Originally Posted by
SJOGuy
Actually, MP is quite a bit lower in elevation than Cusco:
Cusco: 11,000 ft
Machu Picchu: 8,000 ft
Aguas Calientes: 6,500 ft
If the OP's itinerary were possible, the altitude adjustment would be a lot less than if he stayed in Cusco.
Two bits of advice that I've heard are:
1. Stay in the Sacred Valley (Ollanta, Aguas Calientes, Pisac) your first night or two to acclimate. Then you can go up to Cuzco if desired.
2. High altitudes are OK in the daytime, but try to sleep at lower altitudes until you acclimate.