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Peru

Inca to the Andes - 7 Days in Peru

This unique itinerary combines hiking the iconic Inca Trail and Rainbow Mountain with ample time to experience the vibrant city of Cusco.

Group Guided

Inca to the Andes - 7 Days in Peru

This unique itinerary combines hiking the iconic Inca Trail and Rainbow Mountain with ample time to experience the vibrant city of Cusco.

Discover Peru’s most iconic sites on our 7-day "Inca to the Andes" adventure, where you'll journey through breathtaking landscapes, ancient Incan wonders, and colorful highland vistas. This itinerary is packed with high-altitude highlights, including the Sacred Valley, the iconic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, and the stunning Rainbow Mountain. Experience the heart of Peru’s history, culture, and natural beauty in one unforgettable week.

Trip Highlights:

  • Wander through the Sacred Valley's ancient ruins, vibrant markets, and terraced landscapes.
  • Trek the renowned Inca Trail, passing incredible mountain views and Incan sites.
  • Explore the legendary Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas.
  • Enjoy a guided tour of Cusco, the historic heart of the Incan Empire.
  • Hike to Rainbow Mountain, a multi-colored geological marvel in the Andes.

Get ready for a high-altitude adventure that captures the essence of Peru’s most captivating sights.

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Trip Itinerary

DAY 1: Depart to Cusco City

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

Overnight in Cusco: 3-star Hotel Casa Andina or similar.

DAY 2: Sacred Valley Tour

Your full-day Sacred Valley tour includes four key sites: Pisac, Pisac Market, Ollantaytambo, and Chinchero.

Your guide will pick you up from your hotel between 7:00 AM and 7:30 AM, and we’ll begin the journey north of Cusco, winding through the mountains. Our first stop will be El Mirador (Lookout Point), where you’ll get a deeper understanding of Inca history.

Next, we’ll head to Pisac, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the ruins, followed by 30 minutes of free time to explore on your own. Afterward, we’ll visit the Pisac Market, where you can shop and bargain for local crafts and souvenirs.

For lunch, we’ll stop at a local buffet (lunch not included), offering a wide variety of traditional Peruvian dishes.

From there, we continue along the Urubamba River to Ollantaytambo, a key site of Incan construction. The Ollantaytambo ruins are remarkable for their unique rock formations, which represent the Inca god Wiracocha.

Finally, we’ll head to Chinchero to explore another fascinating set of Incan ruins before returning to your hotel in Cusco.

(Note: Moray/Maras can be substituted upon request.)


Overnight in Cusco: 3-star Hotel Casa Andina or similar

DAY 3: Inca Trail Trek - Cusco to Aguas Calientes

You will be picked up from your hotel in Cusco at 4:00 AM and transferred to the Ollantaytambo train station. From there, we’ll take a train for about 1 hour and 45 minutes to the start of the 2-Day Inca Trail.

The trek begins in the Sacred Valley and takes you on a scenic 4-hour hike through the lush cloud forest, passing several beautiful Inca sites along the way. You will visit Wiñaywayna (2,700 m / 8,858 ft), an impressive archaeological site, before continuing toward Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate.

Throughout the trek, you’ll encounter stunning panoramas of the Andes and diverse flora and fauna, including orchids and colorful birds. You might even spot Viscachas, a type of wild rodent native to the area.

After a full day of hiking, you’ll reach the Sun Gate in the afternoon, where you’ll have your first breathtaking view of Machu Picchu on the mountain ridge below. From there, you’ll continue the hike, taking a side trail that leads down to Aguas Calientes, the town in the valley below.

Once in Aguas Calientes, you’ll check in to your hotel, where you’ll have free time to explore the village. If you’d like, you can visit the local hot springs before or after enjoying dinner at a local restaurant.

Walking distance: Approximately 14 km / 8.7 miles (7-hour hike).

Overnight in Aguas Calientes - Tara Machu Picchu 3* Hotel (or similar)

DAY 4: Machu Picchu Tour

Today is the most magical day of your journey as you explore Machu Picchu.

Depending on your entrance time, your guide will help determine the best time to wake up. If you have an early entrance, you’ll rise around 4:00 AM to catch the first bus to Machu Picchu and witness the sunrise over the ancient ruins. If you have a later entrance time, you’ll enjoy a bit more rest before taking the bus to the site.

