Explore The Amazing Cusco South Valley | Tipon, Pikillacta & Beyond

Nestled away in the Cusco South Valley, find two of Cusco’s most impressive and least visited Archaeological sites: Tipon and Pikillacta. Tipon is all about water, and is a special site built by the Incas. Pikillacta is unique as it was a Pre-Inca site believed to be built by the Wari Civilization. Across the way from Pikillacta find the special site of Rumicolca, which was once the grandest gateway into the Imperial City of Cusco. All three sites are included on the popular Cusco Tourist Ticket.

➯ Detailed Guide | Explore the 16 Sites of the Cusco Tourist Ticket Without a Tour

All of these places can easily be visited from Cusco by public bus, making it one of the easiest day trips from Cusco. For those also looking to add some diversity to the itinerary, visit the beautiful church of Saint Peter Apostle in Andahuaylillas. This church is oftentimes referred to as the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas.” There are multiple agencies that offer Cusco South Valley tours, but these sites are special and the tours only allow a short time frame at each place. There truly is so much to explore and discover at these sites. This post offers the best way to visit Cusco South Valley without a tour.

This specific Cusco South Valley itinerary includes the Tipon ruins, the Pre-Inca site of Pikillacta (Wari civilization), and the stunning Andahuaylillas church build by the Jesuits. This is a full one day trip from Cusco and so worth it!

Table of Contents

• But First, Cusco
• Cusco Public Transportation Tips
• Cusco to Tipon by Bus
• Cusco South Valley Highlight | Tipon
• Tipon to Pikillacta by Bus
• Cusco South Valley Highlight | Pikillacta
• Pikillacta to Andahuaylillas by Bus
• Cusco South Valley Highlight | Andahuaylillas Church
• Cusco South Valley Day Trip | Return to Cusco by Bus
• Cost of Independent Cusco South Valley Tour
• More Places to See in the South Valley of Cusco
• Final Thoughts | Cusco South Valley, Tipon, Pikillacta, & Beyond

But First, Cusco Peru

Cusco was at one time the center of the mighty Inca dynasty. The once imperial city was said to have been built in the shape of a Puma, the most significant earthly animal to the Inca. In Inca culture, the condor (heavens) and the snake (underworld) were also significant iconic creatures. Although the city was ultimately conquered by Spanish conquistadors, Cusco still has a unique fusion of the two cultures.

Cusco is one of those magical places that draws in travelers from all over the world. While most are planning on visiting Machu Picchu, there are things not to overlook in Cusco.

➯ Detailed Guide | 23 Spectacular Things to Do in Cusco

The Imperial City is covered in underrated and free Inca sites. Wander through one of the bustling markets and stroll the charming streets to see the blend of Inca and Spanish cultures. Swing by Qorikancha to get a better understanding or visit a museum. Indulge in delicious Peruvian cuisine. There’s also the incredible Sacred Valley that is more or less an hour from Cusco and full of natural treasures and more magnificent Inca sites.

➯ Detailed Cusco Travel Guides | How to Spend One Week in Cusco & the Sacred Valley | 5 Unique Cusco Itineraries

Adventurous hikers can climb up Cusco’s tallest mountain, Cerro Picol. Of course, why not plan an epic trek to Machu Picchu.

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Cusco Travel Basics

• Currency: PEN, or Soles | currency symbol: S/
• Language: Spanish, but outside the city, Quechua is oftentimes spoken by the elderly
• Altitude: Cusco sits at a towering altitude of 11,152 causing many travelers “soroche,” or altitude sickness. Drink coca tea to help alleviate symptoms and make sure to properly acclimate before doing too much exercise or hiking

Cusco Public Transportation Tips

Cusco has an elaborate and highly efficient public transportation bus system. At first it can seem overwhelming, but after a few days, the bus system makes complete sense. Many of the locals rely on the public bus system, so not only are the city buses reliable, but city buses run as far as an hour outside the city limits. Almost all the city buses have the names of popular roads and bus stops written on the side of each bus.

The public transportation in Cusco is cheap and efficient! Average bus fares for the city limits cost S/ 1 (25¢ USD), while buses that travel outside are S/ 2 (50¢). Cusco South Valley is considered outside the city limits.

☛ Travel Tip | Shout out “baja” when you wish to exit the bus.

Taxi’s run out of Cusco to the entrance gate to the Tipon ruins, but are quite expensive. The bus system is easy and efficient!

