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Start Point

Cusco

Service

Shared Service

Type

Duration

5 hours

South Valley Tour

Get to know Cusco’s most incredible sites in one day with the South Valley Tour!

This region south of the city of Cusco holds an incredible collection of archaeological treasures that are waiting for you in this tour. The South Valley area consisted of a site with a lot of activity. Formerly, it was inhabited by the Incas, so there is a great variety of magnificent landscapes that combine ancient constructions with nature. It is even believed that this territory was one of the first to be inhabited in the region, having registered the first signs of cultures 1000 years before Christ.

On this incredible tour, you will have the opportunity to travel through history by visiting the water temple of Tipón. You will also explore Pikillaqta, one of the most famous and best-preserved cities from the pre-Inca world in Peru. Other destinations you will have the chance to visit include the towns of Andahuaylillas and its ancient Sistine Chapel of America, whose artistic architecture will amaze you.

An excellent opportunity to explore alternative archaeological sites and gain a deep understanding of the region's history. Don’t wait any longer! Reserve your place now

If you would like to know more tours to Cusco, click here.

This tour is operated on a shared basis, for more details, see the considerations section.

Itinerary

Route

South Valley Tour Itinerary:

08:20 – 09:00 AM: Pickup at the hotel in the historic center of Cusco

The experience will begin with the pickup from your hotel located in the center of Cusco, between 8:20 AM and 9:00 AM. Once everyone is on the van, we will depart for our first destination at 09:00 AM. On the way, if requested by the passengers, we will make a stop to buy the famous traditional bread from the area, called “Chutas de Oropesa,” which you can enjoy until we reach the first destination.

Tipón Water Temple

The first stop will be at the water temple Tipón, located 27 km from Cusco. In this archaeological site, you can observe the agricultural terraces, which are in excellent condition. Tipón is known for its sophisticated irrigation systems, including aqueducts and channels designed to optimize agricultural production in a mountainous terrain. Here, we will take a guided tour lasting approximately 30 to 40 minutes.

Pikillaqta Ruins

Next, we will head to Pikillaqta, an important archaeological site that served as the administrative center of the Wari culture. Here, we will learn about the architecture and urban planning of this civilization. We will enjoy a guided exploration lasting approximately 30 to 40 minutes.

Andahuaylillas - Sistine Chapel of Cusco

In Andahuaylillas, we will explore the Sistine Chapel of Cusco, famous for its lush frescoes dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. This chapel is known for its stunning Baroque art, featuring murals with complex and detailed religious iconography. We will tour the entire chapel for 40 minutes alongside our guide. Additionally, those who wish can visit the Museum of Andean Rites.

02:30 - 03:30 PM: Return to Cusco

If requested by the passengers, we can make a stop at a local restaurant for lunch, providing an excellent opportunity to taste local cuisine. This stop will be coordinated at the time, respecting the decision of the majority of the group. Finally, we will begin our return to the historic center of Cusco, arriving at Plateros Street or Plaza Regocijo (just a few meters from the Plaza de Armas).

Additional Information

Includes

The South Valley Tour includes:

  • Departure from your accommodation in the Historic Center of Cusco. Sometimes, the selected accommodation may be located on streets with restricted access for tourist vehicles. In these cases, the guide will suggest a nearby point where you can walk to meet them, so they can pick you up from a permitted street.
  • Entrance fee to the Sistine Chapel of Cusco
  • Transfers to all the mentioned places
  • Professional guide in English and Spanish (other languages are available on private tours). The guiding may be bilingual in englinsh and spanish. 
  • Return to Plaza Regocijo or Plateros Street.
Not included

South Valley Tour does not include:

  • Meals or drinks
  • Tourist Ticket (See information below)
  • Optional: Entrance fee for the Museum of Andean Rites. (3 peruvian soles)
  • Other services not mentioned.

Tourist Ticket: 

The Cusco Tourist Ticket (BTC) allows entrance to different attractions. It can be purchased at the entrance of each tourist destination we visit (consider that they only accept payment in cash).

For this tour, you will need the Partial Tourist Ticket of Circuit III, which covers the attractions of Pisac, Chinchero, Moray and Ollantaytambo.

Prices

  • Partial Tourist Ticket - Foreigners S/. 70.00
  • Partial Tourist Ticket - Peruvian S/. 40.00

See more information about the Tourist Ticket in this article.

