Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu - 4 DAYS
PRICE FROM:
$ 240,00 USD
Per person
- GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu: 4-Day Adventure
Embark on a thrilling 4-day, 3-night journey through the heart of the Inca Jungle, culminating in a breathtaking visit to Machu Picchu. This adventure combines adrenaline-pumping activities like biking, rafting, zip-lining, and hiking, giving you the chance to experience the region’s diverse landscapes and rich history.
Throughout your journey, you’ll encounter awe-inspiring Inca ruins, lush coffee, coca, and fruit plantations, and the rejuvenating natural hot springs of Colcamayo—an ideal way to unwind after an action-packed day.
At Explore Peru 360, your safety and enjoyment are our top priorities. Our professional guides, who are experts in the area, are committed to providing exceptional service, ensuring your trip is remarkable from start to finish.
Biking Experience: The downhill biking adventure is suitable for all levels. We provide full-suspension bikes and complete gear, including helmets, elbow and knee pads, and body armor. A practice session before the trek ensures you’re comfortable on the trail. The paved road is exciting yet safe, and our support vehicle remains nearby throughout, so you can enjoy the ride without worrying about your belongings.
Preparing for Your Adventure: To fully enjoy this experience, we recommend following the training tips in our “Before You Go” guide. This will help you be physically prepared and make the most of your adventure.
The Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu is perfect for thrill-seekers and history lovers alike, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Important Notice About Our Machu Picchu Tours: Each Machu Picchu tour includes a standard entry ticket, typically for CIRCUIT 02, subject to availability at the time of booking. You can check real-time availability for tickets and trekking dates, and explore additional options to enhance your experience.
- Verify Ticket and Circuit Availability for Machu Picchu
- Check Trekking Dates Availability
- Explore the ‘Additional Options’ Section for More Information
Adventure Highlights:
Mountain Biking: Descend from the Andes to the Amazon, guided by experts ensuring a safe, unforgettable ride for all skill levels.
River Rafting: Conquer Class 3.5 rapids in Santa Maria with our experienced team, prioritizing safety and excitement.
Zip-lining in Santa Teresa: Soar above the jungle canopy, taking in breathtaking scenery, led by our attentive and knowledgeable guides.
Machu Picchu Exploration: Discover the mysteries of this iconic Inca citadel with expert-guided insights into its history and significance.
Hike a Section of the Inca Trail: Walk in the footsteps of the Inca as you traverse a portion of the ancient trail, connecting you to their extraordinary history.
4-Day Inca Jungle Trail Summary:
- Starting Point: Cusco, with hotel pick-up between 6:00 – 6:30 AM
- Pick-up Location: Machu Picchu Reservations Office at 6:30 AM
- Ending Point: Cusco City Center – Plaza Regocijo
- Duration: 4 Days, 3 Nights
- Departure: Daily Departures
- Group Size: Maximum 15 participants
- Machu Picchu Ticket: Included – Check details here
- Meals Included: 4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners
- Activities Included: Biking, Rafting, Ziplining, Hiking, and Hot Springs
- Vegetarian/Vegan Options: Available upon request at no extra charge
- Free Storage: Available – Check details here
- High Season: April to October
Plan your unforgettable adventure today with Explore Peru 360 and let us turn your dream into reality!
- ITINERARY
Day 1: Cusco to Santa Maria Adventure: 65km Biking Extravaganza & 1.5 Hours of Thrilling River Rafting
We’ll begin the day by picking you up from your hotel around 6 AM and setting off through the breathtaking Sacred Valley of the Incas. As we drive, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the Vilcabamba and Vilcanota mountain ranges, along with the charming small towns scattered across the valley.
After a 2-hour drive, we’ll stop at the ancient Inca town of Ollantaytambo. Here, you’ll enjoy an included breakfast, stretch your legs, and use the facilities. Once refreshed, we’ll continue our journey to the Abra Malaga Pass, which sits at a towering 4,350 meters (14,271 feet) above sea level. This marks the starting point of our exhilarating downhill biking adventure to Santa Maria, located at 1,430 meters (4,691 feet).
At Abra Malaga, you’ll be equipped with all the necessary biking gear and participate in a short training session to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride. The biking trail offers mesmerizing views of the snow-capped Veronica peak, and we’ll make a stop at the fascinating Inca site of Huamanmarca for lunch and a quick exploration of these small but impressive ruins.
After our time at Huamanmarca, we’ll continue by car to Santa Maria, where the excitement doesn’t stop. In the afternoon, get ready for an adventurous white-water rafting experience, taking in the stunning natural surroundings.
