Escape to Antiquity
For the discerning traveler seeking to step away from the bustling tourist trails, the South Valley presents an exclusive, uncrowded journey through three distinct eras of Andean history. This private expedition reveals the secrets of pre-Inca civilizations, master-level Inca engineering, and breathtaking colonial artistry.
Guided by your private historian, you will witness the mesmerizing, still-functioning water temples of Tipon. You will walk the geometric streets of Pikillacta, a massive adobe city built by the ancient Wari culture long before the Incas. Finally, you will stand in awe beneath the dazzling, gold-leafed ceiling of the church in Andahuaylillas, undisputedly known as the "Sistine Chapel of the Andes."
Expedition Highlights
Tipon Water Gardens
Marvel at the pinnacle of Inca hydraulic engineering. Beautifully crafted terraces and sophisticated stone channels still carry pristine mountain spring water today.
Pikillacta Ancient City
Explore the vast, grid-like ruins of a pre-Inca Wari metropolis. Discover how this powerful civilization influenced the Andean world centuries before the Inca Empire.
The Sistine Chapel of the Andes
Step inside the unassuming exterior of the Andahuaylillas church to be greeted by an explosion of 17th-century Baroque art, stunning frescoes, and a ceiling covered in gold leaf.
Crowd-Free Exploration
Experience the ultimate luxury of space and time. The South Valley route remains a hidden gem, allowing you to photograph and explore these wonders in profound tranquility.
Detailed Itinerary
The Historic South Route
Duration: 4 - 5 Hours
1. Scenic Departure
Your private driver and guide will meet you at your Cusco hotel. We will head southwards along the beautiful Huatanay River valley, leaving the city behind to enter a landscape dotted with traditional villages and rolling hills.
2. The Mastery of Tipon
Our first stop is Tipon, an expansive archaeological complex that served as a royal garden and center for water worship. Your guide will explain the astonishingly precise mathematics and hydraulic engineering that allow these fountains to flow flawlessly after more than 500 years.
3. The Pre-Inca Enigma of Pikillacta
Continuing our journey, we arrive at Pikillacta. Unlike the organic curves of Inca architecture, this massive adobe complex boasts strict geometric grids, two-story buildings, and a highly organized urban layout built by the Wari Empire around 800 AD.
4. The Glory of Andahuaylillas
Finally, we reach the quiet, picturesque village of Andahuaylillas. Inside its modest adobe church lies an unexpected treasure: the "Sistine Chapel of the Andes." You will be mesmerized by the intricate woodwork, the lavish gold-leaf altar, and the magnificent murals that tell the story of the Spanish conquest and indigenous syncretism.
5. Return to Cusco
After absorbing the profound history of the South Valley, you will board your luxury vehicle for a relaxing, scenic drive back to your hotel in Cusco.
Inclusions & Prices
What's Included
- Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Cusco.
- Private transportation in a premium SUV or Luxury Van.
- Professional English-speaking historian guide.
- All entrance tickets (Tourist ticket for Tipon/Pikillacta & Church fee).
Not Included
- Travel insurance.
- Gratuities for your guide and driver (optional).
- Meals.
Recommendations
- Photography is not allowed inside the Andahuaylillas church to protect the artwork.
- Bring a windbreaker and comfortable walking shoes.
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen) is essential.