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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Myexperience2
May 25, 2025
I did the 2 day short inka trail led by guide, Percy. The hike was fantastic and Percy’s explanations were really good regarding the history. He answered all our questions and was extremely polite and helpful throughout the 2 days! The organisation by Intrepid Expeditions/Salkantay Trek was ok, communication via WhatsApp was very prompt and responsive however on the morning of my trip, the driver was 30 mins late which led to panic as I nearly missed the train and I had no one to contact at 4am despite 24/7 assistance being advertised. However, the team called the driver an hour later and we managed to make the train. The hotel booked was good, very central in Agua Calientes and clean. Food: the included dinner was below average standards so perhaps a different venue for next time. The picnic lunch was plentiful, with sandwich, fruit, bars and a rice chicken box. Perfect during the intense hike on day 1!
Mo G
April 28, 2025
We loved our trek with Elio who taught us so much about the history and culture of the Inka’s along our trek. Amazing trip!
Petra
April 27, 2025
La caminata de Salkantay fue una gran experiencia y con Jorge Calderón tuve la suerte de tener una guía excelente, muy agradable y competente. ¡Muchas gracias! 🩵
Gabriela C
April 25, 2025
Lugares muy bonitos, vistas incribles, los guias com gran experiencia en todo. Jo fiz el camino de Salkantay (4 dias) com Guia Abet, buenissima experiencia. Despues hacemos 2 dias de Inca Trail com Guia Percy, gran persona, mucho profissional. Todo fue muy agradable
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