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CUSCO: SOUTHERN VALLEY

Cusco, like no other place in Peru and perhaps in all America, is a privileged witness to the most important historical events of the Andean world. Qosqo, as it was called by the Incas, will forever be the "navel" of Tahuantinsuyo, that fabulous empire ruled by the chosen children of the Sun.

If by some trick or magic spell Cusco were to become a human being, we have no doubt that it would be an unstoppable storyteller of fantastic tales. A unique character of unfathomable age. No one knows its true age, but it is likely to be over a thousand years old.

After being a silent witness to important events for centuries, Cusco would have countless stories to share with us. And, incidentally, it would confirm the legend that it was laid out by the mythical Manco Cápac, who chose it as the symbolic center of the empire that his father, the Sun, had ordered him to found. And in his words, a certain tone of vanity and pride couldn't be hidden, and he had good reason to be, for he was the "navel" from which the roads radiated to the four suyos, the territorial divisions of the immense empire of the powerful Tahuantinsuyo. The questions would be many; the answers, not brief. We would like him to tell us about Inti Raymi, the magnificent celebration in honor of the Sun god; or the details of that Inca festival, in which the mummies of the ancestors were carried in procession.

Prosperous times for the heirs of a culture that, years later, would experience a cruel twist of fate. Misfortune would be personified in strange-looking men who came from distant lands.

Why Peru Amazon Tours?

Peru Amazon Tours is a fully local, family-owned tour operator company. Our manager has worked and works as a tour guide in Cusco, Manu National Park and Tambopata National Reserve for over 20 years, and we put all his experience at the service of the visitor. What we pride ourselves on is employing well-prepared local people, giving them the option of development.

Southeast of Cusco, on the road to Collasuyo, lies a place of breathtaking landscapes and unique archaeological sites. All this magic unfolds alongside the sacred river of the Incas (the Vilcanota River). The South Valley of Cusco is dotted with picturesque villages and boasts a welcoming climate. It was a crucial region for the development of the Inca Empire.

CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION: From 09:00 to 14:00 hrs.

This is the perfect route when you're looking for archaeological sites with a unique landscape, all within a short amount of time. Our tour of the South Valley of Cusco begins at your hotel at 9:00 a.m. (pick-up time) in one of our private vehicles. Once the tour begins, we'll enjoy the views of the southern part of Cusco. Next, we'll experience the fabulous hydraulic system of Tipón, the straight-sided constructions of Pikillaqta, and the renowned art of the Cusco School in Andahuaylillas Chapel. We'll also savor the famous local cuisine: in the town of Saylla, try the "chicharrones" (fried pork rinds); in Tipón, the succulent "cuy al horno" (roasted guinea pig); and in Oropesa, be sure to sample their famous "pan chuta" (a type of bread).

• TIPON: We'll observe the perfectly aligned terraces; 12 different levels that decorate the landscape. These walls were built with finely carved stones; the irrigation system reflects the Inca ideology. The mysterious water of this important archaeological site is still used by the local population (for agriculture).

• PIKILLAQTA: The characteristics of this large urban center correspond to the period of development of the Wari Empire (a pre-Incan culture). The buildings are made of unhewn stone and clay used as mortar (pirca style), surrounded by walls up to 12 meters high, arranged in clusters and separated by straight streets, giving it the appearance of a fortress. There are approximately 700 buildings, 200 courts, and 508 storehouses or Qolcas (perhaps houses), among other structures. It is an example of well-planned urbanism.

• THE SISTINE CHAPEL OF ANDAHUAYLILLAS: Andahuaylillas is a charming town. The main square, adorned with enormous pisonay trees, is where the jewel of Andahuaylillas, the Church of Saint Peter the Apostle, is located. Conceived and built by the Jesuits in the early 17th century, the ornate Neo-Baroque church and its harmonious interior combine to make it one of the most beautiful churches in the region.

Enjoy the tour…

THE SERVICE INCLUDES:

• Private transportation
• Specialized bilingual tour guide
• First aid kit

THE SERVICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Cusco Tourist Ticket (Peruvian: 40 soles; Foreigner: 70 soles). Visits: Tipon and Pikillaqta
• Entrance Ticket to Andahuaylillas 25 soles
• Drinks such as: water, sodas, wine, or beer
• Tips and souvenirs

THINGS TO BRING:

• Passport
• Camera
• Warm clothing (in case of cold fronts)
• Rain gear or waterproofs (long poncho)
• Wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sunny days
• Medications and/or personal supplies
• Small backpack
• Drinking Water

THE SERVICE INCLUDES:

• Private transportation
• Specialized bilingual tour guide
• First aid kit

THE SERVICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Cusco Tourist Ticket (Peruvian: 40 soles; Foreigner: 70 soles). Visits: Tipon and Pikillaqta
• Entrance Ticket to Andahuaylillas 25 soles
• Drinks such as: water, sodas, wine, or beer
• Tips and souvenirs

THINGS TO BRING:

• Passport
• Camera
• Warm clothing (in case of cold fronts)
• Rain gear or waterproofs (long poncho)
• Wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sunny days
• Medications and/or personal supplies
• Small backpack
• Drinking Water

Enjoy the tour…

Price: US$ 20.00 per person (Group service)

Ask for a PRIVATE SERVICE and enjoy the tour with time and tranquility 

CUSCO: SOUTHERN VALLEY

Cusco, like no other place in Peru and perhaps in all America, is a privileged witness to the most important historical events of the Andean world. Qosqo, as it was called by the Incas, will forever be the "navel" of Tahuantinsuyo, that fabulous empire ruled by the chosen children of the Sun.

If by some trick or magic spell Cusco were to become a human being, we have no doubt that it would be an unstoppable storyteller of fantastic tales. A unique character of unfathomable age. No one knows its true age, but it is likely to be over a thousand years old.

After being a silent witness to important events for centuries, Cusco would have countless stories to share with us. And, incidentally, it would confirm the legend that it was laid out by the mythical Manco Cápac, who chose it as the symbolic center of the empire that his father, the Sun, had ordered him to found. And in his words, a certain tone of vanity and pride couldn't be hidden, and he had good reason to be, for he was the "navel" from which the roads radiated to the four suyos, the territorial divisions of the immense empire of the powerful Tahuantinsuyo. The questions would be many; the answers, not brief. We would like him to tell us about Inti Raymi, the magnificent celebration in honor of the Sun god; or the details of that Inca festival, in which the mummies of the ancestors were carried in procession.

Prosperous times for the heirs of a culture that, years later, would experience a cruel twist of fate. Misfortune would be personified in strange-looking men who came from distant lands.

Why Peru Amazon Tours?

Peru Amazon Tours is a fully local, family-owned tour operator company. Our manager has worked and works as a tour guide in Cusco, Manu National Park and Tambopata National Reserve for over 20 years, and we put all his experience at the service of the visitor. What we pride ourselves on is employing well-prepared local people, giving them the option of development.