Travel Blog
Travel News
- Info@travelongreen.com
Travel Blog
Travel News
Discover the South Valley of Cusco Tour, a relaxing half-day cultural experience that combines Inca history, ancient archaeology, colonial art, and stunning Andean landscapes. Perfect for travelers looking to explore beyond the main attractions without a long journey or strenuous hike, this tour takes you to three fascinating destinations: the impressive Inca water systems of Tipón, the ancient Wari archaeological site of Piquillacta, and the beautifully preserved colonial artwork inside the Church of Andahuaylillas.
The tour begins at 8:00 a.m. and returns to Cusco at approximately 2:00 p.m., making it an excellent option for your first days in Cusco or for travelers with limited time. Travel comfortably in tourist transportation accompanied by a professional local guide, who brings each archaeological and cultural site to life while explaining the history and significance behind the places you visit.
Operated by Travel On Green, the South Valley Cusco Tour offers small-group service, professional organization, local expertise, and responsible travel. It is an ideal alternative to the busier Cusco day tours, allowing you to experience a quieter side of the region while discovering remarkable Inca and pre-Inca heritage, colonial traditions, and spectacular Andean scenery.
Hotel Pickup in Cusco & Journey Through the South Valley
Your Tipón, Piquillacta and Andahuaylillas tour begins with hotel pickup in Cusco at approximately 8:00 a.m. From the city, we travel south through the scenic Cusco South Valley, leaving the urban landscape behind as farmland, mountains, and traditional Andean communities come into view.
One of the advantages of exploring the South Valley of Cusco is the short travel time between attractions. You can spend more of your day discovering archaeological sites, historic landmarks, and local culture rather than sitting in the vehicle.
During the journey, your professional guide will introduce you to the history and traditions of the region, connecting each destination into one fascinating story of ancient Andean civilization.
Tipón: Discover Inca Water Engineering
Our first stop is Tipón, one of the most impressive examples of Inca hydraulic engineering near Cusco. Walk among beautifully preserved agricultural terraces, stone channels, fountains, and watercourses where fresh water continues to flow through the ancient system.
The precision of the Inca stonework is especially remarkable. Water was carefully directed through channels and terraces, demonstrating the Incas’ advanced understanding of water management and agriculture.
Tipón is also a wonderful place for photography. Green terraces, mountain scenery, traditional stonework, and the sound of flowing water create a peaceful atmosphere away from the busy streets of Cusco.
The walking route is generally easy, although some paths are uneven. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Piquillacta: Explore an Ancient Wari City
The next destination takes us even further back in Andean history. Piquillacta archaeological site was built by the Wari civilization, a powerful pre-Inca culture that flourished in the Andes centuries before the rise of the Inca Empire.
Unlike many Inca archaeological sites, Piquillacta has a distinctly geometric and urban design, featuring long walls, straight streets, rectangular structures, and carefully planned sectors.
Your guide will explain how the Wari organized this ancient settlement and why Piquillacta is important for understanding the civilizations that shaped the Andes before the Incas.
Visiting Piquillacta adds an important historical dimension to your Cusco sightseeing experience, showing that the region was home to sophisticated societies long before the Inca Empire.
Andahuaylillas: The “Sistine Chapel of the Andes”
Our final major stop is the charming town of Andahuaylillas, home to the famous Church of San Pedro de Andahuaylillas.
At first glance, the church may appear modest from the outside. Inside, however, you will discover an extraordinary collection of colorful murals, paintings, ornate decorations, and religious artwork representing the unique fusion of European and Andean artistic traditions.
Because of its impressive interior decoration and Andean Baroque art, the church is widely known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Andes.”
Your guide will explain the symbolism, history, and artistic details behind the church, helping you appreciate the visit beyond simply taking photographs.
For travelers interested in Peruvian history, colonial art, architecture, culture, and photography, Andahuaylillas is often one of the most memorable stops of the South Valley tour.
Return to Cusco
After exploring Andahuaylillas, we begin our journey back to Cusco. Depending on the day’s schedule and service conditions, we may make a brief practical stop for a restroom break, local bakery, or quick purchase before continuing to the city.
We expect to arrive in Cusco at approximately 2:00 p.m., with drop-off at your hotel or a convenient central location.
This half-day South Valley tour from Cusco is an excellent option for travelers who want to experience Inca history, pre-Inca archaeology, colonial art, and Andean culture without committing to a full-day excursion.
It is also ideal for travelers with a limited itinerary who want to discover some of the best cultural attractions near Cusco while keeping the afternoon free for other activities.
Private Tour Option
This Moray, Maras and Chinchero tour can be customized as a private experience according to your interests and schedule. You can add Ollantaytambo, spend additional time at your favorite archaeological site, or extend the itinerary into a full-day Sacred Valley tour from Cusco.
We run the South Valley Cusco Tour in small groups, creating a relaxed and personalized way to explore the cultural and archaeological highlights south of Cusco. This half-day tour from Cusco includes comfortable transportation, an experienced local guide, and visits to the fascinating sites of Tipón, Piquillacta, and Andahuaylillas.
Looking for a more flexible experience? Our Private South Valley Cusco Tour is perfect for families, friends, photographers, and travelers who prefer a slower pace, extra time for photos, or a customized pickup location. Private tour prices are calculated per person based on the size of your group, making it easy to enjoy a personalized cultural experience in the Cusco region.
