Morning: Arrive at Alejandro Velasco Albó International Airport in Cusco and transfer to your hotel for a gentle rest; the altitude (3,400 m) will be your first impression of the Andes.
Afternoon: Take a leisurely walk around the historic Plaza de Armas, visit the impressive Sacsayhuamán fortress and sip a coca‑leaf tea to help acclimatise.
Evening: Enjoy a welcome dinner featuring traditional Andean cuisine such as cuy or alpaca steak, and get an early night to recover from the long flight.
Find HotelsMorning: Join a guided city tour visiting the Qorikancha Temple and the Cathedral of Cusco, learning about Inca and colonial history.
Afternoon: Ride the short train to the Sacred Valley, explore the agricultural terraces of Pisac and its vibrant market.
Evening: Return to Cusco for a relaxed dinner; optional night walk to see the illuminated streets and try a pisco sour.
Find HotelsMorning: Depart early for a 3‑hour drive to the trailhead of Vinicunca (Rainbow Mountain), with a stop at a local community for a light snack.
Afternoon: Hike to the summit (≈5,200 m), marvel at the multicoloured striations, and soak in panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
Evening: Return to Cusco, enjoy a soothing hot bath, and have a light meal to replenish energy.
Find HotelsMorning: Board a private shuttle to Mollepata, begin the trek with a gentle ascent through cloud forest, spotting llamas and orchids.
Afternoon: Continue climbing toward the iconic Salkantay Pass (4,630 m), crossing high alpine meadows and passing glacial streams.
Evening: Camp at a designated site near the pass, enjoy a hearty Andean stew, and rest under the stars.
Find HotelsMorning: Descend through lush rainforest, crossing the spectacular Llactapata ridge with sweeping valley views.
Afternoon: Arrive at the tranquil La Playa campground beside the Salkantay River, where you can dip your feet in the cool water.
Evening: Relax by a campfire, share stories with fellow trekkers, and enjoy a protein‑rich dinner.
Find HotelsMorning: Hike to the stunning turquoise Humantay Lake, a perfect spot for photos and a brief rest.
Afternoon: Continue to the high‑altitude campsite of Soraypampa, traversing alpine grasslands and spotting Andean condors.
Evening: Set up camp, enjoy a warm soup, and prepare for the final push toward Machu Picchu.
Find HotelsMorning: Trek through cloud forest, descending to the town of Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.
Afternoon: Check into your lodge, explore the local market, and take a dip in the hot springs to soothe tired muscles.
Evening: Early dinner and rest, preparing for the sunrise visit to the iconic citadel.
Find HotelsMorning: Board the early train to Machu Picchu and watch the sunrise illuminate the ancient terraces; enjoy a guided tour of the Temple of the Sun and the Intihuatana stone.
Afternoon: Hike up to the iconic Huayna Picchu (optional) for breathtaking panoramas, then descend to Aguas Calientes.
Evening: Return by train to Cusco, celebrate the completion of the trek with a celebratory dinner.
Find HotelsMorning: Fly from Cusco to Arequipa, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a light brunch.
Afternoon: Stroll through the historic centre, admire the white volcanic‑stone façades of the Santa Catalina Monastery and the Plaza de Armas.
Evening: Savor southern Peruvian specialties such as rocoto relleno at a local restaurant.
Find HotelsMorning: Early drive to the desert oasis of Huacachina, take a sand‑board lesson and enjoy a thrilling dune buggy ride.
Afternoon: Relax by the lagoon, sip a refreshing pisco coco, and then travel back to Lima for your international connection.
Evening: Board your flight back to Sydney, carrying memories of the Andes, deserts, and ancient ruins.
Find HotelsIf you wish to extend the trip, consider adding a full day in the Sacred Valley to visit Ollantaytambo and Moray, or a two‑day excursion to the Colca Canyon from Arequipa for condor‑watching. To shorten the itinerary, you could skip the Huacachina desert and fly directly from Cusco to Lima after Machu Picchu, saving one travel day while still enjoying the main highlights.