Authentic Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu

This is the most adventurous way to know Machu Picchu, as we said above, mixes several adventure activities, join us on the Inca Jungle Trek 4 Days tour and enjoy one of the best experiences that mixes adventure plus Inca Trail. The Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu starts with a downhill biking, rafting and includes a zip line option.

You will hike through the Peruvian cloud forest region and learn about the lives of the locals. All this before arriving at the emblematic Inca citadel, Machu Picchu.

This is a very popular alternative to the Inca Trail 4 days or the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu.

The highest point of the Inca Jungle Cusco Inca Trail at Abra Malaga Pass is 4350 meters above sea level (14271 feet). We strongly recommend that you spend a few days acclimatizing in Cusco before the Inca Jungle Trek 4 Days to avoid altitude sickness.

Itinerary Summary.

• Day 01

  Cusco – Abra Málaga – Santa Maria

  This day begins with the descent by bike to the village of Santa Maria, through an impressive road that is the scene of movies like “Transformers”. We will finish the day with the option of rafting at an intermediate to easy level.

• Day 02

  Santa Maria – pasto Grande – La Sirena Water Fall – Cocalmayo Hot Spring – Santa Teresa

  This day we will venture into the jungle and hike through beautiful trails, see plantations, flora, fauna and waterfalls until we reach Santa Teresa where we will have a rest in the hot springs of Cocalmayo.

• Day 03

  Santa Teresa – Hidroelectrica- Aguas Calientes

  The third day we have the option to do more adventure activities, we talk about Zip Line that has several steps, one of them of 1 km distance.

• Day 04

  Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Cusco

  The most awaited day by all, we will know and discover the secrets of this Inca citadel.

*Read the Complete Itinerary of Inca Jungle 4 Days in the Itinerary Tab.

DAY 1: CUSCO – ABRA MÁLAGA – SANTA MARIA:   Biking and Rafting.

Pick up 6.00 a.m. We will leave the Imperial City of Cusco to go to the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Before we will have our first breakfast buffet style in Lorenzo Lodge Cusco. We will continue our trip to Malaga pass (4,350 masl) (14,160 ft), the starting point of our biking tour. After a briefing by our guide, we will provide you with the complete equipment for this type of activity. We will start biking downhill for three hours (55 km), until we reach the town of Huamanmarca. During the trip we will experience the beauty of the snow-capped mountains and the tropical forest -where our Peruvian Amazon begins-, crossing small streams, and we will enjoy the change from cold to tropical climate. Along the way there will be several stops to check bikes and equipment. We will arrive at the town of Santa Maria (1,200 masl), where we will have lunch.

In the afternoon we have the option of rafting on the Vilcanota River (US$ 40 per person). This river offers us category III and III+ rapids. For this activity we have helmets, windbreakers and category V life jackets. This activity is only available from April to December, and according to the Peruvian government it is mandatory to know how to swim.

Here is the first night accommodation in a family’s house, they in turn will prepare food such as lunch, dinner and breakfast. In this way, in this reactivation 2022 our company has decided to support the communities and families that inhabit these valleys and contribute to their economy. (Bernal-Tumpay Family)

Cycling distance: 45 km / 30 miles.
Cycling time: Approximately 2½ hours.
Weather: Cold at the beginning of the cycling and hot at night.
Lodging: Bella Victoria Lodge.
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch, Dinner.
Maximum altitude: 4350 masl / 14271 ft.
Minimum altitude: 1250 masl / 4691 ft.

DAY 2: SANTA MARIA-PASTO GRANDE –LA SIRENA WATER FALL-COCALMAYO HOT SPRING-SANTA TERESA: Trekking

After a delicious breakfast at the family’s home, we will be ready to make the first day of trekking to Santa Teresa. The first hour of our tour will be an ascent to the waterfall LA SIRENA. On the way we will have several stops to learn a little more about the rich flora and fauna of the area where we will be. We will also stop at the home of a local family, where we will learn a little more about their customs and traditions. Later we will cross EL MIRADOR in the San Pablo Valley. Here our guide will explain a little more about the history of the Incas and also the communication system they had in those times (the Inca route).

At this point we will also have some of the most impressive views and visualize in the distance the majestic snow-capped Salkantay. Then we will descend to the village of ISLAYUNCA, where we will enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by the local families. We will continue with the last two hours of walking to the thermal baths of Cocalmayo, where we will have a good time to enjoy this very special and pleasant place. Here we will spend the night in Eco Lodge Cocalmayo (Labra family)

Hiking distance: 14 Km.
Hiking time: 7 hours approximately.
Weather: hot during the day and warm at night.
Lodging: Hotel plaza *.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Maximum altitude: 2100 masl / 6233 ft.
Minimum altitude: 1430 masl / 4691 ft.

