Tour to the South Valley of Cusco – Tipon, Pikillacta and Andahuaylillas
Discover the historical and cultural richness of Cusco’s South Valley Tour, a less crowded but equally fascinating destination as the Sacred Valley. On this half-day excursion, you will visit impressive archaeological sites, Andean landscapes and one of the most beautiful churches in the Americas.
What places will you visit on the South Valley Tour?
Tipon – An ancient water worship center with Inca agricultural terraces and an advanced irrigation system that still works.
Pikillacta – An impressive pre-Inca city of the Wari culture, with organized streets and huge stone buildings.
Andahuaylillas – Home to the “Sistine Chapel of America”, a colonial church with impressive frescoes and unique baroque art.
South Valley Tour offers trip to a lesser known attraction off the city of Cusco. Dotted with lakes and Inkan archaeological ruins, the sites of Pikillaqta, Tipon and Andahuaylillas are worth the half day trip from Cusco.
This region South of the city of Cusco holds an incredible collection of archaeological treasures that are waiting for you on a complete one-day itinerary. The South Valley consisted of a place with a lot of activity. Formerly, it was inhabited by the Incas, so there is a great variety of magnificent landscapes that combine ancient buildings with nature. It is even believed that this territory was one of the first to be inhabited in the region, having recorded the first signs of cultures 1000 years before Christ.
This Valle Sur tour including Tipon, Pikillaqta and Andahuaylillas it is a great opportunity to visit the non visited sector in Cusco, with beautiful lakes and villages, we have daily departures in our private guided tours, you can just book at our Office or by e-mail. Also you can find the best places where Cuzqueños eat Cuy al horno -Guinea pig.
This tour offers an unbeatable mix of landscapes, a cultural wealth with Inca ruins and tour to lovely Andean villages.
This fantastic half day tour will take you to visit three important historical sites: The Temple of Tipon, the Pikillaqta ruins and the Church of Andahuaylillas.
Explore with us these wonderful places in south Cusco and be amazed for its magical story.
Itinerary South Valley Tour
This is a day trip to some of the impressive sites outside of Cusco City. Andahuaylillas is a small village famous for its church, Iglesia de San Pedro, known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas”. Piquillacta is a well-preserved archaeological site from the Wari period, a pre-Inca culture. Tipon is an impressive example of Inca ingenuity and agricultural innovation.
Tipon
the transfer will pick you up at the main square in Cusco, between 8:00 and 8:30 am. As a first point, we will travel to Tipón (27 km from Cusco), where you will be able to appreciate its agricultural terraces in an excellent state of preservation.
Tipon a site known for water channels and agricultural terraces. The water channels of Tipon are believed to be used as a ceremonial centre by Incas to worship water. The street below the site is popular among Cusqueñans. During weekends, locals often gather to savour the local delicacy guinea pig which is a popular tradition here.
Pikillaqta
The next stop on the trip will be in Pikillaqta. On the way to Pikillaqta, we will be passing through a dusky town known as Oropesa. Oropesa is referred to as the “bread capital of Peru”. It houses over a fifty different bakeries in a small town.
Pikillaqta is the only site that exists from Pre Inka time. Pikillaqta is a complex entirely built in adobe during the Wari regime. Waris once dominated the coastal and central parts of Peru.
Pikillaqta is a hilly region with small lakes in the vicinity. During the Wari rule and even during the Incas, maize was majorly produced in Pikillaqta. Maize was so important for the Waris that they painted it in their potteries along with supernaturals and deities. Back then, Pikillacta was believed to have controlled the whole region through agriculture.
Andahuaylillas
Our next stop will be in Andahuaylillas. Andahuaylillas is home to The Sistine Chapel of the Americas. Although from outside it may not seem so eye catching to most, the interiors of this chapel is an eye popping kaleidoscope. It has a dazzling display of colourful murals, an ornate gold leaf altar and ceilings painted in coffered.
The “San Pedro de Andahuaylillas” as known by the locals, was built at the end of the 16th century given the fact that one of its murals, signed by Luis de Riaño, has a date written in it that states it is from the year 1626.
We will then return to Cusco.
Before you go South Valley Tour
We want to make your trip to Peru as memorable and as carefree as possible. In this section, you’ll find the answers to all the questions you have about traveling with Tunqui Expeditions in one place. Please read the following information carefully – it will help you with any questions about our services.
Do you have another question that we haven’t answered here? Write us and we will get back to you as soon as possible!
Can I store my luggage at your office?
Of course
During the trip, your main luggage can be stored at our office (you can organize it with us on the briefing day or by email) or at your hotel, both free of charge.
Any equipment that you won’t need on the trek can be stored safely in your hotel. Nearly every hotel will provide this service. Don’t leave items of value with your bags; put them in the hotel safe and obtain an itemized receipt (in the unlikely case of theft, many insurance companies require that you have a copy of the receipt itemizing everything). It’s best to put items such as credit cards inside a sealed, signed envelope for extra peace of mind.
Pick up of guests
Please note:
All pickups are within Cusco City, but we recommend booking a hotel in the historic center for its convenient location.
Our guide or staff will confirm the pickup time the day before the tour.
Due to traffic conditions, the pickup time may vary between 30 and 45 minutes.
Cusco is an old city and has many narrow cobbled streets. Some hotels and Airbnbs are located on streets without car access or on long, steep slopes, making it difficult to transport luggage. For such reasons, we strongly advise you to book accommodation with good access.
Group Tours
Group tours are made up of different types of people, then physical conditions and ages can vary. By agreeing to be part of a group tour, you also accept that some people may be faster or slower than you. Therefore, each person can go at their own pace on the route.
It may be the case that a group wishes to modify the tour; however, the guide will be the one who decides, after consulting with all the participants, if such modifications are possible.
Strikes and demonstrations
Strikes and demonstrations are common in Peru, and this may interrupt some of our tours. Roads can be blocked, and train tracks can be taken over. However, we will try to keep your trip as originally planned, even if it means leaving the night before the scheduled date.
Under these circumstances, tours may also be canceled. In case of changes or cancellations, everything will be coordinated with you by our operations department. Your safety is our highest priority, and our decisions will be made to protect it.
Lost objects
Please pay attention to where you leave your things and remember to take everything once you leave our transport, tents or restaurants. You’re the only one responsible for your objects during the tour.
Packing list South Valley Tour
Remember to check this list before packing your bags to make sure you don’t forget anything important. Have a nice trip!
Essential
Valid Passport
Extra money (recommended soles)
Personal medication
Water bottle or CamelBak
Sunblock: factor 70 or more
Clothing
Light footwear or sandals
Warm jacket
Waterproof jacket
Raincoat or rain poncho
Sun hat to protect neck and face
Wool hat for the cold
Sunglasses with UV protection
Equipment
Medium trekking backpack (15 – 25 liter)
Recommended
Camera and charger Camera and charger
Price South Valley Tour
The “South Valley Tour” can leave any day of the week, the whole year.
Group Price:US$ 150.00 US$ 120.00 per person
This small-group journey is guaranteed to operate with just two guests. Notice that PayPal charges a fee of 7 %, which we ask the client to cover since it’s due to the use of its service. This tax is just for online deposits.
Price Guarantee
Once your booking has been confirmed, we guarantee the price won’t increase, whatever the circumstances. So please, before booking, ensure you’ve read all our important tour information.
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
Additional Info
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Our tour start and finish in Cusco. People who want to starts in the Sacred Valley must to add extra payment.
This region South of the city of Cusco holds an incredible collection of archaeological treasures that are waiting for you on a complete one-day itinerary. The South Valley consisted of a place with a lot of activity. Formerly, it was inhabited by the Incas, so there is a great variety of magnificent landscapes that combine ancient buildings with nature. It is even believed that this territory was one of the first to be inhabited in the region, having recorded the first signs of cultures 1000 years before Christ.
