Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu

We started the Inca Jungle Machu Picchu Tour at 5:30 am. Pick up from your hotel .To start our trip with a journey of 3 hrs approx. During the tour we will see beautiful and charming landscapes of the Sacred Valley being our first stop in the town of Ollantaytambo, where we will have a space of time for breakfast (it is optional). Then we will continue the trip to Cordillera del Vilcanota reaching the highest point "ABRA MALAGA" with 4316 meters, the place chosen for the beginning of the descent by bicycle of approx. 3 hrs, we went through different ecosystems that characterize the Andes and the jungle. This activity concludes in the town of HUAMANMARKA, where we will taste a buffet lunch, followed by the route to Santa María, where the local family adopt us to spend the night .

Important: If you want to do rafting in the afternoon in Santa Maria,you can take it and the aditional price of the rafting is  USD 45.

We will begin our day enjoying a good breakfast prepared by the local family. We will start the trek climbing for half an hour, reaching 1720 m.a.s.l, that day we can enjoy the wildlife and native plants that belong to this area, such as coffee plantations, mango fruit trees, oranges, bananas, avocado, papaya, etc. Upon reaching the upper part we will see the entire Urubamba river valley, from there during the trek there is an original stretch of the imposing Inca trail. Continuing with the walk, we will arrive at the Quellomayo village where we will have lunch followed by a short break, continuing with the walk we will arrive to Cocalmayo hot springs and enjoy a swim. Then we will continue walking for 30 minutes to the town of Santa Teresa, where we will have dinner and spend our second night home.

Important: The route is around 14 km. and the estimated time these day is 6 hours.

We start our walk at 6:30 am with a typical breakfast in Santa Teresa and then practice zip line. (This activity is additional and optional) This day is characterized by its pleasant climate that is tropical. At the end of the adventure activity, we will be transported from Santa Teresa to the hydroelectric power station, where we will visit an Inca or Intihuatana sacred ceremonial site that waits for us, finally we conclude our walk in the town of Aguas Calientes where we will spend the night in a lodging. At sunset we will share the farewell dinner with the guide in which you will inform about the plans of the following day.

Important: The price of the ZIP Line is extra USD 40.

On the last day of the Inca Jungle Machu Picchu Tour we will start very early, in order to start the trek to the citadel of Machu Picchu to see the sunrise at the top of it. This section will take us about an hour and 45 minutes to get to the top. After enjoying this magical moment our guide will give you a guided tour of approx. 2 hours, to enlighten us especially of the rich history of the ancient ruins that surrounds us. After the guided tour, you will have free time to explore the citadel on your own, where if you wish you can choose the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain viewpoint (both places must be booked in advance in addition to having an extra cost). The round trip to Huayna Picchu is walking and takes about an hour and a half and of course it is worth doing for the magnificent views from the top. The whole citadel closes its doors at 5:30 pm at which time it must return to Aguas Calientes and take the train back to Ollantaytambo and then by bus to Cusco. There is also the option of staying an extra night in Aguas Calientes, which allows you more time in Machu Picchu. 

• Pre-trek briefing
• Transfer by private bus to Abra Malaga - the initial point of the trek
• Accommodation: Basic hostel (2 nights) and a comfortable hostel (1 night)
• Entrance fee to Machu Picchu circuit 1 or 2
• Meals: 3x breakfast, 3x lunch, 3x dinner
• Professional bilingual Tour Guide
• Mountain bicycles (brand Scott with a hydraulic brake), helmet and gloves
• Tourist train from Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu) to Ollantaytambo
• Tourist bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.  

• Breakfast on the day 1 and lunch on the last day
• International and domestic flights nor airport departure taxes
• Travel insurance (in case of emergencies or if you lose your flight ticket or tour)
• Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu ($80) nor Machu Picchu Mountain ($80)
• A shuttle bus between Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes Town ($12 - one way, $24 - a round trip)
• Tips to local staff (please note: it is a custom to give tips in Peru; however, it is not obligatory);
• Other extras not mentioned

Meal budget: Please allow USD 20-50 for meals not included.

Single room: Please note that if you have booked the "Single room" option for this trek, you receive your own single room for all nights.

Local flights: No local flights are included in the trek´s price!

Recommended basic articles: 

• Toothbrush
•  Dentifrice
•  Toilet paper Sunblock (cream) and lip balm 
• Glasses with sun protection 
• Insect repellent 
• Camera or video camera
•  Small penknife
•  Light towel
• Personal medication
• Swimwear

Places visited:

• Abra Malaga
•  Santa Maria 
• Santa Teresa
•  Hidroelectrica Aguas Calientes 
• Macchu Picchu

Extra Tips:

• Regardless of the time you choose to come, it will be cold at night; bring warm clothes (only the necessary one) and a good sleeping bag. We can take care of all the necessary equipment to travel the Jungle Trail, just request it at the time of your reservation.
• Wear hiking shoes (never new), also carry a well-charged flashlight, water, high-energy snacks and your camera with plenty of space available.  
• Have change available in Peruvian currency, to buy bottled water and snacks on the way.

