What is included? Pre-trek briefing Pick-up from your accommodation in the Cusco city center Tourist transportation from Cusco to Ollantaytambo – Abra Malaga Mountain bikes, helmets, and gloves Professional Guide service Included activities: Biking and Rafting A complete first-aid kit Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu Accommodation for 3 Nights in an Ecolodge, Santa Teresa, and Aguas Calientes 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners are covered (vegetarian food options available) Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to the Ollantaytambo train station Tourist transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco with a final stop at Plaza Regocijo (Historic Center.) Not Included Meals: Breakfast on the first day. Lunch and dinner on the fourth day. Entrance ticket to the hot springs in Santa Teresa Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes Showers and bathrooms along the trail (availability may vary or have a cost) Hiking poles Travel insurance Tips for the guide (optional.)

Combine exciting activities like biking, rafting, zip-lining, and hiking in a single adventure. Explore impressive Inca ruins along the way and marvel at the ancestral history. Traverse diverse Andean landscapes, including lush plantations, cloud forests, and alpine tundra. Culminate the experience with a visit to the emblematic Machu Picchu.

Original passport Small daypack Warm clothing and hiking pants Hiking shoes Hiking poles Light footwear or sandals Sun protection: sunscreen, sun hat, and sunglasses Insect repellent Rain poncho or rain jacket Toiletries/toilet paper / small towel Swimsuit for the hot springs Water bottle: optional water purification tablets Personal first-aid kit Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, and snacks.

Group service

Machu Picchu

Adventure

View 4 images

Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu 4 days / 3 nights

The Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu 4 days offers an alternative route full of adventure, combining mountain biking, jungle trekking, and optional rafting and zip-lining. During this exciting four-day journey, travelers descend from the Andes to the high jungle, exploring diverse landscapes and enjoying experiences like soaking in hot springs. This option is ideal for those seeking a mix of adrenaline, nature, and culture, culminating with a visit to the wonder of Machu Picchu. With expert guides and planned logistics, the tour guarantees a memorable and safe experience at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary.

Tour type

Adventure / Hiking

Duration

4 Days

Difficulty

Challenging

Season

March to October

Minimum altitude

1,200 masl / 3,937 ft.

Maximum altitude

4,316 masl / 14,160 ft.9 ft.

Include

What is included?

Pre-trek briefing
Pick-up from your accommodation in the Cusco city center
Tourist transportation from Cusco to Ollantaytambo – Abra Malaga
Mountain bikes, helmets, and gloves
Professional Guide service
Included activities: Biking and Rafting
A complete first-aid kit
Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
Accommodation for 3 Nights in an Ecolodge, Santa Teresa, and Aguas Calientes
3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners are covered (vegetarian food options available)
Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to the Ollantaytambo train station
Tourist transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco with a final stop at Plaza Regocijo (Historic Center.)

Not Included

Meals: Breakfast on the first day. Lunch and dinner on the fourth day.
Entrance ticket to the hot springs in Santa Teresa
Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
Showers and bathrooms along the trail (availability may vary or have a cost)
Hiking poles
Travel insurance
Tips for the guide (optional.)

What to Expect

Combine exciting activities like biking, rafting, zip-lining, and hiking in a single adventure.
Explore impressive Inca ruins along the way and marvel at the ancestral history.
Traverse diverse Andean landscapes, including lush plantations, cloud forests, and alpine tundra.
Culminate the experience with a visit to the emblematic Machu Picchu.

Itinerary

Day 1: From Cusco – Abra Malaga and overnight in Santa Maria

The adventure tour begins early in Cusco, with pick-ups between 5:30 am and 6:00 am. Tourist transportation will take passengers on an approximately three-hour journey through the Sacred Valley of the Incas. During the trip, you can admire the beautiful Andean landscapes and cultural attractions. The journey culminates upon reaching the highest point, the Abra Malaga pass, at 4,316 meters above sea level (14,160 feet).

We begin at Abra Malaga with the mountain bike descent. First, the guides give a safety briefing and provide the necessary equipment. The bike ride lasts about three hours, covering approximately 55 kilometers from the high mountains to near Huamanmarca. During the descent, you will experience a climate change from cold and dry to warm and humid, passing through towns and diverse landscapes.

After the biking section near Huamanmarca, a stop is made to rest and take photos. In some tour versions, the Inca archaeological site is also briefly explored, and lunch is served. Subsequently, a support vehicle transports travelers for about 30 minutes. The final destination is the town of Santa Maria.

The day concludes in Santa Maria. Upon arrival, lunch is usually served. In the afternoon, there is an option to participate in a rafting activity on the Urubamba River, lasting approximately 1.5 to 2 hours (typically available from April to November). Finally, participants check into their accommodation for the night. Dinner is served later, offering a moment to rest and share the day’s experiences before spending the night in Santa Maria.

