Cusco South Valley Tour

South Valley of Cusco Tour of half day

5.0 Based on 342 Reviews
Half Day Tour

Tour Overview

Discover a different side of the Andes with the Cusco South Valley Tour, an enriching half-day experience that takes you beyond the city to explore less crowded archaeological sites, colonial art, and impressive Inca engineering.

Located just outside of Cusco, this tour offers a unique combination of Andean culture and Spanish colonial influence, making it perfect for travelers looking for a deeper cultural experience.

Andahuaylillas – The Sistine Chapel of America

Your journey begins at the stunning Church of San Pedro Apostol of Andahuaylillas, often called the “Sistine Chapel of America.”

Inside, you’ll find:

  • Beautiful baroque-style paintings
  • Intricate religious murals
  • Gold leaf decorations
  • Artwork from the famous Cusco School

This church is one of the most impressive examples of colonial art in Peru.

Pikillacta – Ancient Wari City

Next, visit Pikillacta, a fascinating pre-Inca site built by the Wari civilization.

With over 1,000 structures, including temples, storage buildings, and multi-level residences, Pikillacta showcases advanced urban planning from centuries before the Inca Empire.

Tipón – The Water Temple

The final stop is Tipon, one of the best examples of Inca engineering.

Here, you’ll explore:

  • A sophisticated system of water channels and fountains
  • Agricultural terraces still functioning today
  • A peaceful natural setting surrounded by mountains

Tipón demonstrates the incredible precision of Inca hydraulic systems.

Tour Details

Duration: Approximately 6 hours
Schedule: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Departure: From Cusco

This tour is ideal for travelers who want to explore less-visited sites, learn about different civilizations, and enjoy beautiful landscapes in a relaxed and cultural setting.

Highlights

Tipon

Tipón is one of the finest examples of Inca engineering and agricultural design. Here you’ll see beautifully preserved terraces, water channels, and fountains that are still functioning today, demonstrating the advanced hydraulic knowledge of the Inca civilization.

Pikillacta

Pikillacta is a fascinating pre-Inca city and one of the largest ancient urban settlements in the region. Built by the Wari culture around 600 AD, this site features hundreds of structures, offering insight into one of the earliest complex civilizations in the Andes.

Andahuaylillas

This charming Andean town is home to the famous Church of San Pedro Apostol of Andahuaylillas, often called the “Sistine Chapel of the Andes.” Inside, you’ll find elaborate frescoes, gold-leaf decorations, and colonial artwork that make it one of the most impressive churches in Peru.

Saylla

Saylla is known for its traditional Andean cuisine, especially roasted pork and crispy chicharrones. It’s a great place to experience local flavors and enjoy authentic regional dishes during your tour.

BEST SELLER TOUR
FROM
USD 15 per person

Book online

Travel date
Travelers
Adults USD $15.00/person
Students USD $15.00/person
Children USD $15.00/person
Total for 1 travelers USD $15.00 15.00
Duration Half Day Tour
Starts in Cusco at Machu Picchu Trip Guide office
Group size 16
Departures Daily departures
Physical level Easy
Trip style Classic
Meals 0 B, 0 L, 0 D
Tripadvisor Logo
5.0 Excellent · 342 reviews

"Absolutely breathtaking! Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and the views exceeded every expectation."

Sarah M.Mar 2025

"Everything was perfectly organized. The team made us feel safe and cared for throughout the entire trek."

James T.Feb 2025

"One of the best travel experiences of my life. Truly passionate team, deeply in love with Peru's culture."

Claudia R.Jan 2025

"We were a group of 6 and every detail was handled flawlessly. The Inca Trail was unforgettable. Will come back!"

Marco F.Dec 2024

"Professional, warm and attentive from day one. Machu Picchu was magical and the logistics were flawless."

Lena K.Nov 2024
Read all reviews →

South Valley of Cusco Tour of half day

Discover a different side of the Andes with the Cusco South Valley Tour, an enriching half-day experience that takes you beyond the city to explore less crowded archaeological sites, colonial art, and impressive Inca engineering.

Located just outside of Cusco, this tour offers a unique combination of Andean culture and Spanish colonial influence, making it perfect for travelers looking for a deeper cultural experience.

Andahuaylillas – The Sistine Chapel of America

Your journey begins at the stunning Church of San Pedro Apostol of Andahuaylillas, often called the “Sistine Chapel of America.”

Inside, you’ll find:

  • Beautiful baroque-style paintings
  • Intricate religious murals
  • Gold leaf decorations
  • Artwork from the famous Cusco School

This church is one of the most impressive examples of colonial art in Peru.

Pikillacta – Ancient Wari City

Next, visit Pikillacta, a fascinating pre-Inca site built by the Wari civilization.