This Valle Sur tour including Tipon, Pikillaqta and Andahuaylillas it is a great opportunity to visit the non visited sector in Cusco, with beautiful lakes and villages, we have daily departures in our private guided tours, you can just book at our Office or by e-mail. Also you can find the best places where Cuzqueños eat Cuy al horno -Guinea pig.
This tour offers an unbeatable mix of landscapes, a cultural wealth with Inca ruins and tour to lovely Andean villages.
This fantastic half day tour will take you to visit three important historical sites: The Temple of Tipon, the Pikillaqta ruins and the Church of Andahuaylillas.
Explore with us these wonderful places in south Cusco and be amazed for its magical story.
This is a day trip to some of the impressive sites outside of Cusco City. Andahuaylillas is a small village famous for its church, Iglesia de San Pedro, known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas”. Piquillacta is a well-preserved archaeological site from the Wari period, a pre-Inca culture. Tipon is an impressive example of Inca ingenuity and agricultural innovation.
Tipon
the transfer will pick you up at the main square in Cusco, between 8:00 and 8:30 am. As a first point, we will travel to Tipón (27 km from Cusco), where you will be able to appreciate its agricultural terraces in an excellent state of preservation.
Tipon a site known for water channels and agricultural terraces. The water channels of Tipon are believed to be used as a ceremonial centre by Incas to worship water. The street below the site is popular among Cusqueñans. During weekends, locals often gather to savour the local delicacy guinea pig which is a popular tradition here.
Pikillaqta
The next stop on the trip will be in Pikillaqta. On the way to Pikillaqta, we will be passing through a dusky town known as Oropesa. Oropesa is referred to as the “bread capital of Peru”. It houses over a fifty different bakeries in a small town.
Pikillaqta is the only site that exists from Pre Inka time. Pikillaqta is a complex entirely built in adobe during the Wari regime. Waris once dominated the coastal and central parts of Peru.
Pikillaqta is a hilly region with small lakes in the vicinity. During the Wari rule and even during the Incas, maize was majorly produced in Pikillaqta. Maize was so important for the Waris that they painted it in their potteries along with supernaturals and deities. Back then, Pikillacta was believed to have controlled the whole region through agriculture.
Andahuaylillas
Our next stop will be in Andahuaylillas. Andahuaylillas is home to The Sistine Chapel of the Americas. Although from outside it may not seem so eye catching to most, the interiors of this chapel is an eye popping kaleidoscope. It has a dazzling display of colourful murals, an ornate gold leaf altar and ceilings painted in coffered.
The “San Pedro de Andahuaylillas” as known by the locals, was built at the end of the 16th century given the fact that one of its murals, signed by Luis de Riaño, has a date written in it that states it is from the year 1626.
We will then return to Cusco.
At Tunqui Expeditions, we specify the included and non-included services under all the tour itineraries listed on our website. We take care of all the logistics, but please pay attention to the details to avoid missing anything. Some items may be different for specific programs, so please read carefully before booking with us.
What is Included ?
Pick up from your hotel
Tourist transport.
Professional tour guide in Spanish or English.
24/7 Customer Service – We have 24 hours a day telephone service.
Medical Kit or First AID Kit – Our guides are trained to deal with basic emergencies.
What is NOT Included ?
Breakfast, Lunch and dinner
Cusco Tourist Ticket
From PEN 70.00 (US$ 20.00) per person.
Andahuaylas Entrance fee (S/. 20 soles or $ 6 USD per person)
Travel Insurance
Tips for our staff
Additional costs or delays beyond our control
We want to make your trip to Peru as memorable and as carefree as possible. In this section, you’ll find the answers to all the questions you have about traveling with Tunqui Expeditions in one place. Please read the following information carefully – it will help you with any questions about our services.
