Explore the captivating South Valley on a half-day group tour that immerses you in the region’s rich cultural heritage. This affordable adventure offers a curated experience, guiding you through the stunning Tipón Archaeological Site, the preserved Wari city of Pikillacta, and the ornate Baroque Church of San Pedro. With round-trip transportation from Cusco’s historical center, a knowledgeable bilingual guide, and delectable meals included, this tour provides a hassle-free opportunity to uncover the fascinating Inca and Wari influences that have shaped the South Valley. Prepare to be captivated as you delve deeper into the area’s remarkable past and cultural treasures.
Key Points
- A half-day group tour of the South Valley in Cusco, Peru, priced at $22 per person with a duration of 6 hours.
- Includes roundtrip transportation from hotels in Cusco’s historical center and highlights such as Tipón, Pikillacta, and the Church of San Pedro.
- Provides insights into the rich cultural heritage and architectural marvels of the Inca and Wari civilizations.
- Offers a seamless experience with a bilingual guide, entrance fees, and meals included.
- Not suitable for wheelchair users, and drones are prohibited during the tour.
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Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Itinerary Highlights
- Tour Logistics
- Included Services
- Important Information
- Archaeological Sites
- Wari Culture Architecture
- Baroque Religious Art
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I Book This Tour for a Private Group?
- Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
- Do You Offer Discounts for Students or Seniors?
- Can I Request a Specific Dietary Preference for Lunch?
- Is There Flexibility to Visit Additional Sites Not Listed in the Itinerary?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Cusco
- More Tours in Cusco
- More Tour Reviews in Cusco
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Cusco we have recnetly reviewed
Tour Overview
This half-day South Valley group tour offers visitors a chance to explore key archaeological sites of the Inca empire.
Priced at $22.00 per person and lasting 6 hours, the tour provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Guests can reserve their spot now and pay later.
The tour includes roundtrip transportation from hotels in or near Cusco’s historical center, with pickup between 8:30-9:00 am and return around 3:00 pm. A bilingual guide, first aid kit, entrance fees, and meals are all included services.
However, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and drones aren’t allowed. Visitors should bring their passport or ID, camera, and cash.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Cusco.
Itinerary Highlights
The tour takes visitors to key archaeological sites of the Inca empire, including Tipón Archaeological Site – known as the temple of waters, featuring hydraulic canals and agricultural irrigation systems.
Visitors will also explore Pikillacta, one of the best-preserved pre-Inca cities, showcasing Wari Culture architecture.
The final stop is the Church of San Pedro in Andahuaylillas, famous for its religious art murals and baroque style paintings, referred to as the Sistine Chapel of America.
These highlights provide a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage and architectural marvels of the region.
Tour Logistics
The tour kicks off with pickup from your hotel in or near the historical center of Cusco, taking place between 8:30 to 9:00 am.
You’ll then embark on a round-trip journey, returning to Cusco around 3:00 pm.
Throughout the tour, transportation is included, ensuring a seamless experience as you visit the key archaeological sites.
The itinerary is designed to maximize your time, allowing you to explore the rich cultural heritage of the Inca empire and the Wari culture without any hassle.
Included Services
Included in the tour package are several valuable services to enhance the overall experience.
A bilingual guide, fluent in both English and Spanish, accompanies the group throughout the journey, providing insightful commentary and answering any questions.
For added safety and peace of mind, a first-aid kit is available.
Entrance fees to the featured archaeological sites, such as Tipón and Pikillacta, are also covered.
To ensure a comfortable and convenient experience, roundtrip transportation from the hotel in the historical center of Cusco is provided.
Plus, both breakfast and lunch are included, allowing participants to refuel during the day’s activities.
More Great Tours NearbyImportant Information
Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users? No, this tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.
Participants should bring their passport or ID card, as well as a camera and cash. However, drones aren’t allowed on the tour.
The tour covers archaeological sites and historic churches, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Travelers should be prepared for a full day of exploration, with a bilingual guide providing insights and a provided breakfast and lunch.
Archaeological Sites
What key archaeological sites does this South Valley tour visit?
The tour takes visitors to Tipón, known as the "temple of waters" for its impressive hydraulic canals and agricultural irrigation systems left behind by the Incas.
Visitors will also explore Pikillacta, one of the best-preserved pre-Inca cities showcasing the remarkable Wari culture architecture.
Lastly, the tour includes a stop at the Church of San Pedro in Andahuaylillas, famous for its intricate religious art murals and baroque-style paintings, earning it the nickname "Sistine Chapel of America."
Wari Culture Architecture
The Wari culture, a pre-Inca civilization that flourished in the Andes between the 7th and 11th centuries, left behind a remarkable architectural legacy at the Pikillacta site.
This well-preserved city showcases the Wari’s advanced urban planning and construction techniques. Visitors can admire the symmetrical layout, intricate stonework, and impressive scale of the Wari structures.
The site’s monumental plazas, multi-room complexes, and sophisticated drainage systems demonstrate the Wari’s engineering prowess and organizational capacity.
Exploring Pikillacta provides a unique window into the architectural innovations of this influential pre-Columbian culture, which paved the way for the later rise of the Inca Empire.
Baroque Religious Art
The Church of San Pedro in Andahuaylillas is renowned for its exceptional Baroque religious art. This 17th-century church features intricate murals and paintings that showcase the Baroque style’s ornate and dramatic flair.
Visitors are captivated by the church’s ornate altars, richly decorated ceilings, and vivid religious imagery. The church’s interiors are often referred to as the "Sistine Chapel of America" due to the stunning artworks that adorn its walls and ceilings.
Tourists can marvel at the church’s impressive collection of colonial art, which includes stunning examples of Baroque painting and sculpture. The Church of San Pedro is a must-visit destination for those interested in the region’s religious and artistic heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Book This Tour for a Private Group?
Yes, the tour can be booked for a private group. The tour operator offers private tours for those who prefer a more personalized experience over the group tour option.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
Yes, the tour duration can be extended. Customers have the option to upgrade to a full-day tour that provides more time to explore the archaeological sites and surrounding areas in the South Valley region.
Do You Offer Discounts for Students or Seniors?
The tour company offers discounts for students and seniors, though the specific discount amount is not provided in the tour details. Interested travelers should inquire about any available discounted rates when booking the tour.
Can I Request a Specific Dietary Preference for Lunch?
Yes, guests can request specific dietary preferences for the included lunch. The tour provider will accommodate vegetarian, vegan, or other dietary needs with advance notice.
Is There Flexibility to Visit Additional Sites Not Listed in the Itinerary?
The tour’s itinerary is set, but there may be flexibility to visit additional sites not listed, depending on availability and group consensus. Travelers should discuss any special requests with the guide prior to the tour.
Half Day || South Valley || Group Tour
Recap
This half-day group tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage of the South Valley. With visits to Tipón Archaeological Site, Pikillacta, and the Church of San Pedro, travelers can enjoy the history of the Inca and Wari civilizations, as well as marvel at the stunning baroque architecture. The all-inclusive package, including transportation, a bilingual guide, and meals, ensures a hassle-free and unforgettable experience.
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