The Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu is the most adventurous 4-day route from Cusco, combining downhill mountain biking, white-water rafting and hiking along original Inca Trails through lush jungle. Over 4 days and 3 nights you’ll travel from the high Andes to the cloud forest, relax in the Cocalmayo hot springs and finish with a full guided visit to Machu Picchu.
This small-group Inca Jungle trail tour includes comfortable lodges and hotels, entrance tickets, transport, Vistadome train, and an expert local guide, so you just focus on enjoying the adventure while we take care of all the logistics.
Duration 4 Days / 3 Nights
Activities Trekking, Cycling, Rafting
Average Group Size 12 people
Difficulty Moderate
Accommodation Lodge and Hotel
Tour Language English, Spanish
Hiking Distance 29 km / 18 miles
Destinations Machu PicchuInca Jungle Trek 4 Days - Overview
The Inca Jungle Trek is ideal for active travelers who want adrenaline, scenery, and authentic local culture in a single, seamless experience. With daily departures from Cusco (minimum 2 travelers) and an average group size of 12 people, the Inca Jungle trail promises you adrenaline, camaraderie, and good memories.
Along the way, you’ll pass traditional Andean villages, coffee and cacao plantations, and the soothing Cocalmayo hot springs before spending your final night in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes. The next morning, you’ll take the first bus up to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of its most important temples and viewpoints, followed by free time to take the most spectacular photos.
Unlike the Classic Inca Trail, the Inca Jungle tour from Cusco doesn’t require limited permits; you only need your Machu Picchu entrance ticket Circuit 2, which we'll arrange for you if you book in advance.
Tour Highlights
- Ride an exhilarating downhill section from Cruzpata to the Sacred Valley.
- Experience thrilling class III white‑water rafting on the Urubamba River
- Relax in the natural hot springs of Cocalmayo after a full day’s hike.
- Trek along the off-the-beaten Inca Trails.
- Visit Machu Picchu and return on the Vistadome trains.
Inca Jungle Trail 4 days 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 in 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 the 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 through circuit 2 before taking the panoramic train back to Cusco. Drop off at your hotel around 7:30 pm.
Included
- Pre‑departure safety briefing the day before your trek
- Pick up and drop off from your hotel in Cusco
- All transportation during the tour
- Entrance Ticket to all the places we visit
- Entrance Ticket to Machu Picchu - Circuit 2
- Professional English and Spanish-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 on Day 3
- Quality mountain bikes, helmets, and gloves for the biking section
- All rafting equipment with professional guides
- Three breakfasts, three lunches, and three dinners
- Round-trip bus tickets Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
- Vistadome train back to Ollantaytambo
- Transportation back to your hotel in Cusco
- First Aid Kit
Not Included
- Trekking poles
- First breakfast and last day lunch at Aguas Calientes
- Travel Insurance (Strongly recommended)
- Zipline (optional)
Machu Picchu Circuit included
- Circuit 2: This is the most comprehensive route to visit Machu Picchu. It allows you to visit the Quarry, the Square of Temples, the Sacred Rock, the Twelve Niches, the Warehouses, among others, and the possibility of having awesome views of Machu Picchu!
It is the most popular option as it allows you to visit almost the entire archaeological complex. If tickets for the Machu Picchu Circuit 2 are sold out, we will secure tickets for Circuit 1 or Circuit 3. We strongly recommend booking as early as possible. For more details, visit Machu Picchu Entrances & Circuits 2026.
Optional hikes after the Machu Picchu tour:
- Private service: You can upgrade to a private experience. Contact us for special pricing.
- Huayna Picchu Mountain: US$ 68 per person. (2 hours round-trip)
- Montaña Machu Picchu: US$ 68 per person. (3 hours round-trip)
You can only hike one of these mountains, and it is done after the guided tour in Machu Picchu. Advance booking is required for both hikes.
Why book with TreXperience?
- Local Expert: Get the best prices and best service with a 100% Peruvian company
- Expert Tour Guides: Our tour guides are professionals and fluent in English
- Food on the trail: The food we provide during our trek is always of high quality and great variety
- High-Quality Equipment: We provide high-quality gear for biking and rafting.
- Vistadome Trains: We include the Vistadome train in your return to Cusco.
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
- Accommodation: Rustic Lodge
- Meals: Lunch and dinner
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.
- Hiking Distance: 15 km / 9.3 mi
- Accommodation: Hotel in Santa Teresa
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Difficulty: Moderate
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.
- Hiking Distance: 14 km / 8.6 mi
- Duration: 9 hours
- Accommodation: Hotel in Agas Calientes
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
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)
- Return train: Vistadome train
- 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.
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
Location
The Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu starts in Cusco and heads northwest into the Sacred Valley, blending adventure (biking + rafting + hiking) into one unforgettable route. The downhill ride takes you through high Andean scenery, past the town of Maras, and to the Maras Salt Mines.
From there, we continue southwest into the cloud-forest region, reaching the warmer towns of Santa María and Santa Teresa for river rafting experience, hot springs, and scenic hikes. We’ll then follow a lesser-known Inca trail to Llactapata for your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu, before descending to Aguas Calientes and finishing at Machu Picchu.
Weather
Because this Inca Jungle Trail Machu Picchu moves from the high Andes to the jungle edge, expect big temperature changes. Cusco mornings can feel cool, while areas like Santa María, Santa Teresa, and Aguas Calientes are usually warmer and more humid, especially in the afternoon.
- Dry season (April–October): more stable weather, clearer skies, and better trail conditions.
- Wet season (November–March): afternoon showers are common; trails can be muddy and slippery, and river conditions for rafting can vary.
- Tip: pack light layers plus a rain jacket/poncho, so you stay comfortable in both climates.
Difficulty
The Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu is moderate overall, with a couple of days that feel moderate to challenging because of distance and the mix of activities.
- Day 1: Active adventure day, 3.5–4 hours biking plus 1.5 hours rafting (Class III–IV).
- Day 2: Moderate, 15 km / 9.3 mi hiking, moderate pace, plus time at Cocalmayo hot springs.
- Day 3: Moderate to Challenging, 14 km / 8.6 mi with a steady climb to Llactapata and a long full day (moderate to challenging).
- Day 4: Easy, a 2–3 hour guided tour in Machu Picchu, then travel back to by train and turist transport Cusco.
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.
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.
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 April to October; however, June to August is also the busiest period, with higher visitor numbers on the trails and at Machu Picchu.
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.
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 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.
Do I need to experience mountain biking or rafting?
You don’t need to be an expert, but you should be confident riding a bike on mountain roads and able to follow safety instructions. The biking is mostly downhill on wide tracks and roads. Rafting is on class III–IV rapids and is led by specialized, certified river guides with full safety equipment. If you prefer not to bike or raft, talk to us in advance, in most cases we can arrange for you to travel by vehicle and meet the group afterwards.
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 to Machu Picchu?
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.
How do I book a tour for the Inca Jungle Trail?
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.