Do you have another question that we haven’t answered here? Write us and we will get back to you as soon as possible!
Can I store my luggage at your office?
Of course
During the trip, your main luggage can be stored at our office (you can organize it with us on the briefing day or by email) or at your hotel, both free of charge.
Any equipment that you won’t need on the trek can be stored safely in your hotel. Nearly every hotel will provide this service. Don’t leave items of value with your bags; put them in the hotel safe and obtain an itemized receipt (in the unlikely case of theft, many insurance companies require that you have a copy of the receipt itemizing everything). It’s best to put items such as credit cards inside a sealed, signed envelope for extra peace of mind.
Pick up of guests
Please note:
All pickups are within Cusco City, but we recommend booking a hotel in the historic center for its convenient location.
Our guide or staff will confirm the pickup time the day before the tour.
Due to traffic conditions, the pickup time may vary between 30 and 45 minutes.
Cusco is an old city and has many narrow cobbled streets. Some hotels and Airbnbs are located on streets without car access or on long, steep slopes, making it difficult to transport luggage. For such reasons, we strongly advise you to book accommodation with good access.
Group Tours
Group tours are made up of different types of people, then physical conditions and ages can vary. By agreeing to be part of a group tour, you also accept that some people may be faster or slower than you. Therefore, each person can go at their own pace on the route.
It may be the case that a group wishes to modify the tour; however, the guide will be the one who decides, after consulting with all the participants, if such modifications are possible.
Strikes and demonstrations
Strikes and demonstrations are common in Peru, and this may interrupt some of our tours. Roads can be blocked, and train tracks can be taken over. However, we will try to keep your trip as originally planned, even if it means leaving the night before the scheduled date.
Under these circumstances, tours may also be canceled. In case of changes or cancellations, everything will be coordinated with you by our operations department. Your safety is our highest priority, and our decisions will be made to protect it.
Lost objects
Please pay attention to where you leave your things and remember to take everything once you leave our transport, tents or restaurants. You’re the only one responsible for your objects during the tour.
Remember to check this list before packing your bags to make sure you don’t forget anything important. Have a nice trip!
Essential
Valid Passport
Extra money (recommended soles)
Personal medication
Water bottle or CamelBak
Sunblock: factor 70 or more
Clothing
Light footwear or sandals
Warm jacket
Waterproof jacket
Raincoat or rain poncho
Sun hat to protect neck and face
Wool hat for the cold
Sunglasses with UV protection
Equipment
Medium trekking backpack (15 – 25 liter)
Recommended
Camera and charger Camera and charger
The “South Valley Tour” can leave any day of the week, the whole year.
Group Price:US$ 150.00 US$ 120.00 per person
This small-group journey is guaranteed to operate with just two guests. Notice that PayPal charges a fee of 7 %, which we ask the client to cover since it’s due to the use of its service. This tax is just for online deposits.
Price Guarantee
Once your booking has been confirmed, we guarantee the price won’t increase, whatever the circumstances. So please, before booking, ensure you’ve read all our important tour information.
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
Additional Info
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Our tour start and finish in Cusco. People who want to starts in the Sacred Valley must to add extra payment.
Salkantay 4 days
The Salkantay trek was incredible and the ability to do it in 4 days rather than 5 was perfect for our holiday planning. We were in a small group (just us, our guide, our cook and our horseman). All of our meals, transport and the logistics of park entries were looked after for us. Our guide Miguel was knowledgeable and had done the trek many times in the past.
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Sally B
Ausangate 5-days trekking
We did the 5-day Ausangate trek with Silvio and Dani as our guides, and they were wonderful, kind, attentive, and responsive to our needs. When some members of our group started feeling the effects of the high altitude, they helped adjusting the itinerary, shortening the trek from 5 days to 4 to keep everyone safe and comfortable. The cook was fantastic as well. He accommodated the various dietary restrictions in our group with ease and prepared something different for every meal; we enjoyed each one. Experience highly recommended!!
