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Discover a unique experience in the Southern Valley of Cusco, a half-day route full of Andean landscapes, history, and living culture. Unlike traditional circuits, this tour invites you to connect with the essence of the Andes in a more tranquil and authentic way, visiting archeological sites of great historical legacy such as Tipón, Pikillacta, and the church of Andahuaylillas, recognized for their historical value and impressive architecture.
Cusco South Valley half-day tour overview
Why choose this experience with us?
- Small groups and guaranteed departures: Travel in groups of up to 18 people for a more authentic experience throughout the tour. Departures are confirmed from 2 passengers, so you can plan your visit with complete confidence.
- A half-day tour: Enjoy every stop in the South Valley and combine it with other activities on the same day, making the most of your stay in Cusco.
- Professional guide throughout the tour: From the pickup at your hotel to the end of the experience, our guide will answer your questions and provide information and safety along the way.
- Enjoy every destination without rushing: An itinerary designed to explore each highlight of the route calmly, taking in the natural landscapes and the cultural richness of the destination.
Programme summary
Cusco – Tipón – Pikillacta – Andahuaylillas – Cusco
A journey through destinations surrounded by striking Andean scenery: the Inca engineering of Tipón, the enigmatic pre-Inca city of Pikillacta and the colonial church of Andahuaylillas, known as the "Sistine Chapel of the Americas". History, architecture and nature in a single trip.
Tour facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | Half day, approx. 5 hours |
| Schedule | Pickup 8:00 to 8:30 a.m. / return approx. 2:30 p.m. |
| Maximum altitude | Tipón: 3,560 m / 11,680 ft above sea level |
| Minimum altitude | Andahuaylillas: 3,121 m / 10,240 ft above sea level |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Temperature | Minimum 5 °C / 41 °F, maximum 23 °C / 73 °F |
Highlights
- Tipón (3,560 m / 11,680 ft): one of the most advanced feats of hydraulic engineering in the Inca empire, with agricultural terraces, channels and fountains that still work perfectly today.
- Pikillacta (3,150 m / 10,335 ft): a mysterious archaeological city of the Wari culture, which predates the Incas. Its streets, squares and enclosures show remarkable urban planning, set among the landscapes of the South Valley.
- Andahuaylillas (3,121 m / 10,240 ft): home to one of the most beautiful churches in the Americas, the "Sistine Chapel of the Americas", with stunning murals, paintings and decoration by Andean artists whose colours are still preserved today.
Cusco South Valley half-day tour itinerary
Cusco – Tipón – Pikillacta – Andahuaylillas – Cusco
Three cultures in one morning: Inca engineering, Wari urban planning and Cusco colonial art.
- The adventure begins with the pickup from your hotel in Cusco between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m. In about an hour we reach our first destination, Tipón.
- At Tipón we take a 50-minute guided tour of one of the most impressive feats of hydraulic engineering in the Inca empire. Water still flows through its channels and fountains after hundreds of years, among beautiful agricultural terraces in a peaceful setting where all you hear is birdsong and running water.
- A 40-minute drive takes us to Pikillacta, one of the most important cities of the Wari culture, a civilisation that long predates the Incas. During the 50-minute visit we walk its streets, squares and enclosures, with mud and stone walls up to 3 metres high. After the guide's explanation there is time to take photographs and explore freely.
- After a 15-minute drive we reach the church of Andahuaylillas, the "Sistine Chapel of the Americas". During a visit of about 30 minutes you will admire its murals, paintings and decoration from the Cusco School of Art, which hold in every corner the history and cultural legacy of an era that is still alive.
- We head back to Cusco, arriving at around 2:30 p.m. very close to the Plaza de Armas.
What the Cusco South Valley tour includes
Support and safety
- Virtual assistance before the tour. Before departure, our team answers all your questions about the programme so you can enjoy the trip without worries.
- Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English). A team of guides highly trained in history, culture and tourist information accompanies you throughout the tour.
- First-aid kit and oxygen tank. Our guides receive ongoing first-aid training, which ensures timely assistance along the route.
- 24/7 customer service, with an emergency number available from start to finish.
Transport
- Pickup in tourist transport from your hotel in Cusco's historic centre. For hotels outside that area, a nearby meeting point is arranged.
- Tourist transport throughout the tour, with drop-off very close to the Plaza de Armas.
Not included
- Cusco Tourist Ticket, required to enter Tipón and Pikillacta. It is paid in soles and can be the Partial Ticket (BTP), approx. 70 soles / 21 USD, or the General Ticket (BTG), approx. 130 soles / 40 USD, which also covers the City Tour, the Sacred Valley, Moray and some museums in Cusco.
- Entrance to the church of Andahuaylillas, which is not part of the Tourist Ticket and is paid at the door: approx. 18 soles / 5 USD for foreign visitors and approx. 10 soles / 3 USD for Peruvian nationals.
- Meals.
- Tips (optional).
Cusco South Valley tour price
Rates by group size
| Your group size | Price per person |
|---|---|
| 2 people | 24 USD |
| 3 people | To be confirmed |
| 4 people | To be confirmed |
| 5 people | To be confirmed |
| 6 or more people | To be confirmed |
Plan your visit
We recommend booking early to secure your date. Travelling soon? Ask us about availability: depending on the date, you can also book just a few days ahead.
Upgrade your experience
| Add-on | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Private service at your own pace | On request | A more comfortable and personalised experience, with flexible timings, more time at each site and the freedom to stop whenever you wish. |
| Guide in another language | On request | Private guide in German, French, Portuguese or other languages, arranged in advance. |
Entrance tickets are not included
For Tipón and Pikillacta you will need the Partial Ticket (70 soles / 21 USD) or the General Ticket (130 soles / 40 USD). The church of Andahuaylillas has a separate entrance fee of 18 soles / 5 USD. You can buy them on the day of the tour; we recommend bringing cash in soles.
What to bring on the South Valley tour
These are the most important items for this half-day tour.
Required documents
- Original, valid passport or ID card.
- Original, valid university student card, if you wish to use the student rate for the Tourist Ticket.
Luggage
- A light 20 to 30 litre backpack or day bag for the essentials.
- Water bottle and some snacks.
- Cash in soles for entrance tickets, purchases and souvenirs.
Clothing and footwear
- Comfortable shoes with good non-slip soles.
- Light, breathable clothing.
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
- Warm clothing for the morning.
- Hat or cap and sunglasses.
- A special outfit for your photographs at Tipón and Andahuaylillas.
Personal items
- Sunscreen.
- Personal medication and a basic first-aid kit.
- Wet wipes or toilet paper and hand sanitiser.
Equipment and extras
- Camera or mobile phone.
- Extra cash for drinks, souvenirs or tips.
Important considerations
- This is an ideal tour for acclimatising in Cusco before a trek.
- Avoid heavy luggage so you can enjoy the experience more.
- Always keep your documents and valuables with you.
Frequently asked questions about the Cusco South Valley tour
How long does the tour last?
Approximately 5 hours. Pickup is between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m. and the return to Cusco is scheduled for around 2:30 p.m.
Does the tour include hotel pickup?
Yes, from hotels in Cusco's historic centre. For hotels outside that area, a nearby meeting point is arranged. At the end, we drop you off very close to the Plaza de Armas.
Do I need the Tourist Ticket for the South Valley?
Yes. It is required to enter Tipón and Pikillacta. You can buy the Partial (BTP) or the General (BTG) Tourist Ticket:
- Partial Ticket (foreign adult): approx. 70 soles / 21 USD.
- General Ticket (foreign adult): approx. 130 soles / 40 USD.
How much is the Tourist Ticket for children and students?
- Foreign student aged 10 to 16: approx. 70 soles / 21 USD, with original passport.
- Foreign student aged 17 to 22: approx. 70 soles / 21 USD.
