Bucket List Peru - 9 Days – Peru – FlashpackerConnect Adventure Travel

The "Bucket List Peru - 9 Days" adventure takes you through the best of Peru, combining history, culture, and stunning landscapes. This action-packed itinerary includes the classic 4-day Inca Trail trek to Machu Picchu, a tour of the Sacred Valley, and a thrilling hike to Rainbow Mountain. Experience the awe-inspiring Inca ruins, the vibrant culture of Cusco, and the breathtaking beauty of the Andes on this unforgettable journey.

Trip Highlights:

Explore the vibrant city of Cusco and its historical landmarks.
Discover the Sacred Valley's ancient sites and beautiful landscapes.
Trek the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, including 4 days of hiking through stunning mountain terrain.
Visit the legendary Machu Picchu and enjoy a guided tour of the site.
Take on the high-altitude trek to Rainbow Mountain, with stunning views of the Andes.
Experience Peru's rich culture, from local markets to the ancient traditions of the Sacred Valley.

This itinerary offers the perfect balance of adventure and cultural immersion in one of the most beautiful regions of the world.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Lima to Cusco / Cusco City Tour

Fly from Lima to Cusco

Upon arrival in Cusco, you will be greeted by a FlashpackerConnect representative who will transfer you to your hotel.

Cusco City Tour (4-5 hours)
Your guide will meet you at your hotel for pick-up and take you to Cusco’s Plaza de Armas, where you will visit the famous Cusco Cathedral (25 soles entrance fee). From there, you’ll continue on foot through an ancient Inca-built street to the Q’oricancha (Temple of the Sun) (15 soles entrance fee). At Q’oricancha, you’ll compare the building techniques of the Incas and Catholicism, as this site served as the spiritual center of the Inca Empire. You’ll also see a bronze high altar at the temple.

Next, your group will walk down Avenida El Sol, where you’ll take a 25-minute bus ride to the majestic Sacsayhuaman Inca site. Here, you’ll explore the enigmatic 200-ton monoliths and learn about the site's history before having time to explore on your own.

Afterward, we’ll take a 5-minute bus ride to Q’enqo, where you’ll see fascinating Incan altars. Then, we’ll visit Puca Pucara, a small, circular Inca site. The final stop of the tour is Tambomachay, a water temple with impressive water fountains believed to have been used by the Incas for bathing.

We’ll then drive back to Cusco, where the tour ends in the main square.

Overnight in Cusco
Hotel Casa Andina 3 (or similar)*

Day 2: Sacred Valley Tour

You will be picked up from your hotel in Cusco in the morning for the start of your Sacred Valley tour. We will take the scenic road that leads to Pisac, located just north of Cusco. The Sacred Valley was a vital area for the Inca civilization, serving as both an agricultural and political hub.

Throughout the day, you will visit three main Inca sites: Pisac, Chinchero, and Ollantaytambo. At each site, you'll have the opportunity to admire the impressive craftsmanship of the Incas and explore the stunning landscapes of the valley. The tour will provide insights into the region’s rich Incan history and offer magnificent views of the surrounding mountains.

Pre-Trek Briefing
In the evening, you’ll meet with your guide for a briefing on the upcoming 4-day Inca Trail Trek, where you'll learn about the logistics, safety, and itinerary for the hike.

Overnight in Cusco: Hotel Casa Andina 3 (or similar)*

Day 3: Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu - Cusco to Huayllabamba

Distance: 12.6 km / 7.8 mi

Elevation: 2954 m / 9692 ft

Hiking Time: 5 - 7 Hrs

After breakfast, we’ll transfer you from your hotel in Cusco or the Sacred Valley to Piscaycucho, the first checkpoint and the official start of the Inca Trail.

You’ll begin the hike by trekking through the beautiful Urubamba River Valley. After approximately two hours of hiking, we’ll reach the first archaeological site, Patallacta, where you’ll have the opportunity to appreciate the impressive landscapes and learn about the significance of this valley in Incan history.

After exploring Patallacta, we’ll continue on to Tarachayoq for a well-deserved lunch. From here, we’ll make our way up the Cusichaca Valley, passing through small settlements and scenic views. The day will end as we reach the Andean community of Huayllabamba, where we’ll set up camp for the night.

Meals: (L,D)
Overnight in Huayllabamba (Campsite)

Day 4: Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu - Huayllabamba to Pacaymayu

Distance: 8.3 km / 5.2 mi

Elevation: 4200 m / 13780 ft

Hiking Time: 6 - 7 Hrs

After an early breakfast, you’ll begin your hike with a steep ascent to a large pampa beneath the first pass. As you climb, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking view of the valley and Mt. Huayanay. The trail skirts a narrow hanging valley, then opens up into a lush cloud forest filled with abundant vegetation, including the Queuña tree (polilepis), a rare species found only in the Andes.

Continuing your steady ascent, you’ll reach Warmiwañusqa Pass (Dead Woman’s Pass) at 4,200m (13,692ft). From this vantage point, you’ll enjoy magnificent views of the surrounding valleys and the trail ahead. After a well-deserved break at the pass, you’ll descend along a restored Inca Trail to the Pacaymayo River, where we’ll set up camp for the night.

