The South Valley is the route that was created as an alternate route of the Sacred Valley of the Incas, it was designed to avoid the accumulation of visitors, it is also the tourist name given to the tourist attractions located southeast of the city of Cusco.
| South Valley | |
| Distance from Cusco | 30 km south of the city, 1 hour by car |
| Weather | tempered |
| Altitude | Above 3560 m.s.n.m |
| The best time to visit | April to October |
| Things to do | Visit the nearby archaeological complexes, try bread in Oropesa, visit the nearby sculptures, get to know the Sistine Chapel of America, taste the guinea pig and pork rinds, learn history in Andahuaylillas |
Where is it located?
The South Valley of Cusco is a geographical area comprising towns and natural landscapes located southeast of the city of Cuzco. Most of the towns belong to the provinces of Canchis and Quispicanchis.
The climate in the South Valley
The South Valley of Cusco has a cold temperate climate with temperatures that vary from a maximum of 23ºC. and a minimum of 3ºC.
The rainy season occurs from November to April, especially in January, February, and March. The rest of the year, from May to October, is the dry season. In those months the nights are colder but the rains do not occur frequently.
How to get to the South Valley?
To visit the South Valley on your own, it is necessary to take public transport from the city of Cusco. The transport of the company ‘Saylla – Huasao’ can take you to the towns of the valley for only 2 Peruvian soles.
What can we see in the South Valley?
Tipon
The Archaeological Park of Tipón is a place with a lot of magic to discover, it is also one of the largest samples of Inca hydraulic engineering in the city of Cusco.
Tipón is an archaeological park where water was worshiped. Contains enclosures, terraces, platforms, irrigation works, and more. Tipón is considered one of the most important works regarding the irrigation system it presents. Regarding these irrigation works, we can name the presence of platforms that surround the complex and that are accompanied by canals.
Piquillaqta
Piquillacta was one of the most important administrative centers of the Huari culture, between the 6th and 9th centuries AD, and represents Huari planned urbanism par excellence.
Piquillacta is a pre-Inca city invaded by the Huari, they spread from there to the town of Paruro in Cusco.
According to history, the Huari, before settling in Piquillacta, occupied Chelques, originally Lucre; Their great expansion caused them to develop towns with cultural characteristics typical of their culture.
The buildings are made of uncarved stone and mud with mortar, arranged in sets separated by straight streets and surrounded by walls up to 12 m high, which gave it the appearance of a fortification.
Andahuaylillas
The San Pedro de Andahuaylillas church is the biggest attraction for visitors because due to the quality of its works of art, it is considered the “Sistine Chapel” of America.
It was built by the Jesuits at the end of the 16th century and the beginning of the 17th. Its architectural structure is the classic of the churches of small towns. Its walls are wide, typical of colonial buildings, made of sun-dried mud bricks, a façade adorned with murals, and two stone columns projecting toward the main gate. Although its architecture is relatively modest, the decoration of its interiors is the most impressive of the enclosure.
Raqchi
The archaeological site of Raqchi is a pre-Hispanic religious and political center in the name of the god Huiracocha, the god of the Andean world.
The Raqchi archaeological park is located at 3,500 meters above sea level, approximately 120 kilometers from the imperial city of Cusco. Its construction is impressive.
Raqchi is known by the name of “Huiracocha Temple” and also by the name of “Inca Parthenon”. This temple, according to some scholars, would have had the purpose of being an oracle, even though it was very frequented by the Inca Pachacútec.
Huasao
A few minutes from the city of Cusco, there is a recreational park that is a popular place for many tourists and people from Cusco. The Huasao Wetland is a natural area with carved sculptures from 4 to 5 meters high with the theme of the characters from the Avengers movie (The Avengers), the Lord of the Rings, and Guardians of the Galaxy such as Groot, Ents, baby Groot, among others.
The Huasao Wetland is only 40 minutes away. It is famous for its scenic beauty, here you can find several species of flora and fauna; Above all, you will be able to escape for a moment from the city and relate to nature and care for the environment.
Towns and traditions of the South Valley
Oropesa
This Andean town is recognized for its delicious bread and sandwiches made in traditional ovens for a long time. It also offers a park for children with a dinosaur theme. Also some large swimming pools. The town is located 25 kilometers from the city of Cusco.
Huasao
This Andean town is recognized as the town of witches since there are many shamans who offer their services in this place. One of its most famous sites is the ‘Humedales de Huasao. It belongs to the Saylla district. It is located 19 kilometers from the city of Cusco, and it’s part of the south valley.
Huaro
This Andean town is famous for the bread that bears its name, distributed throughout the Cusco region. In its small but small square, the Temple of San Juan Bautista stands out, a colonial construction of architectural beauty. The town is 43 kilometers from the city of Cusco.
Its landscapes
These are the most beautiful landscapes of the route of South Valley of Cusco:
Huacarpay Lagoon
This lagoon belongs to the district of Lucre, at a height of 3,050 meters above sea level. It is made up of three permanent lagoons, one seasonal (during the rainy season), three reservoirs and the Lucre River that supplies its waters. There it is possible to appreciate up to 108 species of birds. They also highlight different species of fish and even mammals that live there.
Huasao Wetlands
In the town of Huasao, there are these wetlands where species of birds and fish live. However, the great attraction of this recreational park is the carved wooden sculptures in the shapes of ‘Groot’, ‘Baby Groot’, and ‘Ents’. The objective is to provide a message of caring for nature. The wetlands are 19 kilometers from Cusco.
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