group with the mountain bikes ready for the malaga pass
aerial view of the hot springs of cocalmayo
group rafting
boy jumping on a zip line
views of machu picchu on a sunny day
incla jungle trail
people doing rafting in santa maria
people eating at the camp
people crossing the bridge
buffet in aguas calientes
people walking alongside the train tracks on the inca jungle trek
passage of the hydroelectric train
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Inca Jungle Trek Machu Picchu

4-Day Inca Jungle Adventure from Cusco to Machu Picchu

(10 reviews)

🚨 Tickets to Machu Picchu sell out fast! 🚨 Book in advance.

Cusco
4 days
English and Spanish
Starts: From your accommodation in Cuzco at 6:00 a.m.
Ends: To the center of Cuzco at about 10:30 p.m.
Flexible cancellation policy

Briefing

The Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu is a 4-day adventure from Cusco that combines hiking with a variety of outdoor activities. The route starts with a downhill mountain bike ride from Abra Málaga and continues along Inca trails and through jungle landscapes until you reach Machu Picchu.

Along the Inca Jungle Trail, you'll go mountain biking, rafting, hiking and zip lining, passing through Santa María, Santa Teresa and Aguas Calientes. Instead of camping, the tour combines simple accommodations with one night of glamping at the Sky Lodge Domes.

This 4-day Inca Jungle Trek is a private tour, so you'll travel with your own group and guide. It's an alternative to the classic Inca Trail for travelers looking for a more varied and active way to reach Machu Picchu.

Do you like this way of exploring Machu Picchu? 😊 Here are all the details:

Discover Machu Picchu with the best tours. Find the one that suits you best 👉 Tours to Machu Picchu.

Tour details

Included

  • Machu Picchu entrance ticket (according to the selected option)
  • Spanish/English professional guide
  • 3 nights lodging
  • Dual suspension mountain bike, helmet and gloves
  • rafting + zip line (equipment included)
  • Meals (3 full days buffet style with vegetarian option)
  • First aid kit + 1 oxygen tank
  • Transportation (including touristic train)

Not included

  • Breakfast day 1
  • Lunch day 4
  • Access to Cocalmayo Hot Springs (10 soles)
  • Water to refill bottles

Important information

  • To guarantee the conservation of Machu Picchu, different itineraries have been designed within the citadel. When you make your reservation, you will be assigned the best itinerary and schedule available.
  • The availability of tickets to Machu Picchu is very limited and it is recommended to book as far in advance as possible.

Cancellation policy

If you cancel at least 72 hours in advance, we will refund the total amount minus 110 USD per person. No refunds will be issued for cancellations made less than 72 hours in advance or for no-shows.

*Additional tickets included as extras are non-refundable.

Tour itinerary

PREVIOUS DAY

Briefing in Cusco

The day before departure,you will meet with the guide and the rest of your fellow adventurers to prepare for the tour. You will be given the indications you need and any questions will be answered so that you can enjoy the experience to the fullest.

Now, let's get started!

Location: agency office

DAY 1 Cusco Abra Málaga - Huamanmarca - Sta María

Distance: 34,18 miles (55km) - 3 hours downhill biking + 1 hour of rafting

Maximum altitude: 14,272 ft (4,350 m.)

Minimum altitude: 3,937 ft (1.200 m.)

07:00 A.M.

🚐 Pick up in Cuzco

At 7 am we will be picked up at our hotel in Cuzco to start the adventure by minibus and we will head the whole group to the Sacred Valley, crossing the villages of Chinchero, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo.

🚲 Descent by bicycle to Abra Malaga pass

We will arrive at Abra Malaga, the starting point from where we will have the opportunity to appreciate the snowy Huacay Willca (Veronica). It is then time to put on our equipment and start the mountain bike route to the archaeological remains in Huaman Marq'a, where we will stop for lunch. A route of 34,18 miles (55km) in which during 3 hours we will feel the adrenaline to the maximum descending from 14,272 ft above sea level (4.350 m) to 3,937 ft above sea level (1.200 m.)

biking down to the malaga pass during the inca jungle trek

Huaman Marq'a 🚐 Santa María

After lunch, a minibus will be waiting for us to take us to Santa Maria. Once there, we will go rafting on the white river (The activity is included in your reservation). We can also take advantage of the afternoon to rest and discover the city, where we can buy some snacks or refreshments.

Later, we will have dinner in a restaurant in the city and spend the night in a family hostel.

rafting in santa maria during the inca jungle trek

DAY 2 Santa María - Quellomayo - Santa Teresa

Distance: 4,35 miles (7km) - 4 hours

Starting altitude: 3,937 ft (1.200 m.)

