Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Portland, OR, USA
Programs: AA Plat (2MM), AS MVPG, DL DM, HH Dia(life), Hyatt Dia, SPG Plat
Posts: 281
I would recommend NOT staying in Agua Calientes.
Stay in Cusco, take the early morning train to MP - it arrives around 11:00am. Take the bus up the hill, have lunch at the Lodge to avoid the massive lines when everyone arrives at the same time. After lunch, stroll through the entrance and find an English speaking guide. The return train gets you back to Cusco around 10:00pm that night.
I did this in July and it made for a nice (albeit long) day trip.
My webpage details the trip. PM me if you're interested.