SOUTH VALLEY CUSCO

The South Valley Cusco tour promises a captivating cultural experience for visitors eager to explore the region’s rich heritage. Priced affordably at just £10.71 per person, this 7-hour excursion takes travelers on a guided journey through remarkable sites like the intricate agricultural terraces of Tipon and the ancient pre-Inca city of Pikillacta. With professional guides, transportation, and all entrance fees included, the tour offers valuable insights into the area’s historical significance and engineering marvels. From the stunning Andahuaylillas Church to the captivating canals of Tipon, this immersive experience in the South Valley of Cusco is sure to leave a lasting impression on those who embark on it.

Key Points

• The "South Valley Cusco" tour offers a cultural heritage experience focused on pre-Inca and Inca engineering marvels like the Tipon agricultural terraces and Pikillacta urban settlement.
• The 7-hour tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, professional guides, and entrance fees to the Andahuaylillas church, known as the "Sistine Chapel of South America."
• Highlights of the tour include exploring the sophisticated canal networks and hydraulic engineering at Tipon, and discovering the ancient pre-Inca city of Pikillacta.
• The tour is rated 4.4/5 from 17 reviews, with praise for the knowledgeable guides, impressive engineering feats, and reasonable price point.
• Important information includes the need for a passport/ID, comfortable clothing, and cash for the Andahuaylillas church entrance fee, as the tour may not be suitable for wheelchair users.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The tour, titled "South Valley Cusco," offers an immersive exploration of the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Priced from £10.71 per person, the 7-hour excursion is available in English and Spanish.

Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy, which provides a full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance.

The tour includes hotel pickup, transportation, professional guides, and entrance fees to sites like the Andahuaylillas church, known as the "Sistine Chapel of South America."

With an overall rating of 4.4/5 from 17 reviews, the tour provides excellent value for money and highlights the sophisticated canal networks of Tipon, the ancient Wari city of Pikillacta, and the iconic Inca hydraulic engineering.

Itinerary

The tour begins with pickup from central locations around Plaza de Armas or Mermaid Fountain.

Travelers then head to Tipon, where they’ll spend 50 minutes on a guided tour of the agricultural terraces and irrigation canals.

Next, they travel to Pikillacta, a pre-Inca city, for a 50-minute guided tour.

The group then drives to Andahuaylillas, known as the "Sistine Chapel of South America," for a 45-minute guided tour of the church.

Finally, the tour returns to Plaza Kusipata, completing the 7-hour excursion.

Throughout the journey, travelers gain insights into Inca hydraulic engineering and Wari culture.

Inclusions

The tour includes hotel pickup from central locations around Plaza de Armas or Mermaid Fountain.

You’ll enjoy tourist transportation throughout the day’s activities. A professional guide will lead you through the various sites, providing insight and historical context.

Entrance fees to Andahuaylillas church, which is known as the Sistine Chapel of South America, are included. Meals are also provided as part of the tour package.

Plus, travel insurance is included to give you peace of mind during your adventure.

With these comprehensive inclusions, you can focus on enjoying the rich cultural and historical experiences that the South Valley of Cusco has to offer.

Experience Highlights

Explore sophisticated canal networks in Tipon, where the Inca engineered an impressive system of agricultural terraces and aqueducts.

Marvel at their hydraulic engineering prowess as you discover how they harnessed the power of water to cultivate the land.

Next, venture to the ancient city of Pikillacta, a remnant of the pre-Inca Wari civilization.

Uncover the mysteries of this forgotten settlement and learn about the cultural heritage of the region.

Finally, step inside the Andahuaylillas church, often referred to as the "Sistine Chapel of South America," and be captivated by its stunning ornate interior.

Throughout the journey, savor the local pan chuta bread, a delightful taste of Cusco’s culinary traditions.

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Customer Reviews

Travelers’ reviews paint a vivid picture of the South Valley Cusco tour experience. With an overall rating of 4.4/5 based on 17 reviews, the tour appears to be highly regarded by participants.

