A compact six-day loop from Lima to Machu Picchu that pairs coastal wildlife and desert dunes with high-Andean archaeology and glacier-fed lagoons. Expect early starts, altitude, and unforgettable train and mountain-station transfers.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You arrive in Lima at dawn; the Pacific light is thin and cool, and the city hums between colonial plazas and modern avenues. By the second morning you are staring out over the wind-scoured dunes of Huacachina, then aboard a small boat watching sea lions and Humboldt penguins around the sculpted cliffs of the Ballestas Islands. By midweek, the air has thinned: Cusco’s high-altitude streets lead you toward terraces and temples, and the train to Aguas Calientes slips along the Urubamba like an invitation.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
6 days
Fitness Level
Moderate to high aerobic fitness recommended due to repeated ascents and high-altitude days; ability to hike 3–6 hours on uneven terrain.
Wildlife
History
The Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu reflect Inca agricultural mastery and stone masonry; many terraces and pathways follow pre-Columbian irrigation and trade routes.
Conservation
High visitor pressure requires responsible behavior — stick to trails, avoid single‑use plastics, and follow site rules to protect fragile high-Andean ecosystems.
Reserve your spot on the 6 Days Small Group Tour Visit in Peru with 4 star hotel today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize in Cusco
Spend your first afternoon at low exertion and hydrate — altitude sickness is common above 3,300 m.
Reserve Machu Picchu & train early
Tickets and tourist trains sell out—book them well in advance, especially in high season (May–September).
Layer for microclimates
Temperatures swing from warm coastal sun to cold Andean mornings; pack layers and a waterproof shell.
Fitness prep for hikes
Train on hills and stairs before arrival; the Humantay and Rainbow Mountain hikes include steep climbs and loose scree.
Sturdy hiking boots
Support and traction for rocky Andean trails and wet sections.
Water purification or tablets
Useful if you need to top up from mountain streams or taps en route.
Lightweight rain shell
Protects against sudden mountain rain and wind during hikes.
Daypack with hydration bladder
Keeps water and layers accessible during early starts and day hikes.