SOUTH VALLEY TOUR

Itinerary summary

The tour to the South Valley starts with the pick up from your hotel at 08:00 am. Then, we will visit:

1. Tipon:

Inca archaeological complex considered a jewel of hydraulic engineering, for its canals perfectly functional until today.

2. Piquillacta:

Impressive pre-Inca city of the Wari culture (IX to XI centuries), built with stone walls up to 12 meters high and an orderly urban layout.

3. Huacarpay Lagoon:

Panoramic point ideal for watching migratory birds and enjoying the natural Andean landscape.

4. Andahuaylillas:

Visit to the Temple of San Pedro Apostle, known as the “Sistine Chapel of America”, built in 1580, with a mixture of Renaissance art, baroque and Mudejar decoration.

Return to Cusco is scheduled for approximately 2:30 pm.

Includes

• Previous briefing to solve doubts before the tour.

• Comfortable and safe tourist transportation.

• Official bilingual guide (Spanish / English).

• Tourist ticket: Tipon and Piquillacta (Complete plan)

• Religious ticket: Andahuaylillas (Complete plan).

Does not include

• Snacks
• Travel insurance
• Lunch
• Tickets: Tickets are only included in the complete plan.

NOTE: Tickets can be purchased at the same centers on the same day.

Complete Itinerary - South Valley Tour (Half Day)

The South Valley Tour takes place south of the city of Cusco and is ideal for all types of travelers, as it combines history, architecture and art in one tour. Throughout the tour you will learn about the origins of Cusco through three periods: pre-Inca, Inca and colonial.

Start: 08:00 a.m. | End: Approx. 14:30 p.m.

Includes pick up from your hotel in Cusco

Our team will provide you with all the logistical details before the tour. At the end of the tour, we will drop you off at a central point near the Plaza de Armas, ideal to continue exploring the city on your own or enjoy a local meal.

1. Tipón (3,560 masl):

Our first stop is Tipón, located in the district of Oropesa. This archaeological center is considered a jewel of Inca hydraulic engineering. Here we will admire terraces, canals perfectly functional until today, and structures dedicated to the cult of water. Its hydraulic system has been recognized by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) as a marvel of civil engineering.

2. Piquillacta (3,350 masl):

We continue to Piquillacta, a large urban center of the Wari culture dating from the sixth to ninth centuries. Its straight streets, walls up to 12 meters high, and more than 700 buildings including houses, warehouses and courtyards, reveal an urban planning ahead of its time. Many buildings were covered with plaster and decorated with anthropomorphic motifs, even up to three levels.

From this site we will also have panoramic views of the Huacarpay Lagoon, a wetland that hosts various migratory and endemic birds, especially between the months of July to September.

3. Andahuaylillas (3,122 masl):

Our last visit will be to the temple of San Pedro Apostle, known as the "Sistine Chapel of America", built in 1580 by the Jesuit order. Its Renaissance style façade gives way to an interior richly decorated in baroque style, with murals, gilded carvings and a Mudejar style ceiling ornamented with floral and naturalistic motifs. The works of the painter Luis de Riaño and valuable pieces of the Cusquenian School stand out. The main atrium has three stone crosses, a balcony guarded by a bell tower and a central square shaded by ancient pisonay trees, which provide an atmosphere of serenity.

Return to Cusco:

After this tour full of history and beauty, we will return to the city of Cusco at approximately 2:30 pm.

Recommendations

Recommendations for the tour South Valley

• Carry your identity card, passport or student card.
• Comfortable shoes
• Bring rain ponchos (October - March).
• Bring extra money
• Warm clothes
• Sunglasses and hat

South Valley Tour is available every day of the year

FLEXIBLE PLAN (without entrance fees)
Shared group price: US$ 22.00 per person.

COMPLETE PLAN (with entrance fees)
Shared group price: US$ 50.00 per person.

PRIVATE TOUR 

The service does not include entrance fees: Partial ticket 70 soles (20 USD) and Andahuaylillas 20 soles (6 dollars).

Taking a private tour allows you to:

• Choose your tour start time
• Enjoy comfort in our new vehicles
• Professional bilingual English/Spanish tour guide
• Pickup from your hotel
• Extra stops at viewpoints that make this tour special.

Inquire about other languages ​​by emailing us at info@ukumariperutravel.com

Tickets can also be purchased in person at all points of visit; ticket prices are listed below.

• Partial BTC (70 soles)
• Andahuaylillas ticket (20 soles)

Payment Conditions

Advance Reservation:
Secure your spot by making a prepayment of 20% of the total tour cost.

Balance Payment in Cusco:
The remaining 80% is paid upon arrival in Cusco. We accept the following payment methods:
• Credit or debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.)
• MoneyGram
• Western Union
• Cash (recommended)

Important:
Payments made by card are subject to a 5% fee charged by the payment platform, which must be covered by the client.
Therefore, we recommend making the final payment in cash to avoid additional fees.

Additional Frequently Asked Questions - South Valley Tour (Cusco)

       1.How long does the South Valley Tour last?

Approximately 6 hours, from 8:00 am to 2:30 pm.

2. Is the tour physically demanding?

No. It is a light tour, suitable for all ages, without long walks.

3. At what altitude are the sites visited?

Tipón: 3,560 masl, Piquillacta: 3,350 masl, Andahuaylillas: 3,122 masl.

4. Is the tour recommended for children or older adults?

Yes, it is ideal for families with children or older adults, since it does not require great physical effort.

5. What kind of clothes should I bring?

Comfortable clothes, light coat for the morning and sun block. In the rainy season, a raincoat.

6. Are there restrooms available on the tour?

Yes, there are restrooms available at each of the archaeological sites.

7. Do I need a tourist ticket to enter?

Yes, a Partial or General Tourist Ticket is required for Tipon and Piquillacta. For Andahuaylillas, an additional entrance fee is charged.

8. Does the tour include lunch?

No. As it is a half day tour, it does not include lunch, but you can return to Cusco for lunch comfortably.

9. Can I bring snacks or drinks?

Yes, it is recommended to bring water, fruits or light snacks.

10. Is it necessary to book in advance?

Yes, especially in high season (June-August), it is recommended to book days in advance.

11. Is it possible to do the tour in private?

Yes, Ukumari Peru Travel offers private options with personalized guide and flexible schedule.

12. Can I combine this tour with another one on the same day?

It is possible, although it is recommended to rest in the afternoon or combine it with a light activity such as a City Tour.

13. What days do the tours take place?

Every day of the year, except on dates with temporary closures for maintenance or local holidays.

14. Can I take the tour if I arrive the same day in Cusco?

It is not recommended, since upon arrival it is suggested to rest and acclimatize. This tour is ideal for the second day.

15. Are there stores or places to buy souvenirs?

Yes, especially in Andahuaylillas where handicrafts and local products are sold.

16. Can I take pictures in the archaeological sites?

Yes, it is allowed, although in the church of Andahuaylillas there may be restrictions to photograph the interior.

17. Is the tour guided in Spanish or also in English?

It is available in both languages. A bilingual guide can be requested when booking.

18. What type of vehicles are used for the tour?

Modern, comfortable tourist vehicles with all the necessary permits.

19. What happens if it rains during the tour?

The tour is the same. It is only recommended to wear waterproof clothes and appropriate footwear.

20. Is it worth it if I have already done the Sacred Valley?

Yes, the South Valley offers a different experience, with less visited sites, unique and of great historical and artistic value.