South Valley Cusco Tour
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Group Size
- 15 persons
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Max Altitude
- 3,550 m / 11,647 ft
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Physical Level
- Easy
The South Valley Cusco Tour is located only 30 minutes from Cusco, is an off-the-beaten-path region of remarkable history, culture, and landscapes. This is a less visited self-guide that allows you to visit the extraordinary Inca hydraulic system of Tipón, the ancient pre-Inca city of Piquillacta, and the baroque styled Andahuaylillas Church, known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Andes.”
While most visitors focus on the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu, the South Valley offers a different perspective on the Cusco region. Just a short drive from the city, this area brings together Inca engineering, pre-Inca history, colonial art, and traditional villages that continue to preserve local customs. The pace is slower, the roads are quieter, and many of the places visited still feel connected to everyday life in the Andes.
On your journey, you will visit traditional Andean towns of Oropesa, known for its bread, (the bread is some of the best), Huaro and Huasao, noted for artisans and mystical traditions of the Andes. Enjoy a natural highlights such as the Huacarpay Lagoon and the Vilcanota River. The South Valley Cusco Tour is a tour for the type of traveler who wants a half-day tour based on archaeology, colonial art, and real Andean live, away from tourist crowds.
US$ 50 / person
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- 24/7 Support
- Flexible Dates
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Discover the Cultural Heritage of the South Valley
The South Valley tour in Cusco is the route people miss when they only follow the crowds to the Sacred Valley. It’s a shame, honestly. This side of the region packs massive history into a quick half-day trip without the massive tourist herds.
Here is what makes it worth your time:
- Tipón: This isn’t just another pile of rocks. It’s a masterclass in Inca water engineering. The stone channels still flow with fresh water today, centuries later. It’s quiet, green, and incredibly peaceful.
- Pikillacta: Before the Incas ran the show, the Wari culture built this massive walled city. It looks completely different from Inca architecture—think huge plaster walls and a geometric grid layout that feels almost modern.
- Andahuaylillas: They call the church here the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas,” and it actually lives up to the hype. The outside looks like a simple village church, but the inside is covered in gold leaf, detailed murals, and hand-painted ceilings.
It’s a fast, easy loop that gets you back to Cusco in time for lunch, and you won’t have to elbow your way through a hundred selfie sticks to see it.
Tour Highlights
The South Valley of Cusco offers a perfect mix of archaeology, colonial art, and Andean culture. Just 30 minutes from the city, explore highlights like Tipón, Piquillacta, and the Andahuaylillas Church, along with charming villages and scenic landscapes — all in a relaxing half-day tour.
- Explore the impressive Inca water channels of Tipón.
- Visit Piquillacta, one of the largest pre-Inca cities in the region.
- Discover the artwork inside Andahuaylillas Church.
- Travel through traditional Andean towns south of Cusco.
- Learn about cultures that existed before the Inca Empire.
- Enjoy views of Huacarpay Lagoon and surrounding landscapes.
- Experience a quieter route away from the busiest tourist areas.
A Brief Look at the South Valley Tour
Half Day: Tipón – Piquillacta – Andahuaylillas
After leaving Cusco, the first stop is Tipón, where a network of canals and terraces continues to carry water just as it did centuries ago. The route then continues to Piquillacta, a large pre-Inca settlement built by the Wari culture long before the rise of the Incas. The final visit is Andahuaylillas Church, a small colonial church whose walls and ceilings are covered with artwork that has earned it recognition as the Sistine Chapel of the Andes. After the tour, return to Cusco.
Why Book with Uros Expeditions
The South Valley is often overlooked in favor of Cusco’s more famous attractions, yet it offers some of the region’s most fascinating archaeological and cultural sites. Our guides help bring these places into context, connecting the stories of the Wari, the Incas, and the colonial period through each stop along the route. With comfortable transportation, knowledgeable guides, and a carefully planned itinerary, this excursion provides a deeper understanding of the history that shaped the Andes.
- Visit archaeological and colonial landmarks in a single excursion.
- Learn about Wari, Inca, and Spanish influences in the region.
- Explore a quieter side of Cusco away from larger tourist crowds.
- Professional guides with extensive local knowledge.
- Comfortable transportation throughout the tour.
- Discover authentic Andean towns and traditions.
- Well-balanced itinerary combining history, culture, and landscapes.
- Reliable service backed by years of experience in Cusco.
Itinerary – South Valley Cusco Day Trip
Day 1: Itinerary – South Valley Cusco Day Trip
We start the day heading south of Cusco to explore some of the region’s most fascinating cultural and historical treasures.
Our first stop is the impressive archaeological site of Tipón, a masterpiece of Inca engineering. This complex features finely carved stone terraces and a sophisticated network of hydraulic channels still functioning today — a testament to the Incas’ advanced understanding of water management.
We then continue to Pikillaqta, an expansive pre-Inca urban center built by the Wari culture. This ancient city includes hundreds of adobe structures such as houses, temples, plazas, and storage facilities, laid out in an organized grid pattern that predates the Inca Empire by centuries.
To finish our cultural journey, we visit the beautiful Church of San Pedro de Andahuaylillas, often called the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas” for its breathtaking murals, gold-leaf altars, and elaborate baroque paintings that adorn its interior.
