Full Itinerary of the Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu

Day 1: Cusco –  Salineras – Pispitayoc (Biking and Rafting)

We pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 7:00 am and drive for about 1 hour to Cruzpata, where your mountain biking adventure begins. After a safety briefing and equipment check, you’ll descend on quiet dirt roads past potato and wheat fields with sweeping views of the Andes. You’ll ride through the town of Maras and visit the impressive Salineras salt mines as you make your way down into the Sacred Valley.

From the valley, our transport pick you up to continues for roughly 2 hours to the warm town of Santa María for lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll meet your specialized river guides for a full safety talk before starting 1.5 hours of exciting class III–IV white‑water rafting on the Urubamba River. After the rafting, a short 30‑minute walk takes you to your rustic lodge in Pispitayoc where you’ll enjoy dinner and spend the night.

• 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 to the sound of tropical birds and enjoy a freshly brewed cup of local coffee at the lodge. After breakfast, you’ll explore nearby plantations of coffee, coca leaves, bananas, pineapples and other tropical fruits before starting the day’s hike.

The trail climbs gently along a beautiful, rarely visited original Inca trail (different from the Classic Inca Trail) that once connected Machu Picchu with Vilcabamba, the last Inca capital. As you walk, you’ll be surrounded by fields of avocados, maniocs, oranges, mangos, cacao, coffee, and coca shrubs and views of the Urubamba valley. After about 4-hour of hiking, you arrive in Quellomayo for lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, continue for roughly 4 more hours along the river to reach the Cocalmayo hot springs, where you can soak in pure volcanic waters that are said to relieve tired muscles and stress. After relaxing, a short bus ride takes you to the town of Santa Teresa, where you’ll spend the night in a basic hotel with hot showers and Wi‑Fi.

• 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, we drive for about 1 hour to Lucmabamba (2,000 m / 6,600 ft), where you join another original Inca Trail. Built in the 15th century and lost for centuries together with Machu Picchu, this path was only rediscovered recently and offers a truly special approach to the citadel.

A steady 3‑hour climb takes you up to Llactapata, an Inca archaeological site located directly in front of Machu Picchu. Here you’ll enjoy your first panoramic views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding peaks, a real highlight of the trek. After exploring the ruins and taking photos, continue with a gentle 2‑hour descent to the Hydroelectric station for a well‑earned lunch.

In the afternoon, you follow the railway tracks for about 3 hours through lush vegetation to reach Aguas Calientes. This stretch is full of history as you pass the Mandor Farms, visited by Hiram Bingham III during his 1911 expedition. On arrival around 5:00 pm, your guide will take you to your hotel, where you can rest and freshen up before a group dinner and final briefing for Machu Picchu.

• Distance: 14 km / 8.6 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
• Duration: 9 hours
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Accommodation: Hotel in Agas Calientes

Day 4: Explore Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco

Today is the most important day of your TreXperience. After an early breakfast at the hotel, you’ll take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu, arriving as the sky begins to brighten over the surrounding mountains.

Your guide will lead you on a 2–3 hour tour of the citadel, following the circuit 2 and  visiting the most important plazas, temples and viewpoints while sharing the history, engineering and legends of the Incas. After the tour, you’ll have free time to take extra photos or, if booked in advance and separately, to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (optional extra; limited permits, not included in the standard ticket).

Once you’re ready, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, have lunch (not included), and board the Vistadome train to Ollantaytambo. From there, our private transport returns you to your hotel in Cusco, arriving around 7:30 pm.

• Duration of the Tour: 3 hours
• Meals: Breakfast (hotel)
• Difficulty: Easy

Price for the Inca Jungle trail multi sport 4 Days

We organize small group tours to ensure a personalized and intimate travel experience. For those traveling with a large party, for solo travelers or seeking an exclusive adventure, we offer a private Inca Jungle trail Machu Picchu like this trail tailored specifically to your preferences. Contact us today, and we'll provide a customized price and design the perfect tour to meet your needs, ensuring an unforgettable journey.

Price per person

• From US$ 490 - Adults
• From US$ 460 - Children and students

Student Discount

• US$ 30 off

Applies to all travelers under 17 and students under 25 with a valid university ID. To get the discount, the ID must include:

• Student name, photo, and university name.
• Have a valid expiration date (expired IDs will not be accepted)
• ISIC cards are not valid.

The discount is applied automatically for children. For students, you must submit a copy of your student ID when booking; if your ID is rejected, you will be charged the adult rate. Please email us at info@trexperienceperu.com at the time of booking to receive your discount.

Booking and payment

• Deposit: US$ 200 per person (to reserve your spot). The remaining can be paid online or at our office in Cusco, using any credit card, PayPal, or wire transfer. Contact us to see alternative payment options.

Before you book

• Have your passport handy and enter the information exactly as it appears on it. Do not enter nicknames.
• Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free meals are available upon request in advance.
• 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.

How to book

To book this tour:

• Click on the BOOK NOW button, choose your travel date, and select the tour option of your choice (group or private service).
• Fill in all the requested details with your passport data. If you can hire a sleeping bag, an air mattress, or trekking poles with us, this is the moment, too.
• Then choose the type of room you want for the 2 nights.
• Finally, enter your credit/debit card details and make the payment.
• Our team will contact you shortly to reconfirm your payment and give you more information.

Similar tours you might be interested in

• Lares Trek to Machu Picchu 4 Days
• Ausangate, Rainbow Mountain + Machu Picchu 4 Days
• Huchuy Qosqo + Short Inca Trail 4 Days
• Luxury Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 days

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.

