Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
If you’re looking for the best way to hike the Inca Trail, this classic route offers a unique approach which avoids the main crowds, and follows the ideal schedule for timing your visit to Machu Picchu.
Peru 8-Day Tours & Itineraries
Eight days in Peru is an ideal trip length for pairing a trek to Machu Picchu on the Inca Trail with cultural experiences in Cusco and adventure activities in the Sacred Valley. For ambitious hikers, the Salkantay Trek is an alternate route. You can also combine a visit to the ancient Incan citadel with three days of whitewater rafting on the Apurimac and Santo Tomás rivers and camping under the stars on remote canyon beaches. With 8 days, it's also possible to see both Machu Picchu and the Amazon without rushing—taking transport time into consideration, you can still spend 2 full days observing wildlife and exploring the rainforest.
See our itineraries below or read our guide to the best 8-day trips in Peru.
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Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
The Salkantay trek is one of Peru’s best alternatives to the Inca Trail. Trek over a beautiful mountain pass at the foot of Mt. Salkantay before stopping at a local organic coffee plantation, followed by a visit to the Llactapata ruins. Finally, get up early the last day to catch sunrise at the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
Ausangate Camping Trek
If you’re looking for a beautiful and more remote trek in Peru, the Ausangate trek may be perfect for you. On this 8-day itinerary, you’ll discover the beauty and rugged highlands of the Ausangate region, hike past glacial lakes, and wander amidst herds of alpacas.
Machu Picchu & Rainbow Mountain Adventure - 8 Days
Explore the essential highlights of Peru on this 8-day itinerary. Begin in the metropolitan capital city of Lima, and explore the vibrant city by bike. Then, head to the ancient Inca capital of Cusco, and get a taste of the local culture on a culinary tour. Next, discover the beautiful textiles and incredible ruins of the Sacred Valley, and spend a full day taking in the majesty of Machu Picchu. Top it all off by summiting the colorful rainbow mountain - the perfect photo op!
Peru Highlights Adventure - 8 Days
From Lima to Machu Picchu, this one-week highlights tour is perfect for travelers with a thirst for adventure. Explore the bohemian neighborhoods and food scene of Lima, then continue to Cusco—the ancient Incan capital. Spend several days in the Sacred Valley discovering colorful textile markets and monolithic ruins, then walk the Inca trail to arrive at Machu Picchu.
Santa Cruz Trek
The Santa Cruz four-day trek takes you high into the Cordillera Blanca in northern Peru, providing spectacular views of glacier-wrapped peaks, turquoise lakes and fields of wildflowers. It's a demanding hike that will test your body and lungs, but well worth it for the epic scenery. This article will help you make the most of your Peruvian high altitude adventure, and provide information on extending the hike to five or more days.
Peruvian Luxury Experience - 8 Days
Explore ancient Incan ruins, charming colonial towns, and the breathtaking Sacred Valley as you make your way through some of Peru's most beloved sights in style. Gourmet meals, five-star hotels, and spa treatments await in between explorations on this tour that perfectly pairs adventure and luxury.
Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu By Bike - 8 Days
In the span of just over a week, bike across Peru's most famous region and see the Sacred Valley from a different perspective. This itinerary uncovers both the natural beauty of Southern Peru as well as the historical legacy of the Incas.
Machu Picchu & Amazon Jungle - 8 Days
Go from Machu Picchu to the Amazon on this 8-day itinerary. Explore the colorful textile markets, small towns, and Inca ruins in the Sacred Valley before traveling east to Puerto Maldonado, your launch point to the rainforest. Spend three days viewing wildlife, like the giant river otter, river cayman, and vibrant parrot species, while enjoying a comfortable stay at an eco-lodge.
Manu Adventure - 8 Days
Down in the Amazon basin, off the edge of the tourist map, lies Manu — arguably the most biodiverse area in the world. Trek off the beaten track and into the land of tapirs, parrots, and jungle rivers — a place without luxury hotels, hot showers, or 24/7 WiFi.
Lares Valley Trek & Short Inca Trail - 8 Days
Trek through the Lares Valley, where you'll pass between glacier-capped mountains where llamas and alpacas graze in the surrounding hills. You'll visit the town of Lares, a colourful traditional town in the heart of the valley. Combined with the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, this is a trek that combines two wonderful valleys & mountain ranges with very different ecologies & landscapes.
The Ausangate Lodge-to-Lodge Trek
Avid hikers, this one's for you! Follow the Camino del Apu Ausangate through the Cordillera Vilcanota mountain range, accompanied by llamas and horses loaded up with gear. You'll overnight in traditional tambo lodges, enjoy authentic Peruvian cuisine, and gain a better understanding of life in Andes.