After this enriching experience, we return to the city of Cusco.
Included/Not Included
Included
- Private transportation
- Professional guide
- Entrance ticket to the attraction
Not Included
- Water and tips
Recommendations
- Small backpack with personal items
- water bottle
- sun block and rain poncho.
Prices
Our group tour service is designed for travelers who want to enjoy an authentic and social experience while exploring the destination. You will join a small group of like-minded travelers, allowing you to share the journey, meet new people, and create memorable moments together.
The service includes professional, English-speaking guides who will accompany the group throughout the tour, providing detailed information, cultural insights, and ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Please note that group tours follow a set itinerary, and flexibility is limited compared to private services. However, this allows for a well-organized, efficient, and cost-effective experience.
- 1 Person 190 USD
- 2 Person 115 USD
- 3 Person 85 USD
- 4 Person 70 USD
- 5 Person 65 USD
- 6 Person 60 USD
- 7 Person 55 USD
- 8+ Person BEST VALUE 50 USD
Travel Info South Valley tour
Where Is the South Valley of Cusco?
The South Valley is located about 30 minutes southeast of the city of Cusco, extending across the provinces of Quispicanchis and Canchis. This region combines rich archaeological heritage with scenic Andean landscapes and traditional towns full of culture and history.
Key destinations in the valley include:
- Tipón (3,560 m.a.s.l.) – 25 km from Cusco
- Piquillacta (3,350 m.a.s.l.) – 33 km from Cusco
- Andahuaylillas (3,122 m.a.s.l.) – 39 km from Cusco
Main Attractions of the South Valley
- Tipón – An impressive Inca archaeological site featuring a sophisticated hydraulic system, agricultural terraces, canals, gardens, and ceremonial enclosures. It is believed to have been a sacred site dedicated to water.
- Piquillacta – A vast pre-Inca city built by the Wari culture, dating back over 1,200 years. This complex includes adobe buildings with multiple floors and was once home to around 10,000 inhabitants. The nearby site of Rumicolca served as a Wari gateway and aqueduct.
- Church of Andahuaylillas – Often called the “Sistine Chapel of the Andes,” this 16th-century baroque church is renowned for its vibrant murals, gold-leaf altars, and impressive colonial art. Entry is paid on-site.
- Huasao Wetlands – Located 19 km from Cusco, this family-friendly eco-park features wooden sculptures inspired by nature and fantasy (like “Groot” and “Ents”), as well as native plants and birds.
Other Notable Places
In addition to the main attractions, the South Valley is home to traditional Andean villages such as Oropesa (known for its bread), Huaro, Huasao, and Urcos. The region also features beautiful natural sites like the Huacarpay Lagoon, Nevado Pachatusan, and the Vilcanota River.
Climate in the South Valley
The South Valley has a highland temperate climate. Daily temperatures average between 3 °C and 23 °C.
- Rainy season: November to April (heaviest rain in January–March)
- Dry season: May to October (cooler nights and clear skies)
What to Bring
We recommend packing the following items for your visit:
- Passport
- Sun protection and hat
- Rain jacket (especially from November to April)
- Reusable water bottle
- Camera or phone for photos
- Cash for tickets or local purchases
How to Visit the South Valley
You can visit independently or on a guided South Valley Cusco day trip. To enter Tipón and Piquillacta, you’ll need the Cusco Tourist Ticket – Circuit II. This also includes other attractions like the Regional History Museum and Qosqo Center of Native Art.
Where to buy the Tourist Ticket:
- Dirección Desconcentrada de Cultura Cusco: Avenida El Sol 103
- Museo de Arte Popular: Calle Garcilaso s/n
- Or directly at the entrances of each site
Note: The Church of Andahuaylillas has a separate entrance fee paid on-site.
Frecuently Asked Questions
What is the best season for South Valley Cusco day tours?
The best season to visit the South Valley is the dry season from April to October because during the rainy season, apart from climate change, the place is covered in clouds and it is impossible to appreciate this wonder in all its splendor.
Can I bring children to South Valley Cusco day tours?
Yes, we have previously taken into account all the recommendations of our travel agency, except for children with a discount on certain tickets.
30 min from the city of Cusco in south direction is located the “South Valley”. Which has tourist attractions of great interest such as: Tipon (hydraulic system and agricultural terraces), Pikillaqta (urban center) and Andahuaylillas (chapel of great artistic value).
It is the tourist name of a set of tourist attractions located southeast of the city, between the provinces of Quispicanchis and Canchis.
The main tourist attractions of the South Valley are: Tipón Archaeological Site, Piquillacta Archaeological Site and Church of San Pedro de Andahuaylillas. In the southern valley you can also visit Andean towns with many traditions, such as: Huasao, Oropesa, Huaro, Urcos and others. The most famous natural landscapes are: Huacarpay Lagoon, Nevado Pachatusan, Huasao Wetland and Vilcanota River. To visit the mentioned tourist attractions, you can travel independently or hire an South Valley Cusco day trip, which includes: Tipón, Piquillacta and Andahuaylillas.
Will I be affected by altitude sickness during South Valley Cusco day tours?
The terrain in the southern valley is lower than in Cusco, but to avoid altitude sickness it is recommended to acclimatize in Cusco for one or two days without doing anything on foot.
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