The South Valley follows the Huatanay River southeast of Cusco. It sees fewer visitors than the Sacred Valley and packs three eras into just a few kilometers: the Wari city of Pikillacta, the Inca water channels of Tipón and the Andean Baroque of Andahuaylillas.
Main sites
| Site | What it is | Distance from Cusco | Admission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tipón | Inca terraces and water channels | 23 km | Tourist Ticket |
| Pikillacta | A Wari city, older than the Incas | 30 km | Tourist Ticket |
| Andahuaylillas | Church of San Pedro, the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas” | 40 km | Separate admission |
| Raqchi | Temple of Wiracocha | 120 km | Separate admission |
How to explore it
You can see Tipón, Pikillacta and Andahuaylillas on a half-day tour. On the way, stop in the town of Saylla to try Cusco-style chicharrón (fried pork), and in Tipón for roast cuy (guinea pig). Raqchi is farther away and is usually visited on the bus route to Puno.
