Cusco South Valley Tour
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.
What is Included
- Professional English speaking guide
- Private transport
- Traditional Cusquenian lunch in the rural village of Tipon famous for the local delicacy guinea pig!
What is not Included
- 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