Trek
An overlook to the origins of the Incan Culture
The South Valley of Cusco is seldom explored on tour due to the limited time travelers have to explore beyond the typical Cusco city tours. However, the Cuscos South Valley offers you some of the most fantastic sites dated back chronologically from three periods, Pre-Incan, Incan, and Colonial times three periods that completely changed the city of Cusco as we know it today,
Exploring the South Valley you will have the opportunity to visit three important archaeological sites. TIPON, an Inca site made up of large terraces, as well as a system of sophisticated aqueducts for its time, demonstrating that the Incas were great hydraulic engineers; PIKILLAQTA, a Pre-Inca citadel, corresponding to an earlier civilization, where it can be seen an archeological complex with enclosures consists of more than 700 structures, 200 Kanchas (apartments), 504 Qolqas (warehouses) all of this is walled with walls up to 12 meters high. The citadel was harmonious and symmetrical, in blocks with straight streets. The walls were built up of mud and stones, wide at the bottom and tapered towards the top; ANDAHUAYLILLAS, a colonial church built at the beginning of the XVII century, shows the conquest and the Spanish domination of the Andean culture. However, this church was favored by the Andean people themselves in pursuit of Christian religious preferences. Andahuaylillas is also known as “The Sistine Chapel of America” because of its murals and paintings, a real work of art of different artistic styles, brought from Europe to the Andean people. In addition, the church hosts a majestic pipe organ, numerous canvases of the Cusco School artists, silver works, and Baroque altars made of gold leaf.
The South Valley of Cusco is a cultural and off-the-beaten-path experience since you will not find many travelers a good chance to enjoy an authentic and more personal tour experience, ideal for people who love culture.
Much like the City Tour in Cusco, a tour through the Southern Valley is another way to acclimatize to Cusco’s high altitude and be ready to embark on an adventurous trek through the mountains if you have planned to do so.
Trip Details
Highlights
- Tipon, and the large farming terraces
- The aqueduct system of Tipon
- Ride through picturesque towns and villages
- Pikillaqta, the walled pre-Incan citadel
- Andahuaylillas, a colonial church
Route Map
The evidence of the Origins of Incan civilization comes from the south
Exploring the Cuscos south Valley will make you understand more about the origings of the Incas civilization; explore the pre-incan archeological remain, the magestic Inca costruccions, and the extraordinary colonial monuments and art, sign of the domination and power of panish culture. Explore ahd hear more great stories of the Incan and spanish culture, enjoying the beauty of Andean nature. Don't miss the chance to explore and live a life time experience with Kuntur Peru Travel.
Trip Overview
Immerse yourself in a journey toward the southern valley of Cusco City, where you will find answers about the origin of the Inca Civilization. Its feats and triumphs to become a prominent Empire, as well as its fall and domination through the Spanish conquest, a half-day tour that will outline everything about the Andean culture.
It is recommended to do the South Valley tour before doing the Sacred Valley tour, before your trip to Machu Picchu citadel, or any other trekking activity; it will not only help you acclimate to the altitude, but it will also give you a better orientation on the history and culture of the Incas.
A glimpse of our Itinerary
AJourney to the southern side of Cusco City.
In the South Valley, we will have the opportunity to visit three important sites that represent milestones in the history of Cusco City. Tipon is an Inca archaeological site, Pikillacta is a pre-Inca archaeological center, and Andahuaylillas is a beautiful colonial temple built in the XVII century. If you are a food adventurer, stop at a local restaurant on the way back to Cusco City to taste a roasted guinea pig, an Incan delicacy.
What to expect
- Pick up from your hotel
- Meet our experienced local guides, English / Spanish speaking
- Private transportation to all sites in and out of Cusco city.
- Detailed guided tour of Tipon and its fabulous aqueducts.
- Explore Pikillaqta, the Pre-Incan walled citadel.
- Guided tour at Tipon, Pikillaqya, and Andahuaylillas.
- About 6 hours total tour, and private transportation.
- Take advantage of taking photos at Inca sites, guides are also skillful at taking photos.
- Door-to-door transportation service, unless you request drop-off at a specific point in the city.
Degree of difficulty
The South Valley of Cusco is rated as an effortless excursion, as it does not involve a hiking activity but only site exploration. Day trips are generally made by private transportation; we suggest taking it easy while exploring the archeological sites, as it will help you acclimate to the altitude. The Cusco South Valley can be done all year round. However, you will have a better experience during the dry season (March – November)
Why you should go with us
- Kuntur Peru Travel is a fully locally owned tour operator and certified travel company with all licenses to operate Inca trail tours and alternative treks.