Once in Santa Maria, you’ll check into your accommodations, unwind with a shower, and relax before gathering for dinner at a local restaurant. The evening will be a time to enjoy a delicious meal and share stories from the action-packed day.
Tour Details:
- Biking Distance: 65 km (approximately 3 to 4 hours of downhill biking)
- River Rafting Adventure: 1 to 1.5 hours of thrilling fun
- Difficulty Level: Moderate, full of adventure
- Weather: Warm and windy during the day, with very warm nights
- Accommodations: Hotel stay in Santa Maria
- Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 2: Santa Maria to Santa Teresa: Scenic 22km Hiking Journey through Quellomayo
Start your day with a hearty breakfast around 6:00 AM, setting the stage for one of the most memorable hikes of the adventure. After a 45-minute walk along a car route, we’ll enter the original Inca trail, which once linked Machu Picchu to Vilcabamba, the final Inca capital.
As we follow this ancient path, you’ll pass through lush plantations of bananas, coca, yucca, and coffee, while enjoying breathtaking views of the Vilcanota Valley and jungle-covered hills. After about 3 hours, we’ll reach the village of Quellomayo, where we’ll pause for lunch and a chance to relax.
The journey continues with a 3.5-hour hike along the Vilcanota River to the Colcamayo hot springs, a perfect spot to soak in natural pools and soothe your muscles. After a couple of hours here, we’ll hike for another 45 minutes to Santa Teresa, where you’ll settle into a cozy hostel and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Tour Details:
- Hiking Distance: 22 km (approximately 7 to 8 hours)
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Weather: Warm and tropical, with very warm nights
- Accommodations: Hostel stay in Santa Teresa
- Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 3: Santa Teresa to Aguas Calientes: Exhilarating 2-Hour Zip-lining & Scenic 10km Hiking Adventure
Start your day early at 6:30 AM with a hearty breakfast, preparing for a day full of excitement. By 8:00 AM, you’ll be picked up for a thrilling ziplining adventure. After a brief orientation, you’ll soar across four exhilarating ziplines and cross a suspension bridge, spending about two hours in the air.
After the ziplining experience, enjoy a one-hour car ride to Hidroelectrica, where a delicious lunch awaits. From there, embark on a scenic 3-hour hike along the train tracks, taking in the beautiful surroundings as you make your way to Aguas Calientes.
Once in Aguas Calientes, check into your hotel to rest and refresh. In the evening, enjoy a delightful dinner at a local restaurant before settling in for the night, preparing for the next day’s exploration of Machu Picchu.
Tour Details:
- Zipline Adventure: 4 ziplines and 1 suspension bridge
- Hiking Distance: 11 km (3 to 3.5 hours)
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Weather: Warm and tropical, with very warm nights
- Accommodations: Hotel stay in Aguas Calientes
- Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 4: Machu Picchu - Cusco
Machu Picchu Day Overview:
Your adventure to Machu Picchu begins early, starting at 4:00 AM with breakfast in Aguas Calientes. From here, you have two options to reach the main gate of Machu Picchu:
- Walk: A scenic 1.5-hour uphill hike, starting around 4:30 AM, with a checkpoint at Puente Ruinas where you’ll show your ticket and passport before ascending 1,700 steps to the main entrance.
- Bus: Purchase a $12 ticket for a 30-minute bus ride. The first bus leaves at 5:30 AM. Either way, you’ll meet your guide and group by 6:00 AM to begin exploring Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu Guided Tour: Your guided tour will last 2.5 hours, led by a knowledgeable guide who will share the rich history of the Inca Citadel. You’ll follow a pre-booked circuit (usually Circuit 01 or 02) depending on availability at the time of booking.
Optional Hikes:
- Huayna Picchu: This shorter, but steeper, hike offers incredible views of Machu Picchu. It takes about 2 hours round-trip and costs $60. Advance booking is required as spots fill up quickly.
- Machu Picchu Mountain: A more challenging hike, taking at least 3 hours round-trip, also costing $60. It’s ideal if you have extra time or prefer a tougher trek.
If you plan to hike either mountain, it’s recommended to return to Cusco by train for a more relaxed schedule. Alternatively, you can spend an extra night in Aguas Calientes and return by car from Hidroelectrica the following day.
Return Options:
- By Car: Walk back to Hidroelectrica for 3-3.5 hours, departing at 10:30 AM to catch the 2:30 PM car. The 6-hour journey to Cusco brings you back around 9:30 PM.
