HI Joel, We were able to purchase train tickets from the Peru Rail website (The Hiram Bingham and the less expensive Vistadome Tourist option are run by Belmonde Hotels.) Furnishings and hospitality are to a high standard. It's possible to take the taxi communale from Cusco to Ollantaytambo or return and also from Machu Picchu. Trains run between Cusco and Aqua Calientes, stopping for passenger pickup and drop off at Ollantaytambo. We had no difficulties in communicating with people in the Sacred Valley. Many were keen to improve our Spanish. We based ourselves here so we could adjust to the differences in altitude. There were plenty of brilliant walks in the area. Good luck!