An Uncrowded Masterpiece
While the Sacred Valley draws the majority of travelers, the South Valley of Cusco remains a remarkably beautiful, tranquil, and pristine alternative. With your private driver and expert guide, you will embark on a morning excursion that offers an intimate look at Peru's multifaceted history.
This curated route takes you through three completely distinct eras of Andean civilization. You will start by marveling at the flawless Inca agricultural terraces and hydraulic engineering at Tipón, where crystal-clear water still flows through ancient stone channels.
Next, you will step further back in time to explore Pikillacta, the stark and fascinating adobe ruins of the pre-Inca Wari culture. Finally, the tour reaches an unforgettable crescendo at the Church of San Pedro Apóstol de Andahuaylillas, universally renowned as the "Andean Sistine Chapel" for its jaw-dropping colonial frescoes and gold-leaf altars.
- Private morning hotel pick-up
- Admire the Inca water channels of Tipón
- Explore the pre-Inca adobe city of Pikillacta
- Be dazzled by the Andean Sistine Chapel
- Enjoy a peaceful, less-crowded route
- Dedicated Expert English-Speaking Guide
Complete Itinerary
Three Eras of Andean History
Average Altitude: 3,400 m. (11,150 ft.)
Tipón: The Temple of Water
Your private driver and guide will meet you at your hotel in the morning to begin the scenic drive into the South Valley. Our first destination is the magnificent archaeological site of Tipón, widely considered one of the most important centers for agricultural experimentation in the Inca Empire.
Here, you will have the unique opportunity to admire the Incas' absolute mastery of hydraulics. Your guide will walk you through a serene landscape of perfectly constructed terraces where intricate stone channels and aqueducts continue to direct fresh spring water exactly as they did over 500 years ago.
Pikillacta: The Wari Legacy
Leaving the intricate stonework of the Incas behind, we journey further south to visit Pikillacta. This sprawling complex is remarkably unique as it is the only major pre-Inca site that remains in the Cusco region.
Built by the Wari civilization between 700 and 900 AD, Pikillacta offers a stark architectural contrast. Instead of polished stone, you will explore geometric streets and tall, imposing walls constructed entirely of adobe and rough stone, giving you a fascinating glimpse into the urban planning of an empire that predated the Incas by centuries.
Andahuaylillas: The Andean Sistine Chapel
Our final cultural immersion takes us to the quiet, picturesque town of Andahuaylillas. Standing proudly in the main plaza is the Church of San Pedro Apóstol, famous worldwide as the "Andean Sistine Chapel."
The modest exterior of the church completely belies the breathtaking interior. As you step inside, you will be utterly amazed by the explosion of color and wealth: spectacular mural paintings from the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries cover almost every inch of the ceiling and walls, leading up to magnificent altars intricately decorated in pure gold leaf. Following this awe-inspiring visit, we will head back to Cusco, dropping you off at your hotel with the entire afternoon free for your leisure.
Tour Pricing
Experience an exclusive half-day journey through the South Valley.
- Private Transport & Driver
- Expert English-Speaking Guide
- Visit Tipón Water Temple
- Explore Pre-Inca Pikillacta
- Andahuaylillas Church Visit
What's Included
- Morning pick-up and afternoon drop-off at your hotel in Cusco.
- Comfortable Private Transportation throughout the route.
- Professional Private English-Speaking Guide.
- Guided tours of Tipón, Pikillacta, and Andahuaylillas.
- Entrance Tickets (Cusco Tourist Ticket for ruins / Andahuaylillas entrance).
- 24/7 Travel Assistance.
Not Included
- Meals or beverages.
- Gratuities / Tips for your guide and driver (voluntary).
