Cusco's South Valley: Tipón, Pikillacta, Andahuaylillas and local flavours

While most travellers head north to the Sacred Valley, Cusco's South Valley remains little known. That's a shame, because less than an hour from the city it gathers some of the region's most interesting sites: a masterpiece of Inca hydraulic engineering, a city built by a pre-Inca civilisation, a colonial church with a stunning interior and villages famous for their food. It's a perfect half-day trip, with far fewer people than other circuits.

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Tipón: water engineering

Tipón is an Inca complex of perfectly levelled farming terraces crossed by channels, fountains and stone waterfalls where spring water still flows as it did over 500 years ago. It's considered one of the most refined hydraulic works of the Inca world and was probably a royal estate. The terraces, ringed by mountains, feel wonderfully calm. Tipón is included in the Cusco Tourist Ticket.

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Pikillacta: a Wari city

Pikillacta is a huge complex built by the Wari culture, which dominated much of the Andes centuries before the Incas. Its layout is very different from Inca sites: hundreds of rectangular enclosures in an almost perfect grid, with rough stone walls bound with mud. It's thought to have been an administrative and storage centre. Walking it shows that Andean history doesn't start with the Incas. It's also included in the Tourist Ticket.

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Andahuaylillas: the "Sistine Chapel of the Americas"

The church of San Pedro Apóstol in Andahuaylillas looks simple outside, but its interior is one of Peru's most dazzling colonial ensembles: polychrome ceilings, murals, gold leaf, Cusco School paintings and an old organ. It's part of the Andean Baroque Route, which also includes the churches of Huaro and the Canincunca chapel by Urcos lagoon. Entry is paid separately and isn't in the Tourist Ticket. Photos aren't allowed inside.

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Villages and flavours

The South Valley is a food route in itself:

• Saylla: famous for pork chicharrón, fried in its own fat and served with mote, potatoes and mint; a weekend favourite.
• Oropesa: known as the bread capital, with large round loaves baked in wood ovens.
• Lucre: traditional for duck dishes.
• Tipón: oven-roasted cuy.

We don't recommend specific places, but you'll find many popular options in these villages, especially on Sundays.

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Huacarpay lagoon

Between Tipón and Pikillacta lies Huacarpay lagoon, a high-altitude wetland with many bird species, including waterbirds and hummingbirds nearby. A pleasant spot for a quiet stop and for birdwatchers.

Getting there

• Half-day tour: the most convenient. Tours usually cover Tipón, Pikillacta and Andahuaylillas, sometimes stopping in Oropesa or Saylla. Check whether entrances are included.
• Public transport: colectivos and buses leave Cusco towards Urcos and pass all these villages; ask to get off at each turn-off. Tipón is a few kilometres uphill from the road, by local taxi or on foot.
• Taxi or private transport: combine the sites at your own pace.

Distances are short: Andahuaylillas is less than an hour from Cusco.

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On the way to Puno

If you take a tourist bus from Cusco to Puno, many include a stop in Andahuaylillas, plus Raqchi and La Raya. In that case, focus your South Valley visit on Tipón and Pikillacta.

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Tips

• Bring sunscreen, water and comfortable shoes: there's a fair bit of walking at Tipón and Pikillacta.
• Sundays bring more village life and food stalls.
• Pair it with a free afternoon in Cusco: it's a short trip.

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Suggested half-day itinerary

1. Early departure from Cusco and first stop at Tipón, with time for the terraces and channels.
2. On to Pikillacta, with a short stop at Huacarpay lagoon if time allows.
3. Visit Andahuaylillas church.
4. Return with a stop for chicharrón in Saylla or bread in Oropesa.

Notice: This guide shares advice and recommendations based on research and local experience. Prices, opening hours and rules may change: always check with official sources and operators. Cusco Tips is not responsible for third-party services, bookings or decisions made using these guides; some links are affiliate links (see our affiliate policy).