Experience Peru’s essentials in six days: Lima’s colonial avenues, Cusco’s Inca legacy, the Sacred Valley markets and Ollantaytambo, then the train and bus approach to Machu Picchu. A compact, guided route for first-time highland travelers.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step off the plane into Lima's warm Pacific breeze, the city still awake with markets and colonial squares, then hours later the air thins and the Andes rise like a challenge you have to meet.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
6 days (approx. 48–72 hours total active time)
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness—able to walk 2–4 miles with elevation changes and stand for guided tours; allow time to acclimatize.
Wildlife
History
The tour traces core Inca sites—Qoricancha in Cusco was the empire’s religious heart, while Machu Picchu served as a royal estate and ritual center in the 15th century.
Conservation
Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley operate visitor limits and regulated paths to protect fragile stonework and highland ecosystems; stick to marked trails and avoid feeding wildlife.
Reserve your spot on the 6-Day Tour from Lima: Cusco, Machu Picchu, and Sacred Valley today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize in Cusco
Spend your first morning taking it easy, hydrate, and avoid heavy exertion to reduce altitude symptoms.
Carry small local cash
Pisac and local vendors often prefer soles for crafts and small purchases—ATMs are available but limited in smaller towns.
Early Machu Picchu start
Arrive early by train and bus to catch softer light, cooler temperatures, and smaller crowds at the citadel.
Footwear for mixed terrain
Bring supportive walking shoes for cobbled streets, terraces, and uneven ruins; consider light gaiters in the rainy season.
Layered clothing
Temperature swings from Lima’s coast to Cusco’s highlands make breathable layers and a warm mid-layer indispensable.
Sturdy walking shoes
Support and grip are important on cobbled streets, terraced steps and softer trails around ruins.
Hydration system or bottles
High altitude increases dehydration—carry 1–2 liters and drink regularly.
Sun protection (hat, SPF)
High-elevation UV is strong; sunscreen and a brimmed hat reduce sunburn risk.