South Valley Tour

The South Valley tour lasts approximately 7 hours.

Detailed schedule:

• 9:00 am: Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco
• 9:30 - 10:30 am: Visit to the Tipón archaeological site (Inca hydraulic engineering)
• 11:00 am - 12:00 pm: Visit to the Pikillacta archaeological complex (Wari culture)
• 12:30 - 1:30 pm: Visit to the Andahuaylillas Church (Sistine Chapel of the Americas)
• 1:30 - 2:30 pm: Time for lunch (not included)
• 2:30 pm: Start of return to Cusco
• 4:00 pm: Arrival in Cusco

Note: The tour does not include lunch, but you will have time to eat in Andahuaylillas or nearby areas.

Entrance tickets are NOT included in the base price. You will need to purchase the Tourist Ticket on your own.

Required entrances:

• Tipón: Included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC)
• Pikillacta: Included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC)
• Andahuaylillas Church: Separate entrance (approx. 15 soles) - NOT included

What is the Tourist Ticket (BTC)?

• It is a ticket that gives access to multiple archaeological sites in Cusco
• Cost: 70 soles for foreigners / 40 soles for Peruvians and Andean residents
• Validity: 1 day (partial ticket) or 10 days (integral ticket)

Recommendation: If you will also visit other archaeological sites in Cusco, the Integral Ticket will be more economical.

Important: The entrance to the Andahuaylillas Church is paid separately (approx. 15 soles) and is not included in the BTC.

The Church of San Pedro de Andahuaylillas is known as the "Sistine Chapel of the Americas" for its impressive interior decoration that rivals the famous Vatican chapel.

🎨 Features that make it special:

• Frescoes on walls and ceiling: 17th-century mural paintings that completely cover the interior
• Gold leaf: The main altar is covered with 22-karat gold leaf
• Coffered ceiling: Impressive carved woodwork
• Artworks: Paintings from the Cusqueña School (mix of European and Andean art)
• Baroque organ: Original 17th-century instrument still in working order

📜 Historical facts:

• Built in the 16th century on an Inca temple
• The frescoes were painted by Luis de Riaño (disciple of Angelino Medoro)
• It is considered the richest church in colonial Cusco

⏰ Visit: During the tour you will have approximately 30-40 minutes to explore the church. Flash photography is not allowed inside.

Recommendations for your South Valley tour:

• Original passport (mandatory)
• Immigration card (TAM)
• Tourist Ticket (BTC) - NOT included, you must purchase it on your own
• Cash in soles (for church entrance ~15 soles, lunch, tips)
• Comfortable layered clothing (the weather changes quickly)
• Comfortable walking shoes (you will walk on archaeological sites)
• Waterproof jacket or rain poncho (especially during rainy season)
• Hat or cap to protect from the sun
• Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
• Sunglasses
• Water (stay hydrated during the tour)
• Camera (the views and the church are spectacular)

Important: Lunch is NOT included, so bring extra money to eat in Andahuaylillas or nearby areas.

The South Valley is unique because it combines three different civilizations in a single tour: Wari (pre-Inca), Inca and Colonial.

🏔️ TIPÓN (Inca Culture):

• What it is: An impressive Inca agricultural and ceremonial center
• Highlight: Perfectly preserved hydraulic system of canals and waterfalls
• Function: Agricultural laboratory similar to Moray, but with traditional stepped terraces
• Fun fact: Water still flows through the original canals built over 500 years ago

🏛️ PIKILLACTA (Wari Culture - Pre-Inca):

• What it is: An extensive archaeological complex of the Wari culture (600-1100 AD)
• Highlight: Rectangular stone buildings, planned streets
• Function: Administrative and military center
• Fun fact: Pikillacta means "Flea City" in Quechua
• Difference from Incas: The Wari built rectangular buildings, not circular like the Incas

Why visit the South Valley? It is the only route that allows you to see the evolution of three different cultures in a single day, unlike the Sacred Valley which is mainly Inca.