- By Train: After visiting Machu Picchu, walk or bus down to Aguas Calientes for lunch and to collect your belongings. Take the 2:30 PM or 2:55 PM train to Ollantaytambo (1.5 hours), where a transfer will take you back to Cusco (2-hour drive), arriving around 6:30 PM.
- INCLUDES / EXCLUDED
- INCLUDED
Here’s a summary of what’s included in the 4-Day Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu:
Machu Picchu Tickets: Your package includes entry to Machu Picchu, typically with access to Circuit 02, but alternate circuits (01, 03, or 04) may be arranged depending on availability at the time of booking.
Pre-Tour Briefing: Attend a detailed briefing the day before your departure at 6:00 pm at the Machu Picchu Reservations office. You can also request a virtual briefing 48 hours in advance if needed.
Experienced Guides: The tour is led by licensed, bilingual guides (English and Spanish), certified by the Peruvian government.
Machu Picchu Guided Tour: The package includes a 2.5-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu with an additional 30 minutes of free time for exploring.
Private Transportation: Private group transportation from Cusco to the biking starting point at Abra Malaga (4,300 meters). The descent by bike lasts about 3 hours.
Accommodations: Three nights of accommodation in Santa Maria, Santa Teresa, and Aguas Calientes. Each room has a private bathroom and hot showers.
Included Meals: You’ll enjoy four breakfasts, three lunches, and three dinners at local restaurants. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available at no extra cost.
Activities: Biking, zip-lining, and rafting are all included as part of the adventure, with no extra fees.
Return Trip:
- By Train: Return on a train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (1.5 hours), followed by a 2-hour car transfer back to Cusco.
- By Car: Walk from Machu Picchu to Hidroelectrica (3 hours), followed by a 6-7 hour car ride back to Cusco.
Emergency Provisions: Your guide will carry an oxygen bottle and first aid kit during the tour to handle emergencies.
This package ensures a comprehensive, adventurous, and hassle-free experience throughout your journey.
- EXCLUDED
Here’s a summary of the Package Exclusions for the 4-Day Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu:
Last Lunch: The final meal after your Machu Picchu visit is not included, giving you the flexibility to explore local dining options based on your preferences.
Entrance to Thermal Baths: Entry to the Santa Teresa thermal baths is not covered. There is a small fee of 10 soles per person, payable on-site, should you decide to visit.
Tips: Gratuities for guides and staff are not included. Tipping is optional and left to your discretion.
Drinking Water: Bottled or mineral water is not provided but can be purchased from local shops along the trail.
Understanding these exclusions helps you plan better and ensures a smooth journey.
- WHAT TO PACK
Here’s a summarized Packing List for the 4-Day Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu:
Essentials:
- Passport: Required for identification and site entry.
- Student ID: Necessary for students to validate discounts at Machu Picchu.
- Backpack: 25-30 liter capacity for clothing, camera, sunscreen, and essentials.
Clothing:
- Headwear: Wool hat/beanie for warmth and a sun hat for protection.
- Gloves: For cooler times.
- T-Shirts (2-3): Preferably long sleeves for better coverage.
- Layering Items: Sweater and fleece for changing temperatures.
- Pants (2 pairs): Durable and comfortable (leggings recommended).
- Hiking Shoes: Well-fitted and broken in.
- Wool Socks (1-2 pairs): For warmth and moisture management.
- Rain Gear: Waterproof jacket and pants or poncho.
- Bath Linen & Towel: For thermal baths and personal use.
- Footwear: Sandals or flip-flops for campsite relaxation.
Toiletries & Health:
- Basic Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.
- Sun Cream: High SPF.
- Insect Repellent: Essential for jungle protection.
- Medication: Personal prescriptions and basic first aid.
Miscellaneous:
- Snacks: Energy-boosting items like chocolate, cereal bars, and nuts.
- Cash: Extra, preferably in Soles, for incidental expenses.
Pro Tips:
- Pack Light: Avoid unnecessary extras.
- Prepare for Weather: Bring gear for varied conditions.
- Stay Informed: Check recent trail reports for updated advice.
This list helps you pack smart for a smooth and enjoyable trek on the Inca Jungle Trail!
- PRICES
Here’s a summary of the Inca Jungle Trail Pricing and Student Discounts offered by Explore Peru 360:
Tour Pricing (2024 Season)
Inca Jungle Trail with Return by Car:
- Adult: $260 USD per person
- Student: $240 USD per person (Valid student ID required)
- Child (Minor): $240 USD per person (Ages 8 to 17)
Inca Jungle Trail with Return by Train:
- Adult: $330 USD per person
- Student: $310 USD per person (Valid student ID required)
- Child (Minor): $310 USD per person (Ages 8 to 17)
Return Options:
- By Train: Depart from Aguas Calientes between 2:30-3:20 pm, train ride to Ollantaytambo takes 1.5 hours, followed by a 2-hour transfer to Cusco (arrival around 6:30 pm).