Can I book without passport or expired passport?

What is the average age of the participants?

The average age of the participants in the Inka Jungle Trail is 20 - 40 years old but this tour is not very demanding and children from 8 years old and adults from 40 to 65 years old can do it.

Is the Inka Jungle tour performed throughout the year?

We have daily departures, every month of the year. During the rainy season from January to March, the Inca Jungle tour can undergo minor alterations in order to guarantee passenger safety.

What do we recommend to take?

The inka jungle is a tour through the high jungle and it is not cold during the whole year unlike Cusco which is higher. We recommend leaving Cusco with a warm jacket and for the rest of the trip to bring light clothes and a rain jacket, since the climate in the whole Valley of Cusco is changing especially between the months of January to March.

Do I have to bring water and snacks from Cusco?

 Throughout the inka jungle there are small towns where local people sell water, snacks, fresh fruit from where you can buy, so we also support the villagers to improve their economy with the tourism industry.

Will I find sanitary services?

 The hygienic services are in all the places where you spend the night and places of lunch, in the route some local houses have hygienic services that our guides know and will guide to be able to use them.

How is the weather during the Inca Jungle?

• The climate during the Inca Jungle is varied.
• The coldest point is in the Abra Málaga (average temperature of 9ºC during the day). Then it descends to the tropical jungle climate.
• The warmest point is in the town of Santa Teresa (daytime temperatures of up to 26ºC.).

How is the flora and fauna during the Inca Jungle?

• The Inca Jungle is characterized by the beautiful landscapes during the tour.
• On the way you can see vizcachas, llamas, spectacled bears, cock of the rocks and a great variety of orchids.
• In addition, you will pass through plantations of bananas, mangoes, oranges and more. 

How to book Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain?

To have access to one of these mountains, it is recommended to make the reservation in advance, at least 3 or 4 months, since the spaces for these mountains are limited and quickly sell out.

Are you ready for the Inca Jungle Trek?... Discover the beauty and magical conection with the nature in our trip Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu!

What is the Inca Jungle to Machu Picchu?

• The Inca Jungle tour is a tour that starts from the City of Cusco and ends in Machu Picchu, after 4 days and 3 nights after performing a series of adventure sports such as: cycling, trekking, rafting and zip line.
• The Inca Jungle is one of the most popular tours in Peru.

What is the height during the Inca Jungle?

• The Inca Jungle runs through its highest point in the so-called ‘Abra Málaga’ (4,230 m.a.s.l.).
• The lowest point is in the town of Aguas Calientes (2,000 m.a.s.l.), also known as Machu Picchu town.

Map of the Inca Jungle Machu Picchu

• The Inca Jungle begins in the city of Cusco.
• After doing various adventure sports, we visit the Inca City of Machu Picchu.
• The return to the city of Cusco is by train and bus. 

What sports does the Inca Jungle include?

The Inca Jungle includes the following adventure sports:

• Cycling (included).
• Hike (included).
• Boating (not included).
• Zipline (not included). 

How is the tour of the Inca Jungle?

Tours to the Inca Jungle may vary depending on the travel agency. However, in general, they all follow this itinerary:

Day 1: Cusco - Santa María:

• Pick up from the visitor's hotel.
• Travel by bus from Cusco to ‘Abra Málaga’ through the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
• Bicycle descent from ‘Abra Málaga’ to the town of Santa María.
• Lunch.
• Canoeing adventure on the Vilcanota river (Optional).
• Lodging in Santa María.

Day 2: Santa Maria - Santa Teresa:

• Breakfast.
• Hike from Santa María to Santa Teresa on ancient Inca trails.
• Lunch in the town of Kellomayo.
• I relax in the thermal baths of Cocalmayo.
• Dinner and lodging in the town of Santa Teresa.

Day 3: Santa Teresa - Aguas Calientes:

• Breakfast.
• Adventure on the Zip Line (optional).
• Walk to the ‘Hidroeléctrica’ station.
• Lunch.
• Hike from 'Hidroeléctrica' to the town of Aguas Calientes.
• Dinner and accommodation in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town).

Day 4: Aguas Calientes - Cusco: 

• Breakfast.
• Hike up from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (optional take bus).
• Tour with a tour guide through Machu Picchu.
• Free visit to Machu Picchu.
• Hike down from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes (optional take bus).
• Return by train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
• Return by bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.

Cycling during the Inca Jungle

• The first sport that takes place in the Inca Jungle is cycling. This route begins at the highest point of the journey at Abra Málaga (4,230 m.a.s.l. / 13,877 ft).
• From there you descend in the company of an expert guide for 2 or 3 hours until you reach the town of Santa María.
• Cycling is included in all Inca Jungle tours. 

Rafting during the Inca Jungle

• Canoeing is an optional sport during the Inca Jungle.
• It is done in the waters of the Vilcanota River in the company of an expert guide.
• The difficulty of the adventure depends on the time of year.
• Between April to October, the waters are suitable for exciting, low-risk rides.
• Between November to March, the river is only suitable for canoeing experts.

