South Valley of Cusco: Pikillaqta, Tipón and Andahuaylillas

South Valley Cusco Tour: Tipón, Pikillaqta and Andahuaylillas

Explore the magical South Valley of Cusco, an area full of history, architecture, and unique landscapes that reveal the cultural transition between the Incas, the Wari, and the colonial era.
This half-day tour allows you to visit three must-see gems: the hydraulic complex of Tipón, the pre-Inca city of Pikillaqta, and the impressive church of Andahuaylillas, known as the “Sistine Chapel of Peru”.

You will also visit Rumicolca, an ancient Inca gateway that served as a territorial boundary and administrative center.
An ideal tour for those seeking history, archaeology, and colonial art in a short but enriching experience.

Places you will visit on this tour:

🟢 Tipón
Inca archaeological complex renowned for its perfect terraces and advanced hydraulic canal system still in operation.

🟢 Pikillaqta
Ancient pre-Inca city of the Wari culture, with hundreds of structures, geometric streets, and monumental temples.

🟢 Andahuaylillas Church
A beautiful jewel of Andean Baroque art, famous for its frescoes, gilded altarpieces, and mural paintings.

🟢 Rumicolca
A large stone structure that served as a control post and Inca gateway to the highlands.

Schedule:

🕙 Start: 08:30 a.m.
🕒 End: 02:00 p.m. approx.

Itinerary Overview

🕒 Schedule: 08:30 a.m. – 02:00 p.m.📍 Meeting Point: Pickup from your hotel (Cusco Historic Center)

⏳ Duration: Half day – approx. 5.5 hours.

Detailed Itinerary: South Valley Cusco

1

08:30–09:00 a.m.

Hotel pickup

Our transportation will pick you up from your accommodation in Cusco between 8:30 and 9:00 a.m. to begin the excursion through the historic South Valley.

2

Tipón

Tipón Archaeological Complex

We will explore this majestic Inca complex known for its impressive terraces, ritual gardens, and hydraulic canals that continue to operate
more than 500 years later.

3

Pikillaqta

Visit to Pikillaqta

We head to this pre-Inca city belonging to the Wari culture. It has more than a thousand structures, perfectly aligned streets,
and houses up to four stories high.

4

Andahuaylillas

Andahuaylillas Church

You will visit the famous “Sistine Chapel of Peru,” a masterpiece of colonial religious art, decorated with murals, gilded altarpieces, and paintings
that tell the spiritual history of the region.

5

Saylla

Lunch in Saylla (optional)

Stop in Saylla to enjoy traditional dishes, especially the famous pork cracklings.

Note: lunch is not included.

6

Return

Return to Cusco – End of the tour

We finish the excursion by dropping you off at a point near Cusco’s Plaza de Armas.

Recommendations

Wear comfortable walking clothes
Bring sunscreen and a hat
Camera to capture the temples and landscapes
Extra money for entrance fees and purchases

Included and Not Included – South Valley Cusco Tour

Included

Shared transportation Comfortable tourist vehicle for the entire tour.
Professional guide (English-Spanish)
First aid kit
Drop-off in downtown Cusco

Note: You can buy the entrance tickets at the first tourist site visited.

Not included

Personal expenses
Entrance fees to Tipón, Pikillaqta, and Andahuaylillas
Tips (optional)
Food and drinks (optional)

Entrance fees:Tourist Ticket

🎟️ Partial: S/ 70 per person – valid only for the South Valley.
🎟️ Full: S/ 130 per person — valid for 16 archaeological sites in Cusco and the South Valley.

Entrance fees:Andahuaylillas Temple

S/ 20 per person (paid directly at the site)

Additional Details

Recommendations for your visit to the South Valley

To make the most of the experience, keep the following in mind:

Stay hydrated throughout the entire tour.
Bring light clothing and a jacket for weather changes.
Avoid heavy meals before the tour.
Keep cash on hand for entrance fees and purchases.

What to bring

For a comfortable and smooth tour:

Small backpack
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Water bottle
Camera or phone with a good battery
Extra money in soles

Frequently Asked Questions about the South Valley Cusco Tour

How much does the South Valley Cusco Tour cost?

Prices for the South Valley Tour vary depending on the type of service:
• Partial Tourist Ticket: S/70.00 (for Tipón and Pikillaqta).
• Entrance to the Andahuaylillas temple: approximately S/15.00 per person.

How far are Tipón, Pikillaqta, and Andahuaylillas from Cusco?

The tour stops are located between 30 and 50 minutes from Cusco, depending on traffic and weather conditions.

Can I visit the South Valley on my own?

Yes, you can take local transportation to Tipón and Andahuaylillas, and taxis to Pikillaqta.
However, the organized tour is more comfortable, safe, and affordable, especially if you want to visit all four attractions in a short time.

How much time is spent at each place?

• Tipón: 40 minutes approx.
• Pikillaqta: 35 minutes approx.
• Andahuaylillas: 30 minutes approx.
• Rumicolca (depending on availability): 10 minutes approx.

How much walking is involved in the South Valley Tour?

The tour includes short and easy walks, suitable for anyone.
It is not a demanding route.

What is the best time of year to take the South Valley Tour?

The best season is from April to November, the dry season in Cusco.
During these months, the weather is more stable for visiting the archaeological sites.