South Valley (Half Day)

Exploring the cultural riches of Peru’s South Valley is a captivating half-day adventure. Visitors will enjoy the region’s remarkable archaeological sites, uncovering Incan ingenuity at Tipon and pre-Inca wonders at Pikillaqta. The tour culminates at the colonial-era Andahuaylillas, where the blend of Inca and Spanish influences offers a unique glimpse into the nation’s complex history. With an expert guide leading the way, travelers can expect a comfortable and insightful journey through Cusco’s cultural tapestry. What secrets will this tour unveil?

Key Points

• This half-day tour explores the historical and cultural highlights of Peru’s South Valley, including Incan and pre-Incan archaeological sites.
• Visitors will visit the impressive Incan irrigation complex of Tipon, the pre-Incan ruins of Pikillaqta, and the colonial-era church of San Pedro Apostol de Andahuaylillas.
• The tour includes private transportation, a bilingual guide, and all entrance fees, ensuring a seamless and informative experience.
• While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for most travelers who can navigate uneven terrain, with moderate physical activity required.
• The tour has a non-refundable policy, so travelers are advised to carefully consider their plans before booking.

Tour Overview

The South Valley (Half Day) tour is a comprehensive exploration of Cusco’s ancient Incan and colonial sights. Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars with 2 reviews, this half-day tour takes travelers to remarkable archaeological sites like Tipon, an expansive Incan irrigation system, and Pikillaqta, a pre-Inca settlement.

The tour culminates at the colonial-era San Pedro Apostol de Andahuaylillas, which retains Inca remnants. Priced from $65 per person, with a maximum group size of 15 travelers, the tour includes private transportation, a bilingual guide, and all entrance fees.

This tour is a must-do for visitors seeking an immersive experience in Cusco’s rich cultural heritage.

Itinerary Highlights

This half-day tour takes visitors on a captivating journey through Cusco’s ancient Incan and colonial heritage. The itinerary showcases three remarkable sites. First, explore the grand Incan irrigation complex of Tipon, marveling at its sophisticated engineering. Next, venture to the pre-Incan ruins of Pikillaqta, a testament to the region’s rich history. The tour culminates at the colonial-era San Pedro Apostol de Andahuaylillas, where Incan influences can still be seen. Visitors will enjoy a well-rounded experience, delving into Peru’s diverse cultural tapestry.

Site	Description
Tipon	Large Incan irrigation complex
Pikillaqta	Pre-Incan archaeological site
Andahuaylillas	Colonial-era church with Inca remnants

Archaeological Sites

Across the rolling landscape surrounding Cusco, visitors explore a trove of archaeological marvels that unveil the region’s captivating past.

The South Valley tour takes them to Tipon, a sprawling Incan irrigation site where impressive stone terraces and canals demonstrate the empire’s mastery of hydraulic engineering.

Next, they discover Pikillaqta, a pre-Inca settlement that predates the Incas by centuries.

The final stop, the colonial-era church of San Pedro Apostol de Andahuaylillas, blends Inca and Spanish influences, showcasing the rich cultural tapestry of the region.

These remarkable sites offer a window into the diverse histories that have shaped the Cusco area over millennia.

Transportation and Pickup

Private transportation with hotel pickup from central Cusco provides convenient access to the South Valley tour.

Travelers are picked up directly from their hotels located in the historic center of the city. However, the tour doesn’t offer pickup from private residences, such as Airbnb rentals, or hotels outside the main tourist area.

This ensures a smooth and efficient start to the day’s activities. The private transportation allows the group to travel together comfortably and arrive at the first archaeological site on time.

This hassle-free transportation option contributes to the overall enjoyment and ease of the South Valley half-day excursion.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour package includes a bilingual guide who accompanies the group throughout the day, providing insightful commentary on the visited sites.

Transportation to and from central Cusco hotels is provided in a private vehicle. Entry fees to all the archaeological sites are covered, including the Inca ruins of Tipon, the pre-Inca site of Pikillaqta, and the colonial-era church of San Pedro Apostol de Andahuaylillas.

The tour includes:

• Bi-Lingual Tour Guide
• Private Transportation
• All Entrance Fees

Please note that the tour is non-refundable, and pickup isn’t available from private residences or hotels outside the historic center of Cusco.

Ticket and Entrance Fees

Entry fees to the archaeological sites visited on the South Valley Half Day tour are included in the overall tour cost.

Visitors will have access to the Tipon irrigation site, the pre-Inca ruins of Pikillaqta, and the colonial-era San Pedro Apostol de Andahuaylillas church.

The combined entrance fee for these sites is $21 for a 2-day pass or $39 for a 10-day pass. Plus, the entry fee for the Andahuaylillas church is 15 Soles.

These fees are covered by the tour, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience for travelers exploring the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Accessibility and Participation

The South Valley Half Day tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but most travelers can participate in the excursion.

Visitors should be:

• Reasonably fit to navigate uneven terrain at the archaeological sites.
• Prepared for some walking and moderate physical activity.
• Comfortable with transportation in a private van.

While the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility challenges, it offers an engaging opportunity to explore Inca and pre-Inca ruins in the stunning Cusco countryside.

The knowledgeable bilingual guide and private transportation provide a seamless and immersive cultural experience for participants.

Booking and Cancellation Policy

Booking for the South Valley Half Day tour is non-refundable, and there are no refunds issued for cancellations.

Once you’ve booked your spot, the tour operator won’t be able to offer a refund, even if your plans change. This policy is in place to ensure the company can reliably plan and operate the tours. Travelers should keep this in mind when making their reservations.

However, the tour does come with confirmation at the time of booking, providing peace of mind that your spot is secured.

Recap

The South Valley (Half Day) tour offers an immersive exploration of Peru’s rich archaeological heritage. Visitors will discover the impressive Incan irrigation complex of Tipon, the pre-Inca settlement of Pikillaqta, and the colonial-era San Pedro Apostol de Andahuaylillas, all while enjoying a comfortable and insightful adventure through the cultural tapestry of the Cusco region.