Travel Information for the Inca Jungle Trail

Best time to do the Inca Jungle experience

If you’re looking for a good balance between stable weather and manageable crowds, the shoulder months of April, May, September and October are often ideal. The driest and most predictable conditions typically run from May to October; however, June to August is also the busiest period, with higher visitor numbers on the trails and at Machu Picchu.

The highest point of the Inca Jungle trek

Before starting the trek, it’s wise to spend at least two nights acclimatizing in Cusco at 3,400 m (11,155 ft) so your body can adjust to the altitude. The maximum elevation you’ll reach on this itinerary is Abra Málaga at 4,316 m (14,160 ft), accessed by vehicle. Most hiking days, however, take place at much lower altitudes in the jungle, where the air is warmer and richer in oxygen.

Physical preparation for the Inca Jungle

To take on the Inca Jungle Trek comfortably, you should already be able to ride a bike at an intermediate level. From there, build your fitness by combining regular cardio – such as jogging, cycling or swimming, with stair climbing and long walks to improve leg strength and endurance. Ideally, start training 3 to 6 months before your trip, increasing the intensity and duration of your runs gradually, aiming for about three sessions per week and including rest days so your body can recover properly.

Travel Insurance for adventure sport tours

On an adventure like the Inca Jungle Trail you’ll be moving with backpacks and technical gear and joining several outdoor activities, which naturally increases the risk of mishaps. Having travel insurance means you’re covered if your luggage is delayed, damaged or lost, helping you continue your journey with minimal disruption. Just as important, insurance provides medical coverage in case of unexpected illness or injury on the trail, so you can access the care you need without worrying about unexpected medical costs during your trip.

Minimum age for the Inca Jungle tour

Because the Inca Jungle Trek combines hiking on uneven paths with activities like mountain biking, rafting and other physical challenges, it’s essential that participants are both physically capable and mentally ready for the experience. For this reason, the recommended minimum age is usually around 12 years old, assuming the child is active and comfortable with several hours of outdoor activity each day.

Money, Connectivity & Charging

• Electricity: Access to power at campsites can be very limited or non‑existent, so fully charge your devices before leaving Cusco. A reliable power bank is essential to keep phones and cameras running between overnight stops.
• Signal: Mobile reception along the route is irregular and in some stretches completely unavailable. For peace of mind, your guide carries a satellite phone to handle any emergency calls.
• Cash: As there are no ATMs on the trail, plan to bring enough soles in small notes and coins for snacks, drinks, local services and tips, following your operator’s recommendations.

Do Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain trekking after the tour

Yes, you can add either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain as an optional extra for an additional fee (limited permits per day). The hikes take about 2–3 hours round trip and offer stunning panoramic views. Because spaces are very limited, we recommend requesting them at the time of booking.

Machu Picchu entry: Circuits, Time & one-way routes 

Since 1 June 2024, Machu Picchu uses three main visitor circuits divided into ten one‑way routes. Entry is organized by hourly time slots, and you must follow exactly the route printed on your ticket. Once you leave the site you cannot re‑enter, so arrive before your assigned time, use the restrooms beforehand and carry only a small daypack.

Our priority is to secure Circuit 2, as it offers the most complete classic visit; if it is sold out for your date and time, we will select the best available alternative. Booking early gives you the widest choice of circuit and morning entry times.

Circuit 2 — Classic (citadel‑focused) — default

• 2‑A Designed: A comprehensive walk covering the main sectors, including Intiwatana, Sacred Rock and Temple of the Condor, plus key viewpoints. Maximum visit: 2 h 30 min.
• 2‑B Lower Terraces: Similar scope but with perspectives from the lower terraces and panoramic views. Maximum visit: 2 h 30 min.

Why this is the default: It provides the richest, most balanced route through the core of Machu Picchu within a comfortable time frame.

Circuit 1 — Panoramic (viewpoints)

• 1‑A Machu Picchu Mountain: Includes access to the citadel plus the Machu Picchu Mountain hike, offering wide, high‑altitude panoramas. Max stay: up to 7 hours.
• 1‑B Upper Terraces: Focus on higher terraces and the classic postcard views, with less time in the urban area. Max: 2 h 30 min.
• 1‑C Intipunku (Sun Gate): Panoramic approach via the Sun Gate, available only in high season. Max: 4 hours.
• 1‑D Inca Bridge: Short walk to the Inca Bridge viewpoint, also limited to high season. Max: 3 hours.

Best for: Travelers wanting elevated postcard‑style vistas or the long Machu Picchu Mountain hike.

Circuit 3 — Lower entrance / urban areas (mountain add‑ons)

• 3‑A Huayna Picchu: Citadel access combined with the steep Huayna Picchu climb. Max visit: up to 6 hours.
• 3‑B Designed (lower sector): Focus on key temples and urban sectors with gentler slopes. Max: 2 h 30 min.
• 3‑C Great Cavern / Temple of the Moon: Long hike on the Huayna side towards the Great Cavern; available only in high season. Max: 7 hours.
• 3‑D Huchuy Picchu: A shorter alternative hike on the Huayna side, likewise in high season only. Max: 3 h 30 min.

Time slots & practical tips: Entries are scheduled by the hour. Aim to reach the gate before your time slot, go to the bathroom before entering, and bring only what you need for a few hours inside. Remember: once you exit, re‑entry is not allowed on the same ticket.

Inca Jungle Trek Frequently Asked Questions