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Discover a unique experience in the Southern Valley of Cusco, a half-day route full of Andean landscapes, history, and living culture. Unlike traditional circuits, this tour invites you to connect with the essence of the Andes in a more tranquil and authentic way, visiting archeological sites of great historical legacy such as Tipón, Pikillacta, and the church of Andahuaylillas, recognized for their historical value and impressive architecture.
Why choose this experience with us?
Small groups and guaranteed departures: The trip is organized in groups of a maximum of 18 people, so you can enjoy a more authentic experience throughout the journey. Additionally, departures are confirmed from 2 passengers, giving you the flexibility to plan your adventure with complete confidence.
Half-day tour: The experience through the South Valley is designed for you to enjoy each stop of the tour and combine it with other activities throughout the day, making the most of your stay in Cusco.
Professional guide throughout the tour: From the pick-up at your hotel to the end of the experience, you will have the continuous support of our professional guide. He will be able to address each of your questions, as well as provide you with information and security throughout the entire journey.
Enjoy each destination without haste: Our itinerary is designed to explore each attraction along the route at a leisurely pace, appreciating the natural landscapes and the cultural richness of the destination in detail.
Half day | Cusco – Tipón – Pikillacta – Andahuaylillas - Cusco
The half-day tour through the Southern Valley of Cusco takes you through tourist destinations surrounded by imposing Andean landscapes. Discover the Inca engineering of Tipón, the enigmatic pre-Inca city of Pikillacta, and the beautiful colonial church of Andahuaylillas, known as the "Sistine Chapel of America." A cultural experience that combines history, architecture, and nature in a single trip.
Technical data
Duration:
Half a day (5 hours)
Schedule:
Pickup 8:30 a.m. / Return 02:30 p.m.
Maximum altitude:
Tipón — 3,560 m a.s.l. / 11,680 feet
Minimum altitude:
Andahuaylillas — 3,121 meters above sea level / 10,240 feet.
Difficulty level:
Easy
Temperature:
Minimum 5 °C / Maximum 23 °C.
Highlighted places
Tipón (3,560 meters above sea level / 11,679 feet): One of the most advanced and impressive hydraulic engineering works of the Inca Empire. It stands out for its agricultural terraces, channels, and water sources that continue to function perfectly to this day.
Pikillacta (3,150 m / 10,334 ft): Mysterious archeological city belonging to the Wari culture, predating the Incas. Its streets, squares, and enclosures showcase extraordinary urban planning alongside incredible landscapes of the Southern Valley.
Andahuaylillas (3,121 meters above sea level / 10,239 feet): Home to one of the most beautiful churches in America, known as the "Sistine Chapel of America." It stands out for its impressive murals, canvases, and decorations created by Andean artists, whose colors and remnants are preserved to this day.
HALF DAY | CUSCO – TIPÓN – PIKILLACTA – ANDAHUAYLILLAS - CUSCO
The adventure through the Southern Valley of Cusco begins with pickup from your hotel in the city between 08:00 and 08:30 in the morning, followed by a journey to the first destination, Tipón, on a trip of approximately one hour.
Upon arriving at the archeological site of Tipón, a 50-minute guided tour is conducted through one of the most impressive hydraulic engineering works of the Inca Empire. Here, you can see how the water continues to flow perfectly through channels and fountains after hundreds of years, amidst beautiful agricultural terraces and a tranquil landscape where only the sound of birds singing and water flowing can be heard.
Next, the tour continues on the tourist transport for 40 minutes until reaching the archeological center of Pikillacta, one of the most important cities of the Wari culture, a civilization that existed long before the Incas. During the 50-minute visit, you will walk through its streets, plazas, and enclosures, observing its impressive mud and stone walls that reach up to 3 meters in height.
After the guide's explanation, there will be additional time to take photographs and freely explore the archeological site.
