Cusco South Valley: Guide for 2025

Are you looking for an authentic and less crowded experience in Peru? The **South Valley of Cusco** is your ideal destination for 2025. This valley combines history, culture, and nature in a unique way, offering travelers a fresh perspective of the Cusco region.

What is the location of the South Valley?

The South Valley extends southeast of the city of Cusco, encompassing various localities in the provinces of Quispicanchis and Canchis. Unlike the more frequented Sacred Valley, the South Valley offers a less explored but equally rich route with unique attractions. For example, the archaeological site of Tipón is located approximately 25 kilometers from Cusco, while Piquillacta is about 33 kilometers away, and Andahuaylillas is 39 kilometers away. These short distances allow visitors to explore multiple sites in a single day, immersing themselves in the rich history and culture of the region.

What is the climate like in the South Valley?

The climate in the South Valley is temperate-cold, with temperatures ranging between maximums of 23°C and minimums of 3°C. The rainy season extends from November to April, being more intense in January, February, and March. On the other hand, the dry season runs from May to October, characterized by sunny days and cool nights. For your visit, we recommend:

• Best time to visit: From May to October, when rainfall is scarce and the climate is more stable.
• Clothing: Wear layers to adapt to temperature variations throughout the day.
• Packing: Don’t forget a hat or cap, sunscreen, a light jacket for cool mornings and nights, and a raincoat or poncho in case of unexpected rain.

What are the routes to get to the South Valley?

Accessing the South Valley from Cusco is **easy** and offers several options:

• Public transport: There are buses and combis departing from different points in Cusco towards localities such as Tipón, Piquillacta, and Andahuaylillas. Prices are economical, generally between 2 and 5 soles per trip.
• Organized tours: Various agencies offer half-day excursions that include transport, tickets, and a tourist guide. These tours usually cost around 50 dollars per person.
• Transporte privado: If you prefer greater comfort and flexibility, you can hire a taxi or private transport service. This will allow you to personalize your itinerary and explore at your own pace.

Travel time from Cusco to the main sites in the South Valley varies between 40 minutes and one hour, depending on the means of transport and road conditions.

What tourist attractions does the South Valley offer?

The South Valley is home to a variety of sites of interest that combine archaeology, history, and culture. Below are some of the most notable:

Archaeological treasures

Tipón

Wonder of Inca hydraulic engineering This archaeological site is renowned for its impressive agricultural terraces and sophisticated irrigation systems that are still functioning. Tipón demonstrates the Incas’ advanced understanding of water management and agriculture in mountainous terrain. Walking along its channels and terraces will allow you to appreciate the precision and ingenuity of its construction.

Piquillacta: Urban center of the Wari civilization

Preceding the Incas, the Wari culture left its indelible mark on Piquillacta, an extensive citadel dating from between the 6th and 9th centuries. With over 700 structures, this site offers a fascinating glimpse into pre-Inca urban planning, with aligned streets and multi-story buildings constructed from adobe and stone. Exploring Piquillacta is like traveling back in time and discovering the foundations of Andean civilizations.

Raqchi: The imposing temple of the god Wiracocha

Although less known, Raqchi houses the Temple of Wiracocha, a monumental structure dedicated to one of the main deities of the Inca pantheon. It stands out for its colossal stone and adobe columns, unique in their kind, and for its large size, reflecting the religious and ceremonial importance of the place. In addition to the temple, the complex includes storehouses, enclosures, and a residential area that show the organization and reach of the Inca empire.

Colonial architecture and historical temples

Andahuaylillas: The impressive “Sistine Chapel of the Americas”

The church of San Pedro Apóstol in Andahuaylillas is famous for its dazzling interior decoration. Its ceilings and walls are adorned with elaborate Baroque frescoes, and it houses a collection of invaluable canvases from the Cusco School. This temple is a testament to the religious and cultural syncretism that characterized the colonial era in Peru. Upon entering, you will be amazed by the artistic richness and the spiritual atmosphere that envelops the place.

Huaro: Churches with murals from the Cusco School

A few kilometers from Andahuaylillas, the town of Huaro possesses a church that, although less known, is equally impressive. Its walls are decorated with vibrant murals representing religious and everyday scenes, offering a window to the past and the beliefs of the time. A visit to Huaro perfectly complements the tour of the colonial heritage of the South Valley, allowing you to appreciate the diversity and richness of Andean religious art.