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Desirée M
Authentic andian experience
Incredible experience, went on Ausengate hike, going along for the 4 day trek. The team took good care, the food was the best part, beautiful landscapes, went through rainbow mountains, red valley, and seven lakes. It was initially planned for 5 days, but the group felt, we are not doing well with the weather and tiredness, and sylvios team adapted to that, and we cut short the hike, but still visiting most of the points.
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Manthan S
Amazing 6-Day Ausangate Trek with Rainbow Mountain
We had an incredible experience with Tunqui Expeditions on the 6-Day Ausangate Trek with Rainbow Mountain. Everything was well organized from start to finish, and the entire team did an excellent job. Our guide, Omar, was outstanding. He was kind, professional, and always ready to help. He made sure everyone was safe, comfortable, and enjoying the trek, while sharing interesting information about the mountains and local culture. His positive attitude and encouragement made the challenging days much more enjoyable. The food throughout the trek was also excellent. We were impressed by the quality, variety, and freshness of the meals, especially considering we were camping at high altitude. The Ausangate landscapes are absolutely breathtaking, and Rainbow Mountain was a fantastic way to end the trek. We highly recommend Tunqui Expeditions to anyone looking for a well-organized trekking company, and if you have Omar as your guide, you're in great hands!
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Przemysław S
Salkantay review
I had a great time with Tunqui expeditions. They were very accommodating and allowed us to change the start date due to illness. On the trek itself our guide Noé was insightful and very understanding of our pace, our cook Juvenal was great and our muleteer Alfredo was lovely.
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Dhruv V
Ruta de Ausangate
Hicimos el circuito de Ausangate de 4 días con Tunqui y fue una experiencia increíble! Estaba todo muy bien organizado, aunque la ruta puede ser algo dura ellos se encargan de hacerlo lo más cómodo posible. Especialmente agradecidos a nuestro guía Uber, que además de conocer bien el terreno estaba siempre atento a nuestras necesidades y a hacer el camino ameno. Y para completar el equipo Augusto el cocinero hizo unos platos deliciosos y variados todos los días y Pascual el arriero tenía todo controlado para que el campamento estuviera a punto. Volvería a elegir esta compañía para una aventura de este tipo sin duda.
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Irene E
Amazing experience!
Amazing trek with our guide Veronica, chef Thomas and horsemen Pablo. We had a wonderful time. Landscapes were stunning. Thomas prepared the most delicious meals. Tunqui expeditions is an amazing company who gives back to the community. We did the Asanguate and rainbow mountain 3 days trek in the end of June. Temperature were fine in the day when the sun is out but cold at night (-10 at night) and early in the morning so prepare your gear accordingly. Tunqui was well equipped with sleeping bags to handle the cold nights. Thank you so munch Tunqui!
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Dominique C
Perfect family trip
Experienced and very flexible guides , very willing to make changes to the program in line with last minute requests. Whole trip extremely well organized from landing to take off .
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Dirk W
Experiencial sensorial imperdible!
Tuve una experiencia sensorial maravillosa! Mi guía local fue Johan Sikos. Estuvimos haciendo turismo comunitario en el parque de la papa, conociendo las lagunas turquesas increíbles! Con vista a los nevados y la sierra imponente. Johan fue más que un guía, fue un hermano, parcero, amigo. Me habló de su historia y de las comunidades, me enseñó Quechua, su amor por la gastronomía ( gran chef de profesión) estuvimos realizando el ritual gastronómico ancestral de la pachamanca que fue una de las experiencias más hermosas que haya tenido! Una experiencia sensorial inmejorable! Gracias infinitas Johan y q su agencia.
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Juliana G
Inca Trail hike 2 day with hotel
We participated in the short Inca trail. It was an amazing experience breathtaking views, great support. Once in a lifetime trip, would recommend this company for their support! Noe was our guide, he was knowledgeable and pleasant to assist us on our Inca journey!
