South Valley of the Incas Half-Day Tour from Cusco

Cusco , Peru

South Valley of the Incas Half-Day Tour from Cusco

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About this experience

Everyone has heard of the Sacred Valley. Its a very nice tour, great to visit and is on the way to Machu Picchu. But have you heard of The South Valley of the Incas? For most people as Cusco, South Valley day tour would be in addition to the Sacred Valley. If you want to get a bit deeper into the real Peru, and do not want to travel the tourist trail, then this is perfect. Slightly less spectacular perhaps than the Sacred Valley but it has a more restrained beauty. Non crowded route, an authentic tour, great variety of sites and less driving from Cusco than the regular Sacred Valley tour.

Available options

South Valley of the Incas Half-Day Tour from Cusco

What's included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Professional guide

Bottled water

Snacks

Local taxes

Transportation

What you'll see

The furthest point is Andahuaylillas, only 1-hour from Cusco. Compare that to a Sacred Valley tour where you reach Ollantaytambo 2-hour from Cusco. Altitude is about 3100/10,000 feet, except Tipon at 3500m/11,500ft a bit lower than Cusco City

South Cusco Valley tour: The valley to the South of Cusco is largely unexplored by tourists but has some wonderful places to visit. It is a great way to get into the heart of the authentic Peru.

First you visit the Inca complex of Tipon an elaborate set of terraces and water channels. It is thought to have been used as a ceremonial center to worship water. The town below is also home to various roadside sellers on the weekends, when Cusqueñans come to enjoy guinea pig on a stick, or roast in a clay oven.

Driving on through Oropesa, known as the bread capital of Peru, here there are over forty bakeries and arriving at the pre- Inca ruins of Pikillaqta. This is vastly different Inca site in Cusco area. This adobe complex was built by the Wari culture who once dominated the central highland and coastal regions of Peru. Widely considered the first culture to develop mass agricultural terraces, many of the Inca administrative practices can be traced back to the Wari civilisation.

After this, we will take a short walk down to the lake of Huacarpay. This wetland has been declared a Ramsar site, as a wetland of international importance due to the vast number of migratory birds that stop here. Each October birds migrate down from the Northern hemisphere to avoid the harsh winter. Then in April they stop over on their way back up to Northern summer. Apart from that, there is a more localized form of migration when the cold weather comes to the Peruvian Altiplano. Birds migrate down here to stay at a lower altitude and enjoy warmer temperatures. This is a beautiful place to enjoy a picnic provided by us.

Finally you hop back on the bus and drive 20-minute out to the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas”, in Andahuaylillas. Situated in a beautiful, quiet plaza, this baroque church is famous for its incredible artwork. It has many fine examples of paintings completed by the Cusco Religious art school (Escuela Cuzqueña).

Back to Cusco at 2:30pm approximately.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Important information

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

A current valid passport is required on the day of travel

Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants

Bring a warm fleece and a rain jacket (in case of rainy season November to March)

Bring sunscreen and a hat

In the event of changing hotel, please let us know on time. If hotel details are not provided on time, you may lose the tour

A minimum of 2 people per booking is required

Important notes

• Please note: entrance tickets and transport included. This voucher will not be accepted if presented directly at the venue.
• A current valid passport is required on the day of travel
• The duration of the tour is about 6 hours, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions

Hotel pickups commence approximately 30 - 60 minutes prior to this time

About Cusco

Cusco, the historic capital of the Inca Empire, is a captivating blend of Indigenous and colonial influences. Known for its well-preserved archaeological sites, vibrant culture, and stunning Andean landscapes, it's a gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. The city's rich history, combined with its lively arts scene and delicious cuisine, makes it a must-visit destination in South America.

Top Attractions

Sacred Valley

The Sacred Valley is a stunning region filled with Inca ruins, traditional villages, and breathtaking landscapes. It's a must-visit for history and nature lovers.

Historical/Nature Full day PEN 10-50 (USD 2.50-12.50) depending on the site

Machu Picchu

Machu Picchu is the iconic Inca citadel and one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. Its breathtaking views and rich history make it a must-see.

Historical/Adventure Full day or overnight PEN 152 (USD 38) for entrance, train tickets vary

Qorikancha

Qorikancha, or the Temple of the Sun, was the most important temple in the Inca Empire. It's a fascinating blend of Inca and colonial architecture.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours PEN 10 (USD 2.50)

Sacsayhuaman

Sacsayhuaman is a massive Inca fortress with impressive stone walls and panoramic views of Cusco. It's a testament to Inca engineering and military might.

Historical 1-2 hours PEN 10 (USD 2.50)

San Pedro Market

San Pedro Market is a bustling market offering a variety of fresh produce, local crafts, and traditional foods. It's a great place to experience local life.

Cultural/Food 1-2 hours Free to enter, prices vary for purchases

Must-Try Local Dishes

Cuy al Horno

Roasted guinea pig, a traditional Andean dish.

Main Course Not vegetarian

Lomo Saltado

Stir-fried beef with onions, tomatoes, and fries.

Main Course Can be made vegetarian

Aji de Gallina

Shredded chicken in a creamy, spicy sauce.

Main Course Not vegetarian

Sopa de Quinoa

Quinoa soup, a nutritious and traditional dish.

Soup Can be made vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking Trekking Mountain biking Whitewater rafting Visiting spas Exploring parks Enjoying local cafes Visiting museums

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the dry season, offering the best weather for exploring the city and its archaeological sites. The skies are clear, and temperatures are mild.

5°C to 20°C (41°F to 68°F) 41°F to 68°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: Quechua, English (in tourist areas)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Peruvian Sol (PEN)

Time Zone

GMT-5

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe with common-sense precautions

Cusco is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime can occur, especially in crowded areas. Be cautious with your belongings and avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Use reputable tour operators
• Be cautious with street food

Getting there

By air

Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport • 5 km (3 miles) from city center

By train

San Pedro Station

By bus

Cusco Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Shared taxis (colectivos) are a common and affordable way to get around Cusco. They follow specific routes and can be flagged down.

Taxis

Available • Apps: InDriver, Easy Taxi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Historic Center San Blas San Cristobal

Day trips

Pisac

35 km (22 miles) from Cusco • Full day

Pisac is a charming town known for its vibrant market and impressive Inca ruins. It's a great day trip from Cusco.

Ollantaytambo

60 km (37 miles) from Cusco • Full day or overnight

Ollantaytambo is a picturesque town with well-preserved Inca ruins and a gateway to Machu Picchu. It's a must-visit for history and adventure lovers.

Tipon

25 km (16 miles) from Cusco • Half day

Tipon is a beautiful archaeological site with well-preserved Inca terraces and water channels. It's a peaceful and less crowded alternative to other Inca sites.

Festivals

Inti Raymi • June 24 Cusco Festival of Music and Dance • August

Pro tips

Acclimatize to the altitude before engaging in strenuous activities
Dress in layers to accommodate changing temperatures
Learn a few basic phrases in Spanish or Quechua to enhance your experience
Visit the San Pedro Market early in the morning for the best selection and prices
Book tickets and train tickets in advance for Machu Picchu and other popular attractions