What towns and customs stand out in the South Valley?

The **South Valley of Cusco** is not only an archaeological and natural destination but also a space full of life, traditions, and living culture. In its towns, you can experience the warmth of its people, taste its delicious gastronomy, and get to know customs that have been maintained throughout the centuries.

Oropesa: Home of the famous pan chuta

Oropesa is known as the “Capital of Pan Chuta”, an artisanal bread of large size and unparalleled flavor. This bread, made with wheat flour, anise, and cooked in a clay oven, is an essential part of Cusco gastronomy.

If you visit Oropesa, you cannot miss the opportunity to:

• **Visit a traditional bakery** and see the pan chuta making process up close.
• **Try freshly baked bread** accompanied by cheese or coffee.
• **Explore the town** and its tranquil and welcoming atmosphere.

Every October, Oropesa celebrates the Pan Chuta Fair, where bakers from the entire region compete to make the best bread, attracting tourists and locals alike.

Huasao: Land of wise men and wooden sculptures

Huasao is a town with a strong tradition in natural medicine and Andean mysticism. Historically, it has been home to healers and wise men who have preserved the knowledge of medicinal plants and Inca spiritual practices.

In recent years, Huasao has become famous for its park of wooden sculptures, where gigantic figures of popular culture characters, such as Groot and the Ents from “The Lord of the Rings,” have been carved into dry trunks, creating a magical and different atmosphere.

If you visit Huasao, we recommend:

• Explore the wetland and admire the sculptures.
• Learn more about traditional Andean medicine and visit a local healer.
• Enjoy the tranquility of the town and its connection with nature.

Huaro: History, colonial art, and living culture

Huaro is a small but significant town in the South Valley, known for its colonial church and its artistic richness. Its church, built in the 17th century, possesses impressive murals showing biblical and Andean scenes, with a strong Baroque style and deep symbolism.

In Huaro, you can:

• Visit its church and admire the frescoes from the Cusco School.
• Explore the small town and its colonial style.
• Talk with the inhabitants about the traditions and legends of the area.

Urcos: A town with a lake full of legends

Urcos is a town surrounded by mountains, known for its historical lake. Laguna de Urcos is famous not only for its natural beauty but for the legends surrounding it. It is said that Inca treasures are hidden in its depths, and that in ancient times, the Incas threw gold objects as offerings to the gods.

In Urcos, you can:

• Visit the lake and enjoy the panoramic view.
• Listen to local stories and legends about the Incas and their hidden treasures.
• Explore its market and try local products.

The South Valley is full of small towns that preserve their essence and traditions, making it a perfect destination for those seeking an authentic and culturally enriching experience.

What natural landscapes can we find in the South Valley?

The **South Valley of Cusco** is not only an archaeological and cultural destination but also a refuge of natural beauty and biodiversity. Its lakes, wetlands, and mountains create a perfect landscape for nature lovers and photographers.

Laguna de Huacarpay: Sanctuary of birds and biodiversity

Laguna de Huacarpay is one of the most important ecosystems in the region, located about 30 kilometers from Cusco. This wetland is part of the Central Andean Wetlands System and is home to diverse species of birds, some of which are migratory.

If you visit Laguna de Huacarpay, you can:

• Observar aves such as herons, wild ducks, and the famous Junín grebe.
• Recorrer its natural trails and enjoy a tranquil hike.
• Take **f**otografías espectaculares of the reflection of the mountains in the water.

Furthermore, near the lake are archaeological remains, such as **pre-Inca ruins** of the Wari culture, making it an ideal place to combine **nature and history** in a single visit.

Huasao Wetlands: A special ecosystem with themed sculptures

The Huasao Wetlands have gained popularity in recent years thanks to the installation of giant wooden sculptures inspired by nature and fantasy. This space is not only an important ecosystem for local flora and fauna but also a unique tourist attraction.

When visiting the Huasao Wetlands, you can:

• Walk the natural trails and observe the flora and fauna of the wetland.
• See the wooden sculptures of characters like Groot and the Ents.
• Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and connect with nature.

This place is ideal for a family outing, a creative photo session, or simply to disconnect from the city bustle.