1 Day Sacred Valley Full Day
Overview
Discover a different side of Cusco with our Southern Valley Full-Day Tour, a journey through lesser-explored yet equally fascinating archaeological and cultural sites. This experience takes you beyond the traditional Sacred Valley, offering insights into the advanced engineering, urban planning, and artistic mastery of ancient Andean civilizations.
Begin your adventure at Tipón, where the Incas demonstrated their advanced hydraulic engineering skills with an intricate system of water channels that still function today. Continue to Pikillaqta, a pre-Inca city built by the Wari culture, showcasing a remarkable urban layout with towering walls and well-planned streets.
Enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant, tasting authentic Andean flavors before heading to your final stop.
Conclude the tour at Andahuaylillas, home to the San Pedro Apóstol Church, known as the “Sistine Chapel of America” for its breathtaking colonial frescoes and intricate decorations that merge Andean and European influences.
This one-day tour is perfect for history enthusiasts and cultural explorers looking to experience Cusco’s rich heritage beyond the typical tourist routes.
Highlights:
- Explore Tipón, an impressive example of Inca hydraulic engineering, where ancient water channels still function today.
- Visit Pikillaqta, a fascinating pre-Inca Wari city with towering walls and a unique urban layout.
- See the fossilized remains of a prehistoric armadillo (Glyptodon) at Pikillaqta, a rare glimpse into ancient wildlife.
- Admire the “Sistine Chapel of America”, the stunning Church of San Pedro Apóstol in Andahuaylillas, decorated with breathtaking colonial frescoes.
- Enjoy breathtaking Andean landscapes as you travel through the Southern Valley, a lesser-explored yet historically rich region.
- Learn from expert guides, who will bring history and culture to life with in-depth explanations of each site.
Details for: 1 Day South Valley Tour
Price per person
$ 170.00 USDThe most requested tour to Machu Picchu
Travel Information
Tour Duration: Full-day tour (8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Approximately)
Departure & Return: Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Cusco
Group Size: 2 and up
Difficulty Level: Easy – Suitable for all travelers
Altitude: 3,000 – 3,500 meters (9,843 – 11,482 feet) in Tipon Arqueological site
Weather: Mild, but can be cool in the morning and warm in the afternoon. Layers are recommended.
Best Time to Visit: Year-round, though the dry season (April–October) offers clearer skies
To make your adventure perfect, here is some additional information about the tour: Itinerary
Embark on a unique adventure through the Southern Valley of Cusco, where history, architecture, and culture come together in a fascinating journey. This full-day tour starts at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 3:00 p.m., taking you through impressive archaeological sites and allowing you to enjoy the region’s exquisite cuisine.
TIPÓN – Be amazed by the mastery of Inca hydraulic engineering at this site, where ancient stone canals still transport water with precision. A living testament to the Incas’ advanced knowledge of water management.
PIKILLACTA – Travel back in time to a pre-Hispanic city built by the Wari culture (500 – 900 A.D.). Its avenues and structures, surrounded by towering walls up to 7 meters high, reveal the remarkable urban planning of a civilization that preceded the Incas.
Midway through the tour, we’ll stop to enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, where you can savor traditional flavors of the region.
ANDAHUAYLILLAS – Conclude your experience with a visit to the San Pedro Apóstol Church, known as the “Sistine Chapel of America.” Its stunning colonial artwork, blending Andean cosmology with Christian tradition, will transport you to a time of cultural splendor.
At the end of this journey, you’ll return to Cusco with a new perspective on the civilizations that shaped the history of the Andes.
Tour Duration: Full-day tour (8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Approximately)
Departure & Return: Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Cusco
Group Size: 2 and up
Difficulty Level: Easy – Suitable for all travelers
Altitude: 3,000 – 3,500 meters (9,843 – 11,482 feet) in Tipon Arqueological site
Weather: Mild, but can be cool in the morning and warm in the afternoon. Layers are recommended.
