How to Book Your Cusco South Valley Tour
You can reserve the Cusco South Valley Tour (Half Day) two convenient ways: online through our official website, or in person at the Machu Picchu Team office in Cusco.
Booking Online
To book online, click BOOK NOW, select your preferred departure date, enter the required traveler information, and complete payment. Online reservations are accepted up until 9:00 PM the evening before the tour, subject to availability of spots, transportation, and guide service. Once your booking is finalized, you’ll receive a confirmation with meeting or pick-up details along with key recommendations for the day. For last-minute reservations, contacting our team before payment is recommended to confirm spots are still open.
Booking at Our Cusco Office
You’re also welcome to reserve directly at the Machu Picchu Team office: Portal Nuevo 270, Plaza Regocijo, Cusco — one block from the Plaza de Armas. Booking in person is especially convenient for travelers who prefer paying in cash, want to ask questions directly, or need more details about the itinerary, entrance fees, pick-up logistics, or packing recommendations. Please bring your passport or valid ID, along with your hotel information and WhatsApp number, so we can properly coordinate your tour.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
Cancellations made before 10:00 PM the day prior to your tour are eligible for a full refund. To request one, reach out by email or WhatsApp with the name used for booking, the tour date, and your confirmation number.
Cancellations made after this deadline, on the day of the tour, or after your scheduled pick-up time are non-refundable, since the guide, transportation, group spot, and other logistics will already be confirmed and in motion.
Travelers who don’t show up at the confirmed pick-up point or meeting location at the scheduled time are considered no-shows, with no refund or rescheduling provided. Card-processing fees, bank charges, and currency-conversion costs may remain non-refundable even when the underlying tour payment qualifies for reimbursement.
Date Changes
Requests to change your tour date must be submitted before 10:00 PM the day prior to your original departure. Changes depend on availability — when space allows, we’ll move your reservation to the new date at no additional tour charge, though any price difference or payment-processing cost must be covered by the traveler.
Contact Information
For bookings, cancellations, date changes, or any additional assistance regarding your Cusco South Valley Tour, reach out through the channels below.
FAQs: Cusco South Valley Tour
1. What are the main attractions included in this tour?
The Cusco South Valley Tour visits three key sites: Tipón, an Inca archaeological complex famous for its advanced water engineering; Pikillaqta, a significant pre-Inca urban center built by the Wari culture; and the Church of San Pedro Apóstol in Andahuaylillas, known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Americas.”
2. Is this tour a good alternative to the Sacred Valley Tour?
Yes, this route offers a genuinely different experience — fewer crowds, unique archaeological sites from both Inca and pre-Inca civilizations, and stunning colonial art, making it an excellent complement or alternative for travelers who’ve already visited the Sacred Valley.
3. Are entrance tickets to the archaeological sites included?
No, admission to Tipón and Pikillaqta requires either the General Cusco Tourist Ticket (S/130) or the Partial Tourist Ticket (S/70), while entry to Andahuaylillas Church costs approximately S/20 per person — none of these fees are included in the tour price.
4. How physically demanding is this tour?
This tour is considered easy, involving mostly walking on relatively flat terrain at each site. It’s suitable for travelers of most fitness levels, though the altitude (ranging from 3,200 to 3,560 meters) should still be taken into account.
5. What time does the tour start and end?
Hotel pick-up typically happens between 8:20 and 8:40 AM, with the tour running approximately 6 to 7 hours and concluding with return to Cusco around 3:00 PM.
6. Are meals included during the tour?
No, breakfast, lunch, and beverages aren’t included. We recommend eating before pick-up and bringing water and light snacks, since food and drinks may be available for purchase at certain points along the route.
7. What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule my booking?
Cancellations made before 10:00 PM the day prior to your tour are eligible for a full refund. Cancellations made after this deadline, on the day of the tour, or no-shows are non-refundable. Date changes are also possible when requested before this same deadline, subject to availability.
Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know About the Cusco South Valley Tour
Before booking your Cusco South Valley Tour, here’s everything worth knowing to make the most of your visit to this authentic, less-crowded corner of the Cusco region.
Weekend Crowds Worth Planning Around
The South Valley is a favorite weekend getaway for local Cusco families, particularly the towns of Tipón, Saylla, and Lucre, known for their traditional cuisine. Restaurants in these areas can get quite busy, with Sundays typically seeing the heaviest local crowds. If you’re hoping for a quieter experience, weekday visits tend to be more relaxed.
A Genuinely Authentic Alternative
Unlike more heavily visited routes, this region receives relatively few international tourists, making it an excellent opportunity to experience a more authentic side of Andean life. If you’re looking to step away from the typical tourist trail, the Cusco South Valley Tour delivers exactly that.
Booking Timeline
Last-minute bookings are often possible for this tour, though during peak season (May to August), booking at least a week in advance is recommended to guarantee guide availability. Entrance tickets themselves are generally always available on-site, so ticket access isn’t usually a concern.
Water and Payment Essentials
Bottled water is easy to find along the route, so there’s no need to overpack in that department. However, cash is essential for purchasing tourist tickets on-site, since credit cards aren’t accepted at these entrance points — come prepared with Peruvian soles.
Daily Departures
This tour runs daily, with a minimum of two participants required to operate each departure.
Pro Tip: Acclimatize Before You Go
If you’ve just arrived in Cusco, give yourself at least one full day to rest and adjust to the high altitude before heading out on this or any other tour. The South Valley sits at elevations ranging from 3,200 to 3,560 meters, so proper acclimatization makes a real difference in your comfort level.
Pro Tip: Pack for Unexpected Rain
Even during the dry season, sudden showers can catch travelers off guard. Bringing a light rain jacket or poncho, even when the forecast looks clear, helps you stay comfortable throughout the day.
Personal Belongings and Group Dynamics
You’re responsible for keeping your personal items with you at all times throughout the tour. Also keep in mind that group tours bring together travelers of different ages and physical abilities — everyone moves at their own pace, so a bit of patience and flexibility goes a long way in making the experience enjoyable for everyone.
Strikes and Demonstrations: What to Expect
Protests and strikes occur with some regularity in Peru and can occasionally lead to road blockages. If this affects your scheduled Cusco South Valley Tour, a reliable operator will notify you promptly and either offer a full refund for the affected portion or help arrange a new date.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
- Full refund: Available for cancellations made at least 24 hours before departure (minus any non-refundable bank fees)
- Partial refund (50%): Available for cancellations made within 24 hours of the tour, but before 7 PM the day prior
- No refund: Applies to cancellations made after 7 PM the day before departure
Understanding Tourist Tickets for the South Valley
To enter the Inca and pre-Inca sites on this route, a tourist ticket is required. Two main options exist:
General Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico Integral)
Ideal for travelers planning to explore Cusco extensively, this ticket grants access to sixteen attractions across the city, including South Valley sites, a Cusco city tour, and the Sacred Valley. It costs 130 Peruvian soles (approximately $36 USD) and remains valid for ten consecutive days, with a discounted student rate of 70 soles (approximately $20 USD) available with valid ID.
Partial Tourist Ticket (Boleto Turístico Parcial – Circuit II)
The more economical choice for travelers focused solely on the South Valley, this one-day ticket covers entrance to both Tipón and Pikillaqta.
- Price: 70 Peruvian soles (approximately $20 USD)
- Student discount: Not available
San Pedro Church Entrance (Sistine Chapel of the Andes)
This entrance isn’t included in either tourist ticket and must be purchased directly at the church.
- Entrance fee: 25 Peruvian soles
- While this ticket technically includes access to Huaro Church as well, this particular itinerary doesn’t allow time for that additional stop.
