The Inca Jungle Trek is a 4-day adventure trip from Cusco to Machu Picchu with multiple activities, including biking, river rafting, and trekking. Experience Mountain Biking to Maras Moray, River Rafting in the Urubamba, hiking the lost Inca Trails in the thick Andean Jungle, and finally, visiting Machu Picchu.
Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu 4 days 3 nights - Overview
Inca Jungle Trek is a fantastic alternative route to Machu Picchu, combining mountain biking, white water river rafting, and hiking. This action-packed adventure takes you into the Peruvian jungle, along a beautiful section of the original Inca Trail, and finishes in Machu Picchu – one of the most incredible locations on the planet.
You will experience various stunning landscapes, including the Andean mountain range, the Urubamba River, and the jungle. You will also have time to explore local banana, coffee, and avocado plantations. With such a unique and varied itinerary, it’s not hard to see why the Inca Jungle Tour is now one of the most popular routes to Machu Picchu. If you’re searching for a multi-sport adventure and want to experience as much of Peru’s incredible scenery as possible – this is the ideal tour for you.
Tour Highlights:
- The Best multi-sport tour to Machu Picchu.
- Enjoy a thrilling mountain biking in the Salineras of Maras.
- Venture on an adrenaline-filled river rafting on class III and IV rapids.
- Trek along the off-the-beaten Inca Trails.
- Visit Machu Picchu and return on the Vistadome trains.
- Book with Confidence and Flexibility
Inca Jungle Trek at a Glance
Day 1: Cusco – Salineras – Pispitayoc (Biking and Rafting)
Pick up from your hotel at 7 am and drive to Cruzpata, where you will start descending on a mountain bike to the town of Maras, visit Salineras, and reach the Sacred Valley. The van will take you to the city of Santa Maria for the White water river rafting. Spend the night in a rustic Lodge.
Day 2: Pispitayoc – Hotsprings – Santa Teresa
Wake up early with a cup of fresh homemade coffee in the middle of the Peruvian jungle and prepare for the 7-hour hike along the lost Inca trails to Santa Teresa. On the way, you will stop at the hot springs of Cocalmayo. Spend the night is a local hotel
Day 3: Santa Teresa -Llaqtapata – Aguas Calientes
After breakfast, you will take a van to transfer you to Lucmabamba and start the 8-hour hike to Aguas Calientes. Along the way, you will hike an Inca Trail, visit Llaqtapata to catch the first glimpse of Machu Picchu, and pass by Mandor farms. Spend the night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Day 4: Machu Picchu (Lost City of the Incas)
The most crucial tour day starts early with breakfast and catching the first bus to Machu Picchu. Explore the most important buildings, temples, and palaces, and take some time for yourself before taking the panoramic train back to Cusco. Drop off at your hotel around 7.30 pm.
Included
- Safety briefing that is held the day before the tour
- Pick up and drop off from your hotel
- All transportation is Included during the tour
- Entrance Ticket to all the places we visit
- Professional English-speaking Tour Guide
- One night in a rustic lodge on day 1
- One night in a basic hotel on day 2
- One night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Comfortable mountain bikes, helmets, and gloves
- Rafting equipment with professional guides
- Three breakfasts, three lunches, and three dinners
- Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu
- Round trip bus to Machu Picchu
- Vistadome train back to Ollantaytambo
- Transportation back to your hotel
- First Aid Kit
Not Included
- Huayna Picchu Mountain
- Machu Picchu Mountain (Different from Machu Picchu citadel)
- Trekking poles
- First breakfast and last day lunch at Aguas Calientes
- Gratuities
- Travel Insurance (Strongly recommended)
Optional hikes after the Machu Picchu tour:
- Huayna Picchu Mountain – US$ 68 per person. To book this mountain, you must book far in advance; climbing takes 2 hours round trip.
- Montaña Machu Picchu – US$ 68 per person. You need to book in advance. It is the highest mountain around Machu Picchu, and the round-trip hike is 3 hours.
Important to know before booking the Inca Jungle Trek:
- Minimum of 2 people per booking.
- It would be best if you carried all your equipment.
- We can send your stuff by car and walk only with what you need.
- No porters on this tour.
