South Valley (Half Day Tour)

Exploring the rich cultural tapestry of Peru’s South Valley promises an immersive experience for adventurous travelers. Operated by Kinty Travel Cusco, this half-day tour whisks visitors through the region’s architectural wonders, from the ornate Andahuaylillas Church to the impressive Inca engineering of Raqch’i. With a focus on providing an engaging, educational journey, the tour’s bilingual guides and included transportation and entry fees make it an accessible option for those seeking to delve deeper into the Andean heritage. However, participants should be prepared for moderate physical activity, as the tour’s itinerary offers a glimpse into the area’s captivating history.

Key Points

• A half-day excursion in South Valley, Cusco, Peru, operated by Kinty Travel Cusco with prices starting at $25.65.
• Includes hotel pickup, bilingual guide, and varying entrance tickets, with a maximum group size of 15 travelers.
• Highlights include visiting Andahuaylillas Church, Raqch’i archaeological site, Tipon agricultural terraces, and Pikillaqta wetlands.
• Tour is not wheelchair accessible and involves light walking and moderate physical activity.
• Tour has a 3.0 out of 5 star rating based on limited reviews, with concerns about tour guide availability and operator’s dependability.

Tour Overview

The South Valley (Half Day Tour) is a popular tour option among visitors to Cusco, Peru. This half-day excursion takes travelers to the scenic South Valley region, located just outside the historic center of Cusco.

The tour is rated 3.0 out of 5 stars based on 2 reviews and is operated by Kinty Travel Cusco. Priced from $25.65, the tour includes hotel pickup within Cusco’s historic center, a bilingual guide, and partial or complete entrance tickets depending on the option selected.

Tour start time is 9:00 am, and the maximum group size is 15 travelers. However, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and the cancellation policy is non-refundable.

Inclusions Provided

The South Valley (Half Day Tour) includes several key inclusions for travelers.

Pickup from hotels within Cusco’s historic center is provided, along with a bilingual guide to lead the tour.

Entrance tickets are partially included, granting 2-day access, or the complete ticket option with 10-day access can be selected.

Plus, admission to the Andahuaylilas Church is covered.

The tour has a maximum of 15 participants and starts at 9:00 am.

However, this tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and the cancellation policy is non-refundable.

Schedule and Availability

The South Valley (Half Day Tour) starts at 9:00 am and can accommodate up to 15 travelers.

This schedule is designed to provide an optimal experience, allowing guests to explore the region’s highlights comfortably within the allotted time frame.

The tour operates on a fixed schedule, ensuring efficiency and consistency.

Travelers should be aware that the tour is non-refundable, and no refunds will be issued upon cancellation.

This policy is in place to maintain the reliability of the tour and ensure a smooth operation for all participants.

Accessibility and Participation

Accessibility for the South Valley (Half Day Tour) is limited, as the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Most travelers, however, can participate in this excursion. The itinerary involves light walking and moderate physical activity, suitable for those with average fitness levels.

The tour operator notes that participants should be able to navigate uneven terrain and stairs, as some of the sites visited may have limited accessibility options.

While the tour is open to a wide range of travelers, those with mobility concerns or special needs are advised to inquire about the specific accessibility details before booking to ensure the tour meets their requirements.

Customer Reviews

Despite the limitations on accessibility, the tour’s customer reviews provide further insights into the overall experience.

With only two reviews recorded, the tour has a rating of 3.0 out of 5 stars. The notable review indicates that the tour guide didn’t show up, and the operator was unresponsive. This suggests potential issues with the reliability and responsiveness of the tour provider.

Some key factors that prospective travelers may want to consider include:

• Lack of detailed reviews to gauge the typical experience
• Concerns about the tour operator‘s dependability
• Uncertainty about the quality of the guided tour component
• Limited data to assess the value proposition of the tour.

Operator Information

Kinty Travel Cusco, the tour operator responsible for the South Valley tour, maintains a presence in Cusco’s historic center. Established in the region, the company specializes in offering immersive cultural experiences to visitors.

For the South Valley tour, they provide hotel pickup within Cusco’s historic district, though they don’t offer pickups from private residences or hotels outside this area. The tour is led by bilingual guides who provide insights throughout the journey.

While the operator’s policies prohibit refunds upon cancellation, confirmation is provided at the time of booking, ensuring a seamless experience for travelers.

Tour Highlights

The South Valley tour offers visitors a chance to discover the rich cultural and historical heritage of the region surrounding Cusco.

The tour features several highlights, including:

• Exploring the 16th-century Andahuaylillas Church, a stunning example of Andean Baroque architecture.

• Visiting the Raqch’i archaeological site, which features the impressive ruins of an Inca temple and fortress.

• Stopping at the Tipon agricultural terraces, a marvel of Inca engineering and irrigation.

• Admiring the natural beauty of the Pikillaqta wetlands, home to a variety of flora and fauna.

• Learning about the local artisanal traditions and enjoying the picturesque landscapes of the South Valley region.

Booking and Cancellation

To book the South Valley tour, travelers can visit the Kinty Travel Cusco website or contact the operator directly.

The tour is available with a maximum of 15 participants, and pickups are offered from hotels within the historic center of Cusco.

Entrance fees aren’t included and can be purchased as either a partial (70 Soles) or complete (130 Soles) ticket, valid for 2 and 10 days, respectively. The Andahuaylilas Church ticket is an additional 15 Soles.

Unfortunately, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

The cancellation policy is non-refundable, and no refunds are provided upon cancellation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Types of Archaeological Sites Will We Visit?

The tour features visits to several archaeological sites in the South Valley, including the Andahuaylilas Church, a well-preserved colonial church featuring impressive murals and artwork. The tour guide will provide insights into the history and significance of these sites.

Is There an Opportunity to Purchase Local Handicrafts?

The tour does not explicitly mention any opportunities to purchase local handicrafts. However, the itinerary is focused on visiting archaeological sites, so there may be chances to browse local artisan shops or markets during free time.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment or Supplies?

The tour doesn’t require any special equipment or supplies. Travelers should wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sun protection, as the outdoor sites may involve some light walking. The operator provides all necessary entrance tickets and transportation.

What Is the Typical Group Size for This Tour?

The typical group size for this tour is 15 travelers maximum. The tour is operated by Kinty Travel Cusco and provides a guided experience with an included pickup from hotels within Cusco’s historic center.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions or Accommodations Available?

This tour does not specify any dietary restrictions or accommodations. Travelers should contact the operator directly to inquire about any special needs that can be accommodated for the tour.

Recap

The South Valley Half Day Tour offers a captivating exploration of Peru’s rich cultural heritage. With highlights like Andahuaylillas Church and the archaeological site of Raqch’i, this tour provides insights into Andean architecture and Inca engineering. While it requires a moderate level of physical activity, the tour’s inclusions, such as hotel pickup, a bilingual guide, and entrance tickets, make it an accessible and immersive experience for travelers.