Hi Dear TA folks,

While excited about the upcoming trip to Peru, I have been scratching my head really hard recently, particularly about how to start our trip in cusco area after we arrive at the cusco airport on Dec 25th just before noon, and would greatly appreciate your input.

Basically, we are a couple in 20-30s, speak no Spanish, both are relatively fit and well traveled, have been to higher altitude before and should be able to handle at least 2800m pretty well.

We think it's a good idea to head directly toward sacred valley and spend the first night in Ollantay, based on what most TA folks suggested. So the question would be:

1. How much would it cost to take a cab from cusco airport to Ollantay on Christmas day? Do anybody have recommendation as to pre-arrange a driver to pick us up?

2. Since we are taking an overnight flight from US to lima then directly transfer to Cusco, we'll probably be kind of tired and sleepy upon arriving, would you recommend stopping by Maras and Moray on our way to Ollantay? This will be the most efficient way for our itinerary, but I don't know whether we want to push ourselves to do this on Day 1.

3. This alternative way is seldom mentioned, but should we consider taking the cab to Poroy and ride the train to Ollantay instead? We plan to take the train on this section once (Poroy-Ollantay or vice versa) because we want the experience, so I am evaluating this option. Question is, for this section, do we have to reserve our train ticket before hand, or can we go to the station and buy the ticket there; will there be any risks doing so? (And I hope there is no luggage restriction on this section?)

As you can see there are like thousands of ideas bumping in my head right now, so I definitely need your experience and knowledge! Thanks a ton!

I am attaching a draft of our itinerary for your information (again, I am still moving thins around ^_^)

Dec 25th, Arrive in Cusco; Go to Ollantay for the night

Dec 26th, Tour in and around Ollantay; Go to AC later in the day for the night

Dec 27th, Machu Picchu and Huanya Picchu, stay in AC

Dec 28th, (probably) Visit Machu Picchu again in the morning; Go to Ollantay for the night

Dec 29th, Split the day between Ollantay and Cusco; Tour in and around Cusco

Dec 30th, Go to Pisac for market and ruins; Go back to Cusco and continue touring the city.

Dec 31th, Morning in Cusco, flying out after noon.