My current thought is do what
martinplas has suggested. I would spend a day in the Sacred Valley and go to Machu Picchu from there. It is a 1 1/2 hour train ride rather than 4 hours from Cusco. I could stay in Ollantaytambo on day 1 and take the morning train to MP on Day 2, or I could take the afternoon train to MP on Day 1 and stay in Agua Calientes. In both cases, I would see MP on Day 2, then return to Cusco by train in the afternoon.
Originally Posted by martinplas
Another choice would be to spend the day in the Yurabamba Valley(sp?) visiting Pisac ,Chinchero, and Ouyantaytumbo(sp?),overnight there and catch a train from there to MP.
I am not considering the Sanctuary Lodge as a place to stay. Somehow I've confused people by even mentioning it; I think $600/night is absurd. Instead, I am hoping that people might know a place in Aguas Calientes for about $100.
By the way, the helicopter ride over MP has been discontinued according to my guidebooks.