Join Date: May 2003
Location: Redwood City, CA USA (SFO/SJC)
Programs: 1K 2010, 1P in 2011, Plat for 2012,13,14,15 & 2016. Gold in 17 & 18, Plat since
Posts: 8,826
If money isn't an issue...
With so little time, I'd scratch anything-Cusco off the list except for getting in & out. Avoid any potential altitude issues entirely. This itin is quite different from others proposed, putting you in Aguas Calientes (MP) for the night. My daughter and I found that made for a really nice day. There are some pretty nice places in Aquas Calientes that will set you back about US $150.
Day 1- Arrive LIM, fly to CUS, hire cab to Ollantaytambo, train to MP. One heck of a travel day. Spend night in MP.
Day 2- Explore MP after a good night's sleep. You might actually feel good, and it's a lot nicer exploring a place if you feel good rather than fighting off that almost-a-headache feeling from lack of sleep. Take late afternoon train to Ollantaytambo.
Day 3- Explore Ollantaytambo ruins for a couple hours in the morning (walking distance from many hotels), hire cab to take you directly to Cusco, take 1pm flight to Lima. Leaves you about 5-6 hours to visit a museum or two and have a nice dinner in Lima. Recommend Largos Museum & Restaurant.