The Cusco: South Valley tour offers visitors a captivating window into Peru’s rich cultural heritage. Exploring the remarkable archaeological sites of Tipon and Pikillaqta, travelers can witness the engineering prowess of the Incas and the enduring legacy of the Wari civilization. Complementing this journey through the past, the tour culminates at the Andahuaylillas chapel, where the intricate colonial-era artwork leaves a lasting impression. With seamless logistics and a knowledgeable guide, this 6-hour excursion promises an immersive experience that delves into the multifaceted tapestry of Peruvian history and culture. What further discoveries await those who embark on this captivating journey?
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Key Points
- The "Cusco: South Valley" tour focuses on exploring the region’s cultural heritage and natural beauty, including Inca and pre-Inca archaeological sites.
- The 6-hour tour is priced at €18.28 per person and includes hotel pickup, transportation, a professional guide, and entrance fees.
- Highlights of the tour include marveling at the colonial artwork in Andahuaylillas chapel, discovering Inca hydraulic engineering at Tipon, and exploring the Wari civilization site of Pikillaqta.
- The tour provides insights into the Inca and pre-Inca civilizations, showcasing their advanced engineering and architectural accomplishments.
- Guests are advised to bring their passport or ID, sunscreen, and breathable clothing, as the tour is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or those over 95 years old.
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Tour Overview
The tour, titled "Cusco: South Valley", offers a comprehensive exploration of the region’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Priced from €18.28 per person, the 6-hour experience is available in Spanish and English. Travelers enjoy the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the convenience of reserving now and paying later.
The tour includes hotel pickup, a professional guide, transportation, and entrance fees. Highlights include marveling at the colonial artwork of Andahuaylillas chapel, discovering Inca hydraulic engineering, and enjoying the surrounding nature.
While the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, or those over 95 years old, it provides an immersive glimpse into Cusco’s South Valley.
Itinerary
The tour begins with hotel pickup in the historical center of Cusco between 8:00 and 9:00 am.
Guests will first visit the archaeological center of Tipon, an example of Inca hydraulic engineering.
Next, they’ll explore the archaeological site of Pikillaqta, which provides evidence of the Wari civilization.
The final stop is the Andahuaylillas chapel, featuring baroque-style paintings and gold leaf decorations.
There’s an optional tasting of chicharrón in Saylla on the return to Cusco.
The tour concludes with a transfer back to the hotel.
Experience Highlights
Marvel at Andahuaylillas’ colonial artwork throughout the tour.
Discover Inca hydraulic engineering marvels at the archaeological center of Tipon.
Explore the evidence of the Wari civilization at the archaeological site of Pikillaqta.
Enjoy nature’s beauty as you traverse the South Valley region.
This immersive tour provides a rundown of the area’s rich cultural heritage and engineering feats, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the Inca and pre-Inca civilizations that once thrived in this picturesque landscape.
- Marvel at Andahuaylillas’ colonial artwork
- Discover Inca hydraulic engineering
- Explore the Wari civilization
- Enjoy nature’s beauty
Inclusions
Hotel pickup and drop-off provide convenient transportation to and from the tour sites. A professional guide leads the group, ensuring a seamless and informative experience.
The tour includes a first aid kit, should any minor issues arise during the day. All necessary tourist transportation and entrance fees are covered, allowing visitors to focus on exploring the sites.
While food and beverages are optional, they can be enjoyed at the final stop in Saylla. Gratuities and souvenirs aren’t included, providing flexibility for personal preferences.
Important Information
Although this tour is suitable for most, there are some limitations.
Pregnant women, wheelchair users, and those over 95 years of age are unable to participate. Guests should remember to bring their passport or ID, sunscreen, and breathable clothing.
Alcohol and drugs are strictly prohibited during the tour. This ensures the safety and enjoyment of all participants.
- Not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, and those over 95 years of age
- Bring passport or ID, sunscreen, and breathable clothing
- Alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed
- Tour operates under safety guidelines for all
Inca Hydraulic Engineering
The Incas were renowned for their impressive hydraulic engineering feats, which were on full display at the archaeological site of Tipon.
This Inca site featured an intricate network of canals, aqueducts, and terraced agricultural areas that harnessed the power of water for irrigation and water management.
The Inca engineers demonstrated a deep understanding of hydrology, utilizing gravity-fed systems and precise water flow calculations to create a highly efficient and sophisticated water distribution system.
Visiting Tipon provides a glimpse into the advanced Inca engineering prowess that enabled them to thrive in the challenging Andean environment.
Wari Civilization
After marveling at the Inca’s impressive hydraulic engineering feats at Tipon, the tour moves on to explore the archaeological site of Pikillaqta, which provides evidence of the Wari civilization.
The Wari were a pre-Inca empire that flourished from the 7th to 11th centuries CE. The Pikillaqta site offers a glimpse into their architectural and urban planning prowess, including:
- Remnants of massive stone buildings, plazas, and roads
- Intricate drainage systems and water management infrastructure
- Evidence of advanced pottery, textiles, and metalworking
- Insights into the Wari’s expansionist policies and societal organization
Discovering the Wari’s achievements further enhances the cultural richness of the South Valley tour.
Colonial Artwork
What truly captivates visitors to the Andahuaylillas chapel is the stunning colonial-era artwork that adorns its interior.
Also known as the "Sistine Chapel of the Americas," the chapel’s walls and ceilings are covered in ornate baroque paintings and gilded decorations.
Highlights include the intricate depictions of biblical scenes and the vibrant colors used throughout.
Visitors are awed by the chapel’s remarkable preservation and the skilled craftsmanship of the artists who created these works centuries ago.
The chapel’s colonial artwork provides a fascinating glimpse into Peru’s rich cultural heritage and the enduring influence of European artistic traditions in the region.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?
The tour’s maximum group size is not specified in the provided information. The tour overview and itinerary do not mention a limit on the number of participants.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?
The tour has age restrictions, as it’s not suitable for people over 95 years old. However, there’s no minimum age requirement mentioned, so it seems appropriate for most age groups.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Participants are allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, any alcoholic beverages or illegal substances are prohibited. The tour includes entrance fees and transportation, but additional food and beverage purchases are optional.
Do I Need to Purchase Any Additional Permits or Tickets?
The tour includes all necessary entrance fees, so you don’t need to purchase any additional permits or tickets. Just be sure to bring your passport or ID as required for entry to the sites.
Can I Customize the Itinerary or Activities for This Tour?
Yes, you can customize the itinerary or activities for this tour. The tour operator allows flexibility to personalize the experience based on your interests and preferences, though additional fees may apply for customizations.
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Recap
The Cusco: South Valley tour offers an enriching cultural exploration of Peru’s heritage. Visitors will witness the remarkable Inca hydraulic engineering at Tipon, explore the Wari civilization at Pikillaqta, and admire the stunning colonial artwork at Andahuaylillas chapel. With a professional guide, hotel pickup, and all fees included, this 6-hour tour promises an immersive experience for history enthusiasts.