The most distant location is Andahuaylillas, just an hour away from Cusco. In contrast, a Sacred Valley tour takes you to Ollantaytambo, which is two hours from Cusco. The altitude is around 3,100 meters (10,000 feet), except for Tipon, which is at 3,500 meters (11,500 feet), slightly lower than Cusco City.

South Cusco Valley Tour: The valley south of Cusco is largely undiscovered by tourists but offers some fantastic places to explore. It’s an excellent way to experience the authentic heart of Peru.

The tour begins with a visit to the Inca complex of Tipon, featuring an intricate series of terraces and water channels. It is believed to have served as a ceremonial center for water worship. The town below hosts various roadside vendors on weekends, where locals enjoy guinea pig on a stick or roasted in a clay oven.

Continuing through Oropesa, known as the bread capital of Peru, with over forty bakeries, the tour arrives at the pre-Inca ruins of Pikillaqta. This site is a unique Inca location in the Cusco area. The adobe complex was constructed by the Wari culture, which once dominated Peru’s central highland and coastal regions. The Wari are widely regarded as the first culture to develop extensive agricultural terraces, and many Inca administrative practices can be traced back to them.

Next, a short walk leads to the lake of Huacarpay. This wetland is a Ramsar site, recognized for its international importance due to the large number of migratory birds that visit. Each October, birds migrate from the Northern Hemisphere to escape the harsh winter, and in April, they stop over on their return journey to the Northern summer. Additionally, there is a local migration when cold weather arrives in the Peruvian Altiplano, as birds move to lower altitudes for warmer temperatures. This picturesque spot is perfect for enjoying a picnic provided by the tour.

Finally, the tour returns to the bus for a 20-minute drive to the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas” in Andahuaylillas. Located in a charming, quiet plaza, this baroque church is renowned for its stunning artwork, including many fine paintings by the Cusco Religious Art School (Escuela Cuzqueña).

The tour concludes back in Cusco at approximately 2:30 PM.

Points of Interest

• San Pedro Apostol de Andahuaylillas

• Tipon

• Apu Andino - Day Tours

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Professional guide
• Bottled water
• Snacks
• Local taxes
• Transportation

• Gratuities

The Sacred Valley is a well-known destination, a lovely excursion en route to Machu Picchu. But are you familiar with the South Valley of the Incas? Many visitors add this to their itinerary after visiting Cusco and the Sacred Valley. This is the ideal choice for individuals seeking a deeper exploration of Peru beyond the typical tourist paths. While it may lack the grandeur of the Sacred Valley, it compensates with a more understated charm. A less populated path awaits you; a genuine journey featuring a diverse range of sites. Best of all, it requires less driving from Cusco compared to the more frequented Sacred Valley tour.

• A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
• Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
• Bring a warm fleece and a rain jacket (in case of rainy season November to March)
• Bring sunscreen and a hat
• In the event of changing hotel, please let us know on time. If hotel details are not provided on time, you may lose the tour
• A minimum of 2 people per booking is required

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.