Cusco South Valley Day Trip | Cusco to Tipon by Bus

There are multiple bus companies that run from Cusco to Tipon. Look for buses that have signage for Tipón/Urcos. The bus company of Los Leones is the easiest bus to catch from Cusco to Tipon. These buses can be spotted by their Los Leones logo on the windshield and sport orange and blue stripes on the side of the bus. Verify the names of Tipón, and Saylla on the side of the bus. By the way, Saylla is a popular destination to try cuy, or guinea pig.

➜ Looking for a great place to sleep in Cusco? Directly across the street from Casa Rivero are the buses from Cusco to Tipon.

One of the best locations to catch this bus in Cusco is in Plaza San Francisco in front of the large white University building.

🚌 Cusco to Tipon | Company: Los Leones | Cost: 2 PEN (50¢) | Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes | Terminal Hub is here | Exit at the Final Stop: Choccepata village in the Plaza de Armas

Ride the Cusco city bus to the final stop, which is actually the village of Choccepata. The Plaza de Armas has a church and a few small shops selling snacks. After exploring Tipon, there are delicious local restaurants serving up hearty lunch specials for S/ 5 ($1.25 USD).

☛ Travel Tip | Take the first bus (6:00 a.m.) out of Cusco to allow enough time to explore Pikillacta and the Andahuaylillas church.

To reach the ruins, it’s either a tranquil hike up or a collectivo/taxi ride to the entrance gate.

Chocceptata to Tipon Archaeological Park

To reach the Tipon ruins, it’s either a tranquil hike up or a collectivo/taxi ride to the entrance gate.

Hike to Tipon via an Old Inca Road

The hike up to Tipon Archaeological Park is uphill, but is well marked and easy to reach. The best hiking option is to take the “Camino Prehispanico Pitupuqyu-Cruzmoqo” and enter Tipon via the back entrance.

This steeper uphill path follows an ancient stone road built by a Pre-Inca civilization. Ambitious hikers can continue along this path all the way up to the Mirador of Cruzmoqo. This trail leads to the section of ruins above the main site of Tipon.

🥾 Choccepata to Tipon ruins | Follow the main street road and merge onto an Old Inca Road “Path” | Distance: 1.3 miles (2 km) | Uphill Hike: 45 minutes | Downhill Hike: 30 minutes

There was no one waiting at this entrance point checking tickets. Make sure to turn off at the park, or you will keep climbing up to the Mirador. Unless, of course, you want to!

By Collectivo

If you start walking uphill someone will sure enough pull over and ask if you want to hop in a collectivo. It’s less than 1.5 miles to the entrance, but this trek is a pretty consistent uphill climb. A driver wanted to charge me 6 PEN, but I thought that was pretty high, as I was halfway up the hill when he stopped. It didn’t help that all the locals laughed when he told me the price.

For those on a time schedule, or don’t want to hike, that price may be worth it. Also, Tipón has interesting sites that require some stamina, so skipping the trek uphill and taking a collectivo allows for more time to explore.

By Taxi

Taxis sit and run from the main bus “stop” to Tipón. For this option, exit the bus on the main busy road before it turns into Choccepata village. You will visibility see all the taxis waiting.

The taxis charge S/ 10 ($2.50) for a one way ride to the Tipon Archeological Park. It’s possible to have them wait for you to return, but it comes at a fee. Negotiate before getting in the taxi.

Cusco South Valley Highlight | Tipon Archaeological Park

Tipon (Tipón) Archaeological Park is all about water, maybe! Some speculate that this principal area was built for Yahuar Huaca the father of the Inca ruler Wiracocha. Others say that Tipon was used as a master hydraulic irrigation system, or even some kind of agricultural terrace. As my friend always reminds me, no one knows the true purpose of each ruin site, everything is merely speculation. That’s what makes each site so special.

Tipon Archaeological Park Logistics | Admission Fee: Circuit II of the Boleto Turistico Cusco / 70 PEN ($17 USD), valid for 2 days or The Complete Boleto Turistico Cusco / 130 PEN ($32 USD), valid 10 days | Daily Hours: 7:00 – 18:00 | Duration at site: Tipon warrants at least 2 – 3 hours, with itinerary add-ons you could literally spend the entire day just in Tipon!

✔ Travel Resources | Everything You Need to Know About the Cusco Tourist Ticket

Tipón has impressive multi-level terraces with a plethora of water canals. Tucked away in the back of the park is a ceremonial water fountain. This site is usually never crowded, so it’s the perfect opportunity to slow down and appreciate this nearly “hidden-gem.” Listen to the water that still flowing through these marvelous canals, which is impeccably nestled into the mountains

Besides the principle area of Tipon there are lots of other little “side-spots” to explore. This park is massive, so plan your time accordingly. Plan to arrive early, especially if adding Pukara and the Mirador of Cruzmoqo to your Cusco South Valley itinerary.

