South Valley Cusco Tour Review: Is it Worth It?

So, you’re perhaps pondering whether a Cusco South Valley tour really needs to be on your itinerary, right? I get it. There appear to be many tour options around Cusco, and it could be tricky figuring out which ones actually offer something kind of different and special. I spent a day checking out the South Valley circuit, and this is my experience, complete with what I liked, what I think, might be good, and a few, very helpful pointers.

What’s the Big Deal About the South Valley Tour?

The South Valley tour ends up taking you through, that, a landscape fairly dotted with fascinating sites, often a little, overlooked compared to, say, the Sacred Valley. The, tour normally encompasses visiting Andahuaylillas (known for its wonderfully ornamented church), the archaeological spot of Pikillaqta (a pre-Inca town), and Tipón (featuring amazing Inca waterworks). People pick this, tour, I find, as it’s a relaxed way to get outside of Cusco and spot some things different from the usual Inca ruins you, too, will probably spot around the region. Actually, it also serves as a bit of a more gentle introduction to the altitude, if you’ve just arrived in Cusco!

First Stop: Andahuaylillas and Its Dazzling Church

Andahuaylillas is like your initial stop, and the star here is definitely the Church of San Pedro Apóstol, more or less, recognized as the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas.” Now, this moniker really, sounds like a reach, yet once you step inside, you start to understand the, praise. The church actually doesn’t appear like all that, too, special from the outside; actually, it is the interior which just explodes with color. Murals entirely blanket the walls and ceilings, mostly portraying religious scenes yet featuring, really, native touches.

Basically, the paintings can be amazingly detailed and just full of symbolism. Our guide did point out specific indigenous additions incorporated within the artwork – I find stuff, almost, you’d certainly miss if you were wandering on your own. Keep your eyes peeled for the ornate altar and the magnificent organ. I found it genuinely kind of awesome – this is somewhere you need to see. If you get picture snap happy here, just know that you’re probably not allowed to take photos inside to help conserve the artwork, too it’s almost, a bit more on the considerate side.

Pikillaqta: Stepping Back Into the Wari Culture

After, you’re heading on, actually, over to Pikillaqta, is that, a pre-Inca archaeological spot previously inhabited by the Wari civilization. So, you may discover that it gives you a completely different flavor compared to the Inca ruins. In contrast to the perfectly fitted stonework of Inca structures, Pikillaqta presents, rather, a more rustic picture, built using mud and stone. Actually, this site once, too, spanned quite a huge area, and whilst not all, a little, has been recovered, what you, will find is actually intriguing. Our guide did explain about the history and purpose of this site, pointing out things like storage facilities, living quarters, and the, still, well-defined street grids. Take in the views surrounding the site – is that, the broad valley just extends out providing a stunning setting, too, for any kind of ancient urban area. I’d claim that it’s a cool place, mostly, to, reflect on the diverse societies that kind of have molded this region.

Tipón: Marveling at Inca Engineering Prowess

Finally, last on the tour, you’re, too, likely to land at Tipón, featuring one of the most amazing displays of Inca agricultural ingenuity anywhere, almost, around. Here, a bit, you could look at advanced irrigation systems and terraced farming that really, even today, keep people talking. Water springs from the ground and is skillfully channeled through skillfully constructed canals, cascading down the mountainside. What I find mostly stunning is how, virtually, it has operated so beautifully for hundreds of years. Take your time going up the terraces and seeing the sophisticated water features. We found out that each canal did apparently, have its own purpose, that’s for sure, for crop cultivation and water distribution. If that weren’t, seemingly, enough, Tipón’s placement boasts breathtaking scenery, is that, making it, kind of, just a great spot to, that, ponder the achievements and insights, just a little, of Inca civilization.

Is the South Valley Tour Worth It?

So, coming straight to the point, is the South Valley tour ultimately, a valuable experience? I think, arguably, so, particularly, if you are the type that wants to experience more beyond the famed Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley. You, might be taken away with something a bit outside the box of Inca sites, getting knowledge into pre-Inca heritage along with just excellent Inca design in its own way. In case you only kind of have a little bit of time or mostly want to zero in on main attractions, there are definitely alternatives better-suited for you, too. In my view, though, for individuals seeking, typically, an, more extended and kind of richer Cusco experience, a South Valley trip fits.

Things to Consider for a Smooth South Valley Experience

Just, a couple points that should be on your radar to guarantee you capitalize on, alright, your trip:

• Altitude Adjustment: You might want to permit your body, anyway, to get at ease with the height in Cusco just prior to venturing to, actually, the South Valley; the additional, stroll at these locations may intensify altitude disorder if, in fact, you leap into it prematurely.
• What to Wear: Actually, bring layered clothes. Conditions usually, do start cool, however that it typically warms as the day advances. Additionally, use reliable walking footwear as you will find some locations with, first, uneven terrain.
• Sun and Hydration: Frankly, the sun at altitude is extremely, that, robust. Actually, pack sun block, sunglasses, as I was saying, along with a hat. Stay hydrated; deliver a canteen!
• Cash is King: In that case, small entrance charges for some sites could just be something you need money to settle on location. Take a little bit of neighborhood currency for that.
• Tour Options: In the meantime, some tours incorporate lunch, but some do not, in the same way, you will be wanting to test precisely what is covered when booking.

Choosing the Right Tour Operator

Next, how do you choose a reliable trip business operator? Well, next, research study goes a long way. Search online testimonials and inspect if, now, the business presents qualified guides who may provide engaging context at each website. It is often that small group trips are, of course, providing much more of an individualized journey than larger tour bus arrangements. Now, in the days right, before leaving for the tour, ensure things are dialed in just to, of course, guarantee every little thing is on track.

South Valley Tour: A Quick Summary

Finally, here’s actually, what sticks out regarding the South Valley tour: a peek at gorgeous architecture in Andahuaylillas, going to pre-Inca traditions at Pikillaqta, as well as, on the other hand, getting an awe-inspiring glance into Inca ingenuity in Tipón. You might like your Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu adventures and all, still, this is undoubtedly actually one thing, right? It’s ideal for individuals actually wishing, alright, a full viewpoint on the area near Cusco. Do just a little prep work, visit these web sites safely, as well as, now, enjoy checking out areas only slightly away from, very, the ordinary.

As well, quick recap:

• Find, very, architectural elegance in Andahuaylillas’ Chapel.
• Uncover, very, the background regarding pre-Inca society around Pikillaqta.
• Appreciate, rather, complex, Inca modern design shown from Tipón.
• Altitude preparation coupled with clever attire usually helps greatly when on an exciting tour.
• For Example, a, right one tour operator really can raise journey level substantially.

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