5 hours
E-voucher
Multiple
Stray from the beaten path and see a side of Peru that most visitors miss on a tour of the Southern Valley from Cusco. Marvel at Andahuaylillas, hailed as South America’s answer to the Sistine Chapel, and visit crowd-free Inca archeological sites alongside your guide. Plus, a small group limited to 15 ensures personalized attention.
Operated by
Machu Picchu Peru Cusco
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Pierre-Luc B, Dec 2024
I'm not sure about the raving reviews of this tour but first of all, don't do this tour if you don't understand Spanish. 80% of the tour is in Spanish despite saying bilingual. Our guide had limited English which made asking questions difficult. There is some interesting info but nothing worth spending a day doing this tour especially if you have done the other more popular tours in Cusco. I felt like I paid for a driving service rather than guided tour. Even cheap it is not worth the detour. Do something else.
LineaFaria, Sept 2024
The experience was good, but at the end of the day was exhausted. It takes good physical preparation to climb and descend the various stairs of the archaeological sites. Other than that, I took wonderful pictures. In Tipón I was enchanted with the history of the place and impressed with the hydraulic engineering and architecture of a time when there was no technology.
leamg88, Jul 2024
This is a great half day tour to some less touristy incredible sites! If you enjoy history and exploring ruins, worthwhile!
Ratna_V, May 2024
The original Incan ruins where they followed simple agriculture techniques was incredible. Church was closed due to renovation which was huge disappointment. Other ruins were partly closed. Tipon is a must see.
The tour would start at the Incan archaeological complex of Tipon a site known for water channels and agricultural terraces. The water channels of Tipon are believed to be used as a ceremonial centre by Incas to worship water. The street below the site is popular among Cusqueñans. During weekends, locals often gather to savour the local delicacy guinea pig which is a popular tradition here.
The next stop on the trip will be in Pikillaqta. On the way to Pikillaqta, we will be passing through a dusky town known as Oropesa. Oropesa is referred to as the “bread capital of Peru”. It houses over a fifty different bakeries in a small town.
Pikillaqta is the only site that exists from Pre Inka time. Pikillaqta is a complex entirely built in adobe during the Wari regime. Waris once dominated the coastal and central parts of Peru.
Pikillaqta is a hilly region with small lakes in the vicinity. During the Wari rule and even during the Incas, maize was majorly produced in Pikillaqta. Maize was so important for the Waris that they painted it in their potteries along with supernaturals and deities. Back then, Pikillacta was believed to have controlled the whole region through agriculture.
Our next stop will be in Andahuaylillas. Andahuaylillas is home to The Sistine Chapel of the Americas. Although from outside it may not seem so eye catching to most, the interiors of this chapel is an eye popping kaleidoscope. It has a dazzling display of colourful murals, an ornate gold leaf altar and ceilings painted in coffered.
The “San Pedro de Andahuaylillas” as known by the locals, was built at the end of the 16th century given the fact that one of its murals, signed by Luis de Riaño, has a date written in it that states it is from the year 1626.
We will then return to Cusco.
English
Spanish
No refund is possible if you cancel.