With over 1,000 structures, including temples, storage buildings, and multi-level residences, Pikillacta showcases advanced urban planning from centuries before the Inca Empire.

Tipón – The Water Temple

The final stop is Tipon, one of the best examples of Inca engineering.

Here, you’ll explore:

  • A sophisticated system of water channels and fountains
  • Agricultural terraces still functioning today
  • A peaceful natural setting surrounded by mountains

Tipón demonstrates the incredible precision of Inca hydraulic systems.

Tour Details

Duration: Approximately 6 hours
Schedule: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Departure: From Cusco

This tour is ideal for travelers who want to explore less-visited sites, learn about different civilizations, and enjoy beautiful landscapes in a relaxed and cultural setting.

Highlights

Tipon

Tipón is one of the finest examples of Inca engineering and agricultural design. Here you’ll see beautifully preserved terraces, water channels, and fountains that are still functioning today, demonstrating the advanced hydraulic knowledge of the Inca civilization.

Pikillacta

Pikillacta is a fascinating pre-Inca city and one of the largest ancient urban settlements in the region. Built by the Wari culture around 600 AD, this site features hundreds of structures, offering insight into one of the earliest complex civilizations in the Andes.

Andahuaylillas

This charming Andean town is home to the famous Church of San Pedro Apostol of Andahuaylillas, often called the “Sistine Chapel of the Andes.” Inside, you’ll find elaborate frescoes, gold-leaf decorations, and colonial artwork that make it one of the most impressive churches in Peru.

Saylla

Saylla is known for its traditional Andean cuisine, especially roasted pork and crispy chicharrones. It’s a great place to experience local flavors and enjoy authentic regional dishes during your tour.

Trip itinerary

Your experience begins with hotel pick-up in Cusco starting at 8:20 AM. It is recommended to stay in the city center for easier coordination.

Departure to the South Valley

Together with your guide and group, you’ll travel in comfortable tourist transport toward the South Valley, a region rich in history, culture, and scenic landscapes.

Tipon – Temple of Water

The first stop is Tipón, an impressive Inca site known for its advanced irrigation system and agricultural terraces. You’ll see perfectly designed water channels that are still functioning today, showcasing the engineering brilliance of the Incas.

Pikillacta – Wari City

Next, you’ll continue south to Pikillacta, an ancient city built by the Wari civilization. This site served as an urban, administrative, and religious center and is one of the most important pre-Inca settlements in the region.

Along the way, you’ll also enjoy views of the Huacarpay Lagoon, a beautiful wetland area surrounded by Andean landscapes.

Andahuaylillas – Colonial Art and Culture

The final stop is the charming town of Andahuaylillas, home to the renowned Church of San Pedro Apostol of Andahuaylillas, often called the “Sistine Chapel of America.”

Built in the 17th century, the church features:

  • Gilded altars
  • Detailed murals and paintings
  • Beautiful polychrome ceilings

It is one of the finest examples of colonial art in Peru.

Return to Cusco

After the last visit, you will return to Cusco, arriving at approximately 3:00 PM.

Altitudes

Cusco: 3,350 m (10,990 ft)
Tipón: 3,560 m (11,679 ft)
Pikillacta: 3,500 m (11,482 ft)
Andahuaylillas: 3,200 m (10,498 ft)

This tour offers a perfect combination of Inca engineering, pre-Inca history, and colonial heritage, all in a relaxed half-day experience.

What is included

  • Pickup from your accommodation or hotel in Cusco. *Applies if located in the city center.
  • Authorized Tourist Transport, mobile unit.
  • Professional guide, accredited by the Peruvian Government.
  • Guided tour in Spanish or English.
  • Drop off, ends in the city center of Cusco.

Tourist Tickets

General Tourist Ticket (BTG): S/. 130.00 – Valid for multiple tourist circuits
Partial Tourist Ticket (BTG): S/. 70.00 – Valid for a single circuit
Church of San Pedro Apostol of Andahuaylillas entrance: S/. 15.00

Food and Beverages

Water, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages are not included

Tips

Gratuities for guides and staff are optional and based on your personal appreciation

Accommodation

Hotel or accommodation in Cusco is not included

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is not included. It is recommended to arrange coverage in your home country before your trip

Travel information

We are a reliable and experienced tour operator in Cusco, committed to delivering high-quality travel experiences with clear inclusions and no hidden costs. Our goal is to provide a well-organized, safe, and seamless journey so you can enjoy your visit to Machu Picchu with complete peace of mind.

Our packages are designed to include the essential services you need, avoiding unexpected expenses and ensuring a smooth experience from start to finish.

