We know you have heard of the Sacred Valley of the Incas and its impressive archaeological sites like Pisac, Ollantaytambo, Chinchero, and more. But have you heard of the South Valley of Cusco? Few tourists visited the archaeological sites of this place, such as: Tipón and Piquillacta. Places with a lot of history and tradition like Machu Picchu.
What is the South Valley of Cusco?
South of the city of Cusco is the place known as the South Valley.
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?
Tipon 
Piquillacta
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 Tipón, pre-Inca constructions in Pikillacta and beautiful works of art from the Cusco school in the Andahuaylillas Temple.
You can also visit a variety of restaurants in the town of Saylla where the specialty is ‘chicharrón’ and the guinea pig ‘guinea pig’.
The best way to do this tour is on a tour organized by a tourism agency. However, it is also possible to do it on your own.
What to see in the South Valley of Cusco?
- Huacarpay Lagoon.
- Saylla town.
- Town of Oropesa, the city of bread.
- Town of Lucre.
Archaeological Centers in the South Valley of Cusco
Tipon
Tipón is one of the best examples of agricultural terraces created by the Incas.
It is said that Tipón was a royal garden commissioned by the Inca Wiracocha.
These terraces extend through the narrow valley and are fed by springs coming from the apu (mountain) Pachatusan.
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 complex made of adobe was built by the Wari culture, between the year 700 and 900 after Christ.
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 in the south of Cusco.
In this town you will find an old church known as ‘The Sistine Chapel of America’.
It is home to gilded altars, paintings from the Cusco school and multi-colored ceilings.
The chapel is quite simple and modest on the outside. However, once inside you will be able to see the wonderful interior decorated by works of art from 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: Tipón, Pikillacta, Coricancha museum, Regional Historical Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art, Monument to Pachacutec, Museum of Popular Art and the Qosqo Center for 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 the tourist attractions of the South Valley directly and buy the entrance tickets at the entrance door.
