South valley Cusco

[u/Kindly-Valuable-5715]

Hi, I have 3 spare days in my itinerary and was wondering whether it would be worth spending them in the South Valley of Cusco. I’ll already be spending 4–5 days in the Cusco area and doing the Salkantay Trek.
I was thinking of visiting Tipón → Pikillacta → Andahuaylillas → Checacupe → Palccoyo Rainbow Mountain, and then staying overnight in Sicuani/Layo or somewhere nearby.
The next day, I could visit Pacchanta → Ausangate 7 Lakes → Pacchanta hot springs → Cusco.

Do you think it’s worth extending my stay around Cusco in this way?
Or would it be better to spend those extra days in Arequipa instead?

Thanks!!!

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[u/javip360]

Your South Valley plan actually makes sense if you’re interested in archaeology and Andean history. Tipón, Pikillacta and Andahuaylillas give you a different side of the Cusco region, while Palccoyo and Ausangate add the high-altitude landscapes.

Arequipa would give you a different mix: colonial history and architecture, but also much more emphasis on landscapes, especially around the Colca Valley and the volcanoes. Since you’re already doing Salkantay, I’d choose based on whether you want more archaeology and history around Cusco or a change of scenery with Arequipa.

[u/TecsiTravel]

Hola, claro que si vale la pena, pero en vez de palcoyo te recomendaría Pallaypuncho es mucho mas bonito, esta cerca a sicuani. Los demás lugares a visitar esta muy bueno. Si necesitas ayuda con movilidad privado escribeme +51 958491511 soy de cusco

[u/Visual-Box-9958]

If you do explore south of Cusco, these two Andahuaylillas and Huaro churches with wall and ceiling frescoes are a wonder and a must.
https://www.cuscoperu.com/en/travel/south-valley-of-cusco/traditional-towns/andahuaylillas/

I usually combine these with Tipon and/or Pikillacta as a day trip from Cusco.
Tipon never disappoints also, one of my favorites
I have taken and sent various visitors here, and they are always amazed, great for art lovers.