South Valley of Cusco 1 Day

We will pick you up from your hotel at 8:00 a.m. Approximately, to start with our tour, on the way we will observe inter-Andean populations with their traditions and customs. First we will visit the archaeological site of Tipon, the best place to observe the development of hydraulic engineering of the Inca period, Inca architecture known for its imperial Inca style in a magnificent valley of the mountainous landscape. Despite the years the construction of canals and liturgical fountains, ceremonial fountains considered as a water temple.

Then continue to the ancient town of Pikillacta one of the most impressive regional centers of the Wari culture, originally from the Ayacucho region, for its design and urban layout after the conquest was occupied by the Incas.

The word Pikillaqta is a compound Quechua word, which means small town (piki = small, llaqta = town), although it is also called “city of the fleas”. The constructions of Pikillacta exist of more than 200 kanchas (apartments), 504 colcas (warehouses) and other constructions. The city must have accommodated a population of approximately 10 thousand people.

Some researchers suggest that in Inca times, Pikillacta was a city for “mitimaes” (groups of people or tribes that moved from one place to another).

The next tourist attraction will be Andahuaylillas, a small village at 3,198 m (10490 ft), which has a good climate due to the surrounding mountains. It is located 35 km (22 miles) southeast of Cusco on the road leading to the Puno region.

Andahuaylillas

The Sixtine Chapel of America

The Church of San Pedro de Andahuaylillas is the main attraction for visitors and, due to the quality of the artwork, is considered the “Sistine Chapel” of America. It was built for the Jesuits at the end of the XVI century and the princes of the XVII century. Its architectural structure is typical of small town churches. Its walls are wide, typical of colonial buildings, made of sun-dried mud bricks, a façade decorated with murals and two stone columns projecting toward the main entrance. Although its architecture is relatively modest, the decoration of its interiors is the most impressive of the building.

First we can mention an image of the “Virgin of the Assumption”, painted by the Spanish historical painter Esteban Murillo. You will also see walls attributed to Luis de Riaño (XVII century). Who represented the choice of man for glory? They attributed to this painter, the paintings that decorate the bases and a remarkable oil painting of the archangel St. Michael.

The church also houses a collection of canvases of the Cusco School, representing the life of St. Peter (with impressive frames in gold leaf), a majestic organ, a silver goldsmith and a baroque altar.

The main square of Andahuaylillas

The immense Plaza de Armas is surrounded by leafy Pisonay (or coral) trees and palm trees. It is considered one of the most beautiful squares in the region. A few kilometers from here is the place called Huaro, where the magicians lived at the time of the Incas, or so it is said. This is a circuit that will show us a magnificent landscape and will give you moments of satisfaction, knowing the great variety of typical dishes of the Cusco region. One of these dishes to taste is the Chicharron (pork meat) or the famous dish called ‘roasted guinea pig’. We will return to Cusco around 5:00 p.m.

Includes

• Private tourist transportation
• Professional bilingual guide
• Entrance ticket to the places to visit.

Not included

• Extra expenses.
• Tips.
• Food and beverages