Full Itinerary of the Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu
Day 1: Cusco – Salineras – Pispitayoc (Biking and Rafting)
Pick up from your hotel at 7:00 am and drive for 1 hour to Cruzpata, where you will start mountain biking across the fields of potatoes and wheat, enjoy the breathtaking view of the Andes, visit the Village of Maras, and Explore the Salineras as you go down into the Sacred Valley. You will then take our transportation for a 2-hour drive to the Village of Santa Maria for lunch.
After enjoying lunch, you will have a safety briefing and start the 1.5 hours of rafting in the Urubamba River. The rapids are class III and IV; the tour guides for the river rafting are different as we use specialized professional tour guides familiar with the region’s waters. After rafting, you will have a 30-minute hike to the resting place. Dinner and spend the night in a rustic lodge.
- Biking time: 3.5 to 4 hours
- Rafting time: 1.5 hours
- Meals: Lunch and dinner
- Accommodation: Rustic Lodge
Day 2: Pispitayoc – Hotsprings – Santa Teresa
Wake up in the Peruvian jungle to the beautiful sound of tropical birds. After breakfast and fresh homemade coffee, explore the local coffee, Coca-leaf, banana, and pineapple plantations. Afterwards, start hiking across a stunning and lost original Inca Trail (different from the Classic Inca Trail) that connected Machu Picchu with Vilcabamba (The last Capital of the Incas). Pass avocados, maniocs, oranges, mangos, cacao, coffee, and coca shrubs along the way. After about a 4 hours hike, you will arrive at Quellomayu, where lunch is served in a local restaurant. It’s then another 4-hour walk upstream along the Urubamba River to the hot springs of Cocalmayu (pure volcanic water). The water here is believed to be medicinal, suitable for your bones and muscles, and relieves stress and headaches. After relaxing in the hot pools, you will take a bus to Santa Teresa town. Spend the night in a basic hotel with a hot shower and wifi.
- Distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel in Santa Teresa
Day 3: Santa Teresa – Llaqtapata – Aguas Calientes
After breakfast in Santa Teresa, prepare for the most beautiful day of your TreXperience! First is a 1-hour drive to Lucmabamba (2,000m/6,600ft), where you will join an original Inca Trail, built in the 15th century and became lost together with Machu Picchu rediscovered a few years ago. The hike takes around 3 hours up to Llactapata, another great Inca site located right in front of Machu Picchu, where you have the first glimpse of Machu Picchu.
Explore and enjoy the spectacular views of Machu Picchu and the Andes. Next, hike a relatively easy 2-hour downhill trek to the hydroelectric station, where you will enjoy a well-earned lunch. After lunch, you will start the final hike to Aguas Calientes along the train track. This part of the trek is full of history as you will visit the Mandor Farms, seen by Hiram Bingham III in the 1911 expedition. Upon arrival at Aguas Calientes around 5.00 pm, your guide will take you to your hotel, where you will have some time to rest and freshen up. Enjoy a final dinner together in the evening, plan for the next day, and spend the night in the hotel.
- Distance: 14 km / 8.6 miles
- Duration: 9 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Day 4: Explore Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco
On the most important day, wake up very early to prepare for the highlight of your TreXperience. After breakfast in the hotel, take the first buses up to Machu Picchu, arriving at the sky brightening with the first ones.
You will explore the citadel and visit the most important places, palaces, and temples. Next, you will have free time to discover by yourself or climb either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (Different and not Included in the Machu Picchu citadel ticket). Once you finish Machu Picchu, you must take the bus down to Aguas Calientes, have lunch (not included), and take the Vistadome train back to Ollantaytambo and a private transportation back to Cusco. Drop off at the door of your hotel around 7:30 pm.
- Duration of the Tour: 3 hours
- Meals: Breakfast (hotel)
- Difficulty: Easy
Price for the Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu
Price per person:
- From US$ 490 - Adults
- From US$ 450 - Children and students
To book the Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu, you need to make an initial payment of US$200 per person. The remaining balance can be paid online or at our office in Cusco with any card and without booking fees.
Student Discount:
- US$ 40 off per person
All travelers under 17 have a $40 discount. If you are 25 years old or under when traveling, you can get the discount with your Student ID. Please send us an email to receive a code for the discount.