The Tipon Archaeological Park is one of my absolute favorite sites on the entire Boleto Turístico Cusco. There are few organized tour groups, but they spend less than 30 minutes onsite and only in the main section of the Tipon ruins.

💬 Real Talk | Circuit II is only worthwhile as a standalone ticket for those visiting Tipón and Pikillacta. Most of the museums are “skippable.” The best value is to purchase the 10 day ticket to include the Sacred Valley (Circuit III) and Cusco Inca Sites (Circuit I)

Things to See on a Visit to Tipon | Tipón

Here are a few of the highlights of Tipon Archaeological Park to explore with a few hours.

Intiwatana

Follow the signs and head straight-up the steep hill to visit Intiwatana. There are a few crumbling ruins here, but the highlight is the spectacular view above Tipon. It’s possible to really take in the magnitude of this park. Keep your eyes peeled for the sacrifice tables here!

Inca Canals

Above Intiwatana, if you wish keep following the Inca water canals. This route is impressive and if you feel so inclined, climb this canal all the way to the top. Midway, there is the option to turn off to the left to explore Pukara.

Pukara Ruins

After a 30 minute climb that follows the Inca canal above Intiwatana, turn to the left to discover a completely different Archaeological Park, Pukara. The Pukara ruins are shocking larger than Tipon and will add at least another hour or two at least to this Cusco South Valley itinerary.

No tour groups hike to Pukara, due to the fact that it’s a steep and time consuming climb. Relish in this hidden Inca ruins in complete tranquility. The Pukara ruins are free to enter a hidden gem of the South Valley in Cusco.

➯ Travel Deeper | 35+ Inca Sites in Peru You Must Visit

Mirador of Cruzmoqo

This viewpoint is a new Tipon highlight, as it just recently opened to the public. This area of the park has been undergoing excavation for the past few years. Now it’s possible to climb up the hill to the viewpoint of Mirador of Curzmoqo to gawk at the outlying section of the Imperial city of Cusco.

The faster route to access this hike is near the ceremonial water fountain. There is a staircase made from stones that leads straight up the hillside. Unfortunately, due to heavy rains, this route was closed off and a guard was patrolling this entrance gate. This was due to the possibility of mudslides. The climb is steep and leads to another ruin at the top of the hill.

Cusco South Valley Day Trip | Tipon to Pikillacta by Bus

Leave the Plaza de Armas of Choccepata to get back on the main road where buses come and go from Cusco to Puno. If walking, it’s about a mile trek to the main road bus station. To the right, buses head back to Cusco. To the left, buses continue all the way to Urcos. Make sure to cross the street and wait for a bus to Urcos. Many buses pass through this hub, so clarify with the driver that the bus is in fact going in the direction of Urcos before jumping on!

To save time, take a bus in the village to the main road close to the Urcos bus station.

🚌 Choccepata to Main Road Bus Stop | Cost: 50¢ | Duration: 1 minute | Cross the street and wait for a bus in the direction of Urcos

Main Bus Station to Pikillacta

Make sure to be on the opposite site of the street to continue east. Look for the buses to Urcos and flag them down. Ask the bus driver “Vas a Pikillacta,” so they will drop you right at the main entrance gate. Show the ticket and point incase you butcher the name like I did!

🚌 Main Road Bus Stop to Pikillacta | Cost: 1.50 PEN (40¢) | Duration: less than 15 minutes | Cross the street to reach the main entrance gate of the Pikillacta ruins

Cusco South Valley Highlight | Pikillacta Archaeological Park (Pikillaqta)

The Pikillacta (Pikillaqta) Archeological Park is unique, as it is the only set of ruins on the entire Boleto Turístico Cusco that were not built by the Incas. It’s speculated that Pikillacta was built by the Wari civilization, a civilization that thrived in this region from around 500 A.D until 1,000 A.D. They may have played a bigger influence on the Inca dynasty than they are given credit for.

At the entrance, there’s a small museum on-site that showcases a giant skeleton of a gliptodonte, a distant relative of the armadillo. It’s worthwhile to just peek in and check out the small informative space.

This park is almost always empty, and tour groups only stop in the center section of the park. Make sure to explore the winding paths to enjoy multiple the viewpoints. The energy here is incredible, and walking through these empty streets is an eerie feeling.

