South Valley Half-Day Tour in Cusco
5 hours | Price from $ 14 USD per person
5 hours
12 pax
easy
4,200m
Overview
Visit Tipón, Pikillaqta and Andahuaylillas in 5 hours. Inca hydraulic engineering, pre-Inca Wari city and the "Sistine Chapel of the Americas" south of Cusco.
South Valley Half-Day Tour: History and Culture in One Journey
The South Valley Half-Day Tour takes you on a fascinating route south of Cusco where pre-Inca, Inca and colonial history converge in just 5 hours. Three unique destinations that narrate centuries of Andean civilization: Tipón, Pikillaqta and Andahuaylillas.
From the masterful Inca hydraulic engineering of Tipón to the enigmatic Wari city of Pikillaqta and the baroque splendor of the "Sistine Chapel of the Americas" in Andahuaylillas, this tour is perfect for those who want to explore Cusco's cultural legacy in a single morning.
Tipón: A Masterpiece of Inca Engineering
Tipón is one of the most remarkable archaeological sites in Cusco. Its name comes from Quechua and means "boiling." It features 13 imperial granite agricultural terraces, staircases and crystal-clear water channels still flowing today, testament to the advanced hydraulic knowledge of the Incas.
Pikillaqta: The Pre-Inca Wari City
Located 33 km southeast of Cusco, Pikillaqta was a large urban center of the Wari civilization (600-1000 AD), predating the Inca Empire. From its ruins, visitors can admire the Huacarpay Lagoon, a protected natural area home to over 120 species of migratory birds.
Andahuaylillas: The Sistine Chapel of the Americas
The small village of Andahuaylillas, 39 km from Cusco, is home to the Chapel of San Pedro Apóstol (1572), built by Jesuits and decorated with magnificent works of art from the Cusqueño school. Its ornamental richness has earned it the title of "Sistine Chapel of the Americas."
At Ready to Travel Peru we take you to discover this fascinating historical corridor south of Cusco in a comfortable half day.
Duration: 5 hours (half day). Schedule: 08:40 – 14:30. Hotel pickup: 08:20.
Experience Highlights
Tour Route
South Valley Half-Day Tour
Full itinerary
The South Valley Tour begins with hotel pickup starting at 08:20.
First stop: Tipón (3,560 m.a.s.l.). We will explore the 13 imperial agricultural terraces and impressive Inca hydraulic channels still in use today. Our guide will explain the technical genius of this archaeological complex, considered one of the finest examples of Inca water engineering.
Second stop: Pikillaqta. We continue to this large urban center of the Wari civilization (600-1000 AD), located 33 km southeast of Cusco. From its extensive ruins we can admire the Huacarpay Lagoon, a natural reserve home to over 120 species of migratory birds.
Third stop: Andahuaylillas (39 km from Cusco). We visit the Chapel of San Pedro Apóstol, built in 1572 by Jesuits. Its walls are covered with extraordinary works of art from the Cusqueño school, earning it the title of "Sistine Chapel of the Americas."
We return to Cusco arriving approximately at 14:30, with drop-off at your hotel included.
What Is Included?
Included
- Hotel pickup (from 08:20)
- Entrance tickets to Tipón, Pikillaqta and Andahuaylillas (Total Package)
- Round-trip tourist transport
- Certified bilingual tour guide (English and Spanish)
- Return transfer to hotel
Not Included
- Entrance tickets to attractions (Accessible Plan)
- Meals not mentioned in the program
- Personal expenses
- Tips
Before You Go
Recommendations
Pricing
2026 Tour Price
Shared Service
Accessible Plan
Without entrance tickets
per person
Total Package
Best valueAll inclusive
per person
Private Service
Private Service
Minimum 2 people
For 2 passengers
for 2 people
Prices are in US dollars (USD). Prices may vary by season and availability.
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