South Valley Cusco 1 Day

At 8:30 am, or at the agreed time, we will pick you up at your hotel to begin our guided tour of three important places in the South Valley of Cusco. We will begin with a visit to the Church of Andahuaylillas, known as the «Sistine Chapel of America» for the quality of its works of art. This church is located in the town of Andahuaylillas, located approximately 40 km east of the City of Cusco, at an altitude of 3,100 m (10,170 ft). We will take a walk through its Main Plaza, decorated with Pisonay trees and palm trees.

We will continue our tour to Tipón, a national archaeological complex located east of the City of Cusco, which covers an area of approximately 2200 hectares. The original Quechua name of the place is unknown. In Tipón, we can see various groups of royal rooms built by the Inca Wiraqocha as a dwelling and refuge for his father Yawar Wakaq , at an altitude of 3,500 m (11,480 feet). Its impressive irrigation system stands out, which still works for agriculture, with 12 very fertile terraces that are currently cultivated. The walls are built of finely carved stones and the irrigation system was a notable achievement of Inca hydraulic engineering, with some fountains probably having ceremonial functions. The location and the presence of a surrounding wall suggest that Tipon was an exclusive site. Towards the southwest, on an almost vertical surface of the mountain, is the cemetery known as » Pitopuqyo «, where today cultural vestiges such as ceramic fragments can be found.

To finish our tour, we will visit the Pikillacta archaeological complex, which covers an area of 3,421 hectares and is located in the province of Quispicanchis, approximately 32 km east of the city of Cusco. Along the way, we will enjoy a wonderful view of Wakarpay Lagoon , situated at an altitude of approximately 3,200 m (10,500 ft). «Pikillaqta» is a Quechua word that means «lousy town» ( piki = louse; llaqta = town). Although that is not the original name of the site, its previous name is unknown; However, many chroniclers refer to the area as » Muyuna «, » Muyna » or » Mohina «. Pikillaqta is located at 3,350 m (11,000 ft) and was a city of the Wari Culture, which originally developed in Ayacucho.

We will conclude our tour of the South Valley and return to the City of Cusco after this fascinating historical and cultural day.

The Attractive Places of Cusco

• Tours in Cusco 2,870 meters above sea level – 2,980 meters above sea level
• Sistine Chapel of Andahuaylillas
• Tipón Archaeological Complex
• Pikillacta