Trekking to Machu Picchu in the Inca Jungle

• In various points of the Inca Jungle there are hikes.
• The trek from Santa María to Santa Teresa runs through ancient Inca trails.
• The section from Santa Teresa to Aguas Calientes, crosses one of the most incredible landscapes before reaching Machu Picchu.
• The difficulty of the walks is not demanding.

Thermal baths during the Inca Jungle

• The Cocalmayo thermal baths are an optional stop during the Inca Jungle.
• The pools are outdoors and have a temperature of up to 44ºC.
• This section is an opportunity to relax after several hours of walking.

Zip Line during the Inca Jungle

• This extreme sport is one more option during the Inca Jungle.
• It takes place in the town of Santa Teresa, at the beginning of the third day.
• The experience is doubly incredible due to the beauty of the landscape.
• Then, the visitors meet the group to continue the journey to Machu Picchu.

Is the Inca Jungle dangerous?

• The Inca Jungle is a safe adventure.
• The tour is carried out in the company of a professional tour guide trained in resolving emergency situations.

What does the Inca Jungle tour include?

In general, a tour to the Inca Jungle includes the following:

• Transportation to the ‘Abra Málaga’.
• Professional guide for the entire tour.
• Bicycle and safety implement.
• 3 nights of lodging (in Santa María, Santa Teresa and Aguas Calientes).
• Food during the tour (breakfast, lunch and dinner).
• Entrance to Machu Picchu.
• Transportation by train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
• Transportation by bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.

Optional services in the Inca Jungle:

• Entrance to the Thermal Baths of Cocalmayo.
• Boating service and its implements.
• Zip line service and its implements.
• Transportation by bus (from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and vice versa).

How to book the Inca Jungle?

• Inca Jungle reservations are made in a tourism agency through the internet.
• It is also possible to buy the tour directly at a tourism agency located in the Historic Center of Cusco.

Is the Inca Jungle difficult?

• The Inca Jungle has a moderate difficulty. Adventure sports do not require significant physical effort.
• In total, approximately 35 kilometers of trekking are covered by easy routes of great scenic beauty.

How much does the Inca Jungle cost?

• The Inca Jungle has an approximate cost of 300 U $ D. However, this price varies depending on the tourism agency and the quality of the service they provide.

When is the best time to do the Inca Jungle?

• The best time to do the Inca Jungle to Machu Picchu is in the dry season (from April to October).
• During those months, the days are sunnier, the nights are colder, and the rains are rare. Those days are ideal for outdoor excursions.

What to take to the Inca Jungle?

It is recommended to bring the following to the Inca Jungle tour:

• Cap or hat.
• Sunscreen.
• Mosquito repellent.
• Trekking shoes.
• Canteen with water.
• Cotton clothes for 4 days.
• Rain poncho (in case of rain).
• Bathing suit and towel (for the Cocalmayo thermal baths).
• Backpack for trekking.
• Extra money in cash (in case you need it).
• Photographic camera.

Tips during the Inca Jungle

The Inca Jungle to Machu Picchu is one of the most incredible experiences in Peru. To fully enjoy this adventure, it is recommended to take the following into account: 

• The Inca Jungle is recommended for young people of any nationality. However, there are cases of elderly adults who want to do this adventure.
• The Inca Jungle does not travel to places that can cause soroche (altitude sickness). However, it is recommended to acclimatize at least 1 day in the city of Cusco before starting the tour.
• Not in good physical shape? The Inca Jungle is not difficult. It is recommended to physically prepare at least only 1 week before the tour.
• Are you unprepared for extreme sports? Many sports in the Inca Jungle are only optional.
• Do you want to do the Inca Jungle with your group of friends or family? There are private tours. You only have to request it at the tourism agency of your preference.

Who can do the Inca Jungle?

• The Inca Jungle is available for tourists of all ages.
• However, the tour is recommended for tourists in good physical shape.
• Older adults should consult with their doctor before the tour.
• Minors must be used to physical exertion and take the tour in the company of their parents.

Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

• The Inca Trail is the most popular adventure in Machu Picchu.
• It is a hiking route of 4 days and 3 nights through the ancient roads built by the Incas that led to Machu Picchu.
• Travel almost 40 kilometers until arriving at Machu Picchu through the Intipunku (Puerta del Sol), just as the Incas did hundreds of years ago.

Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu

• A hiking route to Machu Picchu that lasts 5 days, 4 nights and crosses the ‘Abra Salkantay’, one of the highest mountains in Cusco.
• This route is famous for touring beautiful landscapes. The entrance to the Inca City is through the town of Aguas Calientes.
• This route has a challenging difficulty: the tour must be done through a tourism agency.

Huayna Picchu Mountain

• The Huayna Picchu mountain is the summit located north of the Inca City.
• In this mountain there are Inca stairs as well as a famous construction called the ‘Temple of the Moon’.
• Climbing the steps and reaching the top of the Huayna Picchu mountain is considered one of the best short walks on the planet.
• The entrance to this mountain is with the ticket Machu Picchu + Huayna Picchu.
• Only tourists over 12 years old are allowed to enter.