After enjoying a hearty breakfast, your adventure begins with a pick-up from your hotel in Cusco, where we’ll board private transportation and head towards the South Valley—a hidden gem of ancient wonders. This private tour will take you off the beaten path to explore some of the most remarkable Incan and pre-Incan sites in the region.

Our first stop is Tipon, an engineering marvel of the Incan Empire. Located 24 km southeast of Cusco, Tipon is renowned for its sophisticated system of aqueducts, canals, and fountains, all meticulously crafted by the Quechua people. The agricultural terraces here are among the most elaborate in the entire Incan world, showcasing the impressive engineering skills of the Incas. As we wander through this incredible site, you’ll see baths, temples, canals, and a network of terraces, all harmoniously blending with the natural landscape. Despite being one of the lesser-visited sites, Tipon is every bit as breathtaking and significant as the more famous Sacred Valley sites. Recognized by the American Society of Civil Engineering, it remains one of the most significant examples of civil engineering in the ancient world.

Next, we’ll head to Pikillacta, an extraordinary pre-Incan archaeological site belonging to the Wari culture. Dating back to 700-900 AD, Pikillacta was once a cultural and administrative hub, serving as a vital center for the Wari civilization long before the rise of the Incas. The site is renowned for its urban planning and the impressive multi-story buildings, some rising up to four stories high. As we explore, you’ll see qolcas (warehouses), temples, and narrow streets, offering a glimpse into the advanced urban engineering of the Wari. Just a short distance away is Rumicolca, an ancient gateway to Cusco, providing another fascinating stop on our journey through pre-Incan history.

This South Valley Tour offers a chance to immerse yourself in the ancient history of Cusco and its surrounding areas, revealing the brilliance of civilizations that laid the foundation for the mighty Inca Empire.