The 3-Day Short Inca Jungle Trek is the best option for adventure lovers who want to reach Machu Picchu in a unique and adrenaline-filled way. This tour combines mountain bike descent, level III and IV rafting, high jungle trekking, and zip line, considered one of the highest in Peru.
Unlike the Classic 4-Day Inca Jungle Trek, this version is designed for those with limited time in Cusco, without sacrificing any of the activities that make the Inca Jungle Trek an unforgettable experience. Although it has one day less, it keeps the essence of adventure, nature, and culture, allowing travelers to enjoy an alternative route full of excitement.
It was our founder Lorenzo Cahuana who created and popularized this alternative route with a sustainable approach. Unlike other treks, no porters or camps are used here, but we work directly with local families, using their accommodations and restaurants. This has allowed many communities along the route to significantly improve their economy over the last 15 years.
As a result, local inhabitants have contributed to the development of the route, discovering new paths and attractions to offer an increasingly enriching experience for travelers.
If you’re looking for an experience full of adventure, nature, and culture, the 3-Day Short Inca Jungle Trek is the best way to reach Machu Picchu. Dare to live this unforgettable experience!
This 3-day tour will take you through thrilling adventures and breathtaking landscapes. You’ll start with a challenging bike descent and rafting on the Vilcanota River, crossing diverse ecosystems from the Andes to the high jungle. On the second day, you’ll enjoy a zip-lining experience before starting a hike towards Aguas Calientes, visiting archaeological sites like Intihuatana and admiring the beauty of Machu Picchu from afar.
On the final day, you’ll explore the fascinating Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, with a guided tour that will immerse you in its history and mystery. Afterwards, you’ll have time to soak in its majesty before returning to Cusco with unforgettable memories. Below is the detailed itinerary.
Extreme adventure: Mountain biking descent and optional rafting on the Vilcanota River
Our journey begins with the departure from the Imperial City of Cusco towards the majestic Sacred Valley of the Incas, where we will enjoy an energizing breakfast before continuing towards the Abra Málaga (4,350 meters / 14,160 feet), the starting point of our first great adventure.
After an informative briefing with our expert guide, we will receive all the necessary equipment for our exciting mountain bike descent. For about 3 hours and 55 km, we will pedal through spectacular landscapes, crossing snow-capped mountains, tropical forests, and small streams while feeling the climate change, transitioning from the cold Andean environment to the warm atmosphere of the high jungle of Cusco. Along the way, we will make technical stops to check the equipment and enjoy the panoramic views. Finally, we will arrive at the town of Santa María (1,200 meters), where a delicious typical lunch awaits us.
In the afternoon, the more adventurous will have the option of doing rafting on the Vilcanota River (optional activity, additional cost of US$ 40). This river offers rapids of level III and III+, ideal for an adrenaline-filled experience. We will have high-quality safety equipment, such as helmets, category V life vests, and windbreakers. It is worth mentioning that this activity is only available between April and December, and the Peruvian government requires participants to know how to swim.
After this adventure-filled day, we will take private transportation to Santa Teresa, where we will rest at our cozy hotel and enjoy a comforting dinner.
Day Details:
Thrills at high altitudes and hiking towards Aguas Calientes
We start the day with a delicious breakfast in Santa Teresa, preparing for a day full of adventure and stunning landscapes. For the more daring, there is the option to do a zip line (zipline) in Santa Teresa, an adrenaline-packed experience with one of the most reliable operators in the area (optional activity, additional cost of $40). For about 2 hours, we will soar through the skies at high speed, enjoying panoramic views of the lush high jungle.
After this exciting activity, we will take transportation to Hidroeléctrica, where we will pass the entry control for the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu. From this point, we will begin our 19 km hike to the town of Aguas Calientes. Along the way, we will pass through impressive landscapes and visit the Intihuatana sector, a small archaeological site where our guide will share fascinating details about its history and function within the Inca Empire.
We will continue our path to San Gabriel, where we will enjoy a delicious homemade lunch prepared by the Gonza family, who will give us a warm welcome. From this point, we will admire the imposing mountains surrounding Machu Picchu, including Huayna Picchu and other Inca constructions high up.
