South Valley

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When visiting the South Valley, we will appreciate the beautiful landscapes of the Andean Serranía. During the trip we will be able to explore the magnificent hydraulic architecture of Tipón, the pre-Inca architecture of Pikillaqta and the excellent works of art of the Cusqueña School that are in the Andahuaylillas Temple, not forgetting the variety of restaurants that Saylla has. Come and enjoy with us this wonderful excursion!

Pick up from the hotel, guided tour to three important places. We will begin with Andahuaylillas called the “Sistine Chapel of America”, (due to the quality of the works of art found inside); Andahuaylillas’s Church is located in the Village of the same name, located approximately to 40 km (25 miles) to the east of Cusco’s City to an altitude of 3100 mts. (10170 feet).

Then, we will take a walk along its Main Square, that is adorned with “pisonay” (trees of coral)and palm trees. We continue our tour to Pikillacta’s Archaeological Complex that covers an area of 3421 hectares (8453 acres), and is located in Quispicanchis’s province, eastward of Cusco City approximately to 32 km (20 miles). On the way, it is possible to see a wonderful sight called Wakarpay’s lagoon, located at approximately 3200 mts. (10500 feet). “Pikillaqta” is a Quechua compose word that means ” town of the flea ” (piki = flea; llaqta = town); Nevertheless, this is not the original name of the principal site, its previous name is not known; though, many chroniclers refer to this zone with the name of “Muyuna”, “Muyna” or “Grudge”.

It seems that the site was called “Pikillaqta” from the last colonial years or at the beginning of the republic; Pikillaqta located to 3350 mts. (11000 feet) and it was part of Wari Culture developed in the current city of Ayacucho.

To finish the tour, a guided visit to the Archaeological Complex of Tipón, located eastward of Cusco City; covering a territory of approximately 2200 hectares. The original Quechua name is not known. There can be seen diverse groups of royal rooms that were constructed by the Inca Wiraqocha, as a mansion and refuge for his father Yawar Wakaq. These groups of villages are located at 3500 mts. (11480 feet). In addition, there are 12 terraces very fecund that nowadays are cultivated, which walls were well constructed. Even more impressive is the system of irrigation, that is still serving to the agriculture and the advantage being the water capture on the spring station. They have worked the stones of the river channels, finely calculated and sometimes with falls almost vertical that quite united constitute a work of hydraulic engineering. Some fountains should have had ceremonial functions. Due to its situation and the presence of a surrounding wall, Tipon must have been a very exclusive site. Towards the Southwest of this group, in the highland almost vertical surface, there is the cemetery named as “Pitopuqyo” that today has plundered tombs. In this place there were big quantities of cultural vestiges, nowadays it is possible to find many pieces of broken ceramics.

End of the Tour and return to Cusco City

What is Included

English speaking tour guide
Private comfortable transportation

not Included

Entrance tickets to archeological sites: 70 soles.
Meals
Entrance fee to Saint Peter church of Andahuaylillas 15 soles

What to take:

Tourist ticket (not included in price)
Sun hat
Sun protection cream (factor 35 recommended)
Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
Water
Camera and films
Money for lunch, shopping, etc

PRICES:

US$145 for the whole group (up to 6 people), Not per person!
US$185 for the whole group (up to 12 people)

Daily departures (need to book in advance).

INFORMATION

When visiting the South Valley, we will appreciate the beautiful landscapes of the Andean Serranía. During the trip we will be able to explore the magnificent hydraulic architecture of Tipón, the pre-Inca architecture of Pikillaqta and the excellent works of art of the Cusqueña School that are in the Andahuaylillas Temple, not forgetting the variety of restaurants that Saylla has. Come and enjoy with us this wonderful excursion!

ITINERARY

Pick up from the hotel, guided tour to three important places. We will begin with Andahuaylillas called the “Sistine Chapel of America”, (due to the quality of the works of art found inside); Andahuaylillas’s Church is located in the Village of the same name, located approximately to 40 km (25 miles) to the east of Cusco’s City to an altitude of 3100 mts. (10170 feet).

Then, we will take a walk along its Main Square, that is adorned with “pisonay” (trees of coral)and palm trees. We continue our tour to Pikillacta’s Archaeological Complex that covers an area of 3421 hectares (8453 acres), and is located in Quispicanchis’s province, eastward of Cusco City approximately to 32 km (20 miles). On the way, it is possible to see a wonderful sight called Wakarpay’s lagoon, located at approximately 3200 mts. (10500 feet). “Pikillaqta” is a Quechua compose word that means ” town of the flea ” (piki = flea; llaqta = town); Nevertheless, this is not the original name of the principal site, its previous name is not known; though, many chroniclers refer to this zone with the name of “Muyuna”, “Muyna” or “Grudge”.

It seems that the site was called “Pikillaqta” from the last colonial years or at the beginning of the republic; Pikillaqta located to 3350 mts. (11000 feet) and it was part of Wari Culture developed in the current city of Ayacucho.

To finish the tour, a guided visit to the Archaeological Complex of Tipón, located eastward of Cusco City; covering a territory of approximately 2200 hectares. The original Quechua name is not known. There can be seen diverse groups of royal rooms that were constructed by the Inca Wiraqocha, as a mansion and refuge for his father Yawar Wakaq. These groups of villages are located at 3500 mts. (11480 feet). In addition, there are 12 terraces very fecund that nowadays are cultivated, which walls were well constructed. Even more impressive is the system of irrigation, that is still serving to the agriculture and the advantage being the water capture on the spring station. They have worked the stones of the river channels, finely calculated and sometimes with falls almost vertical that quite united constitute a work of hydraulic engineering. Some fountains should have had ceremonial functions. Due to its situation and the presence of a surrounding wall, Tipon must have been a very exclusive site. Towards the Southwest of this group, in the highland almost vertical surface, there is the cemetery named as “Pitopuqyo” that today has plundered tombs. In this place there were big quantities of cultural vestiges, nowadays it is possible to find many pieces of broken ceramics.

End of the Tour and return to Cusco City

PRICE / IMPORTANT INFO

What is Included

English speaking tour guide
Private comfortable transportation

not Included

Entrance tickets to archeological sites: 70 soles.
Meals
Entrance fee to Saint Peter church of Andahuaylillas 15 soles

What to take:

Tourist ticket (not included in price)
Sun hat
Sun protection cream (factor 35 recommended)
Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
Water
Camera and films
Money for lunch, shopping, etc

PRICES:

US$145 for the whole group (up to 6 people), Not per person!
US$185 for the whole group (up to 12 people)

Daily departures (need to book in advance).