South Valley Tour - Half Day
Most visitors to Cuzco go directly to Machu Picchu, but the surrounding valleys are also home to some of the most fascinating historical sites in Peru. This half-day, small-group tour will take you off the beaten track, visiting very interesting places not far from Cusco.
Following the course of the Urubamba River, upstream, in south east direction, on the way to the high plateau, on the opposite side of Machu Picchu, there is a set of diverse towns, archaeological centers and natural places that make up the South Valley corridor. A different alternative to discover the city of Cusco.
On the route you will find everything: culture, nature and history, and you will travel through quaint villages like Huasao known as the land of the witches, due to the fact that the most ancient ancient traditions are performed there as healing rituals. Saylla considered the town of the deep fried pork or “chicharrón”, Oropesa or the town of the bread.
It is also worth mentioning the beautiful wetlands of Huacarpay and the Qoyllur Urmana lagoon where nature is the host.
The South Valley is an authentic site, you will find many fewer visitors, several different interesting sites, as well as being closer than the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The furthest point is Andahuaylillas and it is only one hour from Cusco.
It is one of the ways to enter the heart of Peruvian culture.
Cusco – Tipon – Pikillacta – Andahuaylillas – Cusco
The pick up will be at your hotel in Cusco (3,400 m / 11,154 ft), and you’ll be heading to the South Valley accompanied by your expert Guide. Your first stop is the archaeological site of Tipon (3,500 m / 11,482 ft), which is said to have been a royal garden constructed in god Viracocha’s honor. As you walk you’ll become more mesmerized by the agricultural terraces which are irrigated by an aqueduct on the sacred Pachatusan mountain, keep in mind that this was all created by the Incas. Do not miss the other structures as the baths and temple complex for you to have a more overall understanding of the culture.
The following stop is the archaeological site of Pikillacta (3,250 m / 10,662 ft), a housing complex built in mud bricks by the indigenous Huari people a pre-inca culture that existed in around 700 to 900 AD. Pikillacta maintains its ancient mystery of interesting architecture, near the lagoon of Huacarpay. The archaeological site, characterized by its limestone construction, stands out the distribution of its harmonious buildings and symmetrical blocks with straight streets that considered various sectors, such as administrative, ceremonial, urban and defensive, as well as the road system.
The last highlight is Andahuaylillas (3,130 m / 10,269), arriving at the main square of this quaint town you’ll see how it stands the Temple of San Pedro called by some historians and travelers The Sistine Chapel of America, dates back to the 16th century. Stand out its wonderful wall paintings, works by renowned painters of the era which include Diego Quispe Tito. The pieces are part of the art Baroque. The church also houses a collection of paintings of the Cusco School never seen, which represents the life of San Pedro (with impressive frames in gold leaf), a majestic organ, silver goldsmiths and a baroque altar.
And finally you’ll return to Cusco passing by Oropesa, a small typical village famous for its tasty bread. You’ll be dropped off at your hotel or otherwise close to the main square up to your preference.
- Hotel pick up in Cusco
- Private transport throughout the tour
- Professional Tour Guide
- Personalized service
- Small group tour max 8 people
- Entrance fee ticket to the Chapel of Andahuaylillas
- Entrance fee tickets to all Archaeological Sites
- Active itinerary with unique cultural features
- Non alcoholic drinks while on tour
- Private walking tour in all the atractions
- Emergency first aid kit
- Emergency oxygen bottle
- Hotel drop off in Cusco
- No meals included in this tour
- Extra expenses
- Gratuities
- Souvenirs
- Travel insurance
- Hotel in Cusco
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