- Experience is the key! Long tracking record tour guides, graduated from the university and recognized institutes of Cusco city.
- We deliver our tour services with safety standards, ethics, and responsibility; we rely on the opinions of our travelers.
- Book and travel! Your trip is confirmed once you book the tour service; we don’t transfer the service to other tour groups. So that you book with us, you go with us.
- Quality of services is our personal motto, so we provide both as small groups, no more than 8 pp., and private tour services.
- No hidden charges! You pay the cost of your trip with all services included as mentioned in the itineraries.
- Tailor-made tours and customizable experiences to the needs of our travelers.
- Our guides are natives of Cusco city, fluent English speaking, friendly, and great storytellers.
- Our management center is located in Cusco city. Therefore, we have everything in control nearby.
Itinerary
Half Day Cusco City – Tipon – Andahuaylillas – Andahuaylillas Chapel
Our excursion to the South Valley of Cusco begins by picking you up from your hotel at 08:00 AM. Together with your guide and driver, you will drive to the Southern, the less explored side of Cusco city.
The first destination is 21 km southeast at Choquepata Tipon, also known as ¨the Temple of Water¨. Tipon is an Incan archeological site comprising large farming terraces, small enclosures, and some liturgical baths. However, what is most striking about this impressive archaeological complex is its hydraulic system which was built to give it a mythical and historical meaning of the Inca civilization’s origin.
From Tipon, we will continue further south toward Lucre District, where the next destination is located. Pikillaqta is a Pre-Incan archeological remain belonging to Wari culture, which occupied this site around the VII to XI century; the 50 hectares complex is made up of square enclosures, large open patios, and long passages or streets that connect various sectors within the complex, but what impresses visitors more about Pikillaqta are its high defensive walls that surround the whole citadel. Pikillaqta is still under investigation and excavation projects, so that is our responsibility to be updated with the latest information.
The last destination we will visit is the Andahuaylillas district at 39 km / 24 miles from Cusco City. The San Pedro Apostle Church of Andahuaylillas considered the Sistine Chapel of America, was built in the XVII century; it holds some of the most beautiful samples of Colonial Art, with golden altars, murals, paintings, and polychrome ceilings.
On the way back to Cusco city, get the chance to enjoy a Rousted Guinea pig or Chicharrones, typical plates made at villages along the valley. We will be arriving in Cusco city at 15:00 hrs. approx.
- Meals
Not Included - Difficulty
Easy - Max Altitude
4200 m. / 13,779 ft. - Tour Duration
5 hrs - Transportation
Private transport. - Tour Style
Cultural
Including
Cusco South Valley tour Includes
- Professional Guide: Our guides are fluent in English speaking.
- All entrance tickets are included in the service.
- All private transportation: Experienced drivers guarantee the service.
What to take
- Valid Passport
- Valid International Student Card (ISIC), if applying as a student.
- Warm clothes. Cusco’s weather is cold and windy in the evenings
- Rain jacket, depending on weather condition
- Sun hat
- Day pack / Tote bag
- Camera
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Peruvian Soles in cash
What does not include
- Meals.
- Gratuities
- Travel Insurance
- Any personal expenses
Pricing
The pricing below is subject to a new Peruvian law governing employment. These changes are expected to substantially raise the cost of operating Cusco Tours for all licensed tour companies.
$ 100.00 per person Price based on 2 ppl in the group
- Price for 2 trekkers: 100.00 USD per person
- Price for 3-4 trekkers: 90.00 USD per person
- Price for 5-6 trekkers: 80 USD per person
- Price for 7-8 trekkers: 75 USD per person
Discounts
Students have benefits traveling in Peru! Museums, tourist tickets, archaeological sites, Machu Picchu, Inca Trail, and more. Get discounts by presenting your International Student Identity Card (ISIC)
Students under 17 years old and children do not need the ISIC to apply for a discount. Please, email us with a copy of the ISIC and passport at the time of booking for a trek or tour to info@kunturperu.com we are glad to help you.
- Student discount (only with active green ISIC card): US$10.00
- Students from 12 to 17 years. US$ 10.00 Discount
Groups booking
GO ON GROUP SERVICE:
From USD 70.00 per person for 8+ up to 12 participants in the group. Please note booking in advance is required.
We reward your preference! More details will be available if you are interested in taking advantage of this offer, such as free walking tours in Cusco City, discounts on Cusco City tours, Sacred Valley tours, or items for hiking activities. Contact us at info@kunturperu.com
Trip Info
Weather in Cusco City
Humantay Lake tour is a very high-altitude activity, therefore, the weather may be cold and unpredictable. The nights on this trek are usually around 14 F. / -10 C. And in the early mornings of the dry season, during the day, it can get quite warm if the sun is out, anywhere from 60-75F/15-24C. Keep in mind that if the weather is rainy or cloudy, it will be windy and colder, and it may change instantaneously, particularly when going up at the high-altitude passes; as with any high-altitude hike, you should bring plenty of layers to adjust to the fluctuating temperatures and conditions as well as appropriate sun/rain protection.