DAY 3: SANTA TERESA –HIDROELECTRICA- AGUAS CALIENTES : Zip Line and Trekking

We will start our day with breakfast, and then the zip line activity with one of the most trusted operators in the area ($40). This activity is optional and lasts approximately two hours. Then we will have transportation to the hydroelectric, where the government control is located, to enter the Machu Picchu National Park (Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary). At this point we will start our trekking to the town of Aguas Calientes, passing through the sector called Intihuatana, a small archaeological site where the guide will give us an explanation. Then we will continue to San Gabriel where we will enjoy our lunch prepared by another family (Gonza family). From this area we will have the opportunity to contemplate the majestic mountains Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu and other constructions on top of the mountain. We will finish the trek in the town of Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the third night and the last dinner.

Hiking distance: 19 km / 12.3 miles.
Hiking time: 6 hours approximately.
Weather: Hot during the day and warm at night.
Lodging: Hotel Andino** in Aguas Calientes. 
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Maximum altitude: 2050 masl / 6725 ft.
Minimum altitude: 1430 masl / 4691 ft.

DAY 4: MACHU PICCHU.

Our day will start with the option of hiking or taking the bus (US $ 12). Once inside the archaeological site, in your guided tour inside the Inca city of Machu Picchu, you will see its most important temples, such as the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Three Windows, etc.You will then be free to explore Machu Picchu on your own. If you booked in advance, to hike Huayna Picchu ($60) or Machu Picchu mountain($60) , you will have that opportunity after your guided tour. You must make the reservations to hike either mountain three months in advance  because the space is limited to only 200 people a day to climb Huayna Picchu. We also recommend allowing time to relax, meditate and rest while taking advantage of the magical and spiritual energies of this great wonder.

After you have finished enjoying Machu Picchu, you will return to Aguas Calientes to take the train back to Ollantaytambo and Cusco . 

Included

• Tour with Professional guide (08 people maximum).
• Mobility on Sprinter bus or L5 from Cusco to Abra Málaga and Santa Maria. 
• 03 basic Hotel in double or triple accommodation (Santa María: Hotel Visao, Santa Teresa: Hotel Yacumama, Aguas Calientes: Hotel Quilla Ecológico).
• Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu and Hot Springs in Cocalmayo.
• Towels.
• Professional Bicycles: (disc hydraulic brake and SHIMANO accessories).
• Specialized Status 1 or KONA Stinky.
• Specific Meals:
  • 03 Breakfasts
  • 03 Lunches 
  • 03 Dinners 
• Vegetarian Food upon request.
• Safety equipment:
  • SEVEN or 661 Integral Helmet.
  • Armor: FOX.
  • Integral Gloves: FOX or TROY-LEE.
  • Kneepads: 661.
  • Waterproof jackets and pants.
• Support team:
  • First aid kit.

Not included

• Return train to Cusco.
• Bus in Machu Picchu.
• Meals on the last day.
• Huayna Picchu or Mountain Machu Picchu hikes.
• Rafting or Zip line: $40 USD (each one).
• Drinks.
• Tips.
• Travel health insurance.

We can leave any day of the week, as long as there is a minimum of 2 people already confirmed. We can also do private tours.

Price:
Price from: 329^USDper person

We recommend carrying only the necessary luggage for the four days of the tour. Large backpacks with equipment that are not needed for the expedition should be left in the city of Cusco (at your hotel or in our main office).

In order to do the Inca Jungle tour with peace of mind, we recommend that you bring these items with you.

Remember that if you have more luggage, we can store it in Cusco, and if you still have more things on the route, we can send it to San Teresa at no additional cost so that the second day of the trek and the third day is light.

• Small backpack from 30 to 40 liters
• Light T-shirts, shorts and / or leggings
• Only a light coat
• Bathing suit and sandals
• Hiking boots
• Hat or cap
• Sun glasses.
• Sunscreen
• Mosquito repellent (25% Deet)
• Rain poncho or rain jacket.
• Original Passport
• Personal medicines
• Personal hygiene items: wet wipes, toothpaste and toothbrush
• Flashlight
• The most friendly and positive attitude possible.

You can enhance your inca jungle trek experience with these extra activities that we show you.

1. Rafting in Santa Maria.

Rafting is an extra activity on the first day of our Inca Jungle tour, it costs $40 per person, and is not available during the rainy months from December to April.

2. Zip Line in Santa Teresa

This activity is optional and has an additional cost of $40 dollars per person. This activity can be done on day 3 of our tour.

3. Huayna Picchu: The cost of the ticket is $25 per person.

Huayna Picchu is a mountain within the archaeological complex of Machu Picchu, it is a 45 minute hike to the top.

