Half-Day Tour to Cusco’s South Valley: Tipón, Piquillacta, and Andahuaylillas
Discover a different side of Cusco with this half-day tour through the South Valley, a peaceful, cultural, and less-crowded route that combines Inca history, pre-Inca heritage, and Andean colonial art.
During the tour, we will leave Cusco and head south of the city to visit three important places: Tipón, known for its Inca agricultural terraces and water channels; Piquillacta, an ancient pre-Inca city from the Wari culture; and Andahuaylillas, a traditional village home to one of the most beautiful colonial churches in the region. Along the way, you will enjoy rural landscapes, farmland, Andean villages, and a comfortable cultural experience without demanding hikes.
This tour is ideal for travelers who want to explore a less-visited part of Cusco, learn about different stages of Andean history, and enjoy a gentle excursion before continuing to Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, or a trek.
Important Information
- Tour type: Cultural, historical, archaeological, and artistic.
- Ideal for: Couples, families, groups of friends, cultural travelers, photographers, and people looking for a peaceful experience near Cusco.
- Duration: Approximately 5 to 6 hours.
- Start and end point: Cusco / Cusco.
- Usual schedule: Morning departure around 8:00 a.m. and return between 1:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.
- Afternoon departure: May be available upon request, depending on availability and opening hours.
- Difficulty: Easy. Short walks are done on uneven terrain.
- Languages: English and Spanish.
- Meals included: Meals are not included.
- Season: Available year-round.
- Places visited: Tipón, Piquillacta, and Andahuaylillas.
Why You’ll Love This Experience
This tour is short, comfortable, and very complete. In one route, you will discover three important moments in Peru’s history: Inca engineering in Tipón, the pre-Inca legacy of the Wari culture in Piquillacta, and Andean colonial art in Andahuaylillas.
Tipón stands out for its green terraces and water channels that still work today. It is a peaceful place, with beautiful scenery and a clear example of the relationship the Incas had with nature and water management.
Piquillacta, on the other hand, takes you to a time before the Inca Empire. Its walls, streets, and urban layout show the level of organization reached by the Wari culture. Finally, Andahuaylillas welcomes you with a church that looks simple from the outside, but inside is filled with murals, golden details, and religious art.
It is a perfect experience if you are looking for something cultural, different, and unhurried. Since it is a half-day tour, you can easily combine it with a free afternoon in Cusco, a special dinner, or a walk through the historic center.
What Makes This Tour Special
What makes the South Valley special is that it feels more local and less touristy than other classic routes in Cusco. Here, you will not only visit archaeological sites, but also understand how different cultures left their mark on the same territory.
In Tipón, you will see how the Incas worked with water with great precision. In Piquillacta, you will discover that Andean history began long before the Inca Empire. And in Andahuaylillas, you will see one of the most remarkable expressions of colonial religious art in the Andes.
The tour also has a relaxed pace. You do not need hiking experience, there are no major climbs, and the drive from Cusco is not long. For this reason, it is a great option for your first day in the city or for travelers looking for a cultural excursion without feeling exhausted afterward.
Best Season to Visit
The South Valley of Cusco can be visited year-round. The best season is usually from April to October, during the dry season, when there is a better chance of clear skies, sunny days, and good conditions for taking photos.
From November to March, during the rainy season, the fields look greener and the landscape has a special charm. During this time, we recommend bringing a waterproof jacket or rain poncho, as Andean weather can change quickly.
Who This Tour Is Best For
This tour is ideal for travelers who want to discover a different side of Cusco, with history, landscapes, and art, without taking a long excursion. It is perfect for families, couples, active older adults, groups of friends, and travelers who prefer a relaxed pace.
It is also an excellent option to acclimate in Cusco before visiting Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, Rainbow Mountain, the Inca Trail, or Salkantay. The tour is cultural, close to the city, and does not require a demanding hike.
Included
- Pickup and return in Cusco, from a centrally located hotel or coordinated meeting point.
- Round-trip tourist transportation.
- Professional bilingual guide in English and Spanish.
- Guided visit to Tipón.
- Guided visit to Piquillacta.
- Guided visit to Andahuaylillas.
- Assistance throughout the tour.
- Basic first-aid kit.
Not Included
- Tourist Ticket for Tipón and Piquillacta.
- Entrance to the Church of Andahuaylillas, unless an option with entrance fees included is confirmed.
- Meals and drinks.
- Snacks.
- Personal expenses.
