Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days
TRIP SUMMARY
Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu 4 days, offers you an adventure full of adrenaline towards Machu Picchu through the High Forest of Cusco. This adventure combines a bicycle adventure, rafting on the Urubamba River, a hike through ancient Inca trails, hot springs, zip-lining, and a visit to the wonder of the world, Machu Picchu.
INCA JUNGLE TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU
If you're looking for an adventure-packed journey, our 4-day Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu is perfect for you! Imagine biking through the breathtaking High Forest of Cusco, rafting down the thrilling Urubamba River, hiking along ancient Inca trails, and relaxing in natural hot springs. You'll even get to zip-line through the lush landscapes before reaching the iconic Machu Picchu.
This experience is more than just a hike; it's a fun and exhilarating way to explore one of the world's wonders with friends. Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or love the great outdoors, this adventure has something for everyone.
DAY 1: CUSCO - ABRA MALAGA - SANTA MARÍA
We'll start our adventure on the Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu with a thrilling bike ride from Abra Málaga to Santa María, surrounded by breathtaking scenery. In the afternoon, get ready for an exhilarating rafting experience on the sacred Urubamba River. It's the perfect mix of adrenaline and stunning landscapes to kick off our journey to Machu Picchu!
Overnight in a Lodge in Santa María.
DAY 2: SANTA MARIA - ZIPLINE - COCALMAYO HOT SPRINGS - LUCMABAMBA
This day will be unforgettable as we dedicate it entirely to trekking. We'll start from Santa María, pass through the Casa del Mono and Qèllomayo, and finally reach Qocalmayo and Santa Teresa. Along the way, you'll have the chance to zipline and unwind in the soothing hot springs, making this a truly memorable experience.
Overnight in Lucmabamba Domes campsite.
DAY 3: SANTA TERESA - AOBAMBA - AGUAS CALIENTES
We'll kick off the morning with an adrenaline adventure that will have your heart racing while being on the Coffee Tour and arriving at the Inti Watana. In the afternoon, we'll set out on a scenic walk towards Machu Picchu Pueblo, taking in the beauty of the surrounding landscapes as we get closer to our destination.
Overnight in a Hotel in Aguas Clientes.
DAY 4: AGUAS CALIENTES - MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO
The highlight of our journey has arrived—the day we visit the wonder of the world, Machu Picchu. You'll have the chance to explore this iconic site and take in its breathtaking beauty. In the afternoon, we'll make our way back to Cusco, carrying unforgettable memories of this incredible adventure.
End of our services.
Itinerary
DAY 1: CUSCO - ABRA MALAGA - SANTA MARÍA
The adventure begins at 5:00 AM with a drive to the Sacred Valley for breakfast. We then head to Abra Málaga, the gateway to the jungle, for a 55 km bike ride descending from the highlands to the tropical forest. Along the way, we visit the Huamancarma Archaeological Site.
After lunch in Santa María, we embark on a rafting adventure on the Urubamba River (available April–December). The day concludes with dinner and rest at our lodge.
Overnight in a Lodge in Santa María.
- Difficulty: 4/5 (Moderate)
- Distance: 55 km (Biking) / 9 km (Rafting)
- Time: 3 hrs (Biking) / 1 hr (Rafting)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Elevation: 1,200 m (3,937 ft) - 4,350 m (14,272 ft)
DAY 2: SANTA MARIA - ZIPLINE - COCALMAYO HOT SPRINGS - LUCMABAMBA
We trek through coca and tropical fruit plantations, stopping at Casa del Mono for a coffee and cocoa production demonstration. This section of the Inca trail offers views of Salkantay Mountain and the Urubamba River. After a descent to Q'ellomayo for lunch (with optional Ziplining), we hike 2.5 hours to the Cocalmayo hot springs for a relaxing soak.
Overnight in Lucmabamba Domes campsite.
- Difficulty: 4/5 (Moderate)
- Distance: 7 km approx.
- Walking Time: 4-5 hrs approx.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Elevation: 1,200 m (3,937 ft) - 2,000 m (6,562 ft)
DAY 3: SANTA TERESA - AOBAMBA - AGUAS CALIENTES
We begin with the "Coffee Tour Cusco," exploring an organic farm before a 3-hour climb to the Inca site of Llactapata, providing the first glimpse of Machu Picchu. After lunch in Aobamba, we walk 3 hours alongside the train tracks (or take an optional train, not included) to reach Aguas Calientes.
Overnight in a Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- Difficulty: 4.5/5 (Moderate to Challenging)
- Distance: 25 km approx.
- Walking Time: 8-9 hrs approx.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Elevation: 1,800 m (5,906 ft) - 2,800 m (9,186 ft)
DAY 4: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
We enter the citadel early for a 2-hour guided tour of the temples, terraces, and water systems. After exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site, we return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and board the train to Ollantaytambo. A private bus then transfers us back to Cusco, arriving around 8:00 PM.