(B, L, D)
Overnight in Pacaymayu (Campsite)

Day 5: Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu - Pacaymayu to Wiñaywayna

Distance: 17.7 km / 11 mi

Elevation: 3800 m / 12,467 ft

Hiking Time: 9 - 10 hrs

After breakfast, we’ll begin our ascent to the second pass of the trek. Halfway up, you’ll encounter Runkuraqay, a small, round, roofless stone building believed to have been an astronomical site and a checkpoint for couriers traveling the trail to Machu Picchu. After a short exploration, we’ll continue climbing to the pass at 4,050m (13,200ft).

From here, the group will descend along the original Inca Trail, passing a small lake and entering the cloud forest. Soon, we’ll reach Sayacmarca (“Town in a Steep Place”) at 3,850m (12,551ft). This impressive Incan ruin is built on a rock overlooking the trail and can only be accessed via a narrow stone staircase. The site offers spectacular views of the surrounding Aobamba Valley.

After touring Sayacmarca, we’ll continue along the ridge, enjoying amazing landscapes with views of Mt. Salkantay to the west and Mt. Pumasillo to the north—our lunch stop.

Following lunch, we’ll walk along a rolling flagstone trail, passing through a tunnel before arriving at Phuyupatamarca (“the village on the edge of the clouds”). From here, the trail winds sharply down into the cloud forest to the final stop of the day: Wiñaywayna (“Forever Young”). This well-restored Inca ruin marks the end of the day’s hike.

Meals: (B, L, D)
Overnight at Wiñaywayna (Campsite)

Day 6: Inca Trail Trek to Machu Picchu / Machu Picchu Tour

Distance: 6.4 km / 4 mi

Elevation: 2400 m / 7874 ft

Hiking Time: 2 hrs

On the final day of your trek, you'll wake up early and follow a relatively flat path. After about an hour of walking through the cloud forest on the Inca Trail, you’ll arrive at Intipunku (“The Sun Gate”). Here, you’ll take a break and enjoy magnificent views of the Machu Picchu citadel, your final destination.

From Intipunku, you’ll continue hiking for about another hour, following the same route the Incas once took, before arriving at Machu Picchu. Upon reaching the site, you’ll take a guided tour of the ruins, learning about the history, architecture, and culture of this ancient wonder. Afterward, you’ll have free time to explore the site on your own, take photographs, or hike to other areas such as Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (if you’ve arranged the extra hikes in advance).

In the mid-afternoon, you’ll take the bus down to Aguas Calientes and then board the train back to Ollantaytambo, where a private van will transfer you to your hotel in Cusco.

Meals: (B)
Overnight in Cusco
Hotel Casa Andina 3 (or similar)*

Day 7: Rest Day

Today is a free day to relax and explore Cusco at your own pace. You can visit any sites you may have missed earlier, enjoy the charming streets of Cusco, or simply unwind and rest after your trek.

For those interested in additional activities, there are optional excursions available, such as a visit to the Sacsayhuaman ruins, the Qorikancha Temple, or the San Pedro Market for a taste of local culture. Alternatively, you can take the day to relax and enjoy some leisure time in the city.

Overnight in Cusco
Hotel Casa Andina 3 (or similar)*

Day 8: Rainbow Mountain 1-Day Trek

Distance: 10 km / 6.2 mi

Elevation: 4460 (14,600ft) - 5035m (16,520ft)

Hiking Time: 4 - 5 hrs

Your day begins early with a pick-up from your hotel in Cusco at 2:15 AM for a 3.5-hour private van ride to the start of the Rainbow Mountain trail. Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy a local Peruvian-style breakfast prepared by our chef, providing the energy needed for the hike ahead.

The 2-hour hike to Rainbow Mountain (4 kilometers / 2.5 miles) takes you through a vibrant green valley, with the snow-capped peak of Ausangate towering in the distance. Along the way, you’ll encounter roaming alpacas and get a firsthand glimpse of life in the Quechua communities. As you approach Rainbow Mountain, the colorful minerals that form the vibrant hills will begin to emerge.

Your guide will share the fascinating story of the formation of Rainbow Mountain, and with one final push, you’ll reach a vantage point offering a 360-degree view of this sacred landscape. Here, you’ll have a break with snacks and enjoy the stunning vistas, along with coca tea prepared by the locals.

After soaking in the beauty, we’ll continue on to the Red Valley, a rarely visited but awe-inspiring area. Following our exploration, we’ll return to the trailhead (1-hour hike), where you’ll enjoy a gourmet lunch prepared by our chef in a traditional mud-house.

After lunch, we’ll head back to Cusco, arriving around 4:00 PM.

Meals: (B, L)
Overnight in Cusco
Hotel Casa Andina 3 (or similar)*

Optional extension to the Rainbow Mountain 2-6 day trek!

Day 9: Depart Cusco

In the morning (or afternoon), we will transfer you to Cusco Airport for your flight back to Lima. Your itinerary concludes upon arrival at Lima International Airport.

Safe travels!

Additional Trip Info

Airport transfers in Cusco for easy arrival and departure.
Accommodation in 3-star hotels, offering comfort and convenience throughout the journey.
Tours as shown on the itinerary, including guided visits to Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, and more.
Entrance fees to all included attractions and archaeological sites.
Some meals, allowing you to experience the local cuisine.
Expert English-speaking guide, ensuring an enriching experience with knowledgeable insight into Peru's culture and history.
First aid kit/oxygen for added safety and support during high-altitude treks.