Machu Picchu

Getting to Machu Picchu from Australia usually takes a day or two of travel, but it’s all part of the adventure. The most common route flies from Australia to Santiago, often with a short stop in Auckland, then on to Lima and Cusco. Most travellers spend a few nights in Cusco to acclimatise to the altitude before continuing to Machu Picchu, either by train to Aguas Calientes followed by a short bus ride up the mountain, or on foot along a multi-day trek such as the Inca Trail. Our team can help you plan the smoothest route and itinerary for your travel dates. 

The best time to visit Machu Picchu is during the dry season, from April to October, when skies are clearer and rainfall is low. For the best balance of good weather and smaller crowds, we recommend the shoulder months of April, May, September and October, just before and after the busiest June to August peak. Keep in mind that Inca Trail permits are limited and often sell out months in advance, so early booking is essential regardless of when you plan to travel. Our team can help you choose the ideal travel dates based on your priorities, whether that’s fewer crowds, ideal photography light or specific trekking availability. 

That depends on how you’d like to experience it. If you’re short on time, our Realm of the Incas tour covers Machu Picchu in just 5 days. For trekkers, the classic 6 day Inca Trail, 8 day Lares Valley Trek and 9 day Salkantay Trek each offer a different route to Machu Picchu, with the extra days allowing time to acclimatise and explore the surrounding valleys before and after the trek. If you’d like to see more of South America alongside Machu Picchu, our tailormade South America itineraries range from 5 days right up to 39 days for travellers who want the full picture. 

We offer a genuine range of ways to experience Machu Picchu, from focused treks like the Classic Inca Trail and Lares Valley Trek, to multi-country journeys such as Best of South America, South America Essentials and Incas, Amazon & Galapagos Adventure, through to our longer Grand South America and Comprehensive South America itineraries. With over 25 packages to choose from, our team can help match the right one to your interests and timeframe. 

Pricing depends on how long you’d like to travel, your travel dates and the style of accommodation and service you’re after. In 2026, a focused 5-day itinerary like our Realm of the Incas starts from roughly AUD $1,600pp, while a fuller multi-country journey such as the 39-day Comprehensive South America starts from roughly AUD $20,500pp. Get in touch and our team will tailor an option to suit your budget and travel dates