Sacred Valley & Inca Trail Excursion - 8 Days
From bustling cities to remote Inca ruins, this 8-day tour of Peru's highlights is perfect for adventurous and fit travelers. Discover Peru's metropolitan culture in the capital city of Lima, then continue to the imperial Inca city of Cusco. Tour the Sacred Valley and explore Inca ruins and colorful textile markets before embarking on a 4-day trek on the Inca Trail. Walk on the same stone steps that Inca engineers built in the 15th century, cross Dead Woman Pass at 13,828 ft (4,215 m), and relax in camp at night with sweeping vistas of the Andes Mountains. Finish your trek at the famed Machu Picchu ruins.
Flavor, History & Wildlife in Peru - 8 Days
Get off the beaten path with this unique itinerary through Peru. Take an aerial tour of the famous Nazca Lines. Visit the Ballestas Islands to see endangered birds, marine mammals, and charismatic Humboldt penguins. And dive into the history, culture, and food scene of vibrant Lima, where you'll tour eclectic Miraflores, the Larco Museum of pre-Columbian art, the historic central plaza, and more.
Cusco Ridges - 8 Days
An active tour of the important mountain ranges around the Cusco Region: the Urubamba & Vilcanota. This is the perfect 8-day itinerary for those who enjoy adventure and want to have an authentic Andean experience in the mountains.
Lake Titicaca & Short Inca Trail - 8 Days
Experience Peru's cities, Machu Picchu, and the largest lake in South America on this 8-day tour. Start with cultural and culinary tours in metropolitan Lima before continuing to the Sacred Valley. You'll also visit the floating reed islands of Lake Titicaca, where wildlife and handicrafts abound. Cap it off with a one-day hike of the Inca trail, ending with a visit to the incredible ruins of Machu Picchu.
Peru's Cities, History, & Ecotourism - 8 Days
Explore Peru's cities, archaeological sites, and coastal wildlife during this 8-day journey. Start in Lima, then head south to Paracas for a marine wildlife tour and views of a 2,200-year old geoglyph. Go sandboarding in the desert oasis of Huacachina before visiting Cusco, where you'll check out textile markets and experience the culture of the Sacred Valley. End your visit with a day trip to the world-renowned ruins at Machu Picchu.
Arequipa, Colca Canyon, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain & More - 8 Days
Beginning in Lima, this 8-day adventure takes in some of the most dramatic historic sights and landscapes of Peru. First you will visit the proud colonial city of Arequipa, before making the journey out to one of the world's greatest canyons, Colca Canyon. You will then travel to ancient Inca capital Cusco and take in the highlights of the Sacred Valley, including the world-famous citadel of Machu Picchu. Finally, you will journey south of Cusco to another of Peru's geological wonders, the multi-hued Vinicunca Rainbow Mountain.
Lima, Machu Picchu & Lake Titicaca - 8 Days
Explore Peru's cities, Machu Picchu, and the largest lake in South America on this 8-day exploration of local Peruvian culture. Start in metropolitan Lima and explore the vibrant food scene and history. Continue to Cusco, the capital of the Inca empire, and visit ancient ruins and colorful textile markets. Next, spend a day visiting the iconic Machu Picchu ruins. Finally, venture to Lake Titicaca to see its floating islands and intricate hand-made crafts.
Discover Cusco, Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley - 8 Days
If you have just eight days to spend in Peru, this action-packed itinerary is an ideal choice. The trip starts in Lima, where you'll have a day to sightsee before continuing onward to Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Visit pre-Inca ruins, sacred temples, picturesque terraces, and the magnificent "salt ponds" of Maras before catching the train for a scenic ride to Aguas Calientes. You'll rise early to explore Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then spend the last day of the trip hiking to the shimmering blue lakes and lagoons of Ausangate, going for a dip in natural hot springs before returning to Cusco for one last night on the town.
Archaeological Tour of Northern Peru: Cajamarca, Chachapoyas, & Chiclayo - 8 Days
In just over one week, explore the best of Northern Peru. Begin in Cajamarca and head to the archaeological site of Cumbemayo, then explore a pre-Incan cemetery. Next, drive to Leymebamba, take a woodworking class, and visit a museum that houses 200 mummies, followed by a visit to the Mausoleums of Revash. Tour the Kuélap ruins, check out the Sarcophagi of Karajia funeral statues, explore the Amazonas region of Chiclayo, and more.