Continuing with the experience, you will travel for 15 minutes to the Temple of Andahuaylillas, where a visit of approximately 30 minutes will be made to discover this colonial gem, also known as the "Sistine Chapel of America." Inside, you can admire impressive murals, canvases, and decorations crafted by the Cusco school of art, preserving in every corner the history, art, and cultural legacy of an era that still remains alive.
After this enriching cultural experience, the group will begin the return to the city of Cusco, concluding the unforgettable experience in the Southern Valley at approximately 2:30 in the afternoon.
Accompaniment and security
Virtual assistance before the tour: Before the start, the team provides virtual assistance to resolve all the traveler's questions and doubts about the program, so they can enjoy their trip without worries.
Bilingual professional guide (Spanish and English): An excellent staff of professional guides, highly trained in history, culture, and tourist information, accompanies the entire tour to provide a safe, informative, and memorable experience.
First aid kit and oxygen tank: Sakura Expedition prioritizes safety during every tour. Therefore, the guides receive constant training in first aid, ensuring timely assistance and a safe journey for all passengers.
24/7 Customer Service: The team is available to address the traveler's inquiries from start to finish, with an emergency phone number they can call whenever needed.
Tourist Transfers
Pick-up in tourist service from your hotel in Cusco.
Tourist transportation throughout the entire tour.
What is not included?
General Tourist Ticket (BTG) or Partial Ticket (BTP): It is necessary to purchase it to enter the archeological sites of the City Tour, the Sacred Valley, the South Valley, Moray, and some museums in the city of Cusco. You can also purchase just the partial ticket for a single visit, paying directly in soles.
Partial Ticket: 70.00 soles / approximately 21.00 USD
General Ticket: 130.00 soles / approximately 40.00 USD
Entry to the Andahuaylillas Temple: it is not included in the Tourist Ticket; it is purchased at the entrance of the venue.
Foreigner: 18.00 soles / approximately 5.00 USD
National: 10.00 soles / approximately 3.00 USD
Note: the amounts in dollars are for reference and are subject to the current exchange rate. The payment is made in soles.
Tour price
Group price: the amount indicated by your travel advisor. Departures are guaranteed from 2 passengers.
Entrance tickets are not included and are purchased directly on site, in soles:
Cusco Tourist Ticket – Partial Ticket: 70.00 soles / approximately 21.00 USD
Cusco Tourist Ticket – General Ticket: 130.00 soles / approximately 40.00 USD
Andahuaylillas Temple – foreigner: 18.00 soles / approximately 5.00 USD; national: 10.00 soles / approximately 3.00 USD.
Note: the amounts in dollars are for reference and are subject to the current exchange rate. The payment is made in soles.
Take the first step toward your adventure. Check availability with our sales executive and receive a personalized quote.
Mandatory documents
Original valid passport or ID card (mandatory).
Valid physical student card (if booked with student fare).
Recommended luggage
Lightweight backpack or handbag (20 to 30 liters) for the essentials.
Water bottle and snacks.
Cash for shopping and souvenirs during the tour.
Clothing and footwear
Comfortable shoes with a good non-slip sole.
Light and breathable clothing.
Waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
Warm clothing for the morning and evening.
Hat or cap for the sun.
Sunglasses.
A special set to capture unforgettable photographs in Tipón and Andahuaylillas.
Personal items
Sunscreen.
Personal medication.
Basic personal first aid kit.
Wet wipes or toilet paper.
Hand sanitizer.
Equipment and extras
Camera or cell phone.
Extra cash for drinks, souvenirs, or tips.
Important considerations
It is an ideal tour to acclimate in Cusco before going on a trek.
Avoid heavy luggage to better enjoy the experience.
Always keep your documents and valuables with you.
How long does the South Valley tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 5 hours. It starts around 8:30 in the morning and ends at 2:30 in the afternoon.
What time does the tour of the South Valley start?
The tour departs in the morning, between 08:00 and 08:30 a.m., while the return to Cusco is scheduled around 02:30 p.m.
