sounds like i might do 1 night 'on the ground' and buy-out buses both ways
or have sanctuary staff come down and buy out a bus and have it 'waiting'
interesting re walk up, seems "strenuous and takes about 90 minutes" >
travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/top-10/peru/machu-picchu/secrets/

sorry, you did mention museums, thanks, and of course food for some
also agree details for logistics such as airplane seats also very helpful

wonder how [Las Casitas del Colca] is now. orient express owned 50% and opened in 2008, but sold in 2012.

re titicaca, also curious re titilaka these days, seem to recall some posts here

cant recall if there was something new in Arequipa