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Take on the Huaraz tour to Machu Picchu in 8 days and combine two of Peru’s most striking landscapes in one trip. From the snow-capped peaks of the Cordillera Blanca to the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu, this route delivers mountains, history, and one of the world’s most iconic ruins. Reserve your spot today.
Moderate
Culture and Adventure
11,152 ft
Group Service
the Huaraz tour to Machu Picchu with this thoughtfully crafted trip itinerary. This small guided group tour includes a variety of activities designed to immerse you in the rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes of Peru. Begin your adventure by exploring Lima’s historic center and the vibrant district of Miraflores, where you can enjoy local cuisine and breathtaking coastal views.
Next, travel to Huaraz, home to the majestic White Mountain Range. Here, you’ll visit the remarkable archaeological site of Chavin de Huantar, a UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases the architectural and cultural achievements of ancient Andean civilization. Discover the fascinating history and significance of this monument as you walk through its intricate stone structures and ceremonial areas.
Finally, your journey culminates in the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu, the iconic Inca citadel perched high in the Andes. Experience a guided tour of this ancient wonder, where you’ll learn about the remarkable engineering and history of the Inca civilization. This itinerary promises not only adventure but also an in-depth exploration of Peru’s natural beauty and cultural treasures.
This Huaraz tour to Machu Picchu in 8 days combines city sightseeing in Lima, high altitude trekking country around Huaraz, ancient archaeology at Chavin de Huantar, and a scenic train journey to Machu Picchu, all within one well paced itinerary.
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Start / End point: Lima
Max altitude: 11,152 ft / 3,399 m, reached in Cusco
Other high altitude points: Huaraz at 10,141 ft / 3,091 m and Chavin de Huantar at 10,433 ft / 3,180 m
Transport: Double decker bus to Huaraz, domestic flight to Cusco, train between Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes
Meals included: Breakfast daily, plus lunch on day 4
Optional add ons: Private visit to Caral on day 5
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging, mainly due to the altitude reached in Huaraz, Chavin de Huantar, and Cusco, plus the steep, technical climb up Wayna Picchu
Style: A mix of city touring, high mountain landscapes, archaeology, and one demanding trek, connected by bus, domestic flight, and train
Best for: Travelers who want to pair Peru’s Andean mountain region with the classic Machu Picchu route, rather than doing a standard Cusco only trip
Acclimatization tip: Spending time in Huaraz before reaching Cusco can help your body adjust to the altitude ahead of the Machu Picchu portion of the trip
Upon arriving in Lima, the capital of Peru, you’ll be welcomed by our representative at Jorge Chavez International Airport. From there, a private transfer will take you to your selected hotel for an overnight stay in Lima.
Start the day with a guided tour of Lima, exploring its historical center, including the iconic San Martin Square and Plaza de Armas (505 ft or 154 m). Visit the renowned Convent of San Francisco and its catacombs, followed by a trip to the modern district of Miraflores. In Miraflores, you’ll visit the Park of Love, which offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The tour lasts around four hours, allowing you to experience both the old and modern sides of Lima.
After the tour, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel, where the rest of the day is yours to relax and explore at your leisure.
Begin your journey to Huaraz, located 403 km from Lima. After being picked up from your hotel, you’ll board a double-decker bus for a scenic seven-hour trip. Upon arriving in Huaraz (10,141 ft or 3,091 m), you’ll be transferred to your selected hotel for an overnight stay in this beautiful mountain city.
Today, you’ll explore the fascinating archaeological site of Chavin de Huantar (10,433 ft or 3,180 m), located on the eastern side of the Cordillera Blanca. This ancient ceremonial center, home to the Chavín culture, is believed to represent the sacred trilogy of air, water, and earth. You’ll see the impressive monoliths, including the “Lanzón,” a towering sculpture measuring 14.9 ft (4.53 m), and the heads of supernatural beings embedded in the temple walls.
The Chavin de Huantar site is considered one of the oldest carved stone structures in Peru, and it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. After a full day of exploration, you’ll return to your hotel in Huaraz.
In the morning, you’ll board a bus for the return trip to Lima. If you opt for a private trip, you can visit the ancient site of Caral, the oldest city in the Americas, dating back over 5,000 years. This archaeological wonder consists of more than six pyramids and is considered the mother of Andean civilizations.
Upon arriving in Lima, you’ll be transferred to your selected hotel for the night.
In the early morning, you’ll catch a domestic flight to Cusco (11,152 ft or 3,399 m). Upon arrival, you’ll head to the Ollantaytambo train station (9,160 ft or 2,792 m), where you’ll board a train to Aguas Calientes (6,693 ft or 2,040 m). This scenic journey through the Andes provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes as you head towards the Lost City of the Incas.
Once in Aguas Calientes, a short bus ride will take you to your selected hotel, where you’ll spend the night.
This morning, you’ll visit the famous Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu (7,972 ft or 2,430 m). A bus will take you up a steep, winding road to the entrance of the ruins. From there, you’ll hike to Wayna Picchu (8,920 ft or 2,720 m), also known as “Young Peak,” which towers over the citadel. This challenging climb, limited to 200 visitors per day, offers breathtaking views of the entire site.
Afterward, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu, exploring key areas such as the Temple of the Moon, the Great Cavern, and the Temple of the Sun. You’ll also visit the Sun Gate (Inti Punku), a perfect spot to take in the beauty of the Andes and Machu Picchu itself.
In the afternoon, you’ll board a train back to Cusco for an overnight stay.
At the indicated time, you’ll be privately transferred to the airport in Lima for your international flight back home.
This itinerary moves through several climate zones in just 8 days, from the mild coastal air of Lima to the cold mountain conditions around Huaraz and Chavin de Huantar, then down to the warmer, more humid climate of Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes. Packing in layers is essential.
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