Overnight in Cusco (On your own)
- Difficulty: 2/5 (Easy)
- Walking Time: 2-3 hrs approx.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Machu Picchu Elevation: 2,430 m (7,972 ft)
- Cusco Elevation: 3,399 m (11,150 ft)
TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT:
- Expect bus lines between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu during peak season.
- Standard entry covers circuit 2 with no re-entry unless a mountain ticket is booked.
- Optional visits: Chavez Ballón Museum (free with passport) or the Butterfly House (S/. 10.00).
Included
WHAT DOES THE INCA JUNGLE TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU INCLUDE?
- Informative briefing prior to the adventure where our guide will provide all the information of the Tour.
- Experienced professional guide.
- Transportation Cusco - Santa María.
- Transportation Santa Teresa - Hidroeléctrica.
- CONSETTUR bus ticket Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Aguas Calientes.
- EXPEDITION train ticket Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo.
- Bike activity (Bikes, helmets, and gloves).
- Rafting with all the equipment.
- Zip Line with all the equipment.
- 3 lunches, 3 dinners, and 3 breakfasts. Vegetarian option available. Breakfast on the first day and lunch and dinner on the last day are not included.
- Tea time (before each dinner)
- First aid kit and oxygen bottle.
- Entrance to Machu Picchu Circuit 2.
Not Included
- Walking sticks (20.00 USD).
- Extra nights in Aguas Calientes.
- Additional costs beyond our control (bad weather, itinerary modifications due to safety or illness problems, political instability, strikes, etc.).
- Clothing and personal equipment.
- Entrance to the Cocalmayo Hot Springs.
- Breakfast the first day.
- Lunch and dinner on the last day.
- Phone calls.
- Travel insurance.
- Services not mentioned.
- Gratuities.
OPTIONAL
- Entrance ticket for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain: an additional 65.00 USD per person (Needs to be booked several months in advance)
Recommendations
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE TOUR:
- Bring your passport or identity document (DNI) (the same with which the reservation was made).
- Wear trekking shoes.
- Bring a waterproof jacket/rain poncho.
- Bring a warm jacket.
- Wear T-shirts (quick-dry).
- Wear comfortable trekking pants, shorts.
- Bring a hat and gloves.
- Bring extra cash (Soles).
- Bring a 70 L backpack, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent.
- Bring your camera and extra batteries.
- It is only allowed to carry 7 kilos of luggage on the train.
- Book your tickets to the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in advance.
- Bring personal medications.
- Bring a bottle of water and snacks.
- Bring toiletries and hand sanitizer.
- Bring a flashlight with extra batteries.
Prices
Tour Price
"Ask first for availability 24 hours before the tour, otherwise we cannot guarantee the availability of the tour"
| GROUP SERVICE | PRICE PER PERSON | INCA JUNGLE TRAIL 4 DAYS |
|---|---|---|
| REGULAR SERVICE | Now: $499.00 USD |
BOOK NOW |
Frequently Asked Questions
The best time is during the dry season, from May to October. The rainy season (November to April) can make trails slippery and challenging.
The trek involves challenging hikes at lower altitudes. A good level of physical fitness and some prior trekking experience are recommended due to the distances.
Altitude sickness can still occur even in the jungle. It is important to acclimate in Cusco before starting the trek, stay hydrated, and listen to your body. We suggest checking our traditional tours to acclimatize.
Charging services are available at all campsites, but we still recommend bringing extra batteries or a portable power bank as a backup.
Accommodations range from Sky Camp and Mountain Sky View domes to lodges and hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes. Ensure you have sleeping bags rated for cold temperatures.
Safe drinking water is usually provided or can be treated with purification tablets. Always follow guide instructions regarding water sources.
Many hotels offer free storage. Alternatively, we can store your belongings in our office until you return from the trek.
Additional costs may include optional activities, tips, personal expenses, and optional entrance fees for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. Taking the train from Aobamba instead of walking to Aguas Calientes is also an extra cost.
Acclimate in Cusco, train for physical endurance, and ensure you have appropriate gear and vaccinations. Follow any additional advice from your tour operator.
In adverse weather or trail closures, the tour operator may adjust the itinerary or provide alternative arrangements. Flexibility is key.
After your train arrives in Ollantaytambo from Aguas Calientes, our representative will transport you back to Cusco.
Guides are trained in first aid for initial care. For serious issues, evacuation procedures are in place. It is essential to have travel insurance covering medical emergencies.
- Kantu Peru Tours operates all packages directly, avoiding third-party commissions that inflate costs.
- Our professional staff undergoes rigorous customer service training.
- We hold all official permits and certificates (DICETUR – MINCETUR) to operate in Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
- Our customer reviews are our best guarantee. Read them HERE.
- For more information, contact us HERE.
Final
Take a look at our Blog Kantu, to learn more about the best destinations in Peru.
If you want to take this tour, you can include it in your Machu Picchu Package, request it from your Kantu Peru Tours travel agent.
Visit our exclusive Trekkings website: TrekkingsKantu.
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