Valid Student ID for Machu Picchu
To get the student discount, travelers should have a Valid ID with the following:
- 25 years or less at the time of entering Machu Picchu. Older than 25 can not enter as a student
- The ID must have the Name of the university, name, and photo of the student
- The ID must have a valid expiration date
Invalid Student IDs
Student IDs are not eligible for a discount when:
- Traveler is older than 25
- Expired ID
- Student ID without expiration date
- ISIC cards are not valid.
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What to pack for the Inca Jungle Trek
It’s important to know that we do not have porters on this tour, and you are responsible for carrying your equipment, clothes, and personal items. If you don’t have enough space in your daypáck, we can arrange to transfer your stuff by car at no cost, but only in places where possible.
Here are some essential items to take with you on the Inca Jungle Trek:
Essentials:
- Hiking shoes: Make sure you have comfortable, sturdy hiking shoes that are broken in and can handle the varied terrain.
- Daypack: You'll need a backpack to carry water, snacks, sunscreen, and other essentials for each day's trek.
- Waterproof jacket and pants: The weather can be unpredictable, so bring waterproof gear to stay dry in case of rain.
- Layers: Temperatures can vary widely on the trek, so bring lightweight layers you can add or remove as needed.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses: The sun can be intense at high altitudes, so protect your skin and eyes.
- Insect repellent: Mosquitoes and other bugs can be a nuisance, so bring a good insect repellent.
- Water bottle: It's important to stay hydrated, so bring a refillable water bottle to reduce plastic waste.
- Snacks: Bring trail mix, energy bars, or other snacks to keep your energy up during the trek.
- Camera: Bring a camera or smartphone if you want to capture the incredible scenery along the way.
Clothing:
- Hiking shoes, sandals
- Socks (wool or synthetic)
- Quick-dry pants (convertible pants are helpful)
- Shorts
- Long-sleeve shirt
- T-shirts
- Fleece or insulated jacket
- Rain jacket
- Rain poncho
Accessories:
- Daypack (around 30 liters)
- Water bottle or hydration system
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
- Insect repellent
- Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
- Trekking poles (optional)
Personal Items:
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, etc.)
- Medications and first aid kit
- Hand sanitizer
- Personal snacks (energy bars, trail mix, etc.)
- Camera or smartphone with charger
- Cash and credit cards
- Passport and any necessary travel documents
Note: Remember that you'll carry all your belongings during the trek, so pack as lightly as possible.
Inca Jungle Trek Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu?
The Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu is an alternative route to the classic Inca Trail that combines trekking, mountain biking, and optional activities like ziplining and rafting. It is a 4-day adventure that starts in Cusco and ends at Machu Picchu.
What is the difficulty level of the Inca Jungle Trek?
The Inca Jungle Trek is considered moderate to challenging due to the physical demands of trekking and mountain biking at high altitudes and the optional adventure activities. Participants should be in good physical shape and acclimatized to the altitude before starting the trek.
Do I need to be in good physical shape to do the Inca Jungle Trek?
Yes, participants should be in good physical shape and able to hike and bike for several hours daily at high altitudes. It is recommended that you train for the trek before arriving in Cusco.
What is the altitude of the Inca Jungle Trek?
The highest point of the Inca Jungle Trek is Abra Malaga, 4,316 meters (14,160 feet) above sea level. However, participants will also spend time at lower altitudes throughout the trek.
Do I need special gear for the Inca Jungle Trek?
Yes, you will need appropriate gear for trekking and mountain biking, including comfortable hiking shoes, a backpack, and warm clothing for the high-altitude sections. Rain gear, sunscreen, and insect repellent are also recommended.
Is it safe to do the Inca Jungle Trek?
Yes, the Inca Jungle Trek is considered safe for participants who follow the guidance of their tour guide and take necessary precautions. Experienced professionals conduct adventure activities like mountain biking and rafting and follow strict safety guidelines.
Do I need a permit to do the Inca Jungle Trek?
No, permits are not required for the Inca Jungle Trek. However, participants will need to purchase entrance tickets to Machu Picchu in advance.
What is the best time of year to do the Inca Jungle Trek?
The best time of year to do the Inca Jungle Trek is from May to October, which is the dry season in Peru.
How do I book a tour for the Inca Jungle Trek?
We have daily departures with a minimum of 2 travelers to guarantee departures; if you are a solo traveler, contact us to verify group availability. It is also recommended to book in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.