What to expect
You do not need to cross the entire country on a first visit. Start in Lima, then move to the Andes and stay in that region. Ollantaytambo gives you stone lanes and water channels to explore; an overnight stay in Aguas Calientes puts you in position for Machu Picchu. Finish with Cusco instead of another long bus journey.
How it fits into a journey
Suggested plan: days 1–2 Lima (2 nights); day 3 fly to Cusco and keep arrival quiet (1 night); days 4–5 Ollantaytambo (2 nights); day 6 train to Aguas Calientes (1 night); day 7 Machu Picchu and return to Cusco; days 8–9 Cusco (3 nights altogether); day 10 depart Cusco. Total: 9 nights. Align Machu Picchu admission, trains and accommodation first. If your international flight leaves Lima, allow separately for that connection, replacing the last Cusco night with Lima if needed.