Cusco South Valley Tour to Tipón, Pikillaqta and Andahuaylillas
Our Cusco South Valley Tour is a half-day cultural journey through three important periods of Peruvian history. Starting and finishing in Cusco, the route visits the Inca water terraces of Tipón, the pre-Inca Wari settlement of Pikillaqta, and the colonial Church of San Pedro in Andahuaylillas.
The experience lasts approximately five to six hours and is recommended for travelers interested in archaeology, engineering, architecture, and Andean history. Walking is limited to short visits over stone paths, terraces, and uneven ground, making the tour less demanding than a full-day excursion.
The service includes pickup from hotels in Cusco’s historic center, tourist transportation, and an English- and Spanish-speaking guide. Entrance fees and meals are paid separately, allowing travelers who already have a Cusco Tourist Ticket to use it for Tipón and Pikillaqta.
Small-group and private options are available. Our local team coordinates the route directly from Cusco, keeping the schedule focused on the three principal sites and returning early enough for travelers to use the remainder of the afternoon in the city.
Tour Highlights
- Working Inca water channels at Tipón
- Agricultural terraces and ceremonial fountains
- Pre-Inca Wari architecture at Pikillaqta
- Rumicolca Gate near the archaeological complex
- Colonial artwork inside Andahuaylillas Church
- Inca, Wari, and colonial history in one route
- Andean landscapes southeast of Cusco
- Return to Cusco in the early afternoon
Itinerary
Tour Itinerary
Click any day to expand/collapse
Day 1
8:30–9:00 AM | Hotel Pickup in Cusco
Your guide and driver will pick you up from a hotel within Cusco’s historic center. From there, travel southeast through traditional communities and farmland toward the South Valley.
Day 2
9:40 AM | Tipón Archaeological Complex
Begin at Tipón, where agricultural terraces are connected by finely engineered stone channels and flowing fountains. Your guide will explain how the Incas controlled and distributed water across the hillside while you explore the principal terraces and ceremonial structures. Expect short walks on stone paths, steps, and uneven ground.
Day 3
11:15 AM | Pikillaqta and Rumicolca Gate
Continue to Pikillaqta, a large pre-Inca settlement built by the Wari civilization centuries before the rise of the Inca Empire. Walk through part of its planned urban layout while learning about its streets, enclosed compounds, storage areas, and tall perimeter walls. The visit also includes a stop at the nearby Rumicolca Gate, an important structure associated with the historic road system through the southern Andes
Day 4
12:30 PM | Andahuaylillas Church
The final cultural stop is the Church of San Pedro Apóstol in Andahuaylillas. Its interior contains murals, carved wooden altars, religious canvases, and decorative work created during Peru’s colonial period. Because this remains an active religious site, access and photography are subject to the church’s current rules.
Day 5
1:30 PM | Return Through Saylla
Travel back toward Cusco through the district of Saylla. When the schedule permits, there may be time for an optional food stop to try local specialties. Food and drinks are paid directly by each traveler.
Day 6
Approximately 2:30 PM | Arrival in Cusco
The standard service finishes near Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, leaving the rest of the afternoon free for independent activities.
Tour Details at a Glance
- Total duration: Approximately 5–6 hours
- Departure: Between 8:30 and 9:00 AM
- Return: Around 2:30 PM
- Walking level: Light to moderate
- Terrain: Stone paths, terraces, steps, and uneven surfaces
- Service options: Small group or private
- Languages: English and Spanish
- Minimum booking: Two travelers
Inclusions
What Is Included
- Pickup from hotels within Cusco’s historic center
- Tourist transportation throughout the route
- Professional English- or Spanish-speaking guide
- Guided visits to Tipón, Pikillaqta, Rumicolca, and Andahuaylillas
- Return transportation to central Cusco
What Is Not Included
- Cusco Tourist Ticket required for Tipón and Pikillaqta
- Admission to Andahuaylillas Church
- Meals, snacks, and beverages
- Personal purchases
- Travel insurance
- Optional gratuities
Entrance Fees
- Partial Tourist Ticket – Circuit II: S/70 per person
- Andahuaylillas Church: Currently listed at approximately S/20 per person
Entrance fees are paid separately and may change without prior notice. Travelers who already hold a valid Integral Tourist Ticket or Circuit II ticket should bring it on the day of the tour.
Packing List
What to Bring
Keep your daypack light and carry only what you will use during the morning:
- Original passport or valid photo ID
- Valid student ID when using a student-rate ticket
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Light jacket or sweater
- Rain jacket or poncho from November through March
- Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- Reusable water bottle
- Personal medication
- Small amount of Peruvian soles
- Phone or camera
- Portable charger
Price
South Valley Tour Prices
All prices are in US dollars and are charged per person.
Small-Group Service
| Traveler category | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 2–3 travelers | US$75 |
| 4 or more travelers | US$70 |
| Children and eligible students | US$65 |
A good option for travelers who prefer to share transportation while exploring with a professionally guided group.
Private Service
| Traveler category | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 2–3 travelers | US$110 |
| 4 or more travelers | US$100 |
| Children and eligible students | US$90 |
Recommended for families, couples, and travelers who prefer their own guide, vehicle, and a pace adapted to their group.
Important Pricing Notes
- Entrance fees are not included in the tour price.
- A minimum of two paying travelers is required.
- Student rates require valid documentation.
- Children’s rates and entrance-ticket eligibility should be confirmed before booking.
- Private service applies only to members of the same reservation.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the South Valley the same as the Sacred Valley?
No. The South Valley lies southeast of Cusco and focuses on Tipón, Pikillaqta, Rumicolca, and Andahuaylillas. The Sacred Valley follows a different route and normally visits places such as Pisac, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo.
Is this tour suitable for children?
The published recommended age is 12 and older. Younger children may participate in a private service after their walking ability and comfort at altitude have been considered.
Is the tour suitable for older travelers?
It may be suitable for active older travelers who can manage uneven paths and steps. A private tour is the better choice when a slower pace or extra assistance is required.
Can a solo traveler join the tour?
The service requires a minimum of two participants. Solo travelers can ask to join an already confirmed small-group departure, subject to availability.
Do I need to acclimatize before taking this tour?
Although this is not a strenuous hike, the entire excursion takes place at high altitude. Spending at least one easy day in Cusco before the tour is helpful if you have just arrived from sea level.
Can I use a Tourist Ticket purchased for another Cusco tour?
Yes, provided it is still valid and includes Circuit II, which covers Tipón and Pikillaqta. Bring the original ticket and your identification.
Does the standard tour return me to my hotel?
The regular service ends near Cusco’s Plaza de Armas. Travelers who require a different drop-off location should request it before booking; additional arrangements may depend on the service selected.
What happens if the church is closed for a religious event?
Andahuaylillas is an active parish, so services or local celebrations can occasionally affect access. The guide will adjust the timing when possible, but entry remains subject to the church administration.
Can I take photographs inside Andahuaylillas Church?
Photography policies can change and may be restricted during religious services. Follow the instructions provided by the church staff and your guide.
Can the private tour be customized?
The walking pace and time spent at each stop can usually be adjusted within the overall operating schedule. Any major route change must be requested and confirmed before departure.
Concierge & Local Guide
Available in Cusco
John Taqquere
Local Tour Guide
Travel specialist in Machu Picchu
“I grew up surrounded by the Andes, and I love sharing the history, traditions, and hidden stories of my home with travelers from around the world.”Text John Taqquere on WhatsApp → (opens in a new tab)
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