The tour begins in the morning as you depart from Cusco and head into the quieter southern Valley. Unlike the busier Sacred Valley routes that stretch for hours toward Ollantaytambo, the Valley lies much closer — with the farthest point, Andahuaylillas, only about an hour from the city. This proximity means more time soaking in cultural and historical treasures.
As you explore the South Valley, you’ll discover hidden gems that showcase the true essence of the region.
Your first stop is Tipón, an extraordinary Inca archaeological complex that highlights the engineering ingenuity of the Incas. Spread across terraces that seem to cascade down the hillsides, Tipón is renowned for its sophisticated water channels and irrigation systems, which still function today. Scholars believe this site served as both a ceremonial center dedicated to water worship and an experimental agricultural station where the Incas refined their techniques of crop cultivation.
From Tipón you continue through to the small town of Oropesa, a place known affectionately as the bread capital of Peru due to its many artisanal bakeries. Here, the scent of freshly baked loaves and traditional local treats fills the air.
Not long after, the landscape opens up to the pre-Inca site of Pikillaqta, one of the few remnants of the Wari civilization that once dominated the central Andes before the rise of the Inca Empire. Constructed of adobe, this sprawling complex presents a rare opportunity to walk through an ancient city plan — complete with streets, plazas, and residential clusters laid out with remarkable organization. Exploring Pikillaqta feels like slipping back into an era where societies were rapidly evolving and laying down the foundations for the empires that would follow.
As the morning turns to midday, your guide will lead you on a short walk to the serene Huacarpay Lagoon, a wetland ecosystem designated as a Ramsar Site for its international importance. This quiet oasis attracts migratory birds from as far away as Canada, especially during seasonal migrations in October and April. Birdwatchers and nature lovers will find this stop particularly rewarding, with opportunities to spot a diverse array of winged visitors against a backdrop of rolling hills and reflective waters. Here, your group can pause for a scenic lunch amidst the peaceful rhythms of the wetland.
The final cultural highlight of the day is the colonial gem of Andahuaylillas, often referred to as the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas.” Situated in an idyllic plaza, the baroque Church of San Pedro Apóstol dazzles with its richly adorned interior, featuring vibrant frescoes and works by prominent artists of the (Escuela Cuzqueña) a religious art school in Cusco that shaped South American sacred art during the colonial period. The church’s ornate decorations and historical depth make it a standout on the tour and a powerful example of cultural fusion between Indigenous traditions and Spanish colonial influences.
On the return from the Cusco, the tour often includes a brief stop in the town of Saylla, where you can sample traditional Andean fare like crispy pork cracklings (chicharrones), providing a delicious conclusion to a day rich with history, scenery, and culture.
The South Valley uniquely balances archaeological sites, with important cultural and local traditions, making it a remarkable destination.
Did you know: We plant two trees per person, per day that you travel with us- making us the sustainable choice.
Cultural day trips kitlist
Cultural day trips kitlist
