Inca Jungle Trek To Machu Picchu 4 Days

The Inca Jungle Trek, is an adventurous and alternative route to reach Machu Picchu, combining multiple outdoor activities such as mountain biking, trekking, rafting, and even zip-lining. Unlike the traditional Inca Trail, this trek is less regulated and offers a unique experience through different ecosystems, including high mountains, cloud forests, and subtropical jungles. The journey typically takes 4 days and 3 nights, offering a blend of adrenaline-pumping adventure and beautiful landscapes.

Overview of the Inca Jungle Trek:

01 Day: Cusco to Santa María (Mountain Biking and Optional Rafting)

• Distance: Approximately 55 km (cycling)
• Elevation: Start at Abra Málaga (4,350 m) and descend to Santa María (1,200 m)
• Activities:
  • After leaving Cusco early in the morning, you’ll drive to Abra Málaga. From here, you’ll start your biking adventure, descending through the mountains and down into the jungle.
  • As you ride, you’ll pass different ecological zones, from snow-capped mountains to lush jungle.
  • Optional rafting in the afternoon at the Urubamba River in Santa María.

02 Day: Santa María to Santa Teresa (Trekking)

• Distance: 14-15 km
• Elevation: Varies between 1,200 m to 1,800 m
• Activities:
  • This day is focused on trekking. You will follow ancient Inca trails, known as the Qhapaq Ñan, through the jungle, offering breathtaking views.
  • Along the way, you will pass coffee and coca plantations and enjoy the tropical flora and fauna.
  • Stop for lunch in a local village before continuing to the town of Santa Teresa.

03 Day: Santa Teresa to Aguas Calientes (Trekking and Optional Zip-lining)

• Distance: 16-18 km (trekking)
• Elevation: Around 2,040 m at Aguas Calientes
• Activities:
  • Start the day with an optional zip-lining experience in Santa Teresa for those seeking more adventure.
  • Afterward, continue the trek through the jungle and along the Vilcanota River, following the railway tracks to the town of Aguas Calientes.
  • You will have time to explore Aguas Calientes in the evening.

04 Day: Machu Picchu (Guided Tour and Exploration)

• Distance: 6-7 km (hiking up to Machu Picchu)
• Elevation: Machu Picchu sits at 2,430 m
• Activities:
  • Wake up early to hike or take the bus from Aguas Calientes up to Machu Picchu.
  • Enjoy a guided tour of Machu Picchu, exploring its ancient ruins, temples, and terraces.
  • After the tour, you can either hike back down to Aguas Calientes or take the bus.
  • Return to Cusco by train in the afternoon or evening.

General Tips:

• Acclimatization: Spend a few days in Cusco, before the trek to acclimate to the altitude.
• Packing: Pack layers for varying temperatures, rain gear, and sturdy hiking boots.
• Hydration and Nutrition: Stay hydrated and bring snacks for energy. Permits and Guides: Book through a reputable tour operator to handle permits and logistics.

DAY 01: CUSCO – ABRA MALAGA – SANTA MARIA.

Inca Jungle Trek. We will leave Cusco at 0.7.am in our private vehicle; driving in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, through Chincheros, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo until we reach the Abra de Málaga (4350 m). From there we will start our bike tour to Santa Maria (downhill and cross-country). In this experience, we will see archaeological sites such as Huamanmarca and an incredible landscape. We will be able to appreciate the birds of the tropics as well as medicinal plants in the cloud forest. This trip also takes us to observe exotic fruit plantations such as mango, pineapple, papaya, avocado, coffee and coca plants. We can take samples and enjoy the different flavors. Also observe coca and coffee plantations and see local families in their daily routine. We will have dinner in the town of Santa Maria near the river. Stay in tents or a basic family lodging

DAY 02: SANTA MARIA – SANTA TERESA.

After breakfast at 6am, we will begin the walk along the banks of the Vilcanota River for about 2 km. From San Pablo, we will begin the walk along the famous Inca trail. On this route we will be able to observe a variety of flora and fauna in the area as well as a variety of native plants (coca leaves). Continuing along this route we will arrive at Quellomayo where we will have lunch at a local restaurant and continue our walk along the banks of the Urubamba River until we reach the thermal baths of Cocalmayo. Here we will have time to relax and then continue to Santa Teresa for accommodation at the hostel, overnight and dinner.

DAY 03: SANTA TERESA – AGUAS CLIENTS:

This day is the quietest of the entire trip. After breakfast, we have many options to continue to Aguas Calientes. The decision is yours. The guide will explain these options to you. The walk will take approximately 3 hours along a road to reach the hydroelectric plant. Here we have lunch and then a 3-hour walk to reach the town of Aguas Calientes. Along the way, you will be able to see the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu on top of the mountain, as well as a variety of flora and fauna in the area. Enjoy a flat and easy path. Accommodation at the hotel, dinner and overnight.

DAY 04: MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO.

After breakfast at the hotel we will begin a 1.30 hour walk uphill to reach the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu and to be the first here we will show our passport at the control and immediately begin the guided tour to enjoy the city without many people and also to be able to observe the sunrise. After the guided tour you have free time to explore the city more and if you have the entrance ticket to Wayna Picchu you can begin the climb that will take you 45 minutes, to return to Aguas Calientes there are 2 options, the bus or walking again (optional) you have time for lunch and then board the train back to the city, bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.

The train service that includes all the tours (the Expedition to Ollanta) and bus to Cusco. * If you want to stay an extra night in Aguas Calientes you have to tell us in advance to arrange your hotel and change the return train service.

CONDITIONS FOR THE MOUNTAIN MACHU PICCHU AND HUAYNA PICCHU.

Reservation & Booking Policies

OUR SERVICE INCLUDES:

NOT INCLUDED:

** Train included in all tours is (Expedition Ollanta service) will only be confirmed once full amount of tour is paid. The earlier train you could take is the 14: 30.pm and being the last train at 18: 30. Salkantay Expeditions, arrange transportation to Cusco (by taxi or bus).
Note: train schedules are subject to depending on Peru rail on schedule and availability changes. The train can be changed to Vista dome (bigger than the expedition train windows) with an increase in price.

WHAT YOU NEED TO TAKE:

OPTIONAL TO TAKE:

OPTIONAL SERVICES (NOT INCLUDED):

IMPORTANT: Prices depend on the service you hire and the number of people. You have to be flexible with your travel dates (giving alternatives of 1 or 2 days on each side of the preferred date), the availability for specific dates can change quickly since there are only 500 spaces on the Inca Trail per day

Prices: Season 2024

Group Service

• U$. 380 Per Person (Group Service)
• U$: 550 Per Person ( Private Service)

Group versus Private Treks: What’s the difference?

• Depending on the number of people in your booking, additional people may join the trek to make a full group.
• If you choose “private”, no additional people will be joining your group, no matter the size.
• Minimum booking size is 02 people; one person may book a group trek if Pacha Expeditions Travel Peru, is able to join that person with additional groups.

Discounts

**visit our secure payment methods