Amazon Jungle & Machu Picchu - 8 days
Beginning your Peruvian odyssey in the cosmopolitan capital of Lima, this 8-day itinerary will see you first travel to jungle metropolis Iquitos before embarking on a trip down the Amazon river. You will use a jungle lodge as your base for jungle adventures including night-time rainforest hikes and meeting indigenous communities. You will next travel up into the stunning Andes, to ancient Inca capital Cusco, before venturing into the Sacred Valley: a journey that culminates in the ultimate Inca citadel, Machu Picchu.
Northern Peru Cultural Tour - 8 Days
This 8-day tour is perfect for history buffs with a sense of adventure. Starting from the desert coast, make your way to where the Andes meets the Amazon, stopping to see some of Peru's best archaeology sites. Here you will find the impressive ruins of Kuélap (the Macchu Picchu of the north), the incredible sarcophagi of Karajia, painted mummies in Leymebamba, and a spectacular waterfall. Back to the coast, pay a visit to a museum with elaborate artifacts from the Moche civilization.
Archaeology & Culture in Northern Peru: From Trujillo to Chiclayo - 8 Days
Explore the culture and archaeology of Northern Peru on this eight-day adventure. Discover La Ruta Moche, the “road” along the northern coast of Peru, which includes the kingdoms of Moche, Chimu, and Lambayeque, with impressive archaeological sites that are among the most famous in South America. See a horse show, take a city tour, and visit the temples and Chan Chan in Trujillo. Then, check out the Archaeological Complex and the Museum of the Lady Cao in El Brujo. Spend time learning about Sican culture, and head to Túcume to enjoy traditional activities after visiting the iconic pyramids.
Peru Culinary Tour: Cusco, Machu Picchu & Lima - 8 Days
Delight your senses with this 8-day gastronomic tour of Peru. Take in the historical and cultural highlights of Machu Picchu, Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Lima while touring and tasting your way through vibrant and varied regional cuisine. Discover some of the world's best produce markets, take an authentic home-cooking lesson, and immerse yourself in a gourmet farm-to-table experience. Against a backdrop of spectacular Andean scenery, you'll enjoy unforgettable meals in diverse venues, from gourmet restaurants to roadside stands and local village homes.
Rafting and Machu Picchu - 8 Days
If you have an adventurer's heart, this 8-day excursion of Peru's rivers and ruins is perfect for you. Start in Lima and enjoy a diverse mix of architecture, world-renowned restaurants, and eclectic neighborhoods. Continue to Cusco—the capital of the ancient Inca empire—and explore narrow cobblestone streets, colorful markets, and the monolithic ruins left by the Killke and Inca. Spend three days rafting Class III and IV rapids and camping on remote canyon beaches. Explore the living Inca village of Ollantaytambo and the Machu Picchu ruins—the iconic 15th-century royal Inca citadel.
Cusco & Ausangate Camping Trek - 8 Days
If you’re looking for a beautiful and more remote trek in Peru, the Ausangate trek may be perfect for you. This itinerary gives you some time to explore the ancient Incan capital of Cusco before embarking on this 5-day trek. During the trek, you’ll discover the beauty and rugged highlands of the Ausangate region, hike past glacial lakes, and wander amidst herds of alpacas.
Active Cusco & Sacred Valley Adventure - 8 Days
On this action-packed 8-day trip, you will get to spend time in the ancient Inca capital of Cusco, using this as your base to see the sights in the enchanting Sacred Valley the adventurous way: through white-water rafting, quad biking, trekking and horse-riding.
Luxury Peru Adventure: Salkantay Trek & Hiram Bingham Train - 8 Days
Discover Peru with a side of luxury on this eight-day tour that kicks off in Cusco with a seven-course gourmet dinner. Spend a day touring the Sacred Valley's llama sanctuaries, artisan markets, and Inca ruins, then gear up for a three-day trek along the Salkantay Trail, passing glacial lakes, snowy peaks, and hot springs. End your trip on the opulent Belmond Hiram Bingham train from Cusco to Machu Picchu, where you'll enjoy a private tour of Peru's most famous landmark.
Adventures in Lima & Peru's Sacred Valley - 8 Days
Adventure your way through the best of Peru's Sacred Valley with this active, eight-day itinerary. Sip pisco sours in Lima's historic center, then fly to Cusco, the gateway to countless Inca wonders. Meet llamas at a sanctuary, ride an ATV to ancient ruins, and shop for handicrafts at village markets. Along the way, sample traditional Peruvian specialties, hike a section of the Inca Trail, and ride a zipline back to the bottom of the valley. End with a final night in Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire.