South Valley Tour: Tipon, Piquillaqta, Andahuaylillas
1 Day
3.000 msnm
Easy
Group/Private
Description
This tour takes us to the unique and magnificent archaeological site of Tipon where you enjoy the impressive irrigation system of the Incas, then to Piquillacta where you discover the huge urban planning of the Wari culture. After the visit to Piquillacta, you move on to Andahuaylillas where “the Sistine Chapel of the Americas” is located with its impressive mural paintings from the XVII century.
South Valley Tour Overview: Tipón, Piquillacta & Andahuaylillas
The South Valley of Cusco, is beautiful area rich in history and culture. You will starting on the half-day private tour discovering archaeological sites and one of the most beautiful colonial churches in Peru away from the typically tourist sites of the past.
We will begin in Andahuaylillas, a small village famous for the Saint Peter Church with its beautiful murals and baroque arts, sometimes referred to as "the Sistine Chapel of the Americas." Our next stop will be at Piquillacta, a large pre-Inca site built before the Incas by the Wari culture. Finally, we will finish at Tipón, ideal for its incredible examples of Incan hydraulic engineering, including stone water channels and terracing which are still functioning and used today.
This tour has a mixture of history, architecture and tradition; together, it is an option for travelers looking for a different view of Cusco.
- Pick up at your hotel at 9am or 1pm.
- Private transport to Andahuaylillas, Tipon and Piquillacta.
- Visit of the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas,” and the archeological sites of Tipon and Piquillacta.
- Lunch with baked guinea pig in Tipon.
- Trip back to your hotel in Cusco.
SOUTH VALLEY TOUR: TIPON, PIQUILLACTA, ANDAHUAYLILLAS.
We pick you up at your hotel at 9:00am or 1:00pm, and we drive in our private van towards Andahuaylillas where we visit the Saint Peter church of Andahuaylillas, considered as the “Sistine Chapel of America.” It was built by the Order of the Jesuits at the end of the 16th century and the princes of the 17th century. Its architectural structure is typical for village churches. Its walls are wide like all the colonial buildings, made of sun-dried bricks of mud (adobe), the facade is decorated with magnificent murals, and two large stone columns at the main entrance.
Although its architecture is relatively modest, the decoration of its interior is unique and impressive. We can first mention a picture of the “Assumption of the Virgin,” painted by the Spanish historical painter Esteban Murillo. You will also see wall paintings attributed to Luis de Riaño (17th century). After a time to visit the church, we continue with our journey towards the Pre-Inca archaeological site of Piquillacta, where we explore and enjoy the huge urban planning of the pre-Inca Wari culture surrounded by stunning mountains and lakes.
Afterwards we continue our journey to the spectacular archaeological site of Tipon, where we will see the best of Inca hydraulic water work system. Finally, we head back to the village of Tipon, which is known for its baked guinea pig dish, a typical dish of the region of Cusco. We stop to taste it and then we are on our way back to your hotel in Cusco.
- Professional English speaking guide
- Private transport
- Traditional Cusquenian lunch in the rural village of Tipon famous for the local delicacy guinea pig!
- Entrance tickets to archeological sites: 70 soles (1 day only) or approximately US$22 per person, which can only be purchased in soles only at the first archeological site. (See important info for more information)
- Entrance fee to Saint Peter church of Andahuaylillas?
- Gratitude/tips
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