What to Bring

What to bring to the South Valley Tour:

  • Comfortable and optimal footwear for walks, warm jacket, caps or hat, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, bottles of water, clothing or rain poncho (especially between November – April).
  • Passport or DNI.
  • Travel insurance.
  • Cash (Local currency / Soles (S/.) In Peru, there is usually a fee to use public restrooms. We recommend bringing coins or cash for these situations. 
Considerations

What considerations you should have when taking the South Valley Tour:

  • What does it mean that the tour is shared?

    • It means that you can share the tour with a group of tourists of different nationalities and ages, both from Guru Explorers and from different operators (group of approximately 16 people). It is an excellent opportunity to connect with travelers from different parts of the world! Remember that this type of tour is operated by Guru Explorers or our strategic partners who respond to our same standards. If you prefer a tour where you do not share with other people, please ask us for the private tour option.

    • One day before the shared tour, you will be assigned a pickup time range and an approximate return time. It's important to be punctual to avoid delaying others. The duration of the tour may vary depending on the group's pace and traffic, so the return time is only approximate. Please remember that neither traffic nor the pace of tourists is the responsibility of Guru Explorers.

  • The seating arrangement on the transport is random, based on the order of arrival and pickup.
  • The streets of the city are narrow, an aspect that limits vehicular access to certain places; in this case the guide will suggest a nearby point to pass looking for you and enjoy the tour.
  • You can include the tickets to the attractions - as an additional - in the process of contracting the Tour, or purchase it on your own directly at the place with payment in cash (prices of entrance tickets may vary without prior notice).
  • The streets of the city are narrow, an aspect that limits vehicular access to certain places; in this case the guide will suggest a nearby point to pass looking for you and enjoy the tour.
  • Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
  • The trip itinerary may vary due to environmental or climatic reasons beyond our control. We will notify you in advance of any changes. At Guru Explorers, we value your time and strive to adhere to established schedules, although they may be affected by circumstances beyond our control (natural disasters, field conditions, and other demonstrable reasons). We will do our best to offer efficient options and solutions for your enjoyment.

Not allowed: 

  • Pets
  • Smoking.
  • Large suitcases or bags.
Terms and Conditions

Cancellation Policies:

  • More than 7 days, 90% is refunded.
  • Between 4 and 7 days of notification, 70% is refunded.
  • Within 3 days or less in advance, there will be no refund.

Date changes:

  • Rates applied for change of date in private tours: 
    • There will be no extra charge if you notify more than 5 days in advance.
    • If notified between 3 and 5 days in advance, an additional charge of 20% will apply.
    • If you notify within 2 days or less in advance, it will not be possible to make the change and it will not be subject to a refund.
  • There will be no refund in case of delayed flights, train delays, bad weather or other external factors.
Why choose us

The experience that makes you live the beauty of this mountain of colors is inexplicable, it is really a personal encounter between you and nature. We want to be part of that experience that you will live in the South Valley Tour. If you are still wondering why choose us? We would like you to read 7 outstanding characteristics of our service:

QUALITY: 

When you go to a teacher, it is because you want to answer all the questions. In a matter of travel, money, time and enjoyment, you have to choose the best options available and that is what “Guru Explorers” is all about, giving you the perfect balance for the adventure you DESERVE.

EXPERIENCE: 

To become “Guru Explorers”, we are still world travelers, but experts in Cusco, Lima, and the most important destinations in Peru. We lived bad and good experiences, valuing that the main difference lies in the details, so we know what elements are essential for your trip. We are travelers and we strive to enhance your experience!

TRANSPARENCY: 

We are here to provide you with the best and most accurate information and description of our tours. We are not supporters of hidden costs, that is why we provide the necessary information so you can choose the inclusions or upgrades you are looking for.

SECURITY: 

You entrust us with your time, your money and your expectations and that is why we fine-tune every detail to guarantee the trip you dream of.

FLEXIBILITY: 

Although we have pre-established packages; they can be adapted to your needs and to make plans that are suited to you, so that you can visit any place in Peru, with the expertise of “Guru Explorers”. We adapt trips for special occasions such as your corporate trips, honeymoon, birthday, social, cultural or sports event during your visit to Peru, offering you complete advice to achieve and exceed your expectations.

PASSION: 

Before being tour guides, we are travelers, explorers, adventurers; That makes us passionate about creating the best experiences in the time you invest for yourself and those you love.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: 

We promote Responsible and Sustainable Tourism, not affecting the traveler, nor exploiting the communities that receive it or their environment. We create more human and respectful experiences of Heritage.

Do you want a different trip to South Valley in Peru? We won’t keep you waiting!

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