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[jocelynsarah]

My husband & I are wondering where to head for 2 days after our 3 day stint in Cuzco. Can anyone suggest an off the beaten town/village where the highlight is NOT an archeological sight?! I'd like to just explore the people & streets of a town & soak up the culture, rather than seeing another site. Should we venture North of Cuzco to Ollantaytambo or any other town of the Sacred valley? We will be in Cuzco Jan. 2008; is it cold(meaning you can't wear shorts & a t-shirt) in all the towns north of Cuzco?

[starlagurl]

Did you see this wiki?

http://wikitravel.org/en/Cuzco

They recommend Ollantaytambo if you don't want to go to Machu Picchu

[wakingdream]

My husband & I are wondering where to head for 2 days after our 3 day stint in Cuzco. Can anyone suggest an off the beaten town/village where the highlight is NOT an archaeological sight?!

Hard not to stumble upon archaeological sites in that neck of the woods!!

What are you planning on doing in Cuzco? Are you just not into archaeological sites, or are you planning your travels around the city to include so many you don't want to see more?

The Sacred Valley is really amazing and beautiful and there are tons of archaeological sites all around as Inca ruins run from Pisac to Ollantaytambo and well beyond. But just because their are lots of sites, does not mean you won't be able to soak up plenty of culture just touring around, walking throughout the small towns and villages, checking out the markets and much more. You can't miss it. There are still many Quecha speaking residents everywhere and local life goes on as usual.The towns are still very traditional even though tourism has kicked up many notches. Consider visiting the market town of Chinchero as well. The best way to explore is just to immerse yourself into a place and try and get underneath the surfacey tourist stuff, talk to locals, barter a bit in the markets etc.

Good Luck deciding

[williams-jhoe]

Hello:

In order to have the best expierence to travel to Peru in specialy Cusco, and the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. I recomend you to take the tour with some company that give you confidence,I particulary recomend you to contac witn the following company “Andean Life”. This company is very responsable and its services are really good, their guides are very kind and it offers you every kind of tour as: Inca Trail, Choquequirao, City Tour, Lares Treks, and more.
I just wish you hava a really nice trip and remember to chose well your tour agency.

[suzanne27]

you can go to the sacred valley, it's really lovely there.I've been there and i really enjoyed the scenery.

[yeral]

[font=Arial]This is the last that I know,,,

Make sure you give yourself 2 days to acclimatise in Cusco before setting off on the trail!!

The Treks to Machu Picchu,

Classic 4 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu,,, most popular trek. Walk 4 days to the ruins and take the train back to Cusco.

Short 2 Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu,,,for those with less time.

Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu,,, this is a 7 day/6 night trek that is a less touristy for those that want to avoid the crowds and have more time and money.

Check with tour operaters for prices as they seem to change each year.
I also recommed All Trek Tour Company (www.alltrekcusco.com) [size=2]

[msereno1970]

take a look to my travelogue:

http://www.msereno1970.com/peru/en/nasca.html

you'll possibly find some good indication for your trip!

rgds