Once you arrive, your guide will take you on a 2-hour tour, highlighting the most important sites within Machu Picchu and sharing the fascinating history behind the Lost City of the Incas. After the tour, if you’ve booked the option to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you’ll have time to take your chosen hike. Alternatively, you’ll have free time to explore the ruins on your own.

In the afternoon, you’ll take the bus back to Aguas Calientes. Afterward, you’ll board the train to Ollantaytambo, where a private van will be waiting to drive you back to Cusco, with arrival between 6:00 - 8:00 PM.

Overnight in Cusco: 3-star Hotel Casa Andina or similar.

DAY 5: Cusco City Tour

Your day begins with a guide meeting at your hotel for a pick-up, followed by a visit to Cusco’s Plaza de Armas. The first stop will be the famous Cusco Cathedral (entrance fee: 25 soles, not included), where you will explore its stunning architecture and historical significance. From there, you’ll continue on foot through an ancient Inca-built street to the Q’oricancha (Temple of the Sun) (entrance fee: 15 soles, not included). At the Q’oricancha, you’ll learn how Incan construction techniques compare to Catholic influences, as this was the spiritual center of the Inca Empire, directing all four quarters of the region.

Next, you’ll walk down Avenida El Sol and board a bus for a 25-minute ride to Sacsayhuaman, a majestic Inca site known for its enormous, 200-ton monoliths. After a guided explanation, you’ll have time to explore the site independently.

Following Sacsayhuaman, you’ll take a short five-minute bus ride to Q’enqo, a fascinating Inca site with altars that showcase the religious practices of the Incas. Then, you’ll visit Puca Pucara, a small, circular Inca site. The final stop on the tour is Tambomachay, a water temple believed to have been used for Incan bathing, where you can marvel at the impressive water fountains.

After exploring these incredible sites, we’ll head back to Cusco, where the tour will end in the main square.

Duration: 4-5 hours
Overnight in Cusco: 3-star Hotel Casa Andina or similar.

DAY 6: Rainbow Mountain 1-Day Trek

Your day begins with an early pick-up from your hotel in Cusco at 2:15 AM, followed by a 3.5-hour private van ride to the trailhead. Once you arrive, you’ll enjoy a local Peruvian-style breakfast prepared by our chef, fueling you for the adventure ahead.

The 2-hour hike to Rainbow Mountain (4 kilometers / 2.5 miles) will take you through a vibrant green valley, with the towering snow-capped peak of Ausangate in the distance. Along the way, you’ll see roaming alpacas and get an authentic glimpse into the life of the Quechua people. As you approach Rainbow Mountain, you’ll start to see the vibrant colored minerals that give the mountain its name.

Your guide will explain the formation of the Rainbow Mountain and its rich cultural significance. After a final push, you’ll reach a vantage point offering 360-degree views of the stunning landscape that makes this sacred land so special. You’ll take a break to relax and enjoy snacks and coca tea prepared by the locals, soaking in the breathtaking scenery.

Next, you’ll continue to the Red Valley, another awe-inspiring area, often overlooked by visitors but a hidden gem for trekkers. After exploring, you’ll begin the return hike (1 hour) to the trailhead, where a gourmet lunch will be prepared by our chef in a traditional mud-house.

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

Duration: Full Day (2:15 AM - 4:00 PM)
Distance: 8 km / 5 miles (round trip)
Elevation: 4460m (14,600ft) - 5035m (16,520ft)
Difficulty: Moderate


Ask about options to extend to the 2-day Rainbow Mountain Trek!

Overnight in Cusco: 3-star Hotel Casa Andina or similar.

DAY 7: Depart Cusco

Cusco → Lima (Mid-morning / Afternoon Flight)

Today, we’ll transfer you to Cusco Airport for your flight to Lima. After bidding farewell to your FlashpackerConnect guides, your itinerary will conclude at Lima Airport.

