Trip Itinerary
TRIP ITINERARY
Cusco → Tipón → Pikillaqta → Andahuaylillas
Your South Valley Tour from Cusco begins with hotel pick-up between 8:20 AM and 8:40 AM. Pick-up is available from hotels and accommodations located in or near Cusco’s historic center. Once the group is ready, we will travel by tourist transportation toward the South Valley of Cusco, accompanied by a professional guide who will explain the history, architecture, and cultural importance of each site.
Visit to Tipón Archaeological Site
Our first stop will be Tipón, an impressive Inca archaeological complex known for its advanced hydraulic engineering.
During the guided visit, you will explore agricultural terraces, stone channels, fountains, and a sophisticated irrigation system that continues to function today. Tipón is often referred to as the Temple of Water because of the precision and importance of its water-management system.
Visit to Pikillaqta Archaeological Site
We will then continue to Pikillaqta, one of the most important pre-Inca urban centers in the Cusco region.
This archaeological site was developed by the Wari culture and served as an administrative, religious, and residential center. Its organized streets, enclosures, walls, and large-scale urban design demonstrate the advanced planning of the Wari civilization. From the area, you can also enjoy views of the wetlands and landscapes surrounding Huacarpay Lagoon, near the town of Lucre.
Visit to Andahuaylillas Church
Our final stop will be the town of Andahuaylillas, where we will visit the Church of San Pedro Apóstol. Built during the colonial period, this church is widely known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas” because of its richly decorated interior. Inside, you will see gilded altars, religious paintings, detailed murals, carved woodwork, and colorful ceilings that represent one of the finest examples of colonial art in the region.
Return to Cusco
After the guided visit to Andahuaylillas, we will begin the return journey to Cusco. Arrival in the city is expected at approximately 3:00 PM, depending on traffic, group pace, and operational conditions.
Tour Summary
- Hotel pick-up: Approximately 8:20–8:40 AM
- Route: Cusco → Tipón → Pikillaqta → Andahuaylillas → Cusco
- Tour duration: Approximately 6 to 7 hours
- Return time: Around 3:00 PM
- Difficulty: Easy
- Transportation: Tourist vehicle
- Main attractions: Tipón Archaeological Site, Pikillaqta Archaeological Site, Huacarpay Lagoon viewpoints, and Andahuaylillas Church
Elevations
- Cusco: Approximately 3,350 meters / 10,990 feet
- Tipón: Approximately 3,560 meters / 11,679 feet
- Pikillaqta: Approximately 3,500 meters / 11,482 feet
- Andahuaylillas: Approximately 3,200 meters / 10,498 feet
Tour Inclusions
Inclusions
Included
Hotel Pick-Up in Cusco
The tour includes convenient pick-up from your hotel or accommodation located in or near Cusco’s historic center. The exact pick-up time will be confirmed before the tour. Travelers staying outside the designated pick-up area may be asked to meet the group at the Machu Picchu Team office or another central meeting point.
Tourist Transportation
Travel throughout the South Valley in authorized tourist transportation equipped for a safe and comfortable journey. The vehicle service covers the complete route from Cusco to Tipón, Pikillaqta, Andahuaylillas, and the return to the city.
Professional Bilingual Guide
The tour is led by a professional guide authorized to provide tourism services in Peru. The guide will accompany the group throughout the excursion and explain the history, architecture, culture, and archaeological importance of each destination.
Guided Tour in English or Spanish
Guided service is available in English or Spanish. During the tour, you will receive detailed explanations at the Tipón Archaeological Complex, the pre-Inca city of Pikillaqta, and the Church of San Pedro Apóstol in Andahuaylillas.
Assistance Throughout the Tour
Our team provides operational assistance from the initial pick-up until the end of the excursion. The guide and driver will coordinate the schedule, transportation, entrance procedures, and the timing of each visit.
Return Transfer to Cusco
After the final visit in Andahuaylillas, transportation back to Cusco is included. Drop-off is generally provided at a convenient location in the historic center, depending on traffic conditions and the operational route of the day.
Not Included
Cusco Tourist Ticket
Entrance to the Tipón and Pikillaqta archaeological sites is not included in the tour price. Travelers must purchase one of the following official tourist tickets:
- General Cusco Tourist Ticket – S/130: Provides access to multiple archaeological sites and attractions included in the Cusco tourist circuits during its validity period.
- Partial Cusco Tourist Ticket – S/70: Provides access to the attractions included in a specific tourist circuit, including the South Valley sites.
The most suitable ticket will depend on the other attractions you plan to visit while staying in Cusco. Entrance fees may be updated by the relevant authorities.
Andahuaylillas Church Entrance Ticket
Admission to the Church of San Pedro Apóstol de Andahuaylillas, also known as the Sistine Chapel of the Americas, is not included. The entrance fee is approximately S/20 per person and must be paid separately at the entrance.
Meals and Beverages
Breakfast, lunch, snacks, and beverages are not included in the tour price. We recommend having breakfast before the scheduled pick-up and carrying drinking water and a light snack during the excursion. Travelers may purchase food or drinks at available establishments along the route, depending on the tour schedule. Carrying cash in Peruvian soles, preferably in small-denomination notes, is recommended.
