Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu

Overview

The Inca Jungle trek to Machu Picchu is by far the most adventurous trekking option in the Cusco region. It is also the most varied in terms of activities.

The ‘trek’ includes a massive downhill mountain biking experience, followed by possible river rafting on Grade III and IV rapids, jungle trekking, and optional zip-lining. It culminates with a visit to Machu Picchu.

The trek naturally appears to adventurous types who like thrilling adrenaline-filled experiences.

Included/Exclude

Transfer from our office at 6.00am to the Lodge (breakfast point)
Mini-bus to Santa María or biking point
Bikes and full safety equipment
All meals, except on Day 4 (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners)
3 nights’ accommodation (Santa Maria, Santa Teresa, and Aguas Calientes)
An experienced, bilingual “Adventure Guide”
Entrance to Machu Picchu
Guided Tour in and around Machu Picchu

Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu Mountain
Entrance fee to Machu Picchu Mountain
Last day's lunch in Machu Picchu
Any Personal Expenses
Hot springs in Cocalmayo (optional 10 soles)
Walking Poles – $15

Tour Plan

DAY 1: CUSCO – OLLANTAYTAMBO – ABRA MALAGA – SANTA MARIA (Biking and rafting)

Our adventure starts at 6 am! Your guide will pick you up at your Cusco hotel in our private van for the drive to Ollantaytambo where you have time for breakfast. Then we drive by uphill to reach Malaga pass, (4,350m/14,357ft), where we have a few minutes to prepare our biking equipment and ourselves before we start our 3-hour journey, cycling downhill towards Santa Maria (1,500m/4,950ft). You will enjoy the different microclimates such as the highland, cloud forest, rainforest and the two stunning archaeological sites of Incatambo and Wamanmarca. In the afternoon, we will be able to raft in the Urubamba River for two hours, then back to our countryside lodge for tea, appetizers and dinner.

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

DAY 2: SANTA MARIA – COCALMAYO – SANTA TERESA (Trekking)

Today after an early breakfast, we walk for seven hours through the rainforest, enjoying a myriad of fruit plantations such as avocados, maniocs, oranges, mangoes, cacao, coffee and coca shrubs. We arrive at Quellomayu for lunch. Then we walk up a moderate hill through a portion of the original Inca trail towards the hot springs of Cocalmayu. Once we arrive, we will enjoy the medicinal hot springs and relaxing after our long walk. Afterwards we drive to Santa Teresa where we spend the night at our lodge

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

DAY 3: SANTA TERESA – LLACTAPATA – HYDROELECTRIC – AGUAS CALIENTES (Trekking)

Today is the toughest and most beautiful day of our trek. After breakfast, we drivefor 30 minutes to Lucmabamba (2,000m/6,600ft), where we start walking up a moderate hill for 3 hours through portions of the original Inca Trail and the cloud forest towards the Puncuyoc Pass. We then walk downhill for about 20 minutes to Llactapata 2,700m/8,907ft, an Inca site located straight in front of the Citadel of Machu Picchu! The panoramic views from this place are breathtaking. You can see different angles of the Citadel of Machu Picchu, the mountains of Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu and the Aobamba canyon where another section of the Inca Trail is visible. For the next couple of hours we walk downhill, arriving at the hydroelectric plant for lunch. Afterwards we hike for couple of hours through the National Park of Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, or take the train, enjoying the amazing location of the Citadel of Machu Picchu! At Aguas Calientes, after we check into our hotel, there will be time for sightseeing or shopping in this picturesque little town. We enjoy dinner together in a restaurant before we turn in for the night.

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

DAY 4: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

This is the day you’ve been waiting for! After an early breakfast at your hotel, you’ll take one of the first busses up to Machu Picchu so that you can be there to witness the sunrise. It is a truly extraordinary site and not something you’ll want to miss! Your guide will give you the full tour, which takes about two hours. You will see all of the most important parts of Machu Picchu, including the Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Condor, Temple of Three Windows, Sun Dial, Quarry and the House of the Inca. You will also learn about how Machu Picchu is divided into three sectors: agricultural, residential and religious. After your tour, those who have booked in advance for the extra hikes up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain will have time to enjoy those views on their own. When you have had your fill of the exceptional views of Machu Picchu, you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train departure time, you may also have time for some shopping, sightseeing or a visit to the museum or hot springs. Your train will depart at 14:55 or 15:20. The train will take you back to Ollantaytambo, following the spectacular Urubamba River. Close to Aguas Calientes, the canyon is narrow and the river has many beautiful sections of whitewater. You can also see Wiñay Wayna from the train, if you look up high on the steep canyon wall! Back at Ollantaytambo, your driver will meet you at the exit from the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private vehicle. You can expect to arrive at your hotel by 19:00.

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

Recommended To Carry

Passport or identity document (current)
Small backpack (water bottle, snacks, and more).
Extra cash (Soles) to buy souvenirs (optional).
Hat or cap for the sun and sunglasses.
Sunscreen.
Comfortable sneakers for the visit.
Light and warm clothes.
Waterproof jacket/rain poncho if your visit is between October to March.
Camera and extra batteries.