Short itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Tipón – Pikillaqta – Andahuaylillas – Cusco
- Pick up from your hotel around 08:00 and drive ~40 minutes southwest of Cusco.
- Guided visit of Tipón: Inca terraces and remarkable hydraulic engineering.
- Continue to Pikillaqta: well-preserved pre-Inca (Wari) city and planned streets.
- Visit Andahuaylillas Church, the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas,” famed for its colonial art.
- Return to Cusco; drop-off at your hotel around 13:00.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Tipón – Pikillaqta – Andahuaylillas – Cusco
We will pick you up from your hotel at 08:00 for a scenic drive of approximately 40 minutes to the South Valley. Our first stop is Tipón, part of the Qhapaq Ñan network, renowned for its agricultural terraces, stone stairways, and finely carved canals that demonstrate the Incas’ mastery of hydraulic engineering.
We then continue to Pikillaqta, one of the best-preserved cities of the Wari culture. With about 50 hectares, Pikillaqta showcases long perimeter walls and a remarkably planned urban layout, offering a fascinating look at pre-Inca architecture and city design.
The final stop is Andahuaylillas, a traditional town on the Andean Baroque route. Here we visit the San Pedro Apóstol Church, often called the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas” for its dazzling murals, gilded altars, carved woodwork, and paintings. After the visit, we return to Cusco, arriving around 13:00, and drop you off at your hotel.
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco
- All transfers between the mentioned sites
- Entrance to Andahuaylillas Church
- Entrance to all tourist sites visited
- Bilingual professional guide (Spanish/English)
Not included
- Meals
- Accommodation in Cusco
- Personal expenses and services not mentioned
- Tips
Recommendations
- Bring a light daypack with water and snacks
- Carry cash (preferably Peruvian soles) for small purchases
- Wear comfortable clothing, walking shoes, and a windbreaker
- Use sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
- Don’t forget your camera
