This adventure was specially designed for travelers who want to visit Machu Picchu while experiencing an alternative route to the traditional Inca Trail.

The Inca Jungle Trek is a four-day journey combining cycling, hiking, nature, and adventure, with Machu Picchu as the final destination.

Along the way, you will enjoy spectacular scenery and have the opportunity to see tropical vegetation, wildlife, birds, fruit plantations, waterfalls, rivers, and traditional communities.

The journey begins in Cusco and takes you through the mountains and into the tropical valleys surrounding Machu Picchu. The experience combines bus transportation, downhill mountain biking, trekking, relaxing breaks, and a train journey before reaching the Lost City of the Incas.

Tour Highlights

• 4 days / 3 nights to Machu Picchu
• Departure from Cusco at 6:30 a.m.
• Downhill mountain biking
• Trekking through tropical landscapes
• Optional rafting activity
• Hot springs in Santa Teresa
• Professional bilingual guides
• Visit to Machu Picchu
• Train journey from Aguas Calientes

Route

Day 1 – Cusco – Málaga Pass – Santa María

We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 6:30 a.m. with our professional bilingual guide.

We will travel by tourist bus for approximately 4 hours until reaching Málaga Pass, located at approximately 4,350 meters above sea level.

From there, we will begin our exciting downhill mountain bike ride.

The descent will take approximately 3 to 4 hours, passing through impressive mountain landscapes as we gradually descend into the warmer tropical region.

Along the way, we will stop for lunch before continuing our ride toward Santa María.

During the journey, you will see snow-capped mountains, lush vegetation, rainforest landscapes, coffee plantations, and coca plantations.

Upon arrival in Santa María, we will check into a simple local accommodation where we will spend the night.

Optional Rafting

On this day, you will also have the option to participate in a rafting activity.

This option must be requested in advance, before the beginning of the tour, so that the necessary arrangements can be made.

In the evening, we will have dinner and then rest at our accommodation to prepare for the following day.

Day 2 – Santa María – Santa Teresa

After breakfast at approximately 7:00 a.m., we will begin our trek toward Santa Teresa.

Today’s hike will take approximately 7 to 8 hours, covering around 23 kilometers through a combination of ascents and descents.

Along the way, we will have the opportunity to walk along sections of ancient Inca pathways while enjoying the extraordinary vegetation of this tropical region.

You may encounter different species of birds and wildlife, as well as tropical fruit plantations and local communities.

One of the highlights of the route is crossing the Urubamba River by hanging cable basket, an experience that adds a unique sense of adventure to the journey.

We will continue our trek toward the famous hot springs of Santa Teresa, where you will have the opportunity to relax and enjoy the natural thermal pools.

We will have lunch along the route before continuing toward the town of Santa Teresa.

Upon arrival, we will check into our simple accommodation.

In the evening, we will have dinner and rest for the night.

Day 3 – Santa Teresa – Aguas Calientes

After breakfast at approximately 7:00 a.m., we will begin our trek toward Aguas Calientes, the town located at the base of Machu Picchu.

We will first walk through the beautiful Aobamba River Valley, surrounded by tropical vegetation and impressive mountain landscapes.

We will reach the area known as Intihuatana, where we will make a short stop before continuing along the route.

We will then continue toward Inca Rakay, where we will stop for lunch.

Along this section of the trek, we will have beautiful views of waterfalls and the majestic mountains surrounding Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu.

We will also have the opportunity to see the Intihuatana, an important Inca ceremonial stone associated with astronomical observations, as well as other Inca structures in the surrounding area.

For the final approximately 2 hours, we will walk alongside the railway tracks toward the town of Aguas Calientes.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you will have the evening free.

Dinner can be arranged with the group, or you may choose to have dinner on your own.

We will spend the night in Aguas Calientes.

Day 4 – Machu Picchu – Cusco

This is the most important day of our journey.

We will finally visit Machu Picchu, the legendary Lost City of the Incas and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

We will wake up early, at approximately 4:30 a.m., have breakfast, and then begin our journey toward Machu Picchu.

Depending on the current access arrangements and your entrance ticket, we will either walk up to Machu Picchu or use the available transportation option.

Once inside the citadel, our professional guide will lead you through the most important areas of Machu Picchu and provide detailed explanations about its history, architecture, culture, and significance.

The guided visit will last approximately 2 hours.

After the guided tour, you will have free time to explore the citadel according to the conditions of your entrance ticket and take photographs of this extraordinary Inca site.

After your visit, we will coordinate with your guide for your return to Aguas Calientes.

We will then have lunch before taking the train from Aguas Calientes toward Ollantaytambo.

From Ollantaytambo, our transportation will take you back toward Cusco.

During the return journey, we will provide you with a snack.

Upon arrival in Cusco, we will transfer you to your hotel, marking the end of our services.

What is included?

• Tourist transportation from Cusco to Málaga Pass
• Professional bilingual guides and trekking assistants
• Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
• Tourist transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
• Mountain bikes and necessary biking equipment
• Helmet
• Gloves
• Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
• 3 nights of accommodation
• Meals included according to the itinerary
• Snacks
• First-aid kit

Not included

• Breakfast on the first day
• Entrance fee to the Santa Teresa hot springs
• Entrance to Huayna Picchu
• Travel insurance
• Accident insurance
• Life insurance
• Tips for guides and staff

What to bring?

• Original passport
• ISIC student card, if applicable
• Travel insurance
• Trekking shoes
• Rain jacket or poncho
• Lightweight clothing for 4 days
• Swimwear
• Personal hygiene items
• Sunscreen
• Mosquito repellent
• Camera
• Cash for personal expenses

Important Information

Entrance to Huayna Picchu must be requested and confirmed at the time of booking and is subject to availability.