Itinerary
Discover what awaits you in the TOUR SOUTH VALLEY CUSCO – HALF DAY
day 1
Tipon, Pikillacta, Andahuaylillas
Inca engineering, a Wari city and the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas”.
A less crowded circuit south of Cusco: Tipón, Pikillacta and Andahuaylillas, perfect to round out your trip.
-
Hotel pickup
8:00 to 8:30 a.m. · Your hotel in Cusco
We pick you up early at your hotel and head south of the city.
-
Tipón, the Water Temple
By tourist transport · 40 to 50-minute visit · Cusco → Tipón
First stop: Tipón, a majestic Inca complex known as the Water Temple. You will be amazed by its sophisticated hydraulic system, green terraces and channels that still flow centuries later.
-
Pikillacta Archaeological Park
By tourist transport · 45 to 50-minute visit · Tipón → Pikillacta
We continue to Pikillacta, a pre-Inca city of the Wari culture. Its straight streets and stone walls are key to understanding the past of the South Valley.
-
Andahuaylillas Church Highlight
By tourist transport · 30-minute visit · Pikillacta → Andahuaylillas
We finish in the village of Andahuaylillas, where the Church of San Pedro Apóstol dazzles with baroque frescoes, murals and gold-leaf altars. That is why it is called the Sistine Chapel of the Americas.
-
Return to Cusco
By tourist transport, approx. 2:30 p.m. · Andahuaylillas → Cusco
We return to Cusco in the afternoon and drop you off very close to the Plaza de Armas.
Day details
- Schedule: Pickup 8:00 to 8:30 a.m. · Return approx. 2:30 p.m.
- Difficulty: Easy, with short walks
- Altitude: Minimum 3,121 m / 10,240 ft (Andahuaylillas) · Maximum 3,560 m / 11,680 ft (Tipón)
- Tour ends: Near the Plaza de Armas in Cusco
Tipón, Pikillacta and Andahuaylillas in half a day, away from the busiest routes. Just arrived in Cusco? Also discover the Cusco City Tour Half Day.
What is this day like? check our photos
Includes
Guide and transport
- Hotel pickup: Hotels in Cusco’s historic center; outside that area we arrange a nearby meeting point.
- Tourist transport: Round trip.
- Professional bilingual guide: Spanish or English.
Not include
Entrance fees
- Tourist ticket (Boleto Turístico): For Tipón and Pikillacta. Partial 70 soles or General 130 soles (foreign adult).
- Andahuaylillas church entrance: 18 soles (foreigners), paid at the door.
Other
- Travel insurance.
- Extra expenses.
Prices TOUR SOUTH VALLEY CUSCO – HALF DAY
Rates per person
Traveling soon? We recommend booking early to secure your date, but we have daily departures and, depending on the date, you can also book just a few days ahead. Ask us about availability.
Need accommodation in Cusco?
Our team will help you find the best option for your stay.
Packaging list
- Documents and money: ID or passport, and cash in soles for entrance fees, shopping or snacks.
- Clothing and footwear: Light, comfortable clothes, a light jacket for temperature changes and comfortable shoes or hiking shoes.
- Sun protection: Hat or cap, high-factor sunscreen (SPF 50+ recommended) and sunglasses with UV protection.
- Rain protection: Raincoat or rain poncho, from November to March.
- Other: Camera or phone with plenty of battery and light snacks (fruit, nuts or energy bars).
Recomendations
- Ideal for acclimatizing: It is an easy tour at a lower altitude than other routes, perfect for your first days in Cusco before a trek.
- Entrance fees not included: You need the tourist ticket (Partial 70 soles or General 130 soles) for Tipón and Pikillacta, and you pay the Andahuaylillas church separately (18 soles) at the door. You can buy them on the day; if you have time in Cusco, better beforehand.
- Cash in soles: It speeds up paying for the entrance fees. Cards usually carry a surcharge of about 5 % and depend on the signal; dollars are accepted, but change is not always available.
- Students: Bring your original physical university ID (PVC card), with photo, name, university and a date valid for the year of your trip.
- Travel light: Avoid heavy luggage to enjoy the tour more.
- Your valuables: Always keep your documents and valuables with you.
- Rainy season: The tour runs all year. From November to March, bring a raincoat or rain poncho.
F.A.Qs
How long is the tour?
