The South Valley of Cusco

This full-day experience explores the ancient wonders of Cusco's South Valley, a region known for its Inca sites, pre-Inca cultures, colonial churches, wetlands, and rural villages. Stopping first at Andahuaylillas, you will visit the Church of Saint Peter the Apostle and see why it is considered the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas”. Your guide will explain the Cusco-style murals, intricate wood carvings, and beautifully embroidered altars. Continuing south to the Pikillacta Archaeological Park, you'll step back in time at these ruins preserving pre-Inca urban planning and Wari culture. Moving onto to Rumicolca Archaeological Site, you'll hear how this ancient gateway is believed to mark the southern entrance to the Inca Empire. At the Tipón Inca Terraces, you'll contemplate historic irrigation systems before setting down for a traditional Andean lunch: cuy chactado (fried guinea pig), chicharron (crunchy pork), rocoto relleno (stuffed peppers), or pepian de cuy (guinea pig stew).

The South Valley of Cusco, which lies outside the main Sacred Valley circuit, is rich in Inca engineering, colonial art, and living Andean traditions. This full-day experience immerses you in the genius of the ancestors who lived here, developing complex urban and rural systems. The route includes Pikillacta, a major pre-Inca urban site in the Cusco region built by the Wari culture, and Tipón, where Inca hydraulic engineering remains exceptionally well preserved. Each site visited belongs to a different historical period, allowing you to piece together how past civilizations designed spaces for ceremony, residence, agriculture and water management. At Tipón, irrigation canals fed by natural springs still flow with remarkable precision, offering one of the clearest examples of Inca water engineering in the region. Pikillacta and the nearby gateway of Rumicolca reveal earlier layers, with structures first built by the Wari and later incorporated into the Inca road and control systems.

Renato is a native cusqueño of Quechua origin, born in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Growing up surrounded by the traditions of the Andes, he developed a deep passion for sharing the stories, rituals, and heritage of his homeland. After years of guiding travelers through Peru, he decided to create his own company, offering personalized experiences that go beyond typical tours while also supporting native communities through tourism. Renato’s goal is to connect visitors with the heart of Andean life—its people, history, and natural beauty—through thoughtful adventures and unforgettable experiences. Renato continues to lead his tailor-made experiences. In the instance where he is not available to host you himself, you will be accompanied by one of Renato's carefully selected local guides who share his philosophy and commitment to providing an authentic, culturally rich experience.

Comfortable footwear for walking at archaeological sites with uneven terrain. Sun protection and layers — temperatures fluctuate. Bottled water. Maximum altitude: 3,600 meters above sea level. *Advise Renato/Juan Carlos of any dietary restrictions. The Andean lunch does not accommodate vegetarians/vegans; travelers who do not consume meat are required to bring a packed lunch. This area specializes in traditional Cusco cuisine and plant-based items are few and far between.