Final altitude: 6,562 ft (2.000 m.)

06:30 A.M.

Santa María 👣 Quellomayo

First thing in the morning we will have an energetic breakfast in the restaurant and then we will start the route to Quellomayo. A 1 hour trekking route, following a section of the Inca Trail: the Qhapaq Ñan.

Along the way we will see plantations of coffee, cocoa, yucca and different birds such as hummingbirds and parrots, since in those moments we will be totally surrounded by a more tropical ecosystem.

group resting on the way to santa rosa during the inca jungle trek

Quellomayo

Arriving in Quellomayo we will stop for lunch, and then continue the route to Santa Teresa. On the way we will have the opportunity to stop at the thermal baths of Cocalmayo. Undoubtedly, one of the best experiences of the day, enjoying a hot bath in the middle of nature.

Santa Teresa

Once we arrive in Santa Teresa, we will have free time to go zip lining or go for a walk and have a drink in one of its typical bars. Finally we will have dinner together in a local restaurant and spend the night in our exclusive Sky Lodge Domes.

tourists enjoying the hot springs of Cocalmayo in peru

DAY 3 Santa Teresa - Hydroelectric power plant - Aguas Calientes

Distance: 15,53 miles (25km) - 8 hours

Minimum altitude: 5,906 ft (1.800 m.)

Maximum altitude: 9,186 ft (2.800.)

07:00 A. M.

Santa Teresa 👣 Hidroelectrica

After breakfast we will start the trek to Hidroeléctrica (6233,6 ft or 1900m.) by an old Inca trail. After two hours we will arrive to some waterfalls coming from the glaciers, where we will have time to rest.

girl walking across a metal bridge on the road to hidroelectrica

Upon arrival at the Hidroelectrica we will have lunch with the whole group in one of the restaurants to regain strength before the last stage of the trek: a 5,59 miles route (9km) that runs along the tracks of the emblematic train that goes to Machu Picchu. The trail is located in an incredible valley where the vegetation has already been completely transformed into high jungle.

people walking along the railroad tracks linking hidroelectrica with aguas calientes

Aguas Calientes

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes we will leave our luggage in the lodges and we will have free time to visit the town, its market or just relax with a bath in its hot springs ($5.00). At the end of the afternoon we will meet again with the whole group to have dinner and plan with your guide the next day: the visit to Machu Picchu.

In the evening we will have dinner together at a local restaurant before heading to the lodge where we will spend the night.

train station in aguas calientes machu picchu town

DAY 4 Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cuzco

Distance: 3,72 miles (6 km) - 1,5 hours

Minimum altitude: 6561 ft (2.000m)

Maximum altitude:7972 ft (2.400m)

We will have an early breakfast and start our last day climbing up to the entrance of the famous Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas.

Machu Picchu

We will access the citadel of Machu Picchu and enjoy the history of the Inca city. Later, we will have time to continue exploring on our own, and access the optional areas of Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain if we have added them to our reservation as an extra.

views of the inca city of machu picchu

Aguas Calientes

At the end of the visit to Machu Picchu, once again we can decide whether to go down to Aguas Calientes on foot or by bus (for 12 USD). Once there, we will take the opportunity to walk around the city and have lunch in one of its restaurants.

train aguas calientes peru

Aguas Calientes 🚆 Ollantaytambo 🚐 Cuzco

In Aguas Calientes, we will take the train to Ollantaytambo. At Ollantaytambo train station a transport will be waiting for us to take us back to the center of Cuzco. We will arrive approximately around 10:30 pm.

The exact train schedule and access to Machu Picchu are subject to availability and will be indicated with the confirmation of your reservation.

aerial view of the city of cuzco in peru

What to bring to Inca Jungle Trek Machu Picchu tour

  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Sunglasses
  • Cap or hat
  • T-shirt and shorts for the hikes
  • Warm clothing
  • Comfortable footwear (waterproof hiking shoes if possible)
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Raincoat/waterproof poncho
  • Passport
  • Sandals or flip-flops
  • Bathing suit and towel (for the hot springs of Aguas Calientes)
  • Personal hygiene products
  • Flashlight
  • Medication to avoid altitude sickness (in case you consider it necessary).

Where does the tour Inca Jungle Trek Machu Picchu start

🚌 Pick up:

The tour starts with pick up from your accommodation in Cuzco. Remember to tell us the name of your accommodation when booking or inform us before the trip.

📍How to get to El Calafate?

If your starting point to get to Cuzco is Lima, check out our complete guide and discover all the routes and transport options to get to this incredible destination.

If you are arriving from Arequipa, the bus journey takes ten hours. You can also choose to make the journey by plane, in this case the only airline that offers direct flights is LATAM Airlines.

If you arrive from Puno the best option is to do it by bus, a journey of six and a half hours. We also offer the possibility of doing this journey in a tourist bus that makes stops at the most important places along the way. Departure is at 7:00 in the morning and arrival in Cuzco is at 17:30.

Finally, LATAM Airlines operates a direct route Iquitos - Cuzco. This route is not available on a daily basis, so we recommend you check the dates on which it is available to plan your trip.

Questions & Answers

  • What is the Inca Jungle Trek and what is the route to Machu Picchu like?

    The Inca Jungle Trek is a 4-day, 3-night route from Cusco to Machu Picchu that combines hiking with mountain biking, rafting and zip lining. The route passes through Abra Málaga, Santa María, Santa Teresa, Hidroeléctrica and Aguas Calientes before visiting Machu Picchu on the final day.

  • How difficult is the Inca Jungle Trek, what is its highest point and are there any age restrictions?

    The Inca Jungle Trek is moderately difficult and combines hiking with activities such as mountain biking, rafting and zip lining. The highest point of the route is Abra Málaga, at 14,272 ft (4,350 m) above sea level, where the downhill mountain bike ride begins.

    The minimum age is 8 and the maximum age is 65. The tour is not suitable for pregnant travelers.

  • What is the best time of year to do the Inca Jungle Trek? Is it available year-round?

    The Inca Jungle Trek is available year-round, although the route may be modified during January, February and March due to the rainy season. The dry season, from April to October, generally offers more stable weather and less muddy trails.

  • Do I need biking or rafting experience and what equipment is included?

    No previous biking or rafting experience is required, as the guides provide the necessary safety instructions. Double-suspension mountain bikes are used for the downhill ride, and the tour includes a bike, helmet, gloves and the necessary equipment for rafting and zip lining.

    You should, however, be comfortable taking part in outdoor activities.

  • How long is the rafting activity on the Inca Jungle Trek?

    The rafting takes place on the first day, after the downhill bike ride from Abra Málaga and upon arrival in Santa María. According to the current itinerary, the activity lasts approximately 1 hour and is included in the tour.

  • Where do you sleep on the Inca Jungle Trek: hotels or campsites?

    There is no camping on this Inca Jungle Trek. The first night is spent at a family-run lodge in Santa María, the second at the Sky Lodge Domes in Santa Teresa, and the third at a simple accommodation in Aguas Calientes. The tour includes 3 nights of accommodation in total.

  • Do I need to bring water and snacks from Cusco?

    You don't need to carry all the water and snacks you'll need for the 4-day trek from Cusco. The route passes through different villages where you can buy bottled water, fresh fruit and other products.

    You should bring a refillable water bottle, as water refills are not included in the tour.

  • What is the difference between the Inca Jungle Trek, the Inca Trail and the Salkantay Trek?

    The Inca Jungle Trek combines hiking with adventure activities such as mountain biking, rafting and zip lining, making it a more varied and active way to reach Machu Picchu. Instead of primarily camping along the route, you'll stay in simple accommodations, including one night at the Sky Lodge Domes.

    The Salkantay Trek is much more focused on hiking. The 4-day route crosses high-altitude mountain landscapes, reaches 15,190 ft (4,630 m) at the Salkantay Pass and includes hiking days of up to 10 hours. It includes two nights of camping and one night in Aguas Calientes.

    The Inca Trail is also more focused on completing the route on foot, while the Inca Jungle combines different activities and ways of traveling. If you're looking for variety and adventure, the Inca Jungle is a better fit; if you prefer a trip focused primarily on trekking, the Salkantay Trek or Inca Trail may suit you better.

  • Can I do the Inca Jungle Trek as a private tour?

    Yes. This 4-day, 3-night Inca Jungle Trek is a private tour, so you'll complete the route with your own group and guide. This makes the experience more personalized and allows the pace of the trip to better suit your group.

  • What should I know about Machu Picchu tickets and additional areas?

    There are different circuits for visiting Machu Picchu, and each follows a different route, so we can't say that one is better than the others. We recommend reading this Howlanders guide explaining the differences between Machu Picchu tickets and circuits.

    When processing your booking, Howlanders will do everything possible to confirm the best available circuit for your date and time, also taking into account the possibility of getting the classic photo with the citadel in the background.

    If you already have your Machu Picchu ticket, you'll receive a $45 USD discount per person. Simply make your booking and leave us a note or contact Howlanders.

Inca Jungle Trek Machu Picchu tour reviews with Howlanders

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