Cusco mornings can be cool, but temperatures can rise quickly as the sun gets stronger, particularly at high altitude. For a comfortable Cusco city tour, dress in layers and carry only the essentials in a lightweight daypack.
Although this is not a strenuous hiking tour, you will walk along uneven streets, archaeological sites, historic surfaces, and church floors. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a light jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses, and plenty of water. Being prepared for changing weather will help you enjoy your Cusco sightseeing tour comfortably from beginning to end.
Important: This Sacred Valley tour includes walking on uneven and sometimes rocky terrain, so we recommend carrying only the essentials and avoiding heavy backpacks. Weather in the Sacred Valley can change quickly, so dress in layers and bring a lightweight rain jacket or waterproof protection to stay comfortable throughout the tour.
The South Valley of Cusco Tour offers a unique alternative to the traditional Sacred Valley tours. Rather than visiting popular attractions such as Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Maras, and Moray, this half-day tour from Cusco takes you to three fascinating cultural sites: Tipón, Piquillacta, and Andahuaylillas. Discover impressive Inca engineering, pre-Inca history, colonial architecture and religious art, while enjoying beautiful Andean countryside landscapes. It’s an ideal Cusco cultural tour for travelers looking to explore the region’s history and heritage away from the busiest tourist routes.
This Cusco South Valley tour is an easy and comfortable experience with no hiking required, making it a great option for travelers who are still adjusting to Cusco’s high altitude. Although the tour involves minimal physical effort, you will be traveling at elevated altitudes, so staying hydrated, maintaining a relaxed pace, and taking regular breaks are recommended.
If you are visiting Cusco for the first time, exploring the South Valley of Cusco is a gentle way to discover the region while allowing your body to gradually acclimatize to the altitude. For general information about traveling at high elevations, consult the CDC’s high-altitude travel recommendations.
Tipón is one of the most fascinating Inca archaeological sites near Cusco, offering a remarkable glimpse into ancient Inca hydraulic engineering. Explore lush agricultural terraces, finely carved stone channels, ceremonial fountains, and water systems that continue to flow centuries later. Peaceful and highly photogenic, Tipón is an ideal place to discover how the Incas expertly managed, conserved, and respected water while creating a sophisticated agricultural landscape.
Piquillacta offers a fascinating glimpse into the Wari civilization, one of the most influential cultures in ancient Peru long before the rise of the Incas. Explore its impressive stone walls, straight streets, and carefully planned urban layout, which reveal an advanced approach to Andean architecture and city planning. With an expert guide by your side, discover the history and purpose of this remarkable pre-Inca archaeological site near Cusco and gain a deeper understanding of the Wari civilization.
The San Pedro Church of Andahuaylillas, located near Cusco, Peru, may appear modest from the outside, but its interior reveals an extraordinary collection of murals, colonial paintings, intricate gold details, and Andean Baroque art. Known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Andes,” this historic church is one of the most impressive cultural attractions in the Cusco region, offering visitors a remarkable glimpse into Peru’s colonial heritage and religious art.
The South Valley of Cusco is different from the traditional Sacred Valley. This quieter route takes you south of Cusco to Tipón, Piquillacta, and Andahuaylillas, offering a more peaceful cultural experience focused on Inca water engineering, pre-Inca civilizations, and impressive colonial art.
If you are looking for the classic Sacred Valley tour from Cusco, featuring Pisac, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero, explore our Classic Sacred Valley Tour. For travelers who want to combine the Sacred Valley with Maras and Moray, discover our Sacred Valley VIP Tour with Maras and Moray.
The South Valley Tour from Cusco is a great complement to the Cusco City Tour, giving you a deeper understanding of Cusco’s history, culture, and surrounding landscapes before exploring the region’s famous valleys. If you have more time, consider our 3-Day Cusco, Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Tour for a complete introduction to Peru’s most iconic destinations.
For more inspiration and practical travel tips, explore our Cusco Travel Guide and start planning your perfect trip to Cusco.
Private tours are a great choice if you want a more flexible and personalized experience. Enjoy extra time for photos, travel at your own pace, have a dedicated private guide, and explore with greater comfort alongside your family or friends.
Lunch is not typically included in this half-day tour, giving you plenty of time to return to Cusco and enjoy lunch, grab a coffee, or continue with your afternoon plans. If you choose a private tour, we can also arrange a special stop or personalized experience upon request.
Walking is easy and relaxed, although some archaeological sites have uneven terrain. We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes for a safe and enjoyable experience. No hiking is required on this tour, making it ideal for travelers looking for a comfortable sightseeing experience.
For the Andahuaylillas Church and Cusco tour, wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a light jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses, drinking water, some cash in Peruvian soles, and a camera. Since you will visit a historic church, modest clothing is recommended for the Andahuaylillas church visit.
Full Day
Experience the Sacred Valley VIP Tour with Maras and Moray, a full-day adventure from Cusco combining the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Maras Salt Mines, and Moray archaeological site. Discover breathtaking Andean landscapes,….
From:
USD 120.00
3 Days / 2 nights
Experience a personalized 3-day, 2-night private adventure through the Sacred Valley and Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Enjoy exclusive visits to vibrant local markets, where you can connect with Peru’s rich culture at your own pace. Explore ancient Inca ruins with a dedicated private guide who offers….
From:
USD 689.00
Full Day
Discover the heart of the ancient Inca Empire as you explore iconic archeological sites such as Ollantay tambo and Pisac, surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of Peru’s Sacred Valley near Cusco …
From:
USD 23.00