Additional Trip Info

  • Domestic flights (Lima to Cusco, round trip) for easy travel within Peru.
  • Airport transfers in Cusco to and from your accommodations.
  • Accommodation in 3-star hotels, with upgrades available upon request for additional comfort.
  • Entrance fees to all major attractions, including Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, and more.
  • Transfers to and from your hotel for all tours, ensuring hassle-free travel.
  • Camping gear for the trek to Rainbow Mountain and other high-altitude hikes.
  • Fluent English/Spanish-speaking local guides, providing deep cultural insights and historical context.
  • Some meals, offering a taste of local Peruvian cuisine.
    • Travel Insurance - We recommend  World Nomads, or Global Rescue
    • Gratuity
    • Extras
    • Services not indicated
    • International flights
    • If traveling solo there is a single supplement fee: $300usd

    Weather

    Weather in the Andes can be unpredictable ranging from hot and sunny to rain, wind and cold. Hikers should be prepared with proper gear and be ready for variable weather conditions throughout the day. Small changes in the itinerary are a possibility as well as trip cancellations due to bad weather. We reserve the right to cancel a trip prior to departing Cusco if we feel conditions are unsafe. If this happens you will be refunded your deposit in full, or have the opportunity to reschedule, however trips still depart when there is rain, snow or fog and refunds are not granted due to poor weather conditions. Temperatures can range from 0 degrees Celsius in the morning to 15 degrees Celsius in the afternoon. The sun can get intense in the afternoon and we highly recommend bringing sun protection.

    Altitude

    Our treks take place anywhere from 10,000 feet up to 17,000 feet. It is essential to spend 2-3 days minimum in the Cusco region or similar elevation prior to taking any trek with us. We recommend staying well hydrated while you are in elevation and to get plenty of rest prior to your trek. FlashpackerConnect is not responsible if you get altitude sickness. Please consult your doctor is you are concerned with the altitude.

    Tipping

    Our guides and staff are paid on a per trip basis based on the number of days they spend on the trail. While tipping is not required, it is a common practice in Latin America. If you feel your guide, and crew went above and beyond to make your trip special gratuity is greatly appreciated. A common tip is 10-15% of your total trip cost

    Reservations

    We recommend booking 3-4 months prior to ensure availability. If your dates are flexible we can take reservations on short notice, however our treks tend to book out as we keep our group sizes very small. In order to book we send out an invoice for deposit via PayPal, and your final payment is due at least 30 days prior to your trip departure date.

    Departures

    Our treks depart everyday upon request with a minimum of 2 guests (Solo travelers can be matched up with existing groups)

    Food

    We take pride in preparing a wonderful variety of food throughout your trek. You will always be served local Peruvian style dishes in a family style manner and you will never go hungry. We can cater to any dietary needs, but ask that you notify us of your request at the time of booking. If we are not informed during your booking we cannot guarantee that we will be able to accommodate.

    First Aid

    Trekking in the Andes and in high altitude can be dangerous and because of this our staff always carries a proper first aid kit along with emergency oxygen for our guests to use if they are feeling ill.

    Accommodation

    All accommodation on multi-day treks is tent camping. We bring quality 4 person tents but sleep a maximum of 2 persons to each tent. For tours that require hotels, accommodation is based on double or triple occupancy. Solo travelers will be matched with another guest of the same gender unless a single supplement is paid.

    Group Sizes

    Our treks depart everyday with a minimum of 2 guests and a maximum of 8 guests. We can also accommodate private trips and large group trips. Group pricing is available if your group is 4 or more people.

    Insurance

    Travel protection is essential for your peace of mind and safety throughout the trip. Unexpected medical emergencies or illnesses prior to or during your trip could make you lose pre-paid, non-refundable payments. Emergency medical transport and air ambulances in remote locations can be extremely expensive and will probably not be covered by your medical health plan so it is compulsory that you purchase personal adequate travel insurance which is appropriate for your trip. This insurance must cover personal accident, medical expenses, air ambulance, loss of effects, repatriation costs and all other expenses which may arise as a result of loss, damage, injury, delay or inconvenience during your trip. We also suggest you purchase cancellation and curtailment insurance. When obtaining travel insurance, you must inform the insurer of the type of travel to be undertaken, especially when "adventure activities" are included in your trip. There are several insurance companies offering travel protection plans available for purchase online.

    Visiting Machu Picchu

    We suggest booking activities such as Machu Picchu & the Sacred Valley prior to trekking the Rainbow Mountain. This will allow for proper acclamation, and prevent altitude sickness. Check out our tour packages linking the Rainbow Mountain hike with Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail. If you are wanting a longer trek check out our Ausangate trek+ Rainbow mountain we offer 2,4 and 6 days options.

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