Traverse Peru’s coastal deserts, wildlife-rich islands and the high Andes in seven days. This compact tour links Lima, Paracas, Ica, Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu with guided visits, a night in Aguas Calientes and Rainbow Mountain.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Morning light on the Pacific cliffs in Lima feels like a starting gun — gulls slice the air, and the city’s stone plazas hum with vendors and history. Over seven days you move from coastal wind and desert dunes to the thin, high air of the Andes: boat traffic in Paracas gives way to the slow pulse of the Sacred Valley and the stone terraces of the Incas.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
7 days
Fitness Level
Moderate to fit: expect multi-hour walking days, high-altitude exposure, and some early-morning starts; prior aerobic conditioning helps.
Wildlife
History
Cusco was the political and spiritual center of the Inca Empire; coastal Lima preserves pre-Inca sites and Spanish colonial plazas reflecting layered histories.
Conservation
Machu Picchu has regulated visitor numbers and marked paths—follow rules, avoid single-use plastics, and support local eco-certified providers to reduce impact.
Reserve your spot on the 7 Day Exploration Tour from Cusco to Lima today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize before hard hikes
Spend your first full day in Cusco taking it easy to reduce altitude sickness risk; avoid heavy meals and alcohol for 24–48 hours.
Carry cash for small purchases
Markets, tips and small bodega tastings often require soles; ATMs exist but can be unreliable outside major centers.
Sun protection is non-negotiable
High-altitude sun is intense—wear SPF 50+, sunglasses and a wide-brim hat even on overcast days.
Train and ticket timing
Book Ollantaytambo–Aguas Calientes train segments and Machu Picchu entry in advance; delays cascade through the itinerary.
Sturdy hiking shoes
Support and grip for cobbled streets, archaeological sites and mountain trails.
Layered clothing system
Base layers, insulating midlayer and wind/rain shell handle large temperature swings.
Altitude medication / electrolyte sachets
Helps manage altitude effects and keeps hydration balanced on high days.
Daypack with rain cover
Carries water, snacks, camera and layers for trains and site visits.