Short Itinerary
South Valley Day Tour: Tipón, Pikillacta & Andahuaylillas
- 8:00 AM: Hotel pickup in Cusco
- Tipón: Explore this Inca site famed for its advanced water channels, fountains, and terraces—a masterpiece of hydraulic engineering
- Oropesa: Visit a traditional bakery and taste “Pan de Oropesa,” the region’s famous artisan bread
- Pikillacta: Discover the pre-Inca Wari ruins, an impressive urban complex with stone-planned streets and plazas
- Andahuaylillas: Tour the Church of San Pedro—the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas”—renowned for its gold-leaf altars, murals, and Cusco School artwork
- ~3:00 PM: Return to Cusco
Detail Itinerary
We will pick you up at 8:00 a.m. directly from your hotel to begin our guided tour of Tipón, Pikillacta, and Andahuaylillas. Our journey will commence with a scenic drive to the southern region of Cusco, lasting approximately 30 minutes. Along the way, we will pass through the traditional town Saylla, where local vendors offer regional specialties such as chicharrón, a popular pork dish. Shortly thereafter, we will turn off the main road to visit our first archaeological site: Tipón. This remarkable Inca site is renowned for its sophisticated hydraulic engineering. Here, you will explore a network of stone canals and fountains designed to distribute water efficiently to each agricultural terrace, offering a profound insight into Incan mastery of water management.
After a comprehensive guided tour of Tipón, we will return to the main road and stop in the town of Oropesa, famous for producing the best bread in the Cusco region. With your guide, you will visit a traditional bakery and witness the bread-making process using centuries-old ovens, followed by a sampling of the renowned “Pan de Oropesa.”
We will then continue to the archaeological site of Pikillacta, an expansive pre-Inca complex attributed to the Wari civilization. This site presents a striking combination of historical architecture and natural beauty, showcasing an intricate urban layout that offers insights into the planning and organization of ancient civilizations.
Our final destination will be the town of Andahuaylillas, home to the Church of San Pedro, often referred to as the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas.” This remarkable church houses a stunning collection of Cusco School paintings, intricate murals, and ornate altars, many of which date back to the 16th and 17th centuries. Following this rich cultural experience, we will return to Cusco, arriving at approximately 3:00 p.m.
- Includes
- Tourist Van: Comfortable and reliable transportation will be provided throughout your Southern Valley tour. Our tourist van ensures smooth travel between all points of interest, allowing you to fully enjoy each destination.
- First Aid Kit: Both our tour guide and the transportation vehicle will be equipped with comprehensive first aid kits. These are prepared to address common medical concerns that may arise during the tour, including altitude sickness, gastrointestinal issues, and minor injuries such as cuts or scrapes.
- Oxygen Tank: Each of our transport vehicles carries an oxygen tank as a precautionary measure. Although the Southern Valley lies at a lower altitude than Cusco, your safety is our priority, and oxygen will be available if needed.
- English-speaking Tour Guide: A professional, English-speaking guide with in-depth knowledge of the Southern Valley will accompany the tour. The guide will provide insightful commentary and historical context at each site, enriching your overall experience.
- Not Included
- Tourist Ticket: Entry to the Inca archaeological sites requires a tourist ticket, which is not included in the tour price. The ticket costs 70 Peruvian Soles and must be purchased separately.
- Lunch: Lunch is not provided during the tour. However, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a meal upon returning to Cusco.
- Tips for the Staff: Gratuities for the tour staff are not included and are entirely optional. Nonetheless, tipping is increasingly common and appreciated in Peru as a gesture of satisfaction and appreciation.
IMPORTANT INFO
Things To Know
- During the weekends, particularly on Saturdays and Sundays, a significant number of people is expected to travel to the Southern Valley, as it is a popular destination for families residing in Cusco. This area, encompassing the towns of Tipón, Saylla, and Lucre, is well known for its traditional cuisine and open-air spaces, attracting visitors who seek to enjoy local dishes in a more relaxed, natural environment. Restaurants in these towns often experience high demand, especially during mealtimes. Among these two days, Sunday typically sees the heaviest crowds, with peak congestion occurring in both the morning and afternoon hours, making travel and dining more difficult during those times.
