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SOUTH VALLEY - ANDAHUAYLILLAS

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Embark on a journey to the South Valley of Cusco, where each stop holds secrets of the Andean past. From ancient paths to temples that amaze both inside and out, this tour is a perfect blend of history, landscapes, and mystery.

SUMMARY

ITINERARY

INCLUSIONS

TiPS

PHOTOS

FAQS

Resumen del tour

The SOUTH VALLEY - ANDAHUAYLILLAS tour guide will take us southwest of Cusco into the amazing South Valley. Along the way, we’ll follow the legendary Qapaq Ñan, also called the “Gran Camino Inca”. This ancient route once linked the most important corners of the mighty Inca Empire.

Our first place is a wild blend of pre Inca genius and jaw-dropping water engineering. We’ll wander through lush terraces and stone-built fountains that still flow today. Tipón might just blow our minds with its advanced irrigation system—smart, powerful, and way ahead of its time.

Then we’ll cruise over to Pikillaqta, an archaeological giant left behind by the Wari culture. We’ll stroll through massive streets and sky-high walls, tracing the layout of a pre Inca city. It might feel like stepping into a time machine, where every corner tells a story.

Our next adventure lands us in Andahuaylillas, a small town with a big surprise. Locals nicknamed the Church of Andahuaylillas the “Little” Sistine Chapel of America, and we’ll check it out in person. Inside, we’ll find walls covered in jaw-dropping murals, some altars, and baroque flair everywhere. The church mixes colonial charm with Andean soul, and it might leave us speechless.

All day, we’ll enjoy beautiful landscapes filled with winding rivers, green valleys, and traditional villages. Every turn on the road will bring something new to see or learn. We’ll head back to Cusco with full hearts and amazing stories. Trust us, this South Valley day trip will be one for the books.

This isn’t just a tour—it’s a full-on adventure through the roots of the Andes. The Inca spirit is alive out here, and we’ll feel it with every step.

Day Tour Itinerary: South Valley in Cusco

We’ll start this memorable day trip to the South Valley in Cusco with hotel pick-up between 8:00 and 8:30 AM. Our tour guide will meet us and introduce the day's route and highlights. We will travel south west of Cusco, heading toward ancient sites rich in history and beauty. This route follows part of the Qapaq Ñan, also known as the “Gran Camino Inca”.

Tipón (3,560 metres above sea level)
After a short 45-minute drive southwest of Cusco, we’ll reach the amazing site of Tipón, just 22 kilometers from the city. When we reach this ancient site, high in the Andes, we’ll step into a fascinating world of pre-Inca architecture and smart water engineering. Tipón showcases religious fountains, stone canals, and lush agricultural terraces that highlight pure engineering brilliance.

Our tour guide will share how Tipón was once a sacred space for rituals, farming, and water worship. We'll stroll along wide stone paths, visit sacred places, and take in a landscape where nature and buildings blend beautifully together. As part of the great Qapaq Ñan, or Gran Camino Inca, this site played a vital role in connecting the Inca empire.

Pikillaqta (3,200 meters above sea level)
We'll begin the route in Tipón and follow the Qapaq Ñan trail for about 10 kilometers until we reach Pikillaqta. As we arrive, we’ll step into one of the most well-preserved pre Inca cities of Peru. We’ll see the city of stone-lined streets, high walls, and religious courtyards. Each layout reveals the Wari’s advanced urban planning skills. The site stretches across a dry, open valley, with stunning views of the Huacarpay Lagoon glimmering in the distance.

Our guide will explain how Pikillaqta functioned as an administrative and political hub, and possibly a military stronghold. We might find remnants of towers, reservoirs, and even temples built to control the surrounding region.

Andahuaylillas (3,122 meters above sea level)
On the way, we’ll stop in Andahuaylillas, a quiet and colorful town just 13 km from Pikillaqta. Here, time seems to slow down as we walk into one of the most charming spots in the South Valley in Cusco. The stunning Church of Andahuaylillas is often called the Sistine Chapel of America.

We’ll enter the church and find ourselves surrounded by altars, vivid murals, and baroque decorations. This colonial church is part of the Andean Baroque Route, a journey through sacred art and cultural fusion. Our tour guide will share the deeper meaning behind the artwork and its unique Andean-Spanish symbolism.

After the visit, we’ll have a moment to wander the quiet plaza, try a local snack, or take in the beautiful mountain views. Upon our return to Cusco, we’ll make our way back to the Plaza de Armas Cusco. Around 2:00 PM, we’ll arrive in the city where our adventure began. Our guide will share final insights and maybe a few more travel tips.

Day’s Statistics

Total Distance Traveled: 90 km
Highest Altitude: 3,560 m (Tipón)
Lowest Altitude: 3,122 m (Andahuaylillas)
Route: Qapaq Ñan - South Valley in Cusco
Difficulty Level: Easy – suitable for all ages

INCLUSIONS

Professional bilingual tour guide (Spanish and English)

Tourist transportation for the entire duration of the tour

Guided visits to all the main tourist sites along the route

EXCLUSIONS

Entrance tickets (required):

Partial Tourist Ticket: S/.70.00 PEN (valid for 1 day, covers this tour only)

General Tourist Ticket: S/.130.00 PEN (valid for 10 days, also covers Sacred Valley, Moray, and more)

Snacks and lunch

Any services not mentioned in the inclusions

Special medication (health-related treatment during the tour, please do so only with your doctor’s recommendation and approval)

Recommendations for the tour

Bring the ID or passport (required for entrance)

Hat or cap for sun protection

Sunglasses and sunscreen

Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers

Light jacket or windbreaker (mornings can be cool)

Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated

Cusco Tourist Ticket (Partial or General)

FAQS

What time does the tour start and end?

We will start with hotel pick-up between 8:00 and 8:30 AM. The tour ends around 2:00 PM at Plaza de Armas Cusco.

Do I need to be physically fit for this tour?

We rate the tour as easy. It’s suitable for all fitness levels, with gentle walking and no strenuous hiking.

Will a guide be with us the entire time?

Yes, a professional bilingual tour guide (Spanish and English) will accompany us at every stop.

What should we wear?

Wear comfortable clothes, walking shoes, and bring a light jacket. The weather can change quickly in the Andes.

Are meals or snacks included?

No, the tour does not include meals or snacks. We recommend bringing light snacks and water.

Can we buy souvenirs during the tour?

Yes! In Andahuaylillas, there are small markets with local crafts, textiles, and snacks.

Is this tour suitable for children or older adults?

Absolutely. This is a family-friendly tour, ideal for all ages thanks to its easy pace and short distances.

Gallery

2 Reviews

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Lisa B.

Solo Traveller

“A Peaceful Stop with Incredible Art”
Andahuaylillas was the highlight of our South Valley tour. The small town has such a peaceful vibe, and the church is nothing short of spectacular. The art and architecture inside are absolutely breathtaking, and the history behind it all is just as impressive. I’m so glad we made this stop — a must-see if you’re exploring outside of Cusco!

October 18, 2024

Mael G.

Solo Traveller

“Hidden Gems of the South Valley!”
What an amazing day! The church in Andahuaylillas absolutely blew me away — it really does feel like the Sistine Chapel of the Americas. The mix of Andean and colonial art is something I’ve never seen before. Our guide gave us such rich context that made everything even more fascinating. Highly recommend this tour if you want to see something truly unique off the beaten path.

April 13, 2024

SOUTH VALLEY – ANDAHUAYLILLAS