Best Time to Visit: Year-round, though the dry season (April–October) offers clearer skies
To make your adventure perfect, here is some additional information about the tour: Itinerary
Embark on a unique adventure through the Southern Valley of Cusco, where history, architecture, and culture come together in a fascinating journey. This full-day tour starts at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 3:00 p.m., taking you through impressive archaeological sites and allowing you to enjoy the region’s exquisite cuisine.
TIPÓN – Be amazed by the mastery of Inca hydraulic engineering at this site, where ancient stone canals still transport water with precision. A living testament to the Incas’ advanced knowledge of water management.
PIKILLACTA – Travel back in time to a pre-Hispanic city built by the Wari culture (500 – 900 A.D.). Its avenues and structures, surrounded by towering walls up to 7 meters high, reveal the remarkable urban planning of a civilization that preceded the Incas.
Midway through the tour, we’ll stop to enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, where you can savor traditional flavors of the region.
ANDAHUAYLILLAS – Conclude your experience with a visit to the San Pedro Apóstol Church, known as the “Sistine Chapel of America.” Its stunning colonial artwork, blending Andean cosmology with Christian tradition, will transport you to a time of cultural splendor.
At the end of this journey, you’ll return to Cusco with a new perspective on the civilizations that shaped the history of the Andes.
What’s Included:
- Briefing: Pre-tour briefing to go over details and answer any questions.
- Transport: Comfortable private transportation for the entire tour.
- Professional Guide: Expert bilingual guide with in-depth knowledge of the sites.
- Entrance Fees: Admission to all archaeological sites visited on the tour.
- First Aid Kit: Includes emergency supplies and an oxygen tank for altitude support.
- Gratitudes
- Trekking gear
- Brakfast and Dinner
- Aclimatación previa: Se recomienda pasar al menos un día en Cusco antes del tour para adaptarse a la altitud.
- Ropa cómoda: Usa ropa ligera pero abrigadora en capas, ya que las mañanas pueden ser frías y las tardes más cálidas.
- Calzado adecuado: Lleva zapatos cómodos para caminar, preferiblemente con buena tracción para explorar los sitios arqueológicos.
- Protección solar: No olvides protector solar, gafas de sol y un sombrero o gorra para protegerte del sol andino.
- Hidratación: Lleva una botella de agua para mantenerte hidratado durante el recorrido.
- Efectivo y documentos: Es recomendable llevar algo de dinero en efectivo en soles para compras personales, así como tu documento de identidad o pasaporte.
- Cámara fotográfica: No te pierdas la oportunidad de capturar las impresionantes vistas y detalles arquitectónicos de cada sitio.
- Respeto cultural: Recuerda que visitarás lugares sagrados y de gran importancia histórica, por lo que es fundamental respetar las normas y tradiciones locales.
Packing List:
- Small backpack: To carry essentials like water and snacks.
- Comfortable clothing: Dress in layers for changing temperatures.
- Walking shoes: Sneakers or comfortable shoes with good grip.
- Sun protection: Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- Water bottle: Stay hydrated throughout the tour.
- Camera or phone: Capture the stunning sights.
- Cash: For personal expenses or tips.
- Rain jacket or poncho: Especially during the rainy season.
South Valley Location
Frecuendly asked questions
- 1. What time does the tour start and end?
The tour starts at 8:00 a.m. and ends around 2:00 p.m., with a return to your hotel. - 2. Is this tour physically demanding?
No, this tour is considered easy and suitable for all ages. There are short walks at each site, but nothing strenuous. - 3. What should I bring for the tour?
We recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes, sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), a light jacket, water, and a camera. - 4. Are entrance fees included in the tour price?
Yes, all entrance fees to Tipón, Pikillaqta, and Andahuaylillas are included in the tour package. - 5. Will there be a stop for food or drinks?
As this is a half-day tour, there is no lunch stop, but you will have time to purchase snacks or drinks along the way. - 6. Where can I see the prehistoric armadillo fossil?
You can see the fossilized remains of a prehistoric armadillo (Glyptodon) at Pikillaqta, an ancient Wari archaeological site included in the tour.
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