South Valley Tour Cusco – Tipon Pikillacta Andahuaylillas Church

The tour would start at the Incan archaeological complex of Tipon. It is a site known for water channels and agricultural terraces. The water channels here are believed to be used as a ceremonial centre by Incas to worship water. The irrigation system here is impressive. 

The street below the site is popular among Cusqueñans. During weekends, locals often gather to savour the local delicacy guinea pig which is a popular tradition here.

The next stop on the trip will be in the archaeological site Pikillaqta. On the way to Pikillaqta, we will be passing through a dusky town, Oropesa. Oropesa is the “bread capital of Peru”. It houses over fifty different bakeries in a small town.

Pikillaqta is the only site that exists from Pre Inka time. It is a complex entirely built in adobe during the Wari regime. Waris once dominated the coastal and central parts of Peru.

Pikillaqta is a hilly region with small lakes in the vicinity. To Wari Culture and even to Incas, maize was a prime crop. They produced it here. Maize was so important for the Waris that they painted it in their pottery along with supernaturals and deities. Back then, Pikillacta was believed to have controlled the whole region through agriculture.

Our next stop will be in Andahuaylillas. This small village is home to The Sistine Chapel of the Americas. Although from outside it may not seem so eye catching to most. Its interiors of this chapel is an eye popping kaleidoscope. It has a dazzling display of colourful murals, an ornate gold leaf altar and ceilings painted in coffee.

The “San Pedro de Andahuaylillas” as known by the locals, was built at the end of the 16th century. One of its murals, signed by Luis de Riaño, has a date written in it that states it is from the year 1626.

After visiting the Church of Andahuaylillas, we will return back to Cusco. We will be dropping you off at Plaza Regocijo. It is next to the main square – Plaza De Armas.