South Valley Cusco: Andahuaylillas, Pikillaqta & Tipon Review

The South Valley near Cusco is often missed, and you know, that’s a shame! People usually flock to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, which is awesome, but the South Valley has some amazing spots, too it’s almost like they’re hiding in plain sight. Places like Andahuaylillas, Pikillaqta, and Tipon offer a super cool peek into different parts of Peruvian history and culture, is that right? Plus, the scenery, you know, very pretty. If you’re planning a trip to Cusco, seriously, consider adding the South Valley. It provides an additional something to your adventure.

Andahuaylillas: The Sistine Chapel of the Americas

So, Andahuaylillas, also known as “The Sistine Chapel of the Americas,” packs quite a visual punch, that! When you first walk up to the church, it seems fairly humble from the outside, a simple adobe structure. But once you step inside, well, bam! Very colorful, too it’s almost overwhelmingly beautiful, is that not correct? The artwork here just very amazing, featuring elaborate murals, gilded details, and a whole lot of religious imagery. The ceilings are covered in frescoes. Even the walls seem to tell stories. It really demonstrates, basically, the blending of Indigenous and Spanish influences. The history books will reveal so, too it’s almost something, that. It stands as a symbol of the efforts to convert the native population to Christianity. Very thought-provoking, alright?

The main attraction here actually the 17th-century Iglesia de San Pedro Apóstol. Remember to look up – that ceiling! It features amazing designs, yet what might draw your attention even more is the intricate detail in the paintings, so incredible. A helpful thing might be that professional tour guides very much ready at the entrance if you want a complete rundown of all the symbolism, but no stress if you just enjoy admiring, and very popular to enjoy. By the way, picture-taking isn’t allowed inside. Yet, trust us, the memory of the gold altars will stick with you long after you leave, clearly.

When visiting, arguably the thing to know is the altitude, since Andahuaylillas sits high up, right? Give yourself time to get used to it. And, it might be beneficial if you remember to bring some water. The church sees a fair bit of traffic. So, to miss the larger crowds, consider arriving fairly early in the morning or perhaps later in the afternoon, typically.

Pikillaqta: Pre-Inca History Comes Alive

Pikillaqta gives off a special sense of ancient history and stuff, too it’s almost overwhelming, alright? Far removed from the gilded interiors of Andahuaylillas, and you will travel back in time here, perhaps even before the Incas! As a matter of fact, this pre-Inca site was constructed by the Wari culture around 700 to 900 AD, I want to say. In stark contrast to the tight stonework of Inca sites, which is fairly well-known, Pikillaqta is a sprawling complex. Furthermore, it is made up of stone and mud. It provides what one might call an interesting view of a somewhat different building style, honestly. It stretches out across the landscape. Exploring Pikillaqta gives you a special feeling of being connected to a civilization, I tell you what.

Visiting Pikillaqta almost always feels like traveling into the past. But, by the way, remember there is minimal shade, really. Bring a hat and sunscreen because that sun can be pretty intense at that altitude, that’s important. Wander around the well-defined streets and glimpse the storage structures where it’s been said grains and other supplies kept in ancient times, actually. Guides are typically around if you would appreciate to explore what archaeologists suppose concerning this civilization, anyway.

Oh, there is a great viewpoint a short distance from Pikillaqta. And it’s known as the Laguna Huacarpay, very wonderful it would be to see, yet? You can check it out because of the number of local birds there. After that, go and examine what is inside the ruins. Both places just give off very authentic views and so on.

Tipon: A Marvel of Ancient Engineering

Now, Tipon, often draws glances of amazement and wonder. Basically, you witness very clever ancient engineering as you explore it, yeah? It showcases very old Inca water engineering. So, channels, aqueducts, and fountains demonstrate that these cultures basically figured out ways to manage the mountain resources, that makes sense. Even better is the reality of these waters still flowing after lots of years. That sounds unbelievable but true, kind of?

Walking around Tipon, visitors have a view of cultivated terraces. Yet those who designed and executed this wonder were also thinkers, naturally. Water fountains appear all around, okay? The site generally covers a sizeable area so put on very supportive footwear, clearly. Also it bears repeating, very hydrating is wise to ensure the altitude doesn’t negatively influence the trip, anyway.

The tranquil sounds from that running waters add tranquility while hiking through Tipon. But if you like, go see Intihuatana. Furthermore, you can view the surrounding hills up at that area.

Planning Your South Valley Adventure

Therefore, scheduling the South Valley tour will add unique elements from Cusco, Peru. All the locales noted may be explored over a day trip, like your adventure? Several touring groups run daily tours including traveling with ease from location. Yet, taking public transportation will provide very pocket-change-friendly opportunities while at the location, that! If there is a goal on seeing them all at your speed, you know, take rented rides available around Cusco.

Therefore, to adjust, plan your journeys appropriately so as to stay clear of experiencing altitude hits. Stay a couple of days acclimatizing around Cusco even before doing anything, even, basically? Bring hydrating fluids along coupled by nibbles because there are not as many opportunities as near cityscapes, that!

In conclusion, visit anytime all through the year as conditions may change depending time or seasonality, right. Those from springtime clear to fall-times show sunlight matched coupled at fewer precipitation likelihoods to bring pleasant exploring day adventures for you, of course.