Cusco South Valley Tour
5.0 (26 Reviews)
Embark on a day tour to uncover the hidden treasures of the South Valley of Cusco with our private guided tour, this full day trip from Cusco with Beyond Andes Travel will take you off the beaten path, away from the tourist crowds, and into the heart of Peruvian culture and history.
While most tourists flock to the famous archaeological sites of Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Moray, Maras Salt Mines, and Chinchero in the Sacred Valley; the South Valley Tour remains a lesser-known gem waiting to be uncovered. With a wealth of pre-Inca, Inca, and colonial-era sites, this tour offers a unique and unforgettable experience for those who are seeking to dive deeper into the Cusco’s less-touristed areas.
On this tour, you will visit Tipon and Pikillacta, as well as the charming colonial town of Andahuaylillas where the prettiest church from the Spanish times is located, which is known as the “Sistine Chapel of the South” You will also enjoy beautiful Andean landscapes dotted with local villages. But that’s not all, we will also make stops along the way to experience the local food where we will taste the special and delicious “Chuta” bread in the village of Oropesa town, taste the traditional Cusco deep-fried pork (chicharrones) in Saylla town, and taste the guinea pig on a stick or roast in a clay oven in Tipon village.
This day tour on a private tour means you will enjoy a personal experience from a local expert guide, with the freedom to go at your own pace and the flexibility to make additional stops as desired. So join us for an unforgettable trip to the Cusco South Valley where the beauty of Peru awaits!
Join us on an unforgettable journey to discover the hidden gems of Cusco’s South Valley. Our private tour promises a personalized experience with undivided attention from our knowledgeable guide and great value as we take care of hotel pickup and round-trip transport.
Our adventure begins at 8:00 am as we depart from your hotel and make our way towards the southern part of Cusco. Our first stop is the awe-inspiring Inca Ruins of Tipon, a testament to the genius of Incan hydraulic engineering. The site is renowned for its intricate aqueducts, canals, and fountains that run across its terraces, which were skillfully built by Quechua people or “Incas”. As we explore, we will also marvel at the elaborate agricultural terracing and other impressive structures that make up this complex.
From Tipon, we’ll head to the pre-Incan archaeological site of Pikillacta, where the impressive ruins of the Wari culture stand tall. Built over 1100 to 1200 years ago, this administrative center was once a cult headquarters and showcases their planned urban engineering with qolqas (food storages), houses, temples, and more, built to perfection. Our guide will lead us through the narrow streets and highlight the architectural keys that the Wari culture inherited from the previous civilizations. We’ll also visit the nearby Inca site, Rumicolca, a travel checkpoint that will provide a glimpse into the Incan history.
Our final stop is the magnificent Andahuaylillas, home to the colonial-era Church of St. Peter, the Apostle, renowned for its incredible artwork that includes golden altars, paintings, and murals that adorn the walls and ceiling. This church is often referred to as the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas,” and was built by local Quechuans during the Spanish colonial period. The intricate paintings from the famous “Escuela Cuzqueña” add to the charm of this breathtaking site.
Before we end our tour, we’ll stop in Saylla village for lunch and savor the delicious pork chicharrones (deep-fried pork) or roasted guinea pig (vegetarian options may not be available, if want we can just skip it). As the tour comes to a close, we’ll head back to your hotel with memories that will last a lifetime. Join us for an adventure that will take you through the rich history and culture of Cusco’s South Valley.
Not included
Easy to Moderate
Short walks
Nov-April Wet season, May-Oct Dry season
Although we strive to strictly adhere to the itinerary outlined above, please be advised that it is subject to change due to a variety of factors beyond our control. These factors may include incidents in the location where the trip will be operated, strikes, political disputes, entry or border difficulties, extreme weather conditions, flight cancellations, and other unforeseeable circumstances. Please note that & Beyond Andes Travel is not responsible for any changes or amendments resulting from such circumstances.
In the event that we must deviate from the original schedule, we will make every effort to provide the best alternative options available to ensure a fantastic experience. However, any additional expenses that may be incurred will be the sole responsibility of the client and not of & Beyond Andes Travel.
Boleto Turistico General: Also called full access tourist ticket, this ticket allows you to visit over 15 places in the Sacred Valley, Cusco, the South Part of Cusco, and some museums in Cusco City and lasts for 10 days, it is very convenient to purchase this ticket when you have enough days to visit the highlights of the Sacred Valley and Cusco, you can get the tickets in Cusco city or at the first archaeological site you will visit, the cost is PEN 130.00 ($38) per ticket. Payment is only in cash and in local currency.
Boleto Turistico Parcial: Also called partial access tourist ticket, there are 3 types of partial tickets; one of the tickets is only to visit the archaeological sites in Sacred Valley, another ticket is only for Cusco city, and the third ticket is only for South of Cusco, so make sure to get the right ticket when purchasing. These tickets only cover just a certain area and have a duration of 1 and 2 consecutive days (for Sacred Valley). This ticket is very convenient to purchase when you have only a day or very limited time to visit the Cusco area, Sacred Valley, or South of Cusco in a day. The ticket cost is PEN 70.00 ($20). Payment is only in cash and in local currency.
Andahuaylillas Church Tickets: The tickets are purchased at the church of whose cost is PEN 15.00 ($5) Payment is only in cash and in local currency.
Please keep in mind to bring the following: Sunblock, sunhat, fleece or jacket, rain gear/poncho if traveling in wet season (Nov to April), hand sanitizer, a bottle of water, deet or bug spray, sunglasses, camera, and some cash for meals. And do not forget to bring your tourist tickets for the Sacred Valley Tour or cash in Soles to purchase them.
| Number of persons | Price per person | |
| 1 Persons | $ USD 210.00 | Inquire Now |
| 2 Persons | $ USD 110.00 | Inquire Now |
| 3 Persons | $ USD 100.00 | Inquire Now |
| 4 Persons | $ USD 90.00 | Inquire Now |
| 5 Persons | $ USD 80.00 | Inquire Now |
The best time to visit Cusco is during the dry season from May to September when there is less rain and the weather is generally mild and sunny (although nights could be very cold). However, this is also the busiest time for tourism, so expect larger crowds and higher prices.
Most visitors to Peru, including those traveling to Cusco to other regions of Peru, do not need a visa for stays of up to 183 days. However, you will need a valid passport and may need to show proof of onward travel.
Cusco is located at an altitude of over 11,000 feet above sea level (3,400 meters), so altitude sickness can be a concern for some travelers. It’s a good idea to acclimate for a few days before undertaking any strenuous activities and to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
The must-visit attractions in Cusco include the Plaza de Armas (main square), Sacsayhuaman, Coricancha (temple of the sun), San Blas neighborhood, Tamboamachay, Pukapukara, and various museums. The nearby Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu are also popular destinations.
Pack comfortable, lightweight clothing for warmer days and layers for cold nights. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle. If you plan to trek, make sure to bring appropriate gear (footwear and clothing).
Cusco is a relatively safe destination in Peru for travelers but it’s always a good idea to take caution and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas. Don’t carry large amounts of cash or valuables with you and use reputable taxis or transportation services.
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Welcome to & Beyond Andes Travel, a place to experience the most Peruvian thing and the prettiest of Peru.
Peru is filled with wonder, adventure, and magic! As a local, it’s our pleasure to welcome you to this beautiful part of the world. Get ready to embark on a journey that’s sure to awaken your senses, ignite your passions, and leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
