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South Valley Cultural Experience- Full itinerary and inclusions
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Our first stop is Oropesa. This village only 11km from Cusco was popular with conquistadores due to its stunningly sunny climate. It was these Spanish colonizers who introduced wheat to the area and changed Oropsea forever – it’s now officially Peru’s bread capital, and exports bread all over the country and beyond. There are at least 40 bread ovens in the town, and 90% of the population are breadmakers! We’ll check out some panaderias, and munch on some of the delicious chuta bread the town is best known for, before heading for our next stop,, Tipon.
Tipon was the site where the Incas domesticated plants for food, and it’s home to impressive agricultural terracing and an extensive, still-working irrigation system. After exploring the ruin we’ll hike 4km down the hill through pretty typical farmland to the town of Tipon, where we’ll have lunch at a typical quinta (home-style restaurant). Tipon is Peru’s recognized cuy (guinea pi) capital, so this is the most authentic place to try this most authentic dish!
Our last stop is the tiny village of Huasao. Huasao is locally known for its talented brujos (witches), said to be able to make you successful in life and love with their potions, and cure illnesses with plant and animal rituals. If you’re game, you can have your future read in coca leaves!
** Optional addition: If you are interested, we can organise for horseriding from Huasao to Tipon, which takes approximately 3 hours and will rearrange the itinerary, and add cost/time to the length of the tour.
Itinerary Notes - South Valley Cultural experience
- The times cited in this itinerary are approximate. Walking times depend on the group and the guide can change lunch spots and campsites, depending on the progress of the group. Each guide has their own preferred route and it might not correspond exactly to the route described here.
- The program is subject to change, due to weather and other unexpected circumstances
- When you are visiting people's homes please be respectful. Please refer to our Responsible Tourism pages.
We have two other tours of the South Valley: the Wari Al Frescowhich includes the mainstream sights of the Valley, and the Southern Loop which includes the mainstream highlights plus the Temple of Wiracocha at Raqchi, which is spectacular but a long way from Cusco, making for a much longer day.
What's included?
For complete facts about many aspects of Apus Peru tours, check out our FAQs page!
- Professional, English speaking guide
- Collection from your hotel in the morning of trek departure.
- Private Transport as described in itinerary
- lunch
What is not included?
- Snacks and Water
- Boleto Turistico & Entry fees.
- Optional - Horse riding to Tipon
You should bring:
- A light day pack to carry your things
- Your Boleto Turistico (Tourist ticket)
- Water bottle and water
- Money for snacks, souvenirs and tips if you wish to tip.
- Hat, sunscreen and sunglasses
- Jumper (sweater)
- Rain protection (or plastic poncho)
- the Cusco region can experience "all seasons in one day" therefore its wise to take a warm hat and gloves, as well as s sunhat, when you leave in the morning, in order to be prepared for all eventualities.
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AVAILABLE DISCOUNTS (these discounts are not cumulative)
• 5% discount on treks only for members of South American Explorers Club (SAE)
• $30 off listed price if you are doing a 3 day plus trek with Apus Peru.
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TO MAKE A BOOKING
Please visit our Make a Booking page.
You will need to email us to check availability, receive booking forms and then make your deposit. For our payment conditions and booking please refer to our Make a Booking page.