About 5 hours. Pickup is between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m. and the return to Cusco is scheduled for around 2:30 p.m.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, at hotels in Cusco’s historic center. If your hotel is outside that area, we arrange a nearby meeting point. At the end, we drop you off very close to the Plaza de Armas.
Do I need the tourist ticket?
Yes. It is required to enter Tipón and Pikillacta. You can buy the Partial Tourist Ticket (BTP) or the General one (BTG):
- Partial ticket (foreign adult): 70 soles, approx. US$ 21.
- General ticket (foreign adult): 130 soles, approx. US$ 40.
How much is the tourist ticket for children and students?
- Foreign student aged 10 to 16: 70 soles, approx. US$ 21, with original passport.
- Foreign student aged 17 to 22: 70 soles, approx. US$ 21.
You must show the original physical university ID (PVC card), with photo, full name, university and a date valid for the year of your trip. Children under 10 do not pay for the tourist ticket.
Is the Andahuaylillas entrance included?
No. The entrance to the Andahuaylillas church is paid separately, at the door:
- Foreigners: 18 soles, approx. US$ 5.
- Peruvians: 10 soles, approx. US$ 3.
How are entrance fees paid? Are cards or dollars accepted?
We recommend bringing cash in soles to get in faster. Some points accept credit or debit cards, with a surcharge of about 5 % and if there is internet signal. Dollars are also accepted, but change is not always available right away.
Should I buy the tickets in advance or on the day?
You can buy them on the day, before the visits start. But if you have time in Cusco, we recommend buying them beforehand to avoid delays.
Is it a good idea for my first day in Cusco?
Yes. It is easy and at a lower altitude than other routes, so it is an excellent way to start acclimatizing while enjoying history, culture and Andean scenery.
How difficult is it?
It is easy: the walks are short and suitable for most travelers.
Can children and older adults take part?
Yes. We recommend it for families, couples and older adults in good physical condition who can move around on their own, and for children from 5 years old. As it is a group service, the group follows a general pace; if you prefer to go more calmly or take more breaks, you can choose the private service.
Do children aged 3 and over pay for a seat?
Yes. For safety reasons and under current transport regulations, passengers aged 3 and over must have their own seat.
What altitude is the tour at?
Between 3,121 m (10,240 ft) in Andahuaylillas and 3,560 m (11,680 ft) in Tipón.
How long do we spend at each site?
Times may vary slightly depending on the group’s pace and conditions on the day:
- Tipón: 40 to 50 minutes.
- Pikillacta: 45 to 50 minutes.
- Andahuaylillas: 30 minutes.
At each site the guide gives detailed explanations and leaves time for photos and questions.
What clothes should I bring?
Comfortable clothes, sneakers or shoes with good soles, a hat or cap, sunscreen, sunglasses and a light jacket for temperature changes.
Does the tour run in the rainy season?
Yes, it runs all year. From November to March we recommend bringing a raincoat or rain poncho.
In which languages is the tour guided?
In Spanish and English. For other languages, such as German, French or Portuguese, a private guide is required and must be arranged in advance.
What if the altitude affects me?
Our guides carry a first aid kit and an oxygen tank for any emergency during the tour.
How does the booking process work?
1. Availability check: Write to us at info@sakuraexpedition.com or on WhatsApp at +51 941 411 418 to check your dates. We will send you a booking form that each participant must complete.
2. Traveler details: To manage the booking we need, exactly as shown in the passport, full name, gender, passport number, date of birth (dd/mm/yyyy) and nationality.
3. Guarantee: We ask for a guarantee per person to secure your space. We recommend booking early, especially on holidays and in high season.
4. Final confirmation: Once the booking is confirmed, you will receive the official invoice and your place will be 100 % guaranteed.
How do I pay the balance?
In cash, in US dollars or soles, in Cusco, one or two days before the tour, according to the conditions given by your sales executive.
Can I cancel or change the date?
Yes, up to 48 hours before departure. In that case an administrative fee applies, which is deducted from the total amount as appropriate.
Why choose Sakura Expedition?
We are a 100 % local Peruvian company, specialized in adventure and cultural tourism in Cusco and Peru. Our team of certified guides and operations staff works to give you unique, safe, high-quality experiences.
We stand out for responsible and sustainable tourism, respect for local communities and personalized service. With our tourism quality certification, we take care of every detail, from planning to the very last moment of the tour.
Do you have more questions?
Message us on WhatsApp at +51 941 411 418 or email info@sakuraexpedition.com.