Pikillacta Archaeological Park Logistics | Admission Fee: Circuit II of the Boleto Turistico Cusco / 70 PEN ($17 USD), valid for 2 days or The Complete Boleto Turistico Cusco / 130 PEN ($32 USD), valid 10 days | Daily Hours: 7:00 – 16:30 | Duration at site: Pikillacta & Rumicolca Gate warrants at least an hour and a half

Rumicolca Gate | Rumiqullqa Gate

Walk out the main entrance gate and follow the path to the busy highway that continues to Urcos. From here, walk less than less 5 minutes to find the impressive Rumicolca (Rumiqullqa) Gate. This small, but profound site is less than a quarter of a mile from Pikillacta.

The Rumicolca Gate is included as part of the Pikillacta portion of the Boleto Turistico Cusco ticket. No one knows for sure the purpose of the gate, but there are a few different theories floating around. One is that it was built by the Wari Civilization in a romantic folklore story, another says the Incas built this gate for the entrance into their Imperial city of Cusco.Either way, the gate is worth a look up close.

➯ Detailed Travel Guide | 32 Unique & Famous Peru Landmarks to See

It can be seen from the road, but its worth it to walk up to get an up close and personal view. A man is posted here to verify your ticket. It’s super easy to hop on a bus from the entrance of this site and to continue onto Andahuaylillas and visit the Saint Peter Apostle Church.

Cusco South Valley Day Trip | Pikillacta to Andahuaylillas by Bus

From the Rumicolca Gate, flag down a bus heading in the direction of Urcos. There is just enough of a space for buses to pull over and hop on the bus. Buses run frequently. It’s mostly all locals on the bus, just make sure to verify with the driver that they will stop at the hamlet of Andahuaylillas. Buses drop on the main road in front of the village.

🚌 Rumicolca Gate to Andahuaylillas | Cost: 1 PEN (25¢) | Duration: less than 5 minutes | Walk 5 minutes into town to reach the Saint Peter Apostle of Andahuaylillas church

Cusco South Valley Highlight | Andahuaylillas Church

The Saint Peter Apostle of Andahuaylillas Church (San Pedro Apóstol de Andahuaylillas) is really quite impressive. It’s been called the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas,” and visiting this site is indeed a highlight of the South Valley in Cusco. The church was built at the end of the 16th century by the Jesuits, and like most popular sites, it is believed to have been built on top of an Inca ceremonial state.

The church is covered in incredible paintings and murals. It feels almost like being in an Orthodox church due to the colorful painted murals. Look up! The ceiling of this chapel is incredible. There are also two colorful organs on the second floor, so make sure to peek up in that direction. These organs claim to be some of the oldest in all of the Americas. The bright gold alter is dramatic, and looks almost out of place in this little village hamlet in the Cusco South Valley. Can you spot any nods to the Quecha traditions? Look for corn cobs and cocoa leaves. One of the most impressive murals sits at the entrance.

The Saint Peter Apostle of Andahuaylillas Church has its own special admission ticket and is part of the Ruta del Barroco Andino ticket.

The Andean Baroque Route | Ruta del Barroco Andino

This church is part of the Ruta del Barroco Andino, which includes four churches along this pilgrimage route. Each church showcases something a little different. The Saint Peter the Apostle of Andahuaylillas entrance ticket also includes the neighboring religious sites of Huaro and Canincunca. 

Ruta del Barroco Andino Ticket Logistics | Includes three sites: Andahuaylillas, Huaro & Canincunca | Admission Fee: 15 PEN ($3.75 USD), valid for 1 day | Andahuaylillas Church Daily Hours: 7:30 – 17:30 | Be mindful of the time, each church has different closing times | Official Website for Ruta del Barroco Andino

Personally, I didn’t visit these other churches, but the gift shop offers many photos, books, and fascinating information about each site. The remaining two places of Huaro church and Canincunca church are a short bus ride away from Andahuaylillas. 

The fourth site of the Ruta del Barroco Andino is the San Blas Church in Cusco. This church has a separate entrance ticket for S/15 ($3.75) and is in the hip San Blas neighborhood in the heart of Cusco.

Appreciate the Andahuaylilla Plaza

The Plaza de Armas in Andahuaylillas is just so cute I could barely contain myself. The church is incredible, but notice the large trees that surround the square. These are the mighty Pisonay trees. I couldn’t help but be fall in love with these gigantic trees. Their size was shocking, and they add a certain charm to the plaza. Take some time to appreciate the simple beauty of this square before heading back to Cusco.

If you want to continue deeper into the Cusco South Valley, visit the final two churches on the Ruta del Barroco Andino. These two churches can be reached via a bus in the direction of Urcos.

