What is the South Valley of Cusco?

On the trip to Cusco everyone wants to know Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, the Humantay lagoon or the mountain of the 7 colors. Few get to know the South Valley of Cusco. Well, to tell the truth this place is worth knowing.

It is a geographical area located southeast of the city of Cusco. There you can visit very well preserved Inca archaeological sites such as Tipón. You can also see wonderful landscapes such as the Huacarpay lagoon. Finally you can get to know in depth the cultural life of the Andean peoples as in Andahuaylillas.

Fancy trying Cusco food? In the South Valley you will find some of the best ‘picanterías’ and ‘cuyerías’ in the region.

Legends and historical sources tell that the Incas arrived in Cusco from the south (from the altiplanic region). In their long walk they formed citadels and temples. Today it is possible to appreciate their footprints. One of the oldest archaeological sites to visit there is Piquillacta, with an antiquity of about 1,500 years ago.

In short, the entire South Valley area offers history, gastronomy, beautiful landscapes and more. Most tourists make their visit with a 1-day tour that includes Tipón, Piquillacta and the church of Andahuaylillas. In this article you will know how much this service costs and how to do it on your own.

What can I see there?

Still do not know what tourist attractions you can see on your visit to the South Valley of Cusco? Get to know them!

1. Tipón – This Inca archaeological site was a temple of water worship. Its good state of conservation is striking, with terraces, enclosures, temples and, above all, beautiful water channels. It is believed to have been the residence of the Inca Yahuar Huacac and his son Huiracocha. It is only 23 kilometers by road from the city of Cusco.
2. Piquillacta – This archaeological site is not Inca but Wari, one of the most important civilizations in southern Peru. It is 31 kilometers from the city of Cusco. It is an immense citadel that would have housed more than 10 thousand people. It has paths, squares, temples and enclosures of more than 2 meters high. Its antiquity dates back more than 1,500 years. Incredible!
3. Andahuaylillas – This Andean town hides a church of great beauty inside. Its beautiful decoration abundant in murals, canvases and liturgical jewels that is popularly known as ‘The Sistine Chapel of America’. Exaggeration? Since its construction in colonial times it amazes its visitors. It is 39 kilometers from the city of Cusco.

How much does a tour cost?

The tour to the South Valley of Cusco has a cost that can vary from 15 to 40 dollars depending on the tourism agency you choose.

This service lasts only half a day, that is, 5 hours: from 8 in the morning to 1 in the afternoon approximately. Includes: full transportation, entrance to all sites and professional tour guide.

In case you find a very economical tour (less than 15 dollars) it is because it does not include the entrances to the tourist attractions: Tipón, Piquillacta and the church of Andahuaylillas.

In any case choose the tour and the tourist agency that suits you best. A travel tip: choose a tourism agency that has good reviews on online tourism forums such as TripAdvisor.

How much does it cost to go on my own?

The visit to the South Valley of Cusco without a tour is also possible. How to do it? The first step is to buy the Cusco Tourist Ticket.  This ticket includes admission to: Tipón, Piquillacta and, incidentally, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Regional Historical Museum, the Museum of Popular Art, the Coricancha Site Museum, the Pachacutec Monument and the Qosqo Center for Native Art.

The Cusco Tourist Ticket costs 70 Peruvian soles. You can buy it in the same city of Cusco, just a few steps from the Plaza de Armas: on Avenida El Sol 103. The attention is from Monday to Friday from 8 in the morning to 5.30 in the afternoon. Saturdays from 8.30am to 12.30pm.

Then it’s time to organize transportation. On Huayruropata Avenue, public transport buses depart for Tipón and Piquillacta.

To go to Tipón you must take a bus from the company ‘Sayla – Huasao’ (cost of 2 soles) to the town of Tipón. Then you need to take a collective taxi to the door of the archaeological site (cost of 5 soles).

To go to Piquillacta you just have to take one bus of the many that go to ‘Urcos’ and get off at the whereabouts at the archaeological site (cost of 5 soles). Then it’s time to walk until you reach Piquillacta.

The same in the case of the town of Andahuaylillas. You just have to take the bus of the company that goes to ‘Urcos’ and get off in this town (cost of 5 soles). Finally they must only walk to the village church.

The tour guide service is not mandatory but you can hire one at the door of each tourist attraction (cost 15 soles in each place approximately).

Finally you can buy a delicious Cusco menu that goes from 10 to 50 soles, depending on your choice. However, this service is not included in the South Valley tours.

Differences, going with tour or on my own?

In a few words we summarize here the prices of the tour to the South Valley of Cusco and its differences with the trip on its own: