With stunning landscapes, rich culture, and new experiences, Cusco, the ancient capital of the Incas promises to become an unforgettable experience. At this point, you probably know about the sacred valley tour or trips in Cusco City itself. However, this time we’d like to focus on the experiences you can have exploring the South Valley.
The South Valley of Cusco is a wonderful area filled with exciting tourist attractions located in Cusco’s southeast. You can choose to explore the South Valley at your own pace or join a guided tour. Whatever option you choose, join us as we explore the adventures that are waiting for you in this charming area in the Andes, let’s go!
Towns to visit in the South Valley
Tipon
Tipón may not be as famous as other archaeological sites in Cusco, but it has some truly amazing features. Its impressive architecture and clever water systems show how skilled the Inca were at managing water.
Archaeologists believe Tipón had many uses. Some of them stated that it could have been a royal state. Some voices say Tipon could have been a place for water worship or even an agricultural lab like Moray. Tipón covers 239 hectares, and it’s part of the Qhapaq Ñan, the ancient Inca road network.
You can explore this route on the inca trail to Machu Picchu. Tipon features beautiful water fountains, lovely gardens, and a well-crafted house. You can also find an Intihuatana at the site, which was used for sun worship and tracking the climate.
Also, Cruz Moqo served as an observation post. These elements show Tipón’s strategic and cultural value. It is a fascinating place to explore and appreciate.
Andahuaylillas
This tiny village holds The church San Pedro, a true gem, often called the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas.” This beautiful temple, built by the Jesuits in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, shows classic colonial architecture. Its adobe brick walls and lovely façade have murals and stone columns.
What really makes the church special is its stunning interior. You’ll find amazing murals, beautiful paintings, and intricate gold-leaf details, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. If you by your own, you can easily buy entrance tickets on-site, making it easy to explore this wonderful attraction.
Pikillacta
Pikillacta was once a key settlement for the Wari, an ancient pre-inca culture renowned for its impressive urban planning and clever use of water management. Built between the 6th and 9th centuries, this site covers 50 hectares. It has 700 buildings, 200 courts, and a complex irrigation system.
The Wari cultural and architectural innovations greatly affected future civilizations, especially the Incas. This was true in areas like architecture and water management. Pikillacta likely served many purposes, including ceremonial, administrative, and military functions.
It played an important role in overseeing the Quispicanchis and Vilcanota valleys. Intriguingly, this important site was abandoned suddenly, and the reasons for this desertion are unclear.
Raqchi
Spanning 1,000 hectares, Raqchi likely served as both a religious and administrative hub. Some believe it may have roots that go back to pre-Inca times, which the Incas later adopted. At Raqchi, you can see the impressive Temple of Wiracocha, the creator god in the Inca Andean cosmovision.
Though damaged, its adobe and stone walls and columns still rise over 10 meters. Another highlight is the Major Inca Temple, which shares similarities with the Wiracocha Temple. With only its foundations and one column left, it’s a great spot to appreciate Inca architecture.
To the east of the main temple, you’ll find beautiful water fountains that were expertly crafted. They channeled water from a nearby spring and included the famous “Baños del Inca” (Inca Baths). Additionally, Raqchi is part of the Qhapaq Ñan, the vast Inca trail network, making it a truly special place to explore.
Other Towns You Should Know
Oropesa
This little town, known as the “capital of bread” houses more than 85% of the population involved in this craft. This town has a rich tradition of making “chuta bread”, a special bread, distinctive for its flavor, size, and shape.
Bakers use a mud oven to bake the chuta, and they pass their skills through many generations. Each year on October 4th, the town honors San Francisco de Asís, the patron saint of bakers, with the “Festival del Pan,” or “The Bread Festival”
When you explore Oropesa, don’t miss the San Salvador de Oropesa Church, famous for its beautiful baroque altar. Enjoy the calm at Oropesa Plaza, a great place to take good pictures. Oropesa is a must to improve your tour experience in the South Valley.
Huaro
We highly recommend this little town too. One of its standout features is the Iglesia de Huaro, a lovely colonial-era church that highlights the area’s intriguing past. Inside, you will find beautiful artwork, including murals.
In Huaro, you’ll find charming traditional architecture and stunning views. The town thrives on agriculture, particularly its Andean crops, which add to its appeal. A little-known place in Cusco you’ll love in Huaro is the “Cielo Punku” viewpoint.
Enjoy the beautiful views from the South Valley’s high-altitude viewpoint without worrying about altitude sickness! Every year on October 27th, Huaro holds the “Huaro Bread Festival.” For six years, this event has sold and highlighted delicious artisanal breads. You can sample various types of breads!
Huasao
Huasao, often called the “village of sorcerers,” is a charming place where shamans come together to share their special skills. You can find services like “love bindings,” “coca leaf readings,” and “spiritual cleansings,” all rooted in Inca traditions.
This village has deep historical roots in both Wari and Inca cultures. Huasao blends Inca beliefs with Catholicism, that’s why you can find colonial churches were built over ancient Inca temples. In the “Humedal de Huasao” Huasao wetland, where you can find wooden sculptures and fun characters like Groot.
Huasao promotes environmental awareness, as the area’s lagoon and mountains offer stunning views for visitors to enjoy. Each August, the village celebrates the “Kintu Raymi” festival, welcoming shamans from Peru and beyond.
The best way to Get the South Valley
If you plan to explore the beautiful South Valley on your own, you can use public transport from Cusco to easily get there. The “Saylla – Huasao” bus company offers convenient rides to the valley’s charming towns for just 2 soles.
If you want to visit the archaeological sites, you must get the Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico del Cusco) This ticket is a great deal as it gives you access to several attractions, you can buy it at the entrance door of any tourist attraction inside or outside Cusco
If you want to explore the South Valley and travel with a reliable tour operator, we recommend Viagens Machu Picchu. We offer a Cusco South Valley tour. You can click the link to have more info about this one-day tour.
To explore places like Rainbow Mountain, Humantay Lake, and more cusco tours, with expert tour guides, you can trust us. Our more than 100,000 can confirm we do our best to give our customers the best service possible. Contact us to take the first step into your adventure in the ancient Inca land!
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