enclosures, plazas, and walls covering more than 50 hectares. Walking among its walls allows you to imagine the life of one of the most important civilizations in the Andes before the Incas.

Finally, you will visit the town of Andahuaylillas, famous for its Church of San Pedro Apóstol, known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas” for the beauty of its murals, Cusco School paintings, gilded altarpieces, and its historic colonial organ. Built in the 17th century, this temple is one of the finest examples of Andean Baroque art. After the visit, the tour returns to Cusco, arriving at the hotel at approximately 2:30 p.m.

This half-day tour is an excellent option for those who want to complement their stay in Cusco with an experience that combines Inca hydraulic engineering, pre-Inca urbanism, and colonial art in a single journey.

¿Qué incluye?

  • Tourist transportation: Comfortable and safe throughout the tour.
  • Hotel pickup: In Cusco’s historic center (coordination for remote areas or Airbnb).
  • Certified professional guide: Expert information in Spanish and English.
  • First aid kit: To ensure safety during the tour.
  • Lunch (optional): Includes one hot beverage.

No incluye

  • Partial Tourist Ticket: Required for entry to some archaeological sites such as Chinchero, Moray, Ollantaytambo, and Pisac. (70 soles)
  • Entrance to the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas” in Andahuaylillas: 15 soles
  • Meals not included: (optional lunch)
  • Extra expenses: Personal purchases, souvenirs, and tips

Recomendaciones

  • Documentation: Valid ID or passport required for entry to archaeological sites.
  • Clothing: Comfortable layered clothing, ideally with a windbreaker jacket, as temperatures may vary throughout the day.
  • Footwear: Suitable shoes for walking on uneven terrain, preferably trekking shoes.
  • Sun protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat or cap to protect yourself from the sun.
  • Hydration: A bottle of water to stay hydrated during the tour.
  • Food: Light snacks to regain energy between visits, especially if you prefer an alternative to lunch.
  • Cash: Peruvian soles for entrance fees not included, personal purchases, and souvenirs, as some establishments do not accept cards.
  • Acclimatization: If you have just arrived in Cusco, it is recommended to rest and avoid intense physical activity before the tour to better adapt to the altitude.
  • Respect for heritage: Avoid touching or leaning on archaeological structures and always follow the guide’s instructions.
  • Punctuality: Respect hotel pickup times and the schedule of each visit to ensure the itinerary is followed.

Enjoy this unique experience in the Southern Valley!

How much does the Southern Valley Tour in Cusco cost?

Our Southern Valley Tour in Cusco offers two service options so you can choose the one that best suits your experience:

  • Standard Service: Includes shared tourist transportation and a professional bilingual guide, ideal for visiting the main attractions with comfort and at an affordable price.
  • Premium Service: Exclusive option with private transportation and a specialized guide only for your group (Spanish or English), providing greater comfort, flexibility, and personalized attention.

In either option, you will enjoy a tour of the main attractions of the Southern Valley, such as Tipón, Pikillaqta, and the Church of Andahuaylillas, known for their history, architecture, and natural beauty. Everything is carefully organized to ensure a comfortable, enriching, and unforgettable experience.

