South Valley of Cusco
Tipon - Pikillacta - Andahuaylillas


Duration
Half Day
Max. Altitude
11,679 ft - 3,560 m.
Activities
Photography, Traditional Towns, Alpaca Farm, History, Traditions.
Difficulty
Easy
Transport
Van.
Tour Description
Tour to the South Valley of Cusco, to visit Tipon, Pikillacta & Andahuaylillas. Enjoy the magnificent mountains, tipical food and towns like Oropesa baker’s town, Pikillacta an adobe complex that was built around 700 to 900 years AD by the Huari Culture and Tipon a complex has been distinguished as a marvel of civil engineering by the American Society of Civil Engineering.
Trip Highlights
- Stop in the Huacarpay lagoon good spot to take pictures.
- Share experiences with the Andes people along the valley.
- Explore and learn the history of the evolution in this part of the region.
- Visit traditional towns
- Walk through the ancient pre Inca, Inca and colonial remains.
Itinerary
South Valley
3,560 m. – 11,679 ft
After your breakfast in your hotel, you will be picked up by your English speaking guide where you will catch our comfortable transport to Tipon it is one of the most elaborate examples of agricultural terracing created by the Incas. These tall terraces which run up the narrow valley are irrigated by an aqueduct from Pachatusan, the mountain above the site. In addition to the terracing there are also some other structures at Tipon, including baths, a temple complex, canals and aqueducts. Tipon is definitely one of the lesser visited sites in the Cusco area but it is equally as impressive as those in the Sacred Valley. The Tipon Archeological Complex is located 24 km southeast of Cusco.
Pikillacta is the only pre-Inca site in the Cusco area. This adobe complex was built around 700 to 900 years AD by the Huari Culture, in the area; there is a small Inca site just a short walk from Pikillacta, known as Rumicolca, a travel checkpoint for the Incas.
Andahuaylillas, here you will visit the “Sixtine Chapel of Peru”, a church that is home to golden altars, paintings and many colored ceilings. Also some paintings from famous “Escuela Cuzqueña” can be appreciated. In the afternoon, return to Cusco and dropped off at your Hotel.
Included:
- Pick up and drop off at your Hotel.
- Professional bilingual Guide.
- Private transport.
- Available as a group set departure or Private tour.
- Personalized service.
Not included:
- Tourist ticket (Big ticket S/. 130 /Partial S/.70).
- Food, Tips, Snacks, Drinks, Extra expenses.
- Original passport and student ISIC Card if applicable.
- Small back pack and confortable shoes.
- Rain jacket or poncho (December – April.
- Hat or cap to protect you from the sun.
- Sun block (sun protection cream.
- Snacks, chocolate, dried fruit, etc.
- Camera, plenty of film and batteries.
- Sunglasses
- Extra Money (soles).
- Sit down with a shaman for a private meditation ceremony.
- Observe local weavers at work during private demonstrations.
- Amp up the adrenaline with exhilarating adventure activities such as riding the fast-flowing rapids of the Vilcanota River, or zooming along zip lines among towering Andean peaks.
Altitude
As soon as people book their trip to Peru, specifically Cusco, they start wondering about altitude sickness. The air at high altitudes contains less oxygen than at sea level and forces your body to work harder to get the oxygen it needs. Over several days at high altitude, your body adjusts to the lower amount of oxygen in the air.
With altitude sickness, you may first feel like you have the flu or a hangover. You may have a headache, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, trouble sleeping, trouble breathing during exercise. If any of these effects become severe, please contact our office and we will help you get to a doctor.
Most of the time, these symptoms will be mild. We always recommend easing into activity slowly, allowing your body to adjust. Drink plenty of fluids such as water or coca tea. Coca tea has been used since ancient times to help prevent altitude sickness. Leaves from the coca plant contain alkaloids which helps bring oxygen into your blood, helping your body avoid the effects of altitude sickness. Avoid drinking a lot of alcohol and coffee. They will cause you to urinate more often and become dehydrated. Avoid smoking. Smoking makes it more difficult for your body to get oxygen. Avoid sleeping pills. They may cause shallow breathing at night, making it more difficult for your body to absorb oxygen while you sleep.
Your healthcare provider may prescribe medicines, such as acetazolamide and dexamethasone, to help prevent altitude sickness. Start the medicine two days before you get to a high altitude. Continue to take it while you are at high altitude.
Luggage Storage
Even though this is an overnight tour by train, your luggage allowance is still limited due to restrictions on the train. All bags brought to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu) need to be carry on size. Any extra luggage you have with you can be left safely in Cusco at either your hotel or with us at the Neotropic Peru Travel deposit while you travel. We will grab from you the morning of your tour and return once you are back in Cusco. Make sure your bags have some kind of identification on them so they are easy to locate.
Weather
Of course weather is unpredictable. Typically the dry season in Cusco is from April through October, but this does not stop rain from falling in June or the sun from coming out in December – just be prepared. No matter what month you are doing the trek, please make sure that you have rain gear that includes a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho and waterproof gloves.
Also prepare for four seasons. Many of the treks through the Andes involve many micro-climates and you will need to be prepared for all seasons. Layers are always key as they are easy to adjust to the different temperatures. And evenings will always be cold, so please be prepared with a warm, winter-weight jacket.
Can I book my own hotels?
Absolutely. If you look at the PRICING, you will see that there is one price for including three star hotels and another for no hotels. We can also book any other hotel for you. Just let us know and we can quote any of the hotels in Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu for you.
Are flights included?
Unfortunately no. Neotropic Peru does not include flights for this trip.
How many people will be part of my tour group?
Our organized itineraries like this tour through Cusco region are typically done as individual bookings. While others may join you if interested in the same day, the groups will always be small up to 12 people max. Private groups are very easily accommodated as well.
Can I bring my luggage to Machu Picchu?
All larger luggage should stay in Cusco and can be stored either at your hotel or with us at our deposit. The train to Aguas Calientes only allows small bags aboard.