The hike will end in Aguas Calientes, the picturesque town located at the foot of Machu Picchu. Here we will settle into our hotel and enjoy a well-deserved dinner, preparing for the big day of our visit to the Wonder of the World.
Day Details:
Ascent to the world wonder and guided tour
The last day of our adventure takes us to the most awaited destination: Machu Picchu. At dawn, we will have two options to ascend from Aguas Calientes to the Inca citadel:
The decision will be made the night before during dinner, and the departure time will be coordinated with the guide. Both options will take us to the same access point to Machu Picchu, where the guide will be waiting for us at the agreed time.
Upon arrival, we will go through the entry controls, presenting our original passport and, if previously reserved, the ticket to Huayna Picchu (additional cost of $65 USD, with prior booking up to 6 months in advance). The scheduling of visit times and circuits will depend on availability at the time of booking, so it is recommended to book as early as possible.
We will begin our guided tour, which lasts approximately 2 hours, during which we will discover the history, architecture, and significance of Machu Picchu to Inca culture. We will explore its temples, terraces, and plazas, marveling at its advanced engineering and strategic location, which still amazes experts in archaeology and architecture.
At the end of the tour, we will have free time to take photographs or simply contemplate the majesty of this Wonder of the World. Afterward, we will descend by bus to Aguas Calientes to board the train back to Cusco, thus concluding an unforgettable experience.
Day Details:
US$379
US$420
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The Brazilian Pantanal is the largest wetland in the world and a natural refuge of incredible biodiversity. It stretches across Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay and is considered one of the best places on Earth to observe wildlife in its natural habitat. Hundreds of species inhabit this ecosystem, but the jaguar is the main star, being the most powerful feline in the Americas. This exclusive jaguar watching tour in the Pantanal will take you to explore one of the last natural sanctuaries where these majestic predators are frequently seen. Accompanied by expert guides, you will explore Jaguarland in the state of Mato Grosso, the region with the highest concentration of jaguars in the world. For four days, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable adventure through exciting boat excursions along the Cuiabá River and its tributaries, where you’ll also spot caimans, giant otters, capybaras, and a wide variety of exotic birds. You’ll also take part in guided jungle walks, learning about the amazing vegetation of the Pantanal and discovering signs of local wildlife. At sunset, the sky turns spectacular colors and the sound of nature creates a magical atmosphere. This trip is perfect for wildlife lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers, offering a chance to capture unique images and enjoy an unforgettable experience in one of the most impressive places in South America.
Discover the incredible Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca), also known as Rainbow Mountain, one of the most stunning and photogenic landscapes in South America. Located nearly 5,000 meters above sea level, this natural wonder will amaze you with its vibrant colors, formed by the mix of minerals over millions of years. This destination is perfect for those seeking adventure, connection with nature, and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The journey will not only take you to the summit of this magical mountain, but also allow you to explore unique Andean landscapes, where you can observe llamas, alpacas, and local communities that have preserved their traditions for generations. Although the altitude can be challenging, the view from the top makes every step worth it. This one-day tour is ideal for adventurers, photographers, and nature lovers who want to experience an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Peruvian Andes.
Discover the perfect blend of culture, history, and adventure with this 3-day tour that combines the Sacred Valley of the Incas with the legendary Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Exploring these impressive archaeological sites before the trek not only helps with acclimatization, but also offers a deeper understanding of the greatness of the Inca Empire and the importance of its ancestral routes. The classic Inca Trail is one of the most famous hiking routes in the world and the most sought-after experience in Peru. Due to high demand, it is essential to book at least 6 to 8 months in advance, as permits are limited and can sell out up to a year ahead. This 2-day Inca Trail tour is the only one that allows you to visit Machu Picchu twice. On the first day, you’ll enter through Wiñayhuayna and Intipunku (Sun Gate), offering a unique panoramic view and the iconic photo of the citadel. The next day, you’ll ascend from Aguas Calientes to explore Machu Picchu through the assigned circuit, fully enjoying this wonder of the world. Live a unique experience in the Peruvian Andes, walking the same paths the incas used centuries ago to connect their vast empire.
The classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu is one of the most famous treks in the world and the most popular in Peru. It can be done in two versions: a 2-day trek and a 4-day trek. For either option, a special permit called the “Inca Trail permit” is mandatory. Spots are very limited, so many people book their permits months in advance—sometimes even up to a year ahead. The general recommendation is to make a reservation 6 to 8 months in advance to secure a spot. The classic 2-day Inca Trail is the only route that allows you to visit Machu Picchu twice. One of the most iconic points of the trek is Inti Punku, also known as the “Sun Gate”, which offers a panoramic view of Machu Picchu before reaching the citadel. You’ll also pass through Wiñayhuayna, an impressive archaeological complex with agricultural terraces and Inca structures. Machu Picchu, the final destination of the route, is one of the wonders of the world and a symbol of the Inca Empire’s grandeur. Its temples, plazas, and terraces showcase the advanced engineering and profound astronomical knowledge of this civilization. To explore the citadel, there are different circuits that allow you to discover its most important structures. For more information about the different circuits within Machu Picchu, you can click here (Machu Picchu circuits).
The Lares Trek to Machu Picchu is one of the most authentic and least explored trekking routes in Cusco. Unlike the Classic Inca Trail, Salkantay Trek, or Inka Jungle Trek, this route immerses you in the essence of the Peruvian Andes, combining spectacular landscapes with a deep cultural connection. This trek starts in the Lares Valley, located east of the Urubamba Mountain Range. During the journey, you will cross stunning mountains, crystal-clear lagoons, and small Andean communities that have preserved their traditions since Inca times. Its geographic isolation has allowed these populations to maintain their traditional clothing, language, gastronomy, and ancestral customs, providing you with a unique and authentic experience. One of the most fascinating aspects of this route is the interaction with the local population. You will be able to observe and share with families who still practice textile techniques passed down from their ancestors, making garments with alpaca wool and dyed with natural dyes. In addition, along the way, you will walk alongside llamas and alpacas, sacred animals to the Incas, which remain an integral part of Andean life. The Lares Trek is not only a physical challenge but also an opportunity to connect with Pachamama and enjoy the natural beauty of the Andes. Over four days, you will experience the true spirit of trekking in Cusco, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and culminating the adventure with a visit to the majestic Machu Picchu citadel.
Descubre la increíble Montaña de 7 Colores (Vinicunca), también conocida como Montaña Arcoíris, uno de los paisajes más impresionantes y fotogénicos de Sudamérica. Ubicada a casi 5,000 metros sobre el nivel del mar, esta maravilla natural te sorprenderá con sus tonos vibrantes, formados por la mezcla de minerales a lo largo de millones de años. Este destino es perfecto para aquellos que buscan aventura, conexión con la naturaleza y una experiencia única en la vida. El recorrido no solo te llevará a la cima de esta montaña mágica, sino que también te permitirá explorar paisajes andinos únicos, donde podrás observar llamas, alpacas y comunidades locales que han mantenido sus tradiciones por generaciones. Aunque la altitud puede ser un desafío, la vista en la cima hace que cada paso valga la pena. Este tour de un día es ideal para aventureros, fotógrafos y amantes de la naturaleza que desean vivir una experiencia inolvidable en el corazón de los Andes peruanos.
Discover why our adventurers always return with unforgettable stories and recommend our expeditions. Enjoy a unique experience full of adrenaline and fun.
My fiancée and I did the 5-day trip that included Machu Picchu and Rainbow Mountain. It was amazing!! Our tour guide, Wilbert, was so knowledgeable and took care of everything…
We did a five day tour with Lorenzo and had multiple amazing guides. Bryan took us on a day trip to Rainbow Mountain and it was amazing! His car was clean and comfortable and he was...
The trip was really very good. It was 4 days and 3 nights where I ate very well, we were in amazing places, we slept in nice places and we were tired ...
What an amazing experience, I would absolutely recommend it (and have already done so to friends). The tour guides deserve a special mention, Bryan and Wilbur who were just great at giving...
Lorenzo and his agency were very attentive on our trip. I would especially like to praise the guide Abel who took us to Laguna Humantay and Montan̈a 7 Colores...
Excellent travel agency, especially the work done by the guide Wilbert! He guided us for two days on an unforgettable trip from Cuzco to Machu Picchu, showing great care and attention in...
