THE SOUTH VALLEY

HALF DAY TOUR

Located in the south of Cusco, at an altitude of 3200 masl, the South Valley offers a variety of interesting historical places. In Tipon we can find the impressive system of terraces with beautiful fountains designed by the Incas. The Inca Gates of Cusco and the Colonial Church of Andahuaylillas will be a great opportunity to see the taste for monumentality in different times and cultures.

Tipón -

Tucked between the mountains of the South Valley, this magnificent archaeological site demonstrates the Inca's attempt at hydraulic engineering. The presence of many levels of terraces, fountains through major waterways, the presence of a still existing Inca trail and evidence of a holy site; an Intiwatana (rock carved especially for astronomical calculations), make Tipón a place of great interest.

The Inca Gates of Cusco -

These wall are quite striking. They were the gateways to the valley where the capital of the Empire (Cusco) was located and therefore had both a controlling and defensive function. They are beautiful to observe with the still visible Inca trail crossing the doors and heading to the far reaches of the Empire.

Andahuaylillas -

Considered to be the Sistine Chapel of the Andean world, this little church is a real gem of Peruvian colonial art. It was built in the early seventeenth century upon Inca foundations, by a priest Juan Pérez Bocanegra (1698-1631). This building is a great example when the cultural integration met high artistic value.