South Valley of Cusco – A journey through the other side of Cusco
Description
Beyond the historic center of Cusco lies a landscape where ancient temples, Inca engineering, colonial traditions, and peaceful Andean communities come together. The South Valley offers a different perspective of the region, taking travelers away from the city’s busiest attractions and into places where history remains closely connected to everyday life.
This tour has been designed for those who want to discover a lesser-explored side of Cusco while visiting remarkable archaeological sites and experiencing the cultural richness of the surrounding valleys. Along the journey, we will discover ancient temples, impressive agricultural terraces, colonial heritage, and traditional Andean landscapes.
The South Valley is also an opportunity to appreciate the diversity of Cusco beyond its most famous attractions, combining history, architecture, culture, and nature in a single experience.
Itinerary
- Tipón – The Inca Sanctuary of Water: Our journey begins at Tipón, an impressive archaeological complex dedicated to the management and worship of water.
- The site is particularly remarkable for its sophisticated network of canals, fountains, terraces, and water channels, many of which continue to function today. The precision with which the Incas controlled and distributed water demonstrates their advanced understanding of hydraulic engineering.
- As we walk through the terraces and channels, we will discover how water played an important role not only in agriculture, but also in the spiritual world of the Incas.
- Pikillacta – The Ancient City of the Wari: We continue to Pikillacta, one of the most important pre-Inca archaeological sites in the Cusco region.
- Unlike many of the famous archaeological sites around Cusco, Pikillacta was built by the Wari civilization, which developed in the Andes centuries before the rise of the Inca Empire.
- The remains reveal an extensive urban settlement with carefully planned streets, plazas, walls, and structures. Exploring this ancient city offers a fascinating opportunity to understand the civilizations that existed in the Andes before the Incas.
- Andahuaylillas – The Sistine Chapel of America: Our next stop is the traditional town of Andahuaylillas, home to the impressive Church of Saint Peter the Apostle.
- Built during the colonial period, the church is famous for its richly decorated interior, featuring murals, paintings, altars, and artistic details that reflect the encounter between European and Andean cultures.
- Often referred to as the "Sistine Chapel of America," the church provides a fascinating insight into the religious art and history of colonial Peru.
- Return to Cusco: After completing our visit to Andahuaylillas, we will begin our journey back to Cusco.
- Along the way, we will continue enjoying the landscapes of the South Valley, passing through traditional communities and agricultural areas that reveal another side of everyday life in the Andes.
- We will arrive in Cusco after completing a cultural journey through one of the region's most historically diverse areas.
Includes
- Tourist transportation throughout the tour.
- Professional bilingual tour guide (Spanish and English).
- Guided visits to the archaeological and cultural attractions included in the itinerary.
- Permanent assistance throughout the tour.
Does not include
- Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico del Cusco).
- Entrance fee to the Church of Andahuaylillas.
- Food and beverages.
- Personal expenses.
- Gratuities.
Recommendations
- Tourist transportation throughout the tour.
- Professional bilingual tour guide (Spanish and English).
- Guided visits to the archaeological and cultural attractions included in the itinerary.
- Permanent assistance throughout the tour.
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