Tipon Private Tour Review: A Closer Look at Inca Ingenuity close to Cusco
Alright, so you are possibly thinking about a trip to Cusco, and the usual suspects like Machu Picchu are probably already on your list. I mean, absolutely, you must see it. Yet, Cusco actually has way more to offer, and if you are, like, very interested in getting to grips with the amazing Inca civilization without all the crowds, you might seriously want to think about a private tour to Tipon. So, very recently, I did just that, and I’m here to give you, you know, a full breakdown of my experience.
What makes Tipon Special: It’s All about the Water
Tipon isn’t, really, your regular pile of old rocks. Instead, this place is, as a matter of fact, a demonstration of Inca water engineering. You know, think flowing aqueducts, ceremonial fountains, and terraces that are still being watered today, pretty much as they were hundreds of years ago. It’s, in a way, a total treat for anybody very into engineering, history, or anyone who simply enjoys tranquil scenery. As I was saying, I signed up for a private tour, which, in my experience, gave me such a, like, very deep connection with the spot, compared to being shuffled around with a giant tour group.
Choosing the Right Private Tour: Doing Some Research
Okay, so before I even set foot anywhere near Tipon, it is vital to make a plan in advance. That is because I wanted to find a tour company that just gets what I’m looking for: a deep look into history combined with some insights from someone who actually understands the local scene. You see, I spent some time, naturally, reading reviews and asking around for, you know, recommendations. The company I chose basically promised a guide very passionate about Inca history, plus comfortable transport and a flexible itinerary. Just a little tip, to make sure your tour includes entry fees to the site, to dodge unexpected expenses later on.
My Tipon Tour Experience: Far Away From Machu Picchu
Okay, so the day I visited Tipon was absolutely awesome. The tour started with the pickup right from my hotel in Cusco in a transport that was comfortable. Our guide, whose name was Ricardo, by the way, proved that he knew, like, everything about Inca history. Right from the get-go, on our way to Tipon (which is, alright, around a 45-minute drive southeast of Cusco), Ricardo actually shared interesting stories regarding Inca culture and some insights into the place we were about to explore. It was more or less a history class, yet totally without the drone factor. When we got there, Ricardo, naturally, took me through the terraces and water features. What made this unique was his talent for basically painting a picture of how Tipon would have been when it actually worked as a spot for royal agriculture. He pointed out the precision with which the Incas designed their irrigation systems, very ingeniously making use of gravity and water sources from up above. I literally stood there amazed, more or less lost in time. It became easy to see why Tipon was not just any old farm but also, it seems, a spot that held real meaning when it came to spirituality and social aspects.
Personalized Attention: How Private Makes a Difference
Arguably, the best part about picking a private tour was surely how flexible and personalized it was. Ricardo could, just a little, adapt the tour to my interests and speed, regardless if that meant taking a bit longer at the royal baths so I could take some pics, or discussing in a bit more depth a specific element of Inca farming. You see, if I’d been part of some big tour, there would have been literally no room for any of that. Plus, having the capacity to basically ask lots of questions, and then actually get very elaborate responses, seriously made me appreciate everything more. So, in contrast to many archaeological locations across the Cusco area, we actually found Tipon was far less busy, making our experience way more intimate and relaxing. The peace only made the entire setting much more powerful, because I had the chance to basically absorb the atmosphere at my own pace and actually imagine what existence may have been back then.
Tipon beyond the Ruins: The Nearby Scenery
Yet, the tour wasn’t simply focused on the Inca location itself. Ricardo actually made sure I enjoyed the surrounding countryside of Cusco, very famous for its, like, totally amazing scenery. He showed me beautiful views from above, and he actually pointed out nearby villages, where local people maintain old traditions. I learned that agriculture keeps being crucial for many families around here, which, you know, directly connects to the Inca heritage of advanced farming. It felt great that Tipon has been preserved by families close to the area. These local communities have, obviously, kept lots of agricultural practices alive, which, basically, underlines how sustainable they tend to be.
Photography at Tipon: What should you actually capture?
For anyone that likes taking photos, Tipon is awesome. In my opinion, one of the best spots could be by one of those terraced walls, where the flowing water generates little waterfalls: fantastic for, like, really scenic pictures. So, keep an eye out for spots that provide stunning scenery, since these enable you to get the scale and sophisticated arrangement from Tipon into a, very single picture. Likewise, try concentrating on certain components just like water ducts and master stonework to actually display Inca design prowess up close. You should bring wide angle lenses as that will take into consideration that large terraces at the location! Similarly, you should have your regular lens that you would normally bring everywhere when taking touristy photos! Remember, if at all viable it really is usually far better to get early because light has a tendency to be far better and it’s less populated at the location for an even more, scenic image.
Food is a Great Memory: Including lunch nearby
Ricardo took me for a meal inside a cozy restaurant around Tipon after discovering, to be honest, just what local cuisine was similar to. You see, I opted to test out cuy, basically, guinea pig; even though, that does seem strange initially, it is viewed a typical delicacy from the Andes and so I felt as though it was a must to go and test that, for myself. Honestly? Surprisingly flavorful actually! This type of lunch isn’t merely, as a matter of fact, just about the eating – but additionally about hooking up with traditions, too. Ricardo discussed the meal prep practices; outlining which elements will always be area of meals from these lands, such as potatoes, corn not to mention several different regional generate. It made it simpler personally when planning on taking note how crucial farming may be to area inhabitants – supporting Inca past, with today’s society in real world approaches which could really cause one to pause! Getting in touch to Tipon using food basically presented the full-circle minute which I valued a whole lot.
Is Tipon Actually Worth A Trip?
If someone is considering should Tipon deserves some effort – definitely certain! For this is above just viewing a few Inca wrecks- which demonstrates Inca’s innovative thinking while at one of history’s most intriguing moments plus offering you some private in place associated with question, at quieter regions which provide more of anything you wouldn’t usually have time to basically observe! I’d highly recommend getting private organized tours: given how someone will obtain customized facts from skilled guides in particular simply considering going off in other less visited locations for one memorable adventures. From engineering enthusiasts that want observe Inca brilliance one on one and cultural aficionados trying appreciate Peru’s traditional way; next basically start generating arrangements instantly. Don’t only visit Machu Picchu at the next Peruvian journey; alternatively you can even visit this unbelievable prize which can be acquired when checking Cusco in higher level way than anticipated. As a matter of fact you will relish the experience for certain!
Essential Tips for The Tipon Tour: The Final Points
As you are preparing that private guided tour to Tipon, here’s a few useful nuggets I have gathered on my way. First of all, make sure, you know, to dress in layers. Since Cusco stands at a very considerable altitude, the climate is inclined to actually shift rapidly; for that reason always keep warm things such as rain coats prepared. Comfy strolling shoes will always be critical, given you could stroll quite considerably though ruins! Never ignore suncream or sunglasses and a broad brimmed cap due intensity about this area; shield against those sunlight! Be sure your excursion has enough mineral water available so you avoid dehydration during those escapades.