highlight: the little known, but most impressive ruins of Tipon, Pikillacta and the Wiracocha Temple at Ratchi. eating cuy (guinea pig) for lunch!

price

itinerary

trip description

The Southern Loop is so-called because it takes you away from the normal tourist circuits of the Sacred Valley and down South towards Puno. A highly recommended day for those with an interest in Huari (Wari) and Inca history.

The enormous Temple of Wiracocha is one of the most mysterious constructions in Cusco. It is a unique complex of cylinder-shaped columns and four naves. There is no other construction like this, which is believed to have been the biggest Inca building in the whole empire! However, this is not the only ruin left standing as there is also a great wall, ceremonial fountains, sphere-shaped buildings and rectangular houses.

The Wiracocha Temple stands in what was actually a heavily-populated area, a "tambo" (resting house) of vast dimensions, spreading across 264 hectares. The complex is made up of housing, temples, palaces, astronomical observation points, food storehouses and walls.

During this day packed with visits to unique sites, we will also visit the pre-Inca (Huari) ruins at Pikillacta, Tipon and also some colonial churches.

itinerary

You will be picked up between 6am and 7am from you accommodation. We will head towards the interesting ruins of Tipón. From here we continue our trip to Pikillacta (a pre-Inca city) and to the Colonial Church of Andahuaylillas. We pass through Andean landscapes and observe Urcos and Huacarpay lakes. After an action packed morning we will go to Sicuani to enjoy lunch and we will then continue to the impressing Temple of Wiracocha, which is located in the village Ratchi, 119 Km from Cusco. At around 8.00pm we will return to Cusco.

* the exact program is subject to change, due to weather and other unexpected circumstances.

Please note we also offer an alternative trip which does not include the Temple of Wiracocha. We visit the Pikillacta ruins in the morning andhave a cuy (guinea pig) lunch in Tipon, famous for this delicacy. In the afternoon we take a taxi to Tipon ruins and then hike down the hill through pretty typical farmland. Please enquire for more details and prices!

includes

* Transport roundtrip by public bus and also taxi when required.
* English speaking guide;
* Entrance fee to the Temple of Wiracocha
* Lunch in Sicuani.

not included
* Boleto Turistico which includes entry to Pikillacta and Tipon. Alternatively, you need to pay 10 soles entry to each of these sites.
* Snacks/water

We offer affordably priced tours for two people so that you can depart on most days. If you are travelling alone, you can still depart on this tour, any day. (Price: $160)

If you have a group of five or more people, please contact us for a special rate.

This trip uses PUBLIC TRANSPORT. If you would like comfortable private transport, this can be arranged. Please contact us for costs.

For our payment conditions and booking please refer to our page Payment & booking

The interesting Wari (Huari) ruins of Pikillacta

APUS PERU Adventure Travel Specialists - Email: apusperu@westnet.com.au

© A.Svenson 2005. The design, content and photographs (except where noted) are 100% original. The majority of our treks were designed by Apus Peru.