What to Pack
What to Pack
How to Dress and What to Pack
What to Wear
- Comfortable, lightweight clothing suitable for Cusco’s changing temperatures
- Moisture-wicking shirts made from polyester or nylon
- Fleece jacket or lightweight warm layer
- Windproof jacket
- Waterproof jacket or rain poncho, especially during the rainy season
- Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers with good grip
- Long pants suitable for visiting archaeological sites
- Hat or cap for sun protection
- UV-protective sunglasses
- Warm hat, scarf, gloves, and wool socks during colder months
What to Carry in Your Backpack
- Original passport or valid identification
- Copy of your entry stamp or immigration document, when required
- High-SPF sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Personal medication
- Basic personal first-aid items
- Altitude sickness medication, when recommended by your doctor
- Reusable water bottle
- Light snacks
- Camera or smartphone
- Power bank or spare batteries
- Waterproof cover or plastic bag for electronics
- Extra cash in Peruvian soles for entrance tickets, drinks, souvenirs, and optional tips
Swimwear is not necessary for the standard South Valley Tour because the itinerary does not include a visit to hot springs.
Prices
Pricing
Cusco South Valley Tour Half Day Prices | 2026–2027 Seasons
The tour offers a standard rate for new customers and a special promotional price for returning Machu Picchu Team travelers, subject to verification of their previous booking. The service includes tourist transportation, a professional bilingual guide, guided visits to Tipón, Pikillaqta, and Andahuaylillas, and return to central Cusco. Entrance tickets and meals are not included unless stated otherwise.
STANDARD PRICE: $17 USD per person
PROMOTIONAL PRICE: $15 USD per person
Group Size:
Groups usually include 12 to 14 travelers, with a maximum of 16 participants, allowing for better organization and more personalized assistance.
Guaranteed Daily Departures
The Cusco South Valley Half-Day Tour operates daily throughout the year, subject to availability. Last-minute reservations should be confirmed before payment.
Addons & Upgrades
How to Book
How to Book with Machu Picchu Team
How to Book Cusco South Valley Tour
You can reserve the Cusco South Valley Tour Half Day in two convenient ways: online through our official website or in person at the Machu Picchu Team office in Cusco.
Online Booking
To book online, click the BOOK NOW button, select your preferred departure date, enter the required traveler information, and complete the payment. Online reservations are accepted until 9:00 PM on the day before the tour, subject to the availability of spaces, transportation, and guide service. Once your reservation is completed, you will receive a confirmation with the meeting or pick-up information and the most important recommendations for the tour. For last-minute reservations, we recommend contacting our team before making the payment to confirm that spaces are still available.
Booking at Our Cusco Office
You may also reserve the tour directly at the Machu Picchu Team office: Portal Nuevo 270, Plaza Regocijo, Cusco
Located one block from the Plaza de Armas. Booking in person is especially convenient for travelers who prefer to pay in cash, ask questions directly, or receive additional information about the itinerary, entrance tickets, pick-up service, and what to bring. Please bring your passport or valid identification and provide your hotel information and WhatsApp number so we can coordinate the tour correctly.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
You may cancel your reservation until 10:00 PM on the day before the tour and receive a full refund of the tour payment. To request a cancellation, contact us by email or WhatsApp and provide the name used for the reservation, the tour date, and the booking confirmation number.Cancellations made after 10:00 PM on the day before departure, on the same day as the tour, or after the scheduled pick-up time are non-refundable. At that stage, the guide, transportation, group space, and other operational services will already have been organized and confirmed.
Travelers who do not arrive at the confirmed hotel pick-up point or meeting location at the scheduled time will be considered no-shows. No refund or rescheduling will be provided in this situation. Card-processing fees, bank charges, and currency-conversion costs may be non-refundable, even when the tour payment qualifies for a refund.
Date Changes
Requests to change the tour date must be submitted before 10:00 PM on the day before the original departure date. Date changes are subject to availability. When spaces are available, we will move the reservation to the new requested date without an additional tour charge. Any difference in price or payment-processing cost must be covered by the traveler.
Contact Information
For bookings, cancellations, date changes, or additional assistance, contact us through the following channels:
WhatsApp: +51 974 217 700
Email: info@machupicchuteam.com
Gallery
Photo Gallery
WHY BOOK THE CUSCO SOUTH VALLEY HALF-DAY TOUR WITH MACHU PICCHU TEAM?
Professional Bilingual Guides
Explore Tipón, Pikillaqta, and Andahuaylillas with an experienced guide who speaks English and Spanish. You will receive clear explanations about Inca engineering, Wari history, colonial art, and the cultural importance of each destination.
Complete and Well-Organized Service
Machu Picchu Team coordinates hotel pick-up within the designated area, authorized tourist transportation, professional guiding, the daily schedule, and the return to central Cusco. This allows you to enjoy the tour without arranging each service separately.
Comfortable Group Sizes
Our group sizes are limited to provide better organization, clearer communication with the guide, and a more comfortable visit to the archaeological sites and the Church of Andahuaylillas.
Competitive Prices and Returning-Customer Benefits
We offer competitive prices and special promotional rates for travelers who have previously booked another tour with Machu Picchu Team. Previous reservations must be verified before the discount is applied.
Local Assistance Before and During the Tour
Our team provides clear booking information, entrance-ticket guidance, pick-up instructions, and assistance throughout the excursion. You may reserve online or visit our centrally located Cusco office for personalized service.
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