In reply to neil9216:
Did this a couple of years back - probably 2009 when I lived in Peru. It is a nice way to get to Machu Pichu.
Lots of operators offering the trek very cheaply but I understand your wish to do things independently. We did it in a supported group and it was a good laugh plus the cook tent and company was nice on wet evenings.
We sort of adopted an independent hiker who ate with us and camped near us each night.
Camp spots for him were easy enough although there was a compound one night which was "semi-private".
Some trekking operators offered the hike as 4 nights to push up the prices but their first day was just a couple of kilometers along a road...
I think there was just one night where food wouldn't have been available. However, the food in shacks along the way was either just processed snack stuff like biscuits or dubious stews and similar which might make you ill!
You buy the tickets for Machu Pichu in Machu Pichu village which was called Aguas Calientes before. It is quite expensive. If you want to get up Huaina Pichu (spelling!) for the arial view of the ruins then you have to get up very early or bribe someone as it is first come-first served with a limited number of tickets!
Aguas Calientes is not as bad as the guide book says! Train tickets there and away for the link with Cusco are expensive depending on the class but can be booked online.
Lots of great things to see in Peru aside from Machu Pichu. Have fun.