To purchase this additional you have to let us know at least 2 months in advance due to high demand, schedules and details of your visit to this site will be confirmed in the previous meeting that we will have.

4. Machu Picchu Mountain: The cost of the ticket is $25 per person.

Machu Picchu Mountain is also an extra inside the archaeological complex of Machu Picchu, it is a 1 hour and a half walk to the top.

To purchase this extra you have to let us know at least 2 months in advance due to the high demand, the schedules and details of your visit to this site will be confirmed in the previous meeting we will have.

Availability of Inca Jungle trail

There is no space limit for the Inca Jungle Trek tour. However, for safety reasons we restrict some activities in the rainiest months, which are from December to March.

What you need to know about the Inca Jungle 4 days trail?

• This 4-day trek to Machu Picchu is not recommended for travelers with back problems.
• You will have a guide during your Inca Jungle trek and your visit to Machu Picchu.
• Daily departures with a group of 2 or more people.
• No departures in February due to trail maintenance.
• No wheelchair access.

DO NOT FORGET ESSENTIALS: original passport, insurance card, personal medications.
This hike will be composed of a maximum of 8 travelers.

Travel bag

A travel bag will be given to you at our office at the end of your briefing. Pack your clothes and other personal items that you will not need during the trek. Your day pack should include items such as water, snacks, first aid kit and rain gear. This will be sent in the 2 day to Santa Teresa and then to Aguas Calientes.

Return from Machu Picchu to Cusco

The best way to return to Cusco is Train, you will check and buy it for yourself according your schedule.

Weather on the Inca jungle trek 4 days

The Inca jungle trail has a warm climate every day, since we are in the high jungle of Cusco. With the exception of the first hours of the first day we must climb up to the Malaga pass and then descend.

The rainy and dry season also applies in this area of the Cusco jungle. This means that the rainy months go from October to April and the dry months from May to the end of October.

The best time to hike the Inca Trail

The best time to do the Inca jungle trek is the dry season, which covers March/April/May/June/July/August/September October/November. These last months are especially good if you want to go rafting in Santa Maria.

Temperatures are fairly constant throughout the year, with warm days reaching 20 degrees Celsius. Nights and early mornings are cold (single digits and sometimes below freezing, especially in the dry season).

Travel Insurance

We recommend that you take out travel insurance because, in the event of a last minute cancellation of your 4-day Inca Trail trip, your prepaid, non-refundable Inca Trail travel permit can be reimbursed. Similarly, if you become ill or injured while away from home, you can be reimbursed for treatment provided as a result of a covered medical emergency during your trip.

Physical demands

This is a demanding hike, so good physical condition is strongly recommended. We do many activities and hikes that may require extra effort, but our team will be at your disposal for any help you may require along the route.

Restrooms and showers on the Inca Jungle

Toilets and showers will be at your disposal in the hotels and lodgings we have on each night.

Lodging options

You will sleep in comfortable accommodations that have all the basic services, if you need something special, please let us know before starting the tour.

Pre-trip meeting

The day before the Inca jungle trek adventure, our guide and team will meet you in an agreed upon area that they will let you know in order to explain in detail all aspects of the tour.

All about tipping on the Inca Jungle

Tipping is customary on Inca jungle trail treks. Along the trail you will have the assistance of several people that you will not see again on the trail, so if you are in the possibility of tipping you can do so.

For the tour guide, the tip is given after the guided tour of Machu Picchu. You decide the amount depending on your experience with them. Soles are preferred by our porters and cooks. The guides can receive dollars or soles without any problem.

Food on the Inca Jungle

The food is varied and changes cooks at each place we arrive, the people live on this route and as a way to promote the local economy we hire them for this purpose.

*Vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and other options are available upon request (please advise at the time of booking).

Here are some options we have for food on the 4 Day Inca Jungle to Machu Picchu.

These are just examples and we will not necessarily find the same. Some local restaurants will have options and some will not.

Breakfast
Hot porridge, quinoa or oatmeal, fried eggs, omelet or pancake with fresh bread, fried banana, thick porridge with pieces of fresh sweet apples and boiled water for hot tea, cola tea, coffee, chocolate and milk.
Lunch and dinner:
First course: quinoa, corn, noodles, asparagus, mushroom or vegetable soup, stuffed avocado or potatoes.
Main course: chicken breast, beef stew, quinoa, fried rice, hamburger, fried chicken, spaghetti bolognese, typical dishes: aji de gallina, escabeche de Pollo or ajiaco de ulluco.
Desserts:
Fried plantain, chocolate pudding, chocolate or vanilla cake, peach.