- Tips for the guide and driver.
- Services not mentioned in the program.
Important note: Tipón and Piquillacta require the Tourist Ticket, while the Church of Andahuaylillas usually has a separate entrance fee.
8:00 a.m. Pickup in Cusco
We will start the tour with pickup from your hotel or a previously coordinated meeting point in Cusco. Then, we will travel south of the city, gradually leaving behind the movement of the historic center and entering a quieter area surrounded by fields, hills, and small Andean villages.
Along the way, your guide will give you a clear introduction to the importance of the South Valley, so each visit has context and you can better understand the route.
9:00 a.m. Visit to Tipón
Our first stop will be Tipón, an Inca archaeological site known for its agricultural terraces and water channels that still work today. Here, you can walk calmly, listen to the sound of the water, and observe how the Incas designed a precise hydraulic system beautifully integrated into the landscape.
Tipón is a peaceful and photogenic place. Its terraces, fountains, and channels show the relationship the Incas had with nature, agriculture, and the intelligent use of water.
10:30 a.m. Visit to Piquillacta
We will continue to Piquillacta, an ancient pre-Inca city that belonged to the Wari culture. This place is very different from traditional Inca sites, with a more geometric design, long walls, streets, and urban planning that shows the development of this civilization.
Your guide will explain why Piquillacta is important for understanding Andean history before the Incas. It is an ideal stop for travelers who enjoy archaeology, history, and less-crowded places.
12:00 p.m. Visit to Andahuaylillas
Our last visit will be Andahuaylillas, a small traditional village where the Church of San Pedro de Andahuaylillas is located. Although it looks simple from the outside, the interior surprises visitors with murals, golden details, paintings, and rich Andean colonial art.
Many travelers know it as the Sistine Chapel of America or the Sistine Chapel of the Andes because of the beauty of its murals and artistic style. Your guide will help you understand the most important details of the church and its cultural value.
1:00 p.m. Return to Cusco
After visiting Andahuaylillas, we will begin the return trip to Cusco in tourist transportation. During the drive, you can rest and enjoy the last views of the South Valley.
Around 2:00 p.m. Arrival in Cusco
We will arrive in Cusco at approximately 2:00 p.m., depending on traffic, weather, and the group’s pace.
The tour ends with drop-off at your hotel or a nearby point in the historic center.
Note: Times are approximate and may vary depending on the pickup point, traffic, weather, opening hours, and conditions of the day.
What to Bring
We recommend bringing:
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- Comfortable layered clothing.
- Light jacket.
- Rain poncho or waterproof jacket.
- Sunscreen.
- Sunglasses.
- Hat or cap.
- Reusable water bottle.
- Camera or phone with enough battery.
- Personal medication.
- Cash in Peruvian soles for entrance tickets, small purchases, snacks, or tips.
Important: Although the tour is not demanding, some areas have uneven paths, stones, or little shade, so we recommend coming comfortable and prepared.
Price
Price from: USD 150 per person.
Private service: Available upon request.
The price may vary depending on the date, availability, number of travelers, type of service, and whether you would like entrance tickets included or not.
For groups of 4 or more passengers, we can review a special rate.
Options to Customize Your Experience
Private Service
Ideal if you want to travel at your own pace, have more time for photos, and enjoy a more personalized experience with a private guide and transportation.
Option with Entrance Fees Included
We can quote an option with entrance fees included so the tour runs more smoothly and you do not have to worry about paying tickets during the visit.
Combine It with a Gastronomic Experience
The South Valley is also known for its local food. In a private service, we can coordinate a stop to try typical dishes from the area, depending on availability and schedule.
The tour lasts approximately 5 to 6 hours, depending on traffic, opening hours, and the group’s pace.
The tour visits Tipón, Piquillacta, and Andahuaylillas, combining archaeology, rural landscapes, and colonial art.
No. It is an easy tour, with short walks and no demanding hiking. However, some paths may be uneven.
No. Meals are not included, as this is a half-day experience.
Not always. Tipón and Piquillacta require the Tourist Ticket, and Andahuaylillas usually has a separate entrance fee. We can quote an option with entrance fees included.
Yes. It is an excellent option for the first day because it has a relaxed pace, is close to the city, and helps you acclimate without too much physical effort.
In general, the South Valley is less crowded than other classic excursions from Cusco, allowing for a more peaceful experience.
Yes. Private service is ideal if you want more flexibility, more time for photos, or a more personalized experience.
