Peru Highlights Express: Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Titicaca & Arequipa (8 Days)
The definitive Grand Tour of Southern Peru. Designed with medical acclimatization pacing and scenic panoramic train journeys.
Peru Highlights Express: Lima, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Titicaca & Arequipa (8 Days)
The definitive Grand Tour of Southern Peru. Designed with medical acclimatization pacing and scenic panoramic train journeys.
Direct dedicated pickup from any hotel or Airbnb in Cusco or the Sacred Valley—including accommodations located outside the historic center. If your lodging is located along a narrow pedestrian cobblestone alley, our private assistant meets you right at your door, assists with luggage, and escorts you directly to your private vehicle.
Experience overview
Crafted by our senior human trip designers, this journey incorporates our acclimatization-first protocol. You begin in Lima at sea level, ease into the lower altitude of the Sacred Valley, visit Machu Picchu, explore imperial Cusco, and travel across the high Altiplano with seasoned private escorts.
High-Altitude Safety Profile
Effective O₂ at 4,335m
Prior rest recommended
+984 ft vertical gain
Physiological Altitude Curve & Biomes
Select any day or milestone on the interactive graph to view its atmospheric altitude, effective oxygen pressure, and terrain biome.
Arrival in Lima
Peak Altitude
154 m
Effective O₂ Level
~99% vs sea-level
Sea level atmospheric density. 100% effective oxygen pressure.· Private Lima airport transfer
Detailed day-by-day itinerary (8D / 7N)
- Day 1154 m(505 ft)
Arrival in Lima – VIP Airport Transfer & Culinary Introduction
Private airport transfer to your boutique hotel in Miraflores. Evening ceviche tasting.
Key highlights
- Day 22,870 m(9,416 ft)
Flight to Cusco – Direct Transfer to Sacred Valley for Optimal Acclimatization
Fly to Cusco and immediately descend to the Sacred Valley (9,100 ft). Visit Pisac market and enjoy a restful afternoon.
Key highlights
- Day 33,300 m(10,827 ft)
Sacred Valley Incan Citadels & Vistadome Train to Aguas Calientes
Explore Maras salt pans, Moray agricultural rings, and Ollantaytambo before boarding the train to Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Key highlights
- Day 42,430 m(7,972 ft)
Machu Picchu Citadel Guided Tour – Return to Cusco
Early morning guided circuit through Circuit 2 or 1 of Machu Picchu. Afternoon train to Ollantaytambo and private vehicle back to Cusco.
Key highlights
- Day 53,700 m(12,139 ft)
Cusco Imperial City Tour & Megalithic Sacsayhuamán
Discover the Temple of the Sun (Qorikancha) and the massive carved stone walls of Sacsayhuamán.
Key highlights
- Day 63,812 m(12,507 ft)
Ruta del Sol Tourist Journey from Cusco to Puno & Lake Titicaca
Luxury tourist coach crossing the high Altiplano with stops at Andahuaylillas church and Raqch'i temple.
Key highlights
- Day 73,812 m(12,507 ft)
Lake Titicaca Speedboat Safari: Uros Floating Islands & Taquile
Boat navigation across the highest navigable lake, meeting indigenous Uros reed islanders and Taquile knitters.
Key highlights
- Day 83,812 m(12,507 ft)
Transfer to Juliaca Airport (JUL) – Flight to Lima for International Connection
Morning visit to Sillustani funerary towers before transfer to Juliaca airport for your flight home.
Key highlights
What's Included & Excluded
What is Included
100% Pre-PaidPre-paid services verified & delivered on route
- 7 nights accommodation in handpicked boutique 3-Star or 4-Star hotels
- All domestic private airport and train station transfers
- Vistadome panoramic train tickets to Machu Picchu
- All official entrance tickets and permits
- Certified English-fluent local guides throughout
- 24/7 dedicated Cusco concierge specialist via WhatsApp
What is Not Included
Out-of-PocketPersonal expenses & discretionary gratuities
- International flights
- Discretionary guide gratuities
Field Realities & Pocket Cash
Real ground notes from our team in CuscoIdeal Traveler Fit
Who enjoys this route mostActive adventurers and trekkers seeking profound connection with high Andean wilderness, ancient archaeological trails, and deep starry mountain skies.
5 to 7 hours of daily trekking over rugged mountain passes with elevations exceeding 4,200m–4,630m.
Radical Honesty: Who This is NOT For
We prefer honesty over unsuitable bookings- ✕First-time campers expecting luxury resort plumbing and constant Wi‑Fi in the wilderness.
- ✕Anyone without broken-in trekking footwear (blisters will ruin multi-day hikes).
- ✕Travelers who have not spent at least 2 full nights acclimatizing in Cusco or the Sacred Valley beforehand.
Route Pocket Expenses (Carry Cash Soles in Daypack)
Mandatory checkpoint fees, community tickets & coin-operated restrooms
Campsite Hot Showers
Gas-heated showers at family campsites.
Trail Drinks & Snacks
Trail huts sell water, snacks, and drinks.
Crew Gratuity Pool
Voluntary shared pool for crew on final night.
Luggage & Transit Rule: You are provided with a dedicated duffel bag (maximum 6–7 kg / 13–15 lbs including sleeping bag) carried by our pack mules or porters. Your remaining luggage stays securely stored at your hotel in Cusco.
What to pack for this journey
Tested on the trail by our team in CuscoReal Traveler Reviews & Experiences
Independent traveler feedback verified on TripAdvisor and Google Maps.
“Incredible guidance through the Incan agricultural laboratories and the ancient cliffside salt pans. The team explained the history with real passion and took care of all entrance tickets without making us stand in long lines. Honest local operators who truly care about travelers!”
“Had a wonderful time in Peru with Daspe Travel! I highly recommend them to anyone visiting Peru and the high mountain wonders of Cusco!”
“Working with Daspe Travel was completely seamless. From our early morning hotel pickup in Cusco to the Vistadome train tickets and citadel entrance, our guide was exceptionally punctual, knowledgeable, and full of positive energy. Zero stress, everything was flawlessly organized.”
Frequently asked questions
Have custom requests?
Dietary accommodations, hotel upgrades or a slower photography pace? Speak directly with our local Cusco specialists.