- This region, located in the southern part of Cusco, receives relatively few international tourists, making it a less crowded and more authentic destination. Instead, it is primarily frequented by local residents and national tourists who are drawn to its cultural significance, natural beauty, and tranquil atmosphere. The lower volume of foreign visitors allows for a more genuine experience of the local way of life, offering travelers the opportunity to engage more directly with the traditions and daily activities of the communities that inhabit the area.
- Last-minute bookings for the Peru Southern Valley tour are generally possible. However, during the peak travel season—typically from May through August—it is strongly recommended to make reservations at least one week in advance due to the limited availability of tour guides. Please note that entry tickets remain consistently available throughout the year.
- Bottled water is readily accessible for purchase at various stops along the Southern Valley tour route.
- Daily departures are available for all Southern Valley tours, with a minimum requirement of two participants per booking.
- Cash payment is essential for purchasing Southern Valley tourist tickets on-site, as credit cards are not accepted at the ticket counters.Pro Tips:
- Upon arriving in Cusco, avoid exploring the Sacred Valley immediately. It’s recommended to rest at your hotel for at least one day to acclimate to the high altitude, unless you are already accustomed to it.
- Even during the dry season, be prepared for unexpected rain, as getting wet could make your trip less comfortable.
Lost Object
When visiting the Southern Valley, it is essential to ensure that you keep all your personal belongings with you at all times, whether you are exploring the Inca site or dining at the restaurant. As a visitor, you are solely responsible for the care and security of your possessions throughout the duration of your visit. Taking proactive measures to safeguard your items not only helps prevent loss
Group Tours
Groups have people of different ages and physical abilities. When you become part of a group, you accept that some people may walk faster or slower than you. This means that not everyone will move at the same speed. Each person will go at a pace that is comfortable for them. It is important to be patient and understand that everyone is doing their best.
Strike and Demonstrations.
In Peru, strikes and protests are relatively common occurrences and frequently result in road blockages or other disruptions to transportation networks. Should a strike or protest take place during the dates of your scheduled trip and directly affect any of your planned activities, we will immediately notify you of the situation and cancel any impacted reservations or excursions. In such circumstances, we will offer you the option of a full refund for the services that cannot be delivered or, if you prefer, we will work with you to reschedule your plans for an alternative date that accommodates your travel itinerary.
Cancellations and Refunds:
- Full Refund Policy: If you cancel your booking at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled start of the tour, you will receive a full refund. Please note that any transaction fees charged by the bank are non-refundable and will be deducted accordingly.
- Partial Refund: If you cancel within 24 hours of the tour, but before 7 PM the day before, you will get half your money back.
- No Refund: If you cancel after 7 PM the day before the tour, you will not get any money back.
- Tourist Tickets To Access the Inca Sites In Southern Valley
- To access the Inca archaeological sites located in the Southern Valley, it is necessary to purchase a tourist entrance ticket. Visitors have the option to acquire either a General ticket, which grants access to multiple sites, or a Partial ticket, which permits entry to selected locations. These tickets can be obtained in advance either in the city of Cusco or directly at the entrance of the respective sites.
- It is important to note, however, that the ticket for entry to the Sixtine Church is not available for purchase in Cusco. Instead, this particular ticket must be acquired on-site at the church itself.
The General Tourist Ticket:
This ticket provides admission to sixteen significant tourist attractions located within the Cusco region. These include archaeological sites in the southern valley, a comprehensive tour of Cusco city, and various points of interest within the Sacred Valley. For visitors who wish to explore these destinations in detail, the “General Boleto Turístico” represents the most suitable choice. The cost of this ticket is 130 Peruvian Soles, which is approximately equivalent to 36 US dollars. A discounted rate of 70 Soles, or roughly 20 US dollars, is available for students upon presentation of valid identification. The validity period of the ticket extends to ten consecutive days from the date of purchase, allowing ample time for a thorough visit of the included sites.