Tour departure
It is highly recommended to spend at least two days before any trekking activity acclimating to the altitude in the Andes; drinking enough water and avoiding heavy meals also help you to adapt quickly to the environment. Cusco is an Andean city located at 3,399 m. / 11,151 ft. We suggest doing short day tours in and around the city.
It is imperative to attend the pre-trek briefing a day before the scheduled date of the trip, usually set at 17:00 hrs. See the itinerary instructions section of the tour and its details. For additional information, speak directly to your trekking guide.
Note on Itinerary
The current itinerary described accurately expresses the trekking activities we offer. However, please, notice that due to some circumstances occasionally turns beyond our control, such as natural disasters, weather conditions, strikes, and others that may force us to deviate from our original plan, in which case, we will provide you with the best alternative option available, so then you won’t miss the wonderful experience.
Trip Payment Schedule
At the time of booking, you must be paid 30% of the total cost of the tour; this will allow us to make the corresponding reservation and purchase some tickets that may be sold out rapidly. A month before the departure date, the balance must be paid or upon your arrival in Cusco city, the 70% left of the final balance must be paid fully.
Cancellation and Transfer Fee Schedule
- Minimum fee (hike permit fee): $130 per person
- 61-90 days prior to departure: 30% of trip cost
- 46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost
- 45 days or less: 100% of trip cost.
Gratuities for the trekking crew
One of the greatest ways to express your gratitude to your trekking crew for everything they do to help you make your adventure trip is by tipping. This is a tradition of years since the beginning of the tourism industry in our region, a personal appreciation based on the team’s effort during your adventure experience. Giving gratuities might not be customary in your country, however, it’s of the utmost importance to those who will be taking care of you during the trip. Tipping inspires excellent service and is an ingrained feature in the tourism industry on many Kuntur Peru Travel destinations. Of course, you are free to tip as much as you wish, depending on your perception of the quality and length of your trip. Remember, tipping is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Usually, participants in a group gather the tipping money for the guides, porters, and cooks; you can either do it individually, or your trekking guide will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Tipping your tour guide is more personal and should be decided based on your relationship, quality, and length of service with them and is done separately from the group or could be done individually, this generally happens once you end the tour at Machu Picchu Citadel or Machu Picchu town.
Porters: Each porter $20 – $40 USD or the equivalent in Soles (from all the group or participants)
Trekking Chef: $35 – $70 USD or the equivalent in Soles (from all groups or participants)
Trekking guide: The amount is an entirely more personal preference, however, as a guideline, $40 -80 USD per person can be used.
Faqs
Booking
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Payment methods
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REASONS TO GO TO THE SOUTH VALLY
- Cusco South Valley is a destination with a rich historical legacy, the cradle of the greatest civilization of the Americas.
- Explore the cultural capital of Peru, it offers you the best of its culture, tradition, and millenary history.
- Enjoy the picturesque towns and villages along the way, beautiful landscapes, and astounding archeological sites.
- The South Valley has the best cultural attractions, countless festivities, and unsurpassed trekking destinations such as the Rainbow Mountain.
- Enjoy the scenic beauty of the inter-Andean valleys and highland landscapes.
- Immerse yourself in the Andean culture interpreted by expert tour guides and explore the most unbelievable archeological sites it offers.
- The Cusco South Valley offers unique experiences, ideally for adventurers and history lovers.
- The Sacred Valley, South Valley, Rainbow Mountain, and other Day Tours are also destinations within the Cusco region.
REMARKS
WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE CITY TOUR
- Pick up from your hotel
- Meet our experienced local guides, English and Spanish speaking
- Private transportation to all sites in and out of the Cusco city center.
- Detailed guided tour in Qoricancha (the sun temple), about an hour of exploration.
- Explore Sacsayhuaman, the megalithic constructions site
- Guided tour at Qenqo, Pukapukara and Tambomachay.
- 4 to 5 hours total tour, during which you’ll learn about the Origin and history of Incan culture.
- Take advantage of taking photos at Inca sites, guides are also skillful at taking photos.
- Door-to-door transportation service, unless you request drop-off at a specific point in the city.
RECOMMENDED TO BRING
- Passport
- Warm clothes. Cusco’s weather is cold and windy at evenings
- Day pack / Tote bag
- Camera
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Peruvian Soles in cash