The South Valley Tour is a perfect blend of archaeology, history, and colonial art—ideal for travelers eager to dive deeper into the cultural richness of the Cusco region. This excursion gives you a broader view of the various civilizations that once inhabited the South Valley, from the pre-Inca Wari to the Incas and the Spanish colonial era.
Your journey begins with hotel pickup between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m.. On board our comfortable tourist transport, we’ll head south along a scenic route with stunning views of the Andes.
Our first stop is Tipón, an extraordinary Inca ceremonial site dedicated to water. Here, you'll be amazed by its sophisticated hydraulic system—stone channels masterfully carved to control water flow from the summit of Mount Pachatusan down to the agricultural terraces of the valley. This site is a powerful example of the Incas’ advanced engineering and architectural skills.
We continue to the archaeological complex of Pikillacta, meaning "flea city" in Quechua. This ancient walled settlement once belonged to the Wari civilization, a pre-Inca empire that dominated the region before the rise of the Incas. As you walk through its streets and structures, you'll witness the urban planning and administrative precision that made the Wari such an influential culture in the Andes.
Our final stop is the beautiful church of Andahuaylillas, often called the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas.” Inside, you’ll be dazzled by an impressive collection of oil paintings with gold-leafed frames, richly decorated murals, intricately carved baroque altars, and a unique fusion of European and Andean artistic styles. Don’t miss the iconic five-language doorway with inscriptions in Latin, Spanish, Quechua, Aymara, and Puquina.
After visiting these three remarkable sites, we’ll head back to Cusco, arriving around 2:30 p.m., giving you the rest of the afternoon free to explore the city or relax.
The South Valley Tour is ideal for those who want to discover hidden gems beyond the traditional tourist routes. With fewer crowds and deeper cultural insights, it’s a must for history lovers and curious travelers. From Inca ingenuity to Wari legacy and colonial masterpieces—this tour offers a comprehensive glimpse into the region’s layered past.
Book now and explore Cusco’s lesser-known wonders on this enriching half-day journey!
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Nick G
November 27, 2025
Chino and Yisus are complete professionals. The experience was amazing. Inka Trail took care of our needs but remember that you are camping and you should be prepared for some difficult trekking on the Inka Trail. Recommend that you prep a bit with hikes before you take the trip. Once you arrive you are in experienced hands. Enjoy your adventure. Nick
Meiko K
November 27, 2025
4-day trek on the Inka Trail with 2 guides, Chino and Jesus. Small mixed age group, good energy, nice pacing. The crew made the experience enriching and fulfilling. It was challenging and rewarding. The food and hospitality was incredible!
Boop
November 27, 2025
This was awesome. 100% would recommend and do again! We got matched thru a random travel agency and will book directly with Inka Trail next time
Anouk K
November 27, 2025
We had an absolutely amazing experience! Chino, Jesus, the porters and the cook did a hell of a job. We were with a group of nine, and after the first day already felt like a little family. It was possible to do everything at your own pace, where Chino and Jesus were really supportive all the time. Highly recommended! Be sure to double check that you're booking directly with Inca Trail Experiences, since we booked through another company and ended up with them. 100% happy about it, but would have loved to be able to book directly with them.
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