PRICE PER PERSON
SERVICE CATEGORY Foreign Adult Peruvian Adult Student Child
Standard Service Tour: tourist transportation, professional guide. 19 USD 19 USD 19 USD
Premium Tour: private transportation service, exclusive guide (Spanish, English). 39 USD 39 USD 39 USD
  1. What time does the tour start and end?
    The tour begins with hotel pickup in Cusco at 8:30 a.m. and ends at approximately 4:00 p.m. with return to the hotels.
  2. What places are visited on the tour?
    The tour includes visits to the archaeological sites of Tipón, Pikillaqta, and Andahuaylillas, with a stop in Saylla for lunch.
  3. Is lunch included in the tour?
    No, lunch is optional and takes place at a tourist restaurant in Saylla. It is recommended to bring cash in soles for this service.
  4. Is it necessary to purchase a tourist ticket?
    Yes, entry to the archaeological sites requires the Cusco Tourist Ticket. You can choose the partial ticket (S/ 70) or the full ticket (S/ 130), both payable in cash and in soles.
  5. Is the tour suitable for all ages?
    Yes, it is accessible for all ages. However, people with reduced mobility should consult before booking, as some walks include stairs and uneven terrain.
  6. What is the weather like in the Southern Valley?
    The weather is mild during the day and cool in the morning and evening. Layered clothing is recommended to adapt to temperature changes.
  7. What type of transportation is used?
    The tour is conducted in shared tourist transportation, equipped with oxygen and all necessary travel amenities.
  8. Can I shop during the tour?
    Yes, in Oropeza there is a handicraft market where you can buy textiles, jewelry, and other souvenirs. Cash is recommended, as some stalls do not accept cards.
  9. How can I book the tour?
    It is recommended to book in advance to guarantee availability. For more details, you can contact the tour operator.

CUSCO TOURIST TICKET

The Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC) is the official pass that grants access to the main archaeological sites, museums, and cultural centers in Cusco and its surroundings. This ticket is essential for those who want to explore the Cusco City Tour, the Sacred Valley, the South Valley, and other attractions in the region.

There are two main options: General Ticket and Partial Ticket.

GENERAL TICKET (BTG) Duration 10 days Includes 16 attractions:

  • In Cusco and surroundings: Sacsayhuamán, Qenqo, Pucapucara, Tambomachay.
  • In the Sacred Valley: Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, Moray.
  • In the South Valley: Tipón, Pikillacta
  • In the city of Cusco:
    • Museum of Popular Art
    • Qoricancha Site Museum
    • Regional Historical Museum
    • Qosqo Center of Native Art
    • Inca Pachacútec Monument

PRICES:

  • Foreign adult tourist: S/ 130
  • Foreign student (up to 25 years old, with ISIC or university card): S/ 70
  • National adult tourist: S/ 70
  • National student (with valid DNI, up to 25 years old): S/ 40
  • Important: Ideal for those who have several days in Cusco and wish to explore most of the attractions.

PARTIAL TICKET (BTP) Duration 1 or 2 days, depending on the chosen circuit Includes 3 available circuits:

Circuit I – Cusco City Tour:

  • Sacsayhuamán
  • Qenqo
  • Pucapucara
  • Tambomachay

Circuit II – Museums and South Valley:

  • Tipón
  • Pikillacta
  • Qoricancha Museum
  • Regional Historical Museum
  • Inca Pachacútec Monument
  • Museum of Popular Art
  • Qosqo Center of Native Art

Circuit III – Sacred Valley:

  • Pisac
  • Ollantaytambo
  • Chinchero
  • Moray

PRICES (ANY CIRCUIT):

  • Foreign adult or student tourist: S/ 70 (no additional discount).
  • National adult or student tourist: S/ 40 (no additional discount).
  • Important: Perfect for those with limited time who will only visit one circuit.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

  • The BTC does not include Machu Picchu, Cusco Cathedral, or the Qoricancha Temple (these tickets must be purchased separately).
  • Children under 9 years old enter for free.
  • Students must present a valid university card (up to 25 years old) or an ISIC card.
  • Tickets are personal and non-transferable.
  • Tickets can only be purchased at COSITUC offices or at authorized tourist sites.

CONCLUSION

  • The General Ticket is the best option for those who want to make the most of their visit to Cusco over several days.
  • The Partial Ticket is the most practical alternative for those with limited time or who want to explore just one specific circuit.

From: $19.00 / person

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IMPORTANTE

To enjoy the full Machu Picchu experience, it is essential to book in advance, especially for Circuit 2, which is the most recommended. This tour offers the most comprehensive coverage of the citadel, combining breathtaking panoramic views with the most important archaeological sites.

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