Everyone knows the Sacred Valley, but few people explore the rich history south of Cusco. Cusco’s South Valley has two archaeological sites that are a lesson in Inca engineering and pre-Inca architecture: Tipón and Pikillacta.
If you’re looking for a relaxed half-day tour packed with Andean history, this is the route.
Tipón: the water temple and its hydraulic engineering
Tipón is a masterpiece of hydraulic engineering: a set of very well-preserved farming terraces (andenes) whose highlight is the way water is managed.
- The water. A spring feeds a network of channels and waterfalls carved into the stone, which distribute the water evenly and precisely across all the terraces.
- A dual purpose. It’s believed that Tipón was not only a farming center but also a place to worship water, a sacred element. The Incas showed that it was possible to master nature without destroying it.
- Photo tip. The cascading channels give you unique, peaceful angles, away from the crowds at other sites.
Pikillacta: the pre-Inca city
Close to Tipón is a completely different site. Pikillacta (or Piquillacta) was one of the most important cities of the Wari culture, a civilization that came before the Incas.
- Architecture. Unlike the flawless Inca stonework, Pikillacta has a symmetrical urban layout, with straight streets and two- or three-story buildings made of stone and mud.
- A labyrinth. Pikillacta, which means “city of fleas,” is a huge complex with more than 700 structures. It gives you an idea of what urban life in the Andes was like before the Inca Empire.
What the tour is like
The main advantage of the South Valley is the small number of tourists, which makes the visit much more relaxed.
- Duration. The South Valley tour takes half a day: you’re back in Cusco in time for lunch or a rest in the afternoon.
- Tickets. Entry to both sites is covered by the Cusco Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico).
The perfect complement to the Sacred Valley
The South Valley shows a deeper, less-told side of Cusco’s history. It’s the perfect complement to the Sacred Valley.
Want to see the South Valley?
We’re a local agency in Cusco, registered with MINCETUR since 2003, with English-speaking guides. We run the half-day South Valley tour, with Tipón and Pikillacta, and help you combine it with the Sacred Valley in your itinerary.