The original physical card issued by the university (PVC) is required, showing a photograph, full name, university and a date valid for the year of travel. Children under 10 do not pay for the Tourist Ticket.
Is entrance to Andahuaylillas included?
No. Entrance to the church of Andahuaylillas is paid separately, at the door:
- Foreign visitor: approx. 18 soles / 5 USD.
- Peruvian national: approx. 10 soles / 3 USD.
How are the entrance tickets paid? Can I pay by card or in dollars?
We recommend bringing cash in soles to speed up entry. Some points accept credit or debit cards, with a surcharge of around 5 % and subject to internet signal. US dollars are also accepted, although change is not always immediately available.
Should I buy the tickets in advance or on the day?
You can buy them on the day, before the visits begin. However, if you have time in Cusco, we recommend buying them in advance to avoid delays.
Is the South Valley a good option for my first day in Cusco?
Yes. Because it is easy and takes place at a lower altitude than other tours, it is an excellent way to start acclimatising while enjoying history, culture and Andean landscapes.
How difficult is the tour?
It is easy: the walks are short and suitable for most travellers.
Can children and older travellers take part?
Yes. It is recommended for families, couples and older travellers in good physical condition who can move about independently; we recommend it from age 5. As it is a group service, the tour follows the group's general pace; if you prefer to go more slowly or take more breaks, you can choose the private service.
Do children aged 3 and over pay for a seat?
Yes. For safety reasons and in line with current transport regulations, passengers aged 3 and over must have their own seat.
At what altitude does the tour take place?
Between 3,121 m / 10,240 ft at Andahuaylillas and 3,560 m / 11,680 ft at Tipón.
How long do we spend at each site?
Times may vary slightly depending on the group's pace and conditions on the day:
- Tipón: 40 to 50 minutes.
- Pikillacta: 45 to 50 minutes.
- Andahuaylillas: 30 minutes.
At each site your guide gives detailed explanations, with time for photographs and questions.
What clothing should I bring?
Comfortable clothing, trainers or shoes with good soles, a hat or cap, sunscreen, sunglasses and a light jacket for changes in temperature.
Does the tour run in the rainy season?
Yes, it runs all year round. Between November and March we recommend bringing a waterproof jacket or rain poncho.
In which languages is the tour guided?
In Spanish and English. For other languages, such as German, French or Portuguese, a private guide is required and must be arranged in advance.
What happens if I am affected by the altitude during the tour?
Our guides carry a first-aid kit and oxygen tank to deal with anything that may arise during the tour.
What is the booking process?
Step 1. Availability enquiry. Write to us at info@sakuraexpedition.com to check dates. We will send you a booking form for each participant to complete.
Step 2. Passenger details. To process the booking we need, exactly as they appear on your passport, your full name, gender, passport number, date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy) and nationality.
Step 3. Deposit and confirmation. A deposit per person is required to secure your place. We recommend booking in advance, especially on public holidays and in high season.
Step 4. Final confirmation. Once the booking is confirmed, you will receive the official invoice and your place will be 100 % guaranteed.
How is the outstanding balance paid?
The balance can be paid in cash, in US dollars or Peruvian soles, in Cusco, one or two days before the tour, according to the conditions indicated by your sales executive.
Can I cancel or change the date?
Yes. You can cancel or change your booking date up to 48 hours before departure. In these cases an administrative fee applies, which is deducted from the total amount as appropriate.
Any further questions?
You can contact our sales team on WhatsApp at +51 993 150 947 or +51 941 411 418, or by email at info@sakuraexpedition.com.
Why choose Sakura Expedition for your trip?
Sakura Expedition is a 100 % local, Peruvian company specialising in adventure and cultural tourism in Cusco and Peru. We have a team of certified guides and operations staff committed to delivering unique, safe and high-quality experiences.
We stand out for responsible and sustainable tourism, respect for local communities and personalised attention in every service. Backed by our tourism quality certification, we guarantee standards of excellence in every detail of the operation, from planning through to the tour itself.
