The South Valley of Cusco is a tourist area located south of the city of Cusco, Peru. Here there are several places of tourist interest, such as historic towns, archaeological sites and beautiful natural sights.
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Among the main tourist attractions in the South Valley
- Tipon: An archaeological site that features impressive agricultural terraces and a hydraulic system of canals and springs.
- Pikillaqta: An ancient pre-Inca site that features ruins of buildings and stone walls, as well as a network of streets and plazas.
- Andahuaylillas: A town known for its impressive 17th century colonial church, considered one of the most beautiful in Peru.
- Raqchi: An archaeological site where the ruins of the Inca temple of Wiracocha are found, featuring a huge stone wall and several carved stone structures.
- Town of Oropesa: A town famous for its breads and pastries, known as “pan chuta”. Here you can see traditional ovens and taste some of these delicious products.
Tipón
Tipon is an archaeological site located about 12 km from Cusco. It is known for its agricultural terraces and irrigation canals, and was an important ceremonial center during Inca times. In addition to the terraces, you can also see carved stone structures, aqueducts and an impressive irrigation system.
Piquillacta
Piquillacta is an archaeological site located about 30 km southeast of Cusco. It was a pre-Inca city built by the Wari culture around 550 A.D. It is noted for its impressive urban planning and stone architecture. The buildings are distributed in straight and narrow streets, and the city is surrounded by an adobe wall about 6 meters high.
Andahuaylillas
Andahuaylillas is a small town located about 40 km south of Cusco. It is known for its impressive colonial church, known as the “Sistine Chapel of America”. Built in the 17th century, the church has an impressive interior decoration in baroque style, with murals, paintings and frescoes.
Raqchi
Raqchi is an archaeological site located about 120 km from Cusco. It was an important religious and administrative center during Inca times, and is noted for its impressive temple of Wiracocha, which is one of the largest Inca buildings ever discovered. The temple is 92 meters long and 25 meters wide.
Oropesa
Oropesa is a village located about 20 km from Cusco, known for its traditional bread. Oropesa bread is famous throughout the country, and the town has several bakeries where you can see the bread making process and buy some delicious varieties. In addition, Oropesa is also known for its textiles and pottery.
Questions and answers about the South Valley
Here are some frequently asked questions about the South Valley of Cusco:
What are the most popular tourist attractions in Cusco South Valley?
The most popular tourist attractions in Cusco South Valley include Tipon, Piquillacta, Andahuaylillas, Raqchi and Oropesa.
How long does it take to tour the South Valley of Cusco?
The time needed to tour the South Valley of Cusco will depend on the number of attractions you wish to visit. In general, it is recommended to plan a full day to visit all the main attractions.
How do I get to the South Valley of Cusco?
The South Valley of Cusco is located about 40 km south of the city of Cusco. It can be reached by car or public transportation from Cusco city.
What is the best time to visit the South Valley of Cusco?
The best time to visit the South Valley of Cusco is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. During this time, the weather is drier and there is less rainfall, which makes the roads more passable.
Are there tour guides available to tour Cusco’s South Valley?
Yes, there are many tour guides available to tour the South Valley of Cusco. You can hire a local guide in Cusco or at the main tourist attractions in the South Valley.