Does the tour include pickup from the hotel?
Yes, from hotels located within the historic center of Cusco. For hotels outside that area, a nearby meeting point is coordinated. At the end, the transportation drops the traveler very close to the Plaza de Armas.
Is the Tourist Ticket required to visit the South Valley?
Yes. It is mandatory to enter Tipón and Pikillacta. You can purchase the Partial Tourist Ticket (BTP) or the General Tourist Ticket (BTG).
Partial Ticket (foreign adult): 70.00 soles / approximately 21.00 USD.
General Ticket (foreign adult): 130.00 soles / approximately 40.00 USD.
How much does the Tourist Ticket cost for children and students?
Foreign student aged 10 to 16: 70.00 soles / approximately 21.00 USD, with original passport.
Foreign student aged 17 to 22: 70.00 soles / approximately 21.00 USD. Conditions: original physical ID card issued by the university (PVC), which includes a photograph, full name, university, and a date valid for the year of travel. Children under 10 years old do not pay for the tourist ticket.
Is the entrance to Andahuaylillas included?
No. Entry to the Andahuaylillas Temple is purchased separately at the entrance of the site. The prices are as follows:
Foreigner: 18.00 soles / approximately 5.00 USD.
National: 10.00 soles / approximately 3.00 USD.
How is the payment for the entry tickets made? Can you pay with a card or dollars?
It is recommended to carry cash in Peruvian soles to expedite entry to the attractions. At some points, it is possible to pay with a credit or debit card, with an approximate surcharge of 5% and subject to internet signal availability. Dollars are also accepted, although change is not always immediately available.
Should I buy the tickets in advance or can I get them on the same day?
It is possible to purchase them on the same day, before starting the visits. However, if you have time in Cusco, it is recommended to buy them in advance to avoid delays.
Is the South Valley recommended for the first day in Cusco?
Yes. Thanks to its easy level of difficulty and the fact that it takes place at a lower altitude than other routes, it is an excellent option to start the acclimatization process while enjoying history, culture, and Andean landscapes.
What is the difficulty level of the tour?
The level is easy. The hikes are short and suitable for most travelers.
Can children and seniors participate?
Yes. It is a recommended route for families, couples, and seniors who can walk independently. It is recommended for ages 5 and up. As it is a group service, the tour follows the general pace of the group; those who prefer to move at a more leisurely pace or take more breaks can opt for the private service. Seniors can participate as long as they maintain good physical condition and independent mobility.
Do children from 3 years old pay for a seat?
Yes. It is recommended that children have their own seat for greater comfort. Additionally, for safety reasons and in accordance with current transportation regulations, passengers aged 3 and above must have their own seat.
At what altitude is the journey made?
The altitude of the route varies between 3,121 meters above sea level in Andahuaylillas (minimum altitude) and 3,560 meters above sea level in Tipón (maximum altitude).
What clothes should I bring?
Comfortable clothes, sneakers or shoes with good soles, a hat or cap, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a light jacket for temperature changes.
Does the tour operate during the rainy season?
Yes, it operates all year round. Between November and March, it is recommended to wear a raincoat or poncho.
In which languages is the guided service offered?
Professional guides provide explanations in Spanish and English. For other languages, such as German, French, or Portuguese, a private guide is required, which must be arranged in advance.
During the tour, how much time is spent at each attraction?
The times may vary slightly depending on the group's pace and the conditions of the tour:
Tipón: 40 to 50 minutes.
Pikillacta: 45 to 50 minutes.
Andahuaylillas: 30 minutes.
At each location, the professional guide provides detailed explanations, with time for photographs and questions.
What happens if I feel affected by the altitude during the tour?
The guides are equipped with a first aid kit and an oxygen tank to handle any eventuality during the tour.
Do you have any more questions?
You can contact the sales team via WhatsApp at the numbers +51 993 150 947 or +51 941 411 418, or by email at info@sakuraexpedition.com.
