An eight-day circuit from Lima to the high Andes, this tour pairs coastal wildlife and dune adventures with sacred Inca sites, Machu Picchu, Humantay Lagoon and Vinicunca. Early starts, high passes and scheduled train and entrance times make preparation essential.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step out into Lima at dusk—Pacific air pressing against the city’s modern edges and colonial stones—before the itinerary pushes inland and upward into the high Andes. Over eight days this tour threads through coastal wildlife, desert dunes and the high-altitude ruins and lakes that define southern Peru.
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
8 days (≈192 hours)
Fitness Level
Good baseline fitness with the ability to handle 2–4 hour mountain walks at high altitude; stamina for early starts and long transfers is required.
Wildlife
History
Cusco served as the administrative and spiritual heart of the Inca Empire, with terraced agriculture and stone masonry visible across the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
Conservation
Visitor numbers at Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain are managed with time slots and access limits; stick to trails, avoid single-use plastics and follow local guide instructions to reduce impact.
Reserve your spot on the 8-Day Tour of Traditional Peru today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize in Cusco
Spend 24–48 hours in Cusco before high-altitude hikes to reduce risk of altitude sickness; avoid heavy exertion on arrival day.
Hydration & sun protection
Carry at least 2–3 liters of water for high-altitude days and use SPF 50 and a broad-brim hat—UV intensifies above 3,000 m.
Confirm train and Machu Picchu times
Train categories and Machu Picchu entry slots are fixed; upgrade or confirm schedules before travel to avoid missed connections.
Prepare for early departures and long transfers
Expect pre-dawn pickups and multi-hour bus rides (Lima–Paracas ≈3.5 hrs; Paracas–Ica; return to Lima ≈4.5 hrs); pack snacks and layers.
Sturdy hiking boots
Support and traction for dirt, rock and muddy trails at altitude.
Insulating midlayer and waterproof shell
Layering handles sun-warm valleys and cold, windy high passes.
High-SPF sunscreen and wide-brim hat
UV exposure intensifies above 3,000 m—skin protection is critical.
Hydration reservoir or 2–3 L water bottle
Sustained hydration helps reduce altitude symptoms and fatigue.