Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu – 4 Days

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).

• 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 Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

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.

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.

• 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.