Cusco suggestions

Prior to a trek on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with my wife and some others, I am going to have about a week to myself in Cusco. Anyone have any suggestions on good hikes, things to check out, places to explore, etc, in the Cusco area? Due to an injury, I will not likely be doing any climbing, so mostly just looking for hiking/trekking ideas. Thanks!

There are lots of cool day hikes in the sacred valley. You can get a map at South American explorers office in Cusco.

For more multiday trekking, check out choquequirao or azungate. Both are definitely possible solo if you don't mind carrying a pack and can read a topo map. Choquequirao is some pretty badass ruins but with alot less people (strenuous 2 days to get there). When I was there (2008) you could camp in the ruins, I don't know if this is still possible. Ask the people at SAE. Happy travels!

Hike up to Saksaywaman, don't bother taking a car. Hire a tour guide at the gate, they have a ton of information. If you can negotiate well, it's pretty cheap.

A tour of the Sacred Valley is decent, but unless you want to get stuck with a bus full of westerners, hire a local car to drive you.

Spend some time on the various plazas throughout Cusco, great people watching. The markets can be fun once or twice. Real alpaca wool is very expensive, so don't expect that 2 dollar hat to be legit.

There's a chocolate museum in town, my wife loved it and she got to 'make' her own chocolate.

Check out the San Blas area (NE of the main square) for some good food and local art. Pachapapa was pretty darn good. We went to Jack's Cafe twice, kind of a comfort food/easy option with decent pisco sours. Try some cuy (guinea pig) if you're into it, it's a delicacy for the locals.

I can answer any specific questions that you have too. We only hiked the Inca Trail, so I can't offer you much outside that in terms of hiking/backpacking. I'll send ya my photos if you wish.

We were just there earlier this year. I would highly recommend taking a local bus to Pisac and then touring the ruins. You can walk from Pisac up to the ruin, but better to take a taxi and then walk back down. Its beautiful with amazing views of the Sacred Valley from high on the hillside.

Ollyantatambo (sp??)

Great village with awesome ruins.... been 25 years since i was there but i suspect things ain't changed a whole lot...

Great, thanks for all the suggestions!