Partial Tourist Ticket:
The Partial Tourist Ticket grants access for a single day and is specifically valid for visiting Inca archaeological sites located in the Southern Valley. This includes notable locations such as the Tipon hydraulic complex, the pre-Inca site of Pikillacta, and the main entrance to Rumicolca. It is important to note that this ticket does not offer any student discounts.
For travelers whose primary interest lies exclusively in exploring the Southern Valley—without participating in additional tours such as the city tour or the Sacred Valley excursion—this ticket represents the most appropriate and cost-effective option. The current price for the Partial Tourist Ticket is set at 70 Peruvian Soles, which is approximately equivalent to 20 US dollars.
San Pedro Church Ticket (Sixtina Church)
The entrance fee to visit San Pedro Church is 25 soles. This ticket also grants access to the Huaro Church; however, due to time constraints, we are unable to include a visit to the Huaro Church on this occasion
FAQ´S
How Can I Book Southern Valley With Pureq Travel?
- To book your Southern Valley trip with us, follow these simple steps:
- Click on “Book Now” to open our booking form.
- Choose your departure date.
- Enter all your personal information.
For payment, use a credit or debit card. You can pay the full amount or just a deposit. If you only pay the deposit, you can pay the remaining balance at our office in Cusco 2 days before you leave, using cash or a credit card. Note that if you use a credit card, there will be an additional charge of 5%.
Where Can I Buy The Tickets To Visit All The Inca Sites?
You do not need to purchase the tourist ticket in advance. Instead, you may buy it at the first Inca site we will visit, which is Tipón. Please ensure that you bring cash in Peruvian soles, as credit cards are not accepted at the site.
How Many People Do You Take Máximum In Your Sourthern Valley Tour from Cusco?
We are pleased to accommodate up to a maximum of eight guests, thereby ensuring a highly personalized and attentive level of service.
Can We Start Your Sourthern Valley Tour From Sacred Valley?
Yes, it is possible to begin your tour of the Southern Valley from the Sacred Valley. However, please be advised that this will be arranged as a private service. Should you wish to proceed, kindly send us a message to receive detailed information regarding the pricing for this private arrangement.
How Long Do You Spend In Each Inca Site?
At each location, we generally allocate a duration of approximately 45 minutes to one hour
Can I Book My Flight The Same Day Of The Tour?
Yes, it is possible to schedule your flight on the same day as the tour. However, we highly recommend selecting a departure time no earlier than 5:00 p.m., as the tour concludes at approximately 3:00 p.m. This schedule will provide you with sufficient time to reach the airport and complete any necessary check-in procedures without undue stress or haste.
Can You Pick Up From The Airport For The Surthern Valley Tour?
Yes, we will arrange for your pickup from the airport and commence your Southern Valley tour directly upon your arrival. However, we kindly request that your flight arrives no later than 7:30 PM in order to facilitate a timely start to the tour from the airport. Please note that there will be no additional charge for this service; the airport pickup will be provided free of cost.
Can You Drop Us In The Airport After The Souther Valley Tour?
Yes, we will arrange for your drop-off at the airport following your Southern Valley tour. As the airport is conveniently located along the route, it will be easy for us to accommodate this request at no additional cost.
If We Are A Group More Than 8 People, Can You Organize Our Southern Valley Tour?
We will gladly arrange the Southern Valley tours departing from Cusco exclusively for your group, ensuring a seamless and personalized experience. Given that your party consists of more than eight people, the tour will be organized solely for your group, providing a private and tailored itinerary without any inconvenience.
Can I Store My Luggage At Your Office?
You are welcome to leave your luggage at our office during your visit to the southern valley.
