The South Valley Tour is a perfect blend of archaeology, history, and colonial art—ideal for travelers eager to dive deeper into the cultural richness of the Cusco region. This excursion gives you a broader view of the various civilizations that once inhabited the South Valley, from the pre-Inca Wari to the Incas and the Spanish colonial era.
Your journey begins with hotel pickup between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m.. On board our comfortable tourist transport, we’ll head south along a scenic route with stunning views of the Andes.
Our first stop is Tipón, an extraordinary Inca ceremonial site dedicated to water. Here, you'll be amazed by its sophisticated hydraulic system—stone channels masterfully carved to control water flow from the summit of Mount Pachatusan down to the agricultural terraces of the valley. This site is a powerful example of the Incas’ advanced engineering and architectural skills.
We continue to the archaeological complex of Pikillacta, meaning "flea city" in Quechua. This ancient walled settlement once belonged to the Wari civilization, a pre-Inca empire that dominated the region before the rise of the Incas. As you walk through its streets and structures, you'll witness the urban planning and administrative precision that made the Wari such an influential culture in the Andes.
Our final stop is the beautiful church of Andahuaylillas, often called the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas.” Inside, you’ll be dazzled by an impressive collection of oil paintings with gold-leafed frames, richly decorated murals, intricately carved baroque altars, and a unique fusion of European and Andean artistic styles. Don’t miss the iconic five-language doorway with inscriptions in Latin, Spanish, Quechua, Aymara, and Puquina.
After visiting these three remarkable sites, we’ll head back to Cusco, arriving around 2:30 p.m., giving you the rest of the afternoon free to explore the city or relax.
The South Valley Tour is ideal for those who want to discover hidden gems beyond the traditional tourist routes. With fewer crowds and deeper cultural insights, it’s a must for history lovers and curious travelers. From Inca ingenuity to Wari legacy and colonial masterpieces—this tour offers a comprehensive glimpse into the region’s layered past.
Book now and explore Cusco’s lesser-known wonders on this enriching half-day journey!
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Carlos M
March 15, 2026
Tuvimos una experiencia increíble visitando Machu Picchu gracias a nuestro guía Amilkar. Desde el primer momento demostró ser muy profesional, amable y con un conocimiento impresionante de la historia y la cultura Inca. Explicó cada detalle con mucha pasión y respondió todas nuestras preguntas con paciencia. Gracias a su guía pudimos entender mejor la importancia histórica y cultural de este lugar tan maravilloso. Además, fue muy atento con nuestro grupo y se aseguró de que todos disfrutáramos al máximo la visita. Sin duda recomendamos sus servicios a cualquier persona que quiera vivir una experiencia auténtica e inolvidable en Machu Picchu. ¡Muchas gracias por hacer de nuestro viaje algo tan especial! AMILKAR ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Anders R
March 14, 2026
Absoloutely amazing experience, our guide Nico was amazing ensuring the best possible experience, looking after us and never failing to make us laugh. The landscape was absoloutely beautiful, made only better by the exquisite accommodation along the route. The relentless dedication and commitment of the chef and sous chef ensured we never left camp feeling hungry having had a hearty breakfast lunch and dinner no matter where we were. The dedication of our horseman who transported our bags and belongings across the andes mountain range was also unquestionable. All in all it was an unforgettable experience made even better by out incredible guide Nico and our chef, sous chef and horseman.
Mikael K
March 13, 2026
Yisus was a very friendly and knowledgeble tour guide. The porters and chef were super nice aswell, and always on time with everything.
Daniel P
March 13, 2026
We had an awesome time with Inka Trail Expeditions! Yisus was an incredible guide and was extremely knowledgeable about all the sights along the trail. Our chef, Mario, made amazing food and even made a birthday cake for my birthday. The head porter, Vincent, took great care of our camp sites and it was always a pleasure to come into camp being cheered on. We will remember this trip for a long time.
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