Meals: Lunch and dinner
Minimum altitude: 1,200 masl / 3,937 ft.
Maximum altitude: 4,316 masl / 14,160 ft.
Accommodation: Ecolodge.

Day 2: Santa Maria – Quellomayo – Cocalmayo Hot Springs and overnight in Santa Teresa

The day will begin very early, departing from Santa Maria around 6:00 am after breakfast. The first hours of the hike will be through nature, either gradually ascending or following the river, using sections of an original Inca trail. During the trek, the guide will explain the local biodiversity, including coffee and coca plantations, and share stories of the Inca past. Additionally, you will enjoy impressive panoramic views of the valley and canyon from elevated points.

After the morning hike, which includes breaks to rest and learn, the group will arrive at the village of Quellomayo. This will be the designated spot for lunch, where you will enjoy a restorative meal at a local restaurant. During the stop, there will be time to relax, either resting in hammocks or exploring the surroundings a bit. This way, you will regain strength before undertaking the second part of the day’s hike.

After recharging, the adventure will continue in the afternoon. The second part of the hike will occur, lasting between 2 and 4 hours, following the Vilcanota River. This trail will lead to the comforting Cocalmayo hot springs. There will be enough time to relax in the hot pools and rest your muscles.

After enjoying the thermal bath, the last leg of the journey will begin. The next destination is the town of Santa Teresa, located a short distance away, approximately 10 minutes by car or 45 minutes walking from the hot springs. Upon arrival in Santa Teresa, you will check into a local lodge for the second night. The day will conclude with dinner in town, thus ending this memorable hiking stage.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Hiking distance: 22 km (approx. 13.7 miles)
Minimum altitude: 1,200 masl / 3,937 ft.
Maximum altitude: 1,600 masl / 5,249 ft.
Hiking hours: 7 to 8 hours.
Accommodation: Hostel or basic lodging.

Day 3: Santa Teresa – Hydroelectric Station and overnight in Aguas Calientes

The day begins very early with a comfortable bus ride for approximately 25 minutes, offering partial views of the mountainous surroundings as you approach the majestic Citadel of Machu Picchu. Once at this historic sanctuary, you will enjoy an exhaustive 2.5-hour guided tour, where local experts will bring the ancient ruins to life, revealing the secrets of Inca architecture, its sacred temples, and its fascinating history.

Afterward, you will have ample free time to explore at your own pace, capture the magnificence of the surroundings with your camera, and, optionally, undertake additional climbs such as the challenging hike to Huayna Picchu.

Usually around 1:00 pm, you will begin the return to Aguas Calientes to enjoy a well-deserved buffet lunch. The day culminates with the train departure at approximately 3:20 pm to Ollantaytambo, followed by a bus transfer that will take you back to Cusco, arriving at approximately 9:00 pm.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Minimum altitude: 1,600 masl / 5,249 ft.
Maximum altitude: 2,000 masl / 6,561.68 ft.
Accommodation: Hostel or basic lodging.

Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Visit to the Machu Picchu Sanctuary – Return to Cusco

The last day of the trek begins very early, around 4:00 AM, with breakfast and a farewell to the support team at Wiñay Wayna. The march to Inti Punku (the Sun Gate) begins at 4:30 AM, lasting one to two hours, with part of the journey in darkness. This final segment traverses the cloud forest and includes significant ascents, aiming to reach the Sun Gate in time to see the sunrise over Machu Picchu.

Upon reaching Inti Punku, the first panoramic and impactful view of Machu Picchu is revealed, a magical moment at sunrise with clear skies. From this point, the journey continues with a descent of approximately one hour along a fairly easy path. This trail ends in the upper southern sector of the citadel, near the terraces and Guardian Houses, perfect for taking classic site photos.

At the main entrance of the complex, the guided exploration of Machu Picchu begins. For about 2 to 2.5 hours, a guide will explain the history and architecture of the key points of the Inca citadel. After the official tour, there may be free time to explore or photograph. The visit to the sanctuary ends upon exiting through the main control before descending to Aguas Calientes.

We arrive in Aguas Calientes for lunch (at the client’s own expense), then you will take the Expedition or Voyager train to Ollantaytambo. Our team will meet you at the train station for your private transfer to Cusco. Arrival in Cusco city is expected in the evening; the service concludes by dropping you off at your hotel in Cusco city.

Meals: Breakfast
Hiking distance (Machu Picchu): 8 km (approx. 5 miles)
Minimum altitude: 2,000 masl / 6,561 ft.
Maximum altitude: 2,700 masl / 8,858 ft.
Machu Picchu altitude: 2,450 masl / 8,038 ft.
Hiking hours (Machu Picchu): 6 hours
Accommodation: None.