South Valley Cusco 1 Day

Daily program

Itinerary

DAY 1

SOUTH VALLEY TOUR

At 9.00 a.m. we leave from Cusco in our private transport to the first place we visit today: Tipon is a large complex with 12 impressive currently cultivated terraces. The walls were built with finely carved stone. Very impressive is the irrigation system in Tipon, which is still serving the agriculture.

Then we will go Pikillaqta, this complex features a large urban center of the time of the Wari Empire. It has over a thousand buildings between places, colcas (food stores), playing fields and houses, temples, long and narrow streets with buildings that were up to 4 floors high.

After the visit to Pikillaqta, we visit the village of Andahuaylillas. The Andean village of Andahuaylillas is a time of singular colony of origin and architecture. The Catholic Church from the colonial times that we find here has a beautiful decoration and wall paintings of the seventeenth and eighteenth century known as the Sistine Chapel of Cusco.

Returning we pass through Saylla, a typical town of Cuzco where we can enjoy traditional food.

We will return to the city of Cusco at 3.00 p.m. approximately.

What's included

Inclusions & Exclusions

Included

Pick-up and drop-off from/at your accommodation.
Professional and Knowledgeable English-speaking Tour Guide
Private transportation
Taxes

Not included

Lunch
Tourist Ticket (entrance to the archeological centers)
Any additional expenditures

Choose your package

Prices

EXTRAS & UPGRADES

Cusco Tourist Ticket – Partial II (South Valley Circuit) – $19 USD per person (S/. 70 soles — Required to enter Tipón & Pikillaqta. Valid for 2 days. Purchase in advance or at the gate)
Andahuaylillas Church Entrance – $4 USD per person (S/. 15 soles — Separate ticket for the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas.” Cash only at the door)
Traditional Lunch in Tipón – $18 USD per person (Enjoy slow-roasted cuy al horno or chicharrón at a local restaurant in Tipón village — a true Andean culinary experience)
Raqchi Temple Extension – $20 USD per person (Add the impressive Temple of Wiracocha to your itinerary, converting your tour into a true full-day experience)
San Pedro Market Visit – $10 USD per person (Available only on private service. Start your day exploring Cusco’s most vibrant local market before heading south)
Huasao Shamanic Experience – $30 USD per person (Visit the village of Huasao, known for its traditional Andean healers and coca leaf readers — a spiritual add-on at the end of the tour)
Huacarpay Lagoon Birdwatching Stop – $15 USD per person (A scenic stop at one of Cusco’s most important wetland reserves, home to over 100 bird species including the Andean flamingo)
Hotel Pick-Up Outside Historic Center – $15 USD per vehicle (Standard pick-up is limited to hotels within Cusco’s historic center. A surcharge applies for Airbnbs, private residences, or hotels located outside this zone)
General Cusco Tourist Ticket (All Circuits) – $35 USD per person (S/. 130 soles — Covers sites across all three circuits including Sacred Valley. Recommended if you plan to visit multiple areas during your stay)

Pricing & Availability – South Valley Cusco 1 Day

The South Valley Tour departs daily, year-round. The tour is located south of Cusco and is approximately a half-day in duration, combining transportation and short walks. A minimum of 2 travelers is required for a guaranteed departure.

GROUP SERVICE

$35 USD per person
Discount of $5 USD per person for groups of 5 or more

PRIVATE SERVICE

$75 USD per person – 2 persons
$65 USD per person – 3 to 4 persons
$55 USD per person – 5 to 6 persons
$45 USD per person – 7 or more persons

DISCOUNTS

Students (18–25 years old): $5 USD discount. A valid ISIC card or university ID is required at the time of booking. Information needed: university name, student name, photo, and expiration date.
Under 18 years old: $5 USD discount. Please send a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
Children under 9 years old: Children under 9 enter archaeological sites for free when accompanied by an adult. Tour service fee still applies.

Note: The Cusco Tourist Ticket (Partial, S/. 70) is used for a single tourist circuit and is not included in the base tour price. We strongly recommend purchasing it in advance. The Andahuaylillas Church entrance is a separate fee payable in cash on-site. Tips for guides and drivers are optional but always appreciated.

Daypack:A small backpack is necessary to carry your personal items such as water, sunscreen, and jacket.
Rain jacket or poncho:The weather in the Andes can change quickly. A waterproof layer is useful for rain, especially between October and March.
Sun block: The sun at high altitude is very strong. It is important to use sunscreen to protect your skin.
Your original passport: You must present your original passport along with the Tourist Ticket to enter the archaeological sites.
Cash: Bring extra money in local currency (Peruvian Soles) to purchase the Tourist Ticket, lunch, water, or souvenirs.
Water and snacks: It is important to stay hydrated. Lunch is not included, so you may want to bring a snack.

The Amazing South Valley Tour

How long to visit: (we are flexible with time) This is a half-day trip that lasts around six hours. It is an ideal tour if you have a free morning or afternoon and want to see sites that are less crowded than those in the Sacred Valley.

Preparing for the Tour

How to prepare: The main preparation is to have your Cusco Tourist Ticket ready, or cash to buy it. Also, pack a small daypack with essentials. Since it’s a short tour, no extensive preparation is needed.

Acclimatization: It is recommended to spend at least one day in Cusco before the tour to adjust to the high altitude. This tour is not physically demanding, making it a good choice for an early part of your trip.

Recommended Age: The tour is suitable for all ages. Its short duration and the minimal amount of walking make it accessible for children and older adults.

On the Tour

Recommendations: Purchase your Tourist Ticket before the tour starts to save time. Bring cash in local currency (Peruvian Soles) for the ticket, lunch, and any other small purchases. Always carry your original passport.

Climate: The climate in the South Valley is very similar to Cusco’s. There is a dry season from April to October with sunny days, and a rainy season from November to March with more frequent clouds and showers.

The Local People: The villages in the South Valley are generally quiet and traditional. People are often engaged in agriculture. In Andahuaylillas and Saylla, locals are accustomed to visitors.

Is lunch included in this tour?

No, lunch is not included in the tour price. The tour passes through Saylla, a town known for its pork rinds, where you can choose to eat.

Are entrance fees to the sites included?

No, the entrance fees are not included. You will need to have a valid Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico del Cusco) to enter Tipon and Pikillacta.

What is the Cusco Tourist Ticket?

It is a single ticket that provides access to multiple archaeological sites and museums in and around Cusco, including those on this tour. It must be purchased separately.

How long is the South Valley tour?

This is a half-day tour. It starts at 9:00 AM and you will return to Cusco at approximately 3:00 PM, so it lasts about 6 hours.

Is there a lot of walking or hiking involved?

No, there is minimal walking. The tour uses a vehicle for transport between the sites, and the walking at each location is not strenuous.

Why is the church in Andahuaylillas famous?

It is known as the “Sistine Chapel of Cusco” because its interior is completely covered with detailed murals, paintings, and gold leaf from the colonial period.

Do I really need to bring my passport?

Yes, you must bring your original passport. It is required to be shown with your Tourist Ticket for entry into the archaeological sites.

Is this a good tour for my first day in Cusco?

Because it is a short, half-day tour with little physical difficulty, it is a good option for one of your first days in Cusco while you are acclimatizing to the altitude.

What is special about the town of Saylla?

Saylla is a small town famous in the Cusco region for preparing and selling one specific dish: chicharrones (deep-fried pork).

Can I take photos inside the church of Andahuaylillas?|

No, photography and video are generally not permitted inside the church to protect the delicate artwork.

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