We take pride in our strong reputation, supported by authentic traveler reviews and testimonials, which reflect our commitment to service, reliability, and customer satisfaction.

When choosing a tour, it’s important to look beyond just the price. Extremely low-cost options often exclude key services or lack proper organization, which can affect your overall experience.

By choosing a trusted operator, you ensure professional support, transparent pricing, and a well-planned itinerary, making your journey to Machu Picchu both enjoyable and worry-free.

Why choose Machupicchu Team

Expertise and Experience: Our team of knowledgeable and experienced professionals ensures that you receive accurate information, well-organized itineraries, and top-notch guidance throughout your trip.

Personalized Service: We tailor our tours to cater to each traveler’s unique preferences and requirements, ensuring a customized and memorable experience.

Quality and Safety: Our commitment to quality and safety guarantees an enjoyable and worry-free adventure. We collaborate with professional guides, reliable transportation services, and carefully selected accommodations to deliver the best possible experience.

Sustainable and Responsible Travel: Machu Picchu Trip Guide is dedicated to minimizing our environmental impact and supporting local communities. We promote eco-friendly practices and contribute to the well-being of the regions we explore.

Competitive Pricing: We offer a range of affordable packages and options, allowing you to experience the magic of Machu Picchu without breaking the bank.

Excellent Customer Support: Our friendly and responsive customer support team is available to assist you at every stage of your journey, from pre-trip planning to post-trip inquiries.

Choose Machu Picchu Trip Guide for a remarkable and hassle-free adventure, as we strive to make your dream trip to Machu Picchu an unforgettable reality.

Traveler Reviews

Tripadvisor View our Tripadvisor page

Read recent experiences from travelers who booked with our local team and shared how the service, organization, and on-trip support felt in real situations. These reviews help future passengers understand what to expect before choosing their tour.

S

Sophie L

08/08/2026
Tripadvisor

We were a group of four girls, all 24 years old! It was an incredible experience! Genrri was an excellent guide, and our chef, Ricardo, was fantastic; he prepared vegetarian lunch and dinner for us every day. I highly recommend it!

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E

emma k

04/08/2026
Tripadvisor

We did the 4 day and 3 night Salkantay Trek on the 27th of July, and it was honestly one of the highlights of our trip. I couldn't recommend it enough, especially with Machu Picchu Teams.Everything exceeded our expectations from the accommodation and food to the organisation and most importantly, the amazing staff. Our guide Max made the experience so special. He taught us so much about the Quechua way of life and Inca traditions at every stop along the trek, which gave us such a good appreciation for the places we were visiting. He was also so much fun to be around, always making us laugh and keeping everyone's spirits high, even during the toughest parts of the hike. His positivity, encouragement and knowledge really made the experience unforgettable.A huge thank you as well to our chefs, especially Braulio, the head chef. We genuinely couldn't believe the quality of the food considering where we were. Every meal was so fresh and delicious and they had lots of vegetarian options too. We were given three generous meals a day which also included starters at lunch and dinner, plus snacks along the way. It was far beyond anything we expected on a trek.What really sets this company apart is the people. Max wasn't just a guide he genuinely cared about everyone in the group and always made sure we were doing okay. He knew exactly when to encourage us on the harder climbs, when to make us laugh, and when to stop to tell us another story about the history and culture of the area. He gave us a group name and gathered us every morning to do a chant together to get us ready for the day. You can tell he loves what he does and his passion made the whole trek so much more meaningful.The entire team was so kind and welcoming, and they made us feel looked after from start to finish. If you're thinking of doing the Salkantay Trek, I couldn't recommend Machu Picchu Teams more. It was an unforgettable experience, and we're so grateful to everyone who made it so special.

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M

MACHUPICCHU T

01/08/2026
Tripadvisor

This tour is full of adventures and blessings. The exciting bicycle descent from the Andes took us through changing landscapes to the tropical rainforest. The hike through the jungle, led by an expert guide, allowed us to learn about the local flora and fauna. The RAFTING and ZIPLINING activities added excitement to the trip and were perfectly organized. The natural hot springs were an ideal place to relax after days full of activities. The visit to Machu Picchu was the highlight, with its impressive architecture and view. I highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for a combination of adventure, nature, and culture.

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F

femke

01/08/2026
Tripadvisor

Had an amazing time, super well organized, nice people, and Nacho, the guide is amazing (and very funny) !!!❤️

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E

Emily R

01/08/2026
Tripadvisor

I had an amazing time doing the Salkantay trek with Machu pichu teams! Especially Nacho who was an incredible guide for our group, always making sure we were all having a good time, having fun and looking after us from the start to the end. Big thanks to the whole team :)

View full review

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