Inca Jungle to Machu Picchu

The Inca Jungle tour combines adventure sports like mountain biking, rafting, zip-lining, and scenic hikes passing by waterfalls, hot springs and vast array of flora and fauna over 4 packed days, culminating at Machu Picchu!

This premium tour offers a personalized experience with all services you need, including zip-lining and rafting, transportations, accommodations, entrance fees, meals and guides.

It’s ideal for couples, families, and friends seeking privacy and extra comfort during an adventure tour. Despite seeming challenging, people of all ages can enjoy it without difficulty.

(optional access to the mountains “Huayna Picchu” and “Machu Picchu Mountain” is available depending on availability)

DAY 1 - Cusco – Santa Maria (Biking & Rafting)

The tour starts around 6 AM with the pickup and transport of the participants towards Abra Málaga Pass (4,300 m), where we begin biking down the mountain roads. After ~3 hours of downhill biking, enjoying beautiful views and passing through various altitudinal zones, we will reach the town of Huaman Marca, where the first activity ends. We there continue by bus to the town of Santa María, where we enjoy a hearty lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, we head for the rafting adventure for ~3 hours in one of the safe sections of the Vilcanota River. This is one of the most enjoyable activities, and we only offer it during Cusco’s «dry» season (from March to December). At night, we will stay in a rustic lodge in the mountains, offering a beautiful view of the Cusco jungle.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Lodge
Min Altitude: 1,200 m
Max Altitude: 4,316 m
Distance: ~21 km

DAY 2 - Santa Maria – Santa Teresa (Hiking & Hot Springs)

Around 6 AM, after a proper breakfast, we begin the hike along a beautiful stretch of an original ancient Inca trail. This part of the tour is a must, as we will be able to appreciate the well-preserved Inca path, still used by local residents today. Along the way, we will pass by waterfalls, streams, and plantations of fruits and plants typical of the region. We will also witness the area’s diverse flora and fauna, including various species of exotic birds, as well as a wide range of orchids and fruit trees like bananas, oranges, avocados, and coffee, among others. Remember, the Inca Jungle tour passes through the «eyebrow» of the jungle, one of the planet’s richest areas in biological diversity.

In the afternoon, we reach the thermal baths of Cocalmayo, where we can enjoy a few hours in this famous thermal medicinal water resort. After this relaxing therapy, we will be transported to our accommodation in the town of Santa Teresa, where we spend our second night. You can take the opportunity to enjoy a ‘pisco sour’ at one of the cozy pubs in town and forge lasting friendships with the group.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hostel
Min Altitude: 1,280 m
Max Altitude: 1,700 m
Distance: ~12 km of hiking

Day 3 - Santa Teresa – Aguas Calientes (Zip-Lining & Hiking)

In the morning, you’ll experience breath-taking zip-lining, also known as canopy, one of the most exciting experiences of this tour where you’ll fly like superman between mountains! After enjoying the scenery and a brief rest, we will descend toward a checkpoint called «Hidroeléctrica,» where a refreshing lunch awaits us.

We then continue hiking for ~3 more hours. This is likely the section with the best views and landscapes of the Inka Jungle tour, as you will see stunning waterfalls from glaciers, coca plantations, old bridges, and other attractions as our guide will describe the details of the route taken by the explorers who discovered Machu Picchu. This hike follows the train route until we reach Aguas Calientes, also known as ‘Machu Picchu Pueblo’, where we will stay in a comfortable local lodge at the foot of the archaeological complex.

At night, we gather at a tourist restaurant to enjoy a delicious dinner, and together with the guide, we will plan the next day’s visit to Machu Picchu.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Min Altitude: 1,600 m
Max Altitude: 2,040 m
Distance: ~16 km of hiking

DAY 4 - Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

Around 4 AM, we prepare to ascend to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. We will climb approximately 1,500 steps. It’s worth mentioning that the guide will not accompany the group during this section, as they will need to coordinate prior details and will meet us at the entrance of Machu Picchu.

After entering the archaeological complex (between 6-8 am), and if luck is on our side, we might witness the sunrise. Once inside, our guide will share all the historical knowledge with us during a two-hour tour. Afterwards, we will be free to explore the citadel on our own and take photos to capture the memories.

Travelers who made an advance reservation and managed to purchase a ticket for one of the additional mountains, either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (+ $70 USD), will enjoy a spectacular aerial view of the Machu Picchu archaeological complex in all its glory. This hike could take ~3 hours (round trip), but it’s well worth the effort as the landscape is unforgettable.

In the afternoon, we will descend to Aguas Calientes for a final walk through the town, to rest, buy handicrafts, and prepare for the return train (depending on the selected package) to Ollantaytambo, where we will be grouped and board the bus that will take us to Cusco, where the tour ends.

Meals: Breakfast
Min Altitude: 2,040 m
Max Altitude: 2,490 m
Distance: ~4 km of hiking

INCLUSIONS

OPTIONAL

What to Bring

Tips

INCLUSIONS