- By Car: A 3-hour hike to the hydroelectric station, catching a 3 pm car for a 6-7 hour journey back to Cusco (arrival around 10 pm).
Student Discount Requirements:
To qualify for the student rate, travelers must meet the following conditions:
- Age Requirement: Must be under 25 years old.
- Student Card Requirements:
- Must be a physical plastic card (similar to a credit card).
- Information printed on the card should include:
- University details
- Personal information
- Photograph
- Validity date (the card must not expire before the date of your visit).
- ISIC Cards: NOT accepted. The Peruvian government does not recognize the International Student Identity Card (ISIC) for student discounts at Machu Picchu.
Failure to meet these requirements may result in denial of entry to Machu Picchu or the need to pay the full ticket price on-site, subject to availability. Ensure your student card adheres to these standards before booking.
Why Choose Explore Peru 360?
- Fair Pricing: Competitive rates with no hidden costs.
- Group Size: 12-14 people (max 16), ensuring a social experience.
- Guaranteed Departures: Tours run even with just 2-3 people.
- Flexible Booking: Book for any available date.
- Custom Options: Different rates for adults, students, and return choices (train or car).
This pricing and policy ensure a fair, flexible, and transparent booking process with Explore Peru 360, offering a memorable Inca Jungle Trail adventure.
- HOW TO BOOK
Booking the Inca Jungle Trail (4 days) to Machu Picchu is simple and can be done through a secure online platform. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Payment Options:
- Credit/Debit Cards: You can use any debit or credit card, with a 2.9% processing fee applied.
- Bank Account (U.S. Clients): Clients in the U.S. have the option to pay directly from a bank account without extra fees.
2. Prices:
- 4-Day Inca Jungle Trail + Train:
- Adult: $330
- Student/Child: $310
- 4-Day Inca Jungle Trail + Car:
- Adult: $260
- Student/Child: $240
3. Reservation Prepayment:
To reserve your spot, a non-refundable prepayment of $180 per person is required. This prepayment is used to:
- Purchase your Machu Picchu entry tickets immediately.
- Secure your accommodations.
4. Balance Payment:
- The remaining balance can be paid upon arrival in Cusco at least 24 hours before your tour starts.
- Payment methods:
- In cash (soles or dollars).
- By card with a 3.9% fee.
- Online payment via the website (2.9% fee).
5. Full Payment Option:
You can choose to pay the entire cost of the tour upfront during booking. If you cancel, the refund will be the total amount minus the non-refundable $180 deposit.
6. Booking Process:
Step 1: Start Your Reservation
- Go to the Explore Peru 360 website and click the yellow button labeled “BOOK NOW.”
Step 2: Select Tour Details
- Choose your preferred start date and specify the number of adults, students, or children for the booking.
Step 3: Add Extras (Optional)
- You can choose to add Waynapicchu or Machu Picchu Mountain tickets, or upgrade your return journey with the Vistadome train for a more luxurious experience.
Step 4: Complete Personal Information
- Fill in the required personal details for each participant.
Step 5: Secure Payment
- Make your payment online using any debit or credit card through a secure payment portal.
7. After Booking:
- After your payment is completed, you will receive a confirmation email immediately, detailing your booking and providing a link to modify your reservation if needed.
- Within 24 hours, the reservations team will send a detailed email with further booking details, including your Machu Picchu tickets.
Additional Recommendations:
- Read all booking and cancellation policies carefully to ensure your expectations are clear and your investment is protected.
Contact our travel advisor to use this itinerary (or others) as a basis for designing your perfect adventure in Peru together!
RELATED TOURS
We offer a variety of additional tours that maintain the same level of excellence and quality you expect. Discover new adventures and possibilities with us without compromising your experience! Our optional trips are designed to enrich your visit to Machu Picchu and other nearby destinations, always guaranteeing first-class service.
BOOK NOW
Reservations on Our Website Are Individual
We do not request any upfront payment until we confirm the availability of your reservation on the selected dates.
Once availability is confirmed, we will send you an email from booking@exploreperu360.com with the link or payment methods available for your country. You can decide whether to cancel the full amount or just a deposit of $180 per person to confirm your reservation.
Once your reservation is confirmed, we will take care of everything. We will be waiting for you on the day of your arrival in Cusco. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us.
