Your tour begins with morning pickup from your Cusco hotel. Traveling either by private vehicle or by minibus with up to 15 other participants, set out on the scenic journey to the Inca city of Tipon.
Jump out to explore the vast archaeological site, renowned for its elaborate agricultural terraces and water channels, which offer insight into the engineering marvels of the Incas. Make a quick stop in the modern town of Tipon, where you might get chance to see the local delicacy—guinea pig—being cooked up on a spit, then carry on to nearby Oropesa, a small town famed as the ‘bread capital of Peru’.
After enjoying a glimpse of local life in the valleys, continue the short distance to Pikillacta, home to the only pre-Inca archeological site in the Cusco region. Listen as your guide explains its origins, dating back to the ancient Wari culture, and discover their influence on the Incas as you admire the adobe structures and other ruins.
Finally, pay a visit to Andahuaylillas, a magnificent Baroque church renowned for its interior artworks; many sourced from the prestigious the Cusco Religious Art School. As you marvel at the grand interiors, you will understand why it’s been dubbed the ‘Sistine Chapel of the Americas’.
After a busy morning of sightseeing, return to Cusco, making a quick stop in the traditional village of Saylla along the way, where you can grab lunch (own expense)—the local specialty is Cusco fried pork (chicharrones).
On return to Cusco, your tour ends with drop-off at your hotel.