South Valley Cusco Day Trip | Return to Cusco by Bus

From the Andahuaylillas Plaza walk back to where the bus drops on the main road. Multiple buses run from Puno to Cusco, so simply flag one down that has signage for Cusco hanging in the windshield.

🚌 Andahuaylillas to Cusco | Cost: 3 PEN (75¢) | Duration: 1 hour | Buses drop in multiple locations all around Cusco, verify with the driver the exact drop-off location

Cost of Independent Cusco South Valley Tour

Finally, how much does this fun filled adventure day in the South Valley of Cusco day trip cost? Highlights include the Tipón and Pikillaqta Archaeological Parks and the stunning Saint Peter the Apostle of Andahuaylillas Church. This on day trip from Cusco of the South Valley focuses on utilizing hiking paths and public transportation.

*Not included is the price of the Boleto Turístico Cusco (Either Circuit II or 10 day ticket)

Expense	S/ (PEN)	USD $
Bus Fare from Cusco	S/ 2	50¢
Misc. Local Bus Fares	S/ 3	75¢
Ruta del Barroco Andina Ticket	S/ 15	$3.75
Bus Fare to Cusco	S/ 3	75¢
Total	S/23	$5.75

Many people spend over $100 USD for a Cusco South Valley tour. The tours are convenient, but don’t allow you to explore hidden spots in these sacred sites.

💬 Real Talk | Tipón and Pikillaqta were two of my favorite sites on the Boleto Turístico Cusco, so make the effort to discover them. Most people skip these sprawling Inca sites from Circuit II, but the Archaeological Parks are so incredible.

✔ Travel Resources | Discover ALL 16 Sites on the Cusco Tourist Ticket completely independently!

Explore More of the South Valley Cusco

The South Valley of Cusco is incredible and there are many more spots to explore besides Tipon, Pikillacta, and the churches of the Andean Baroque Route.

Ausangate Trek

One of the best treks in Peru is the epic Ausangate Trek. This high altitude trek never dips below 4,000 m and loops around one of the most powerful Apus, or Mountain God, of the Indigenous: Ausangate. One of the best ways to experience this trek is via a 6 day route, which includes a stop at the wildly popular Rainbow Mountain. But, since you come in the back entrance, you won’t have to fight the day trippers for an incredible photo op.

Along the route tackle towering mountain passes, wander past seriously beautiful alpine lakes, and gawk at the incredibly picturesque glacial peaked mountains. Appreciate the many alpacas that call this place home, and the beautiful women who care for them. There’s also not one, but two spots to soak in simple, but welcoming hot springs.

If you don’t want to tackle a multi-day trek, Rainbow Mountain is accessible as a day trip option from Cusco. Almost every Cusco tour agencies offers a one day Rainbow Mountain trek.

Waqrapukara Trek

Another spectacular hidden gem in the Cusco South Valley is the Waqrapukara Archaeological Park. This up and coming trek leads to Waqrapukara or the “horned fortress.” The Waqrapukara ruins can be done as a long day trip from Cusco, but it is better as a 2 day trek. Believe it or not, this sacred site sits over 13,000 feet, almost double the altitude of Machu Picchu.

Waqrapukara is completely free to visit. Onsite find basic, but free places to camp. The site includes garbage drop, restrooms, and running water.

There are multiple routes to reach Waqrapukara. For those using public transportation, start the 2 day Waqrapukara trek from the village of Sangarará and finish in Huayqui.

More Cusco South Valley Treasures

The South Valley of Cusco also has special spots like Quelccaya, the world’s largest tropical ice cap. Laguna Sibinacocha is another area of beauty in the South Valley of Cusco that remains untouched by tourist.

Final Thoughts | Cusco South Valley Tour of Tipon, Pikillacta & Beyond

In conclusion, Tipon, Pikillacta, and the village of Andahuaylillas are incredible highlights of the Cusco South Valley. The above sites can be combined for an epic day trip from Cusco. All of these points of interest are easily accessible via the public transportation system.

The Tipon Archaeological Park has lots of interesting sites to explore within the park, so plan on spending a majority of the time there. Pikillacta is the only archeological site that is from the Wari Civilization on the Boleto Turistico Cusco. The Saint Peter the Apostle of Andahuaylillas Church is beautiful and is special in its own way. This lovely day trip from Cusco is diverse and has a little something for everyone.

Have you explored Cusco South Valley? Did you visit any of above sites in the Cusco South Valley? What did you think of them? Did you visit the South Valley of Cusco on your own or with a tour? Let me know in the comments below!

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