Cusco

May–September (Dry Season) is the best time for Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail — clear skies, manageable temperatures in Cusco (8–20°C), and excellent visibility at altitude. June and July are peak season: the Inca Trail sells out and accommodation in Aguas Calientes fills months ahead. Book the Inca Trail permit at least 6 months ahead — only 500 people per day are allowed.

October–April is the wet season — Machu Picchu is often shrouded in mist and rain, trails become slippery, and the Inca Trail is closed in February for maintenance. That said, Machu Picchu in the mist is ethereally beautiful, and prices and crowds are significantly lower.

1. Machu Picchu at sunrise

Take the 4:30am bus from Aguas Calientes (AUD $20 return) to reach the site for opening (6am). The first hour — before the tour groups arrive from later buses — allows you to experience the extraordinary scale and silence of the citadel. Entry: AUD $55–75 depending on circuit and Huayna Picchu/Montana Machu Picchu hike inclusion. Book online months ahead — Machu Picchu operates timed entry with strict daily limits.

2. The Inca Trail

The 43km 4-day trail through cloud forest and alpine tundra to the Sun Gate above Machu Picchu is one of the world's great treks. Only 500 trekkers per day permitted (including guides and porters). Cost: AUD $700–1,200 per person including permit, guide, cook, and camping equipment. Book through a licensed operator at least 6 months before — permits sell out. The alternative: Salkantay Trek (longer, higher, no permit required, AUD $400–700).

3. Cusco and the Sacred Valley

Cusco's Plaza de Armas is one of the finest colonial squares in South America — the Cathedral (built on the palace of Inca Viracocha) and La Compañía de Jesús church face each other across the cobblestones. The Sacred Valley: Pisac market (Sunday, extraordinary) and Ollantaytambo fortress (the only Inca administrative town still inhabited, extraordinary stonework). Day trip from Cusco: AUD $50–80 including transport.

• Budget hostel in Cusco: AUD $15–35/night. Mid-range hotel: AUD $60–120/night.
• Set lunch (menu del día) in Cusco: AUD $4–7 including soup, main, and drink.
• Machu Picchu entry: AUD $55–75.
• Train Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes (Peru Rail or Inca Rail): AUD $60–100 each way.
• Bus Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu return: AUD $20.
• Inca Trail permit + guided 4-day trek: AUD $700–1,200 per person all-inclusive.
• Getting there: flights from Australia via Lima, Los Angeles or Dallas. Sydney to Lima approximately AUD $1,600–2,500 return. Lima to Cusco: 1 hour, AUD $80–150.

Altitude sickness is the primary health risk — Cusco sits at 3,400 metres and most visitors experience some symptoms (headache, nausea, shortness of breath) on arrival. Standard advice: spend your first day resting, drink coca leaf tea (local and effective), avoid alcohol for the first 48 hours, and ascend gradually. Diamox (acetazolamide) is available by prescription in Australia and helps with acclimatisation. Machu Picchu at 2,430 metres is lower — most people find it easier than Cusco. Crime in Cusco is manageable with vigilance: keep cameras on straps, avoid displaying expensive equipment in crowded markets, and use registered taxis.

Days 1–2: Cusco acclimatisation

Arrive in Cusco and rest — absolutely essential. Day 2: gentle walking — Plaza de Armas, Cusco Cathedral, Qorikancha (Inca Temple of the Sun, AUD $5). No strenuous activity for 48 hours.

Day 3: Sacred Valley

Day trip: Pisac market (morning), Ollantaytambo fortress (afternoon). Overnight in Ollantaytambo.

Day 4–5: Machu Picchu

Train to Aguas Calientes (2 hours from Ollantaytambo). Overnight in Aguas Calientes. Day 5: early bus to Machu Picchu (6am opening). Full day at the citadel. Return train to Cusco in the evening.

Day 6: Departure

Flight Cusco to Lima, connecting to Australia.