Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu (3 Days)

Overview

Inca Jungle Trail 4 Days / 3 Nights to Machu Picchu

The Inca Jungle Trail is a thrilling 4-day, 3-night adventure that blends adrenaline, nature, and history on the way to Machu Picchu. This unique route offers a perfect mix of outdoor activities—biking, rafting, ziplining, and hiking—while immersing travelers in the beauty of the Andes and the Peruvian jungle.

Along the journey, you will:

Bike down from the high mountain pass of Abra Málaga (4,350 m) with spectacular views of the Andes.
Experience white-water rafting in Santa María and explore ancient Inca trails.
Hike through tropical valleys with coffee, coca, banana, and yucca plantations, learning about local culture.
Relax at the natural Colcamayo Hot Springs, the perfect break after a day of trekking.
Fly over the jungle on a zipline adventure in Santa Teresa before continuing to Aguas Calientes.
Conclude your journey with a guided visit to the majestic Machu Picchu, exploring its mysteries and breathtaking landscapes.

This adventure is designed for travelers with a moderate fitness level, offering both excitement and comfort. Each day combines action-packed activities with cultural discovery, cozy accommodations, and delicious meals. Whether soaking in hot springs, hiking ancient paths, or standing at the gates of Machu Picchu, the Inca Jungle Trail is an unforgettable experience that blends the best of Peru’s adventure and history.

Tour Plan

Day 1: Cusco – Santa María

The adventure begins with an early departure from Cusco toward the majestic Abra Málaga, located at 4,350 meters above sea level. Along the way, breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley, its traditional villages, and towering snow-capped peaks unfold. Once at the pass, safety equipment is provided to start an exhilarating downhill ride by bike, covering about 65 kilometers in three to four hours until reaching the warmer cloud forest. Along the route, there is a visit to the archaeological site of Huamanmarca, followed by a well-deserved lunch before continuing to Santa María. In the afternoon, the excitement continues with rafting on the river, an activity that lasts about an hour and a half. The day ends with dinner and an overnight stay in a local lodge.

Meals included: Lunch – Dinner
Minimum Altitude: 1500m/4,950ft
Maximum Altitude: 4,350m/14,357ft

Day 2: Santa María – Santa Teresa

After breakfast, the second day begins with a hike of about seven to eight hours, covering nearly 22 kilometers. The path alternates between country roads and original Inca trails that once connected Machu Picchu with Vilcabamba. Along the way, plantations of banana, coca, yucca, and coffee bring life to the scenery, while spectacular views of the Vilcanota Valley provide constant rewards. After several hours of trekking, there is a break in the village of Quellomayo for lunch and some rest. The journey then continues toward the Colcamayo hot springs, a perfect opportunity to relax in soothing thermal waters. Afterward, a short walk leads to Santa Teresa, where dinner and overnight accommodation await.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Minimum Altitude 1500m/4950ft
Maximum Altitude: 1,900m/6,270ft

Day 3: Santa Teresa – Aguas Calientes

The day starts with breakfast followed by the adrenaline-filled experience of canopy or zipline. This two-hour adventure includes four ziplines and a hanging bridge that guarantee unforgettable thrills. After the activity, transportation takes the group to Hidroeléctrica for lunch. From there, a scenic three-hour walk along the train tracks leads to Aguas Calientes, surrounded by lush vegetation and dramatic mountain landscapes. Upon arrival, participants settle into their hotel before gathering for dinner at a local restaurant and resting ahead of the grand finale at Machu Picchu.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Minimum Altitude: 2,000m/6,600ft.
Maximum Altitude:2,850m/9,407ft

Day 4: Machu Picchu – Cusco

The highlight of the journey begins early in the morning, with the option to hike for about an hour and a half from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of Machu Picchu or to take a thirty-minute bus ride. Once inside the sanctuary, a guided tour of approximately two and a half hours explores the main archaeological sectors, temples, plazas, and viewpoints, followed by free time to continue exploring independently. Those who booked in advance may also climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for even more spectacular views. After the visit, the return to Cusco begins, either by train from Aguas Calientes through Ollantaytambo or by combining the Hydroelectric route with ground transportation. This marks the end of an unforgettable adventure blending culture, nature, and adrenaline in the Andes and the Peruvian jungle.

Meal included: Breakfast
Minimum Altitude: 2,040m/6,727ft
Maximum Altitude: 2,440m/8,052ft

Included:

Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu, including a guided tour with free time to explore on your own.
Briefing session the evening before departure to prepare for the adventure.
Professional bilingual guides (English/Spanish) with official certification.
All main activities included: biking, rafting, zip-lining, and hiking.
Private transportation from Cusco to Abra Málaga to start the trek.
Return transportation to Cusco, with the option of train or car.
Accommodation for 3 nights in Santa María, Santa Teresa, and Aguas Calientes (private bathroom and hot shower).
Meals during the tour: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners, prepared with local ingredients.
Special diet options available (vegetarian/vegan) at no extra cost.
Emergency kit with first aid supplies and oxygen carried by the guide.