TIPON - PIKILLAQTA - ANDAHUAYLILLAS

This is another trip with a lot of cultural value. We begin our journey with the archaeological group of "Tipon" with their Incan agriculture terraces , stopping next to visit the Church of Andahuaylillas (famous for its paintings murals in the walls and roof).

After a picnic in the field we will visit the city Pre-Inka of "Pikillaqta" (one of the most extensive).

In the afternoon we return in the bus to Cusco, and take you back to your hotel.

Itinerary

TIPON. On a 4Km (2,5mi) side road located 23Km(14,3mi) from Cusco,Tipon is an archaeological site composed of agricultural terraces irrigated by well-engineered canals, which in spite of hundred of years,still function today.History says Tipon was Inca Yawar Wakaq's farm and also a center for agricultural research and religious worship.

PIKILLAQTA. Pikillaqta is 32Km(19,9mi) from the city of Cusco. It is the only archaeological site in the Sacred Valley in the south of Cusco that is attributed to pre-Incan times. The construction is thought to belong to the Wari civilization. Nearby the Lucre lake forms a racing circuit where rally car competitions are now held.

ANDAHUAYLILLAS.Andahuaylillas is located from 40 km to Cusco(28,9mi). There you can see small trees and small houses with Toritos de Pucara(meaning litle bulls)over each roof, which means the union between Andean and Catholic religious, so in this time the Toritos de Pucara means protection for the house and family.
There are many theories related to the origin of the name Andahuaylillas. According to one of them, it proceeds from two Quechua words that mean: "on the prairie ", another theory explains that probably, the Tiahuanaco people would have been the first inhabitants of Andahuaylillas when they were in the expansion period, arriving at the Antahuaylla Valley.
Indeed, Andahuaylillas was a privileged and elite center of the Inca period. When the Spanish arrive there,they built catholic churches and the most important is known as Andean Sistine Chapel.
The church in Andahuaylillas as in other parishes surrounding Cusco was founded by the Viceroy Francisco de Toledo (1572).
Renaissance architecture of the church is attributed to the influence of the Jesuits during the sixteen century.
According to Jose Mesa and Teresa Gisbert, the church of Andahuaylillas was probably built at the beginning of the seventeenth century. As a result, it is suggested that the mural painting in the church was made before 1626.
The church of Andahuaylillas is dedicated to the Apostles Saint Peter and Saint Paul. The interior design of the church as well as the exterior is dedicated to Saint Peter and Saint Paul.
The church of Andahuaylillas has been referred to as the "Andean Sistine Chapel" because of its beautiful internal architecture and art.

INCLUDES : English/Spanish speaking tour guide and tourist bus.

NOT INCLUDES : B.T.C (Tourist Ticket) which is US$ 10 for an adult and for a student US$ 5.

GROUP SIZE: Maximum 25 persons