The standout aspects include:

1. Knowledgeable and engaging guides who provide historical insights.
2. Impressive pre-Inca and Inca engineering feats, like the sophisticated canal networks in Tipon and the ancient Pikillacta site.
3. Value for money, with reviewers noting the reasonable price point.
4. Well-organized logistics, from hotel pickup to transportation.

While the Andahuaylillas church, dubbed the "Sistine Chapel of South America," received mixed opinions, the tour overall seems to offer a rich cultural experience for visitors to the Cusco region.

Important Information

When planning the South Valley Cusco tour, there are a few important considerations.

Travelers should bring their passport or ID and wear comfortable clothing, as the tour involves walking. It’s also recommended to have some cash on hand, as the entrance fee to Andahuaylillas church is 15 soles.

The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, so those with mobility concerns should take note.

Lastly, the tour prohibits the consumption of alcohol and drugs, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.

With these details in mind, travelers can prepare for a seamless and memorable journey through the South Valley of Cusco.

Exploring Tipon’s Canals

As the tour group arrives at Tipon, they’re immediately captivated by the intricate network of agricultural terraces and sophisticated irrigation canals that stretch across the verdant landscape.

The guide explains that this impressive Inca hydraulic engineering system served to:

1. Divert and distribute water from nearby streams and springs.
2. Irrigate the terraced farmland for optimal crop growth.
3. Demonstrate the Inca’s advanced understanding of hydrology and soil conservation.
4. Showcase the architectural and technological prowess of the pre-Columbian civilization.

Visitors are amazed by the sheer scale and precision of the Tipon canals, which continue to function effectively even centuries later, testament to the Inca’s mastery of their environment.

Discovering Pikillacta

Leaving the impressive Inca canals of Tipon behind, the group heads to Pikillacta, the impressive ruins of a pre-Inca city.

This former Wari capital dates back to the 7th century AD, making it one of the earliest urban settlements in the region. Visitors are awed by the intricate stonework and the scale of the site, which covers over 50 hectares.

The guided tour explores the remains of administrative buildings, plazas, and residential areas, providing insights into the sophisticated urban planning of the Wari civilization.

Although much of the site has been damaged over time, the tour allows travelers to envision the grandeur of this ancient metropolis and its importance in the region’s pre-Inca history.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Time Does the Tour Start?

The tour doesn’t specify an exact start time, but it mentions pickup from central locations around Plaza de Armas or Mermaid Fountain, indicating it likely begins in the morning hours to allow for the full 7-hour itinerary.

Can I Request a Private Tour?

Yes, you can request a private tour. The tour operator offers private options for those who prefer a more personalized experience. Pricing and availability may vary, so you’ll need to inquire directly with the tour provider.

Are There Restroom Breaks During the Tour?

Yes, there are restroom breaks during the tour. The itinerary includes travel time between sites, which allows for comfort stops along the way. The tour operator ensures participants’ needs are accommodated throughout the 7-hour experience.

Can I Bring My Own Lunch?

Yes, you can bring your own lunch on the tour. The tour itinerary doesn’t include meals, so you’re free to pack a lunch or snacks to enjoy during the day. However, the guide may recommend trying local bread in Oropesa.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour doesn’t offer an option to extend the duration. However, guests who’d like more time can inquire about a custom tour or explore the sites independently after the scheduled tour concludes.

Recap

The "South Valley Cusco" tour provides an unparalleled cultural experience, allowing visitors to explore the region’s rich historical tapestry. From the intricate agricultural terraces of Tipon to the ancient pre-Inca city of Pikillacta, this comprehensive excursion offers a captivating glimpse into the engineering marvels and historical significance that have shaped the South Valley. With a well-curated itinerary, professional guides, and all necessary inclusions, this tour ensures an immersive and enriching journey through Cusco’s remarkable heritage.

You can check if your dates are available here: