The South Valley of Cusco

Hello travelers, how are you?
We know you have heard about the Sacred Valley of the Incas and its impressive archaeological sites such as Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero and more, but have you heard about the South Valley of Cusco? Few tourists visited the archaeological sites of this place, such as: Tipon and Piquillacta. Places with a lot of history and tradition like Machu Picchu.

What is the South Valley of Cusco?

The place known as the South Valley lies south of the city of Cusco.

It is an important place for the development of the Inca empire.
It is the perfect tour for people looking to experience archaeological sites and magnificent landscapes.
This territory was one of the first inhabited places in the entire Cusco Valley. The first inhabitants of the culture known as ‘Marcavalle’ populated this place 1000 years before Christ.

How is the circuit to the South Valley of Cusco?

The circuit through the South Valley of Cusco will allow you to enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the Andes of Cusco.
You will be able to see the magnificent hydraulic architecture of Tipon, pre-Inca constructions in Pikillacta and beautiful works of art of the Cusco school in the Temple of Andahuaylillas.
You can also visit a variety of restaurants in the town of Saylla where the specialty is ‘chicharron’ and ‘cuy’.

What to see in the South Valley of Cusco ?

Huacarpay Lagoon, town of Saylla, town of Oropesa, the city of bread and Lucre.

Archaeological Centers in the Southern Valley of Cusco

Tipon

Tipon stands as one of the finest examples of agricultural terraces crafted by the Incas.

It’s believed that Tipon was a royal garden commissioned by the Inca Wiracocha.

These terraces extend through the narrow valley and are fed by springs from the Pachatusan apu (mountain).

There is also a complex of temples, irrigation canals and aqueducts.

This archaeological complex is located 25 kilometers southeast of the city of Cusco.

Pikillacta

Pikillaqta was a pre-Inca citadel built south of Cusco.

This adobe complex was built by the Wari culture between 700 and 900 AD.

A few meters from the area, you can see a small Inca site known as ‘Rumicolca’, which functioned as a kind of toll for travelers who walked through the place.

Andahuaylillas

Andahuaylillas is one of the colonial towns south of Cusco.

In this town you will find an ancient church known as ‘The Sistine Chapel of America’.

It houses golden altars, paintings of the Cusco school and multicolored ceilings.

The chapel is quite simple and modest on the outside. However, once inside you will be able to see the wonderful interior decorated with works of art of the famous “Cusco School”.

How to visit the South Valley of Cusco?

The best way to visit this valley is the Tour to the South Valley of Cusco. To visit the South Valley of Cusco you must purchase the ‘Cusco Tourist Ticket (Circuit 2)’.

This ticket includes admission to several tourist attractions such as: Tipon, Pikillacta, Coricancha Museum, Regional Historical Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art, Monument to Pachacutec, Museum of Popular Art and the Qosqo Center of Native Art.

The Cusco Tourist Ticket can be purchased in the city of Cusco: Avenida El Sol 103 and Calle Garcilaso s / n.

Another option is to visit directly the tourist attractions of the South Valley and buy the tickets at the entrance door.