Explore the newest multisport route to Machu Picchu along the Inca Jungle Trek with a fun-filled and action-packed tour with Mountain Biking, River Rafting, and Trekking to Machu Picchu.
Trek details
Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu will take you on multiple adventure activities, trekking, biking, and river rafting. During four days, you'll interact with the Peruvian jungle's local villagers and visit Coca and Coffee farms. Also, you'll be able to hike an ancient Inca Trail that connected Machu Picchu with "the last capital of the Incas" - Vilcabamba.Â
Highlights:
- Take the adrenaline-filled tour to Machu Picchu
- Mountain bike to Salineras
- Hike along the lost Inca trails
- Visit Colcalmayo hot springs
- Explore coca and coffee farms
- Beat the crowds to Machu Picchu before sunrise
- Support our Social projects booking with us
Inca Jungle Trek at a Glance
Day 1: Cusco - Salineras - Pispitayoc (Biking / Rafting)
Depart from your hotel in Cusco at 7.0o am and drive to Cruzpata to start mountain biking to Maras Village, Salineras, and finally to the Sacred Valley. Afternoon white water River Rafting in Santa Maria. Camp in a rustic lodge in the cloud forest.
Day 2: Pispitayoc - Colcalmayo - Santa Teresa (trekking)
Wake up with a nice cup of organic coffee and prepare for the 6-hour hike along with the well-preserved Inca Trails in the Cloud Forest region. You'll have time to enjoy the hot springs of Ciocalmayo and spend the night in a local hotel in Santa Teresa.
Day 3: Santa Teresa -Llaqtapata - Aguas Calientes (trekking)
After breakfast, drive to Lucmabamba, where we start a 3 hours climb to Llaqtapata Inca Site, from where you'll have the first views of Machu Picchu, then 2 hours downhill to Hidroelectica, and three more hours along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes. Spend the night in a hotel.
Day 4: Explore Machu Picchu - Return to Cusco
Take the first bus up to Machu Picchu on the last day. Start with a short hike to Sungate or Inca Bridge. Then, explore the most remarkable places in Machu Picchu with your tour guide. After the 3-hour guided tour, climb to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain. Vistadome panoramic train back to Cusco. Drop off at your hotel at 7.30 pm.
Optional Hikes after Machu Picchu guided tour:
- Huayna Picchu Mountain: This mountain takes 2 hours to finish, one hour up, and one hour down; you need to book far in advance, and the cost is $75 per person.
- Machu Picchu Mountain: This mountain takes 3.5 hours to finish; you need to book far in advance, and the cost is $75 per person.
Your Inca Jungle Trek adventure starts at 7:00 am in your hotel in Cusco (You need to have breakfast in your hotel before departure), and drive to the village of Cruzpata (3557 m / 11667 ft), here. You'll prepare for mountain biking. Put on the safety equipment, have a safety briefing, and start biking across the fields of potatoes, wheat, and the mountain's view. The first stop is at Maras town to later descend to Salineras and explore the more than 3000 salt pans where locals have been harvesting salt since Inca Times using the same ancient techniques. The biking time is around 4 hours until arriving in the Sacred Valley for lunch in a local restaurant (2843 m / 9327 ft). After lunch, continue driving for 1.5 hours to Santa Maria (1185 m / 3887 ft), where you'll be able to raft in the Urubamba River for two hours in class III and for rapids, then back to our countryside lodge at Picpitayoc for tea and dinner (1515 m / 4970 ft).
- Biking time: 4 hours
- Rafting time: 1.5 hours
- Hiking time: 30 minutes
- Meals: Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Rustic lodge
Start the day with a nice cup of coffee in the middle of the jungle. After breakfast, you'll start hiking along the rainforest, enjoying a myriad of fruit plantations such as avocados, maniocs, oranges, mangoes, cacao, coffee, and coca shrubs. You'll also use a part of a very well-preserved original Inca Trail attached to an impossible mountain. After 4 hour hike, you'll arrive at Quellomayu (1311 m / 4301 ft) for lunch in a local house. Then, continue for 2 hours towards the hot springs of Cocalmayo, divided into several pools with different temperatures, all composed of pure volcanic water, which is medicinal, and good for bones, stress, muscles, and headaches. After immersing in the baths for a while, take the bus to Santa Teresa, where we spend the night in a basic hotel with a private bathroom, hot shower, and wifi.
- Distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles
- Santa Teresa Elevation: 1559 m / 5114 ft
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- Accommodation: Local hotel
Today is the most beautiful day of the Inca Jungle Trek. After breakfast, take a bus for 35 minutes to Lucmabamba (2,009 m/6591 ft), where you'll visit an organic coffee farm, learn the harvesting process, and make your expresso. The starts with a gentle climb using an original Inca trail, built in the XV century, and connects Vilcabamba (The last Inca capital) with Machu Picchu. After 3 hours, you'll arrive to arrive at Llactapata, a unique place located right in front of Machu Picchu; you will learn more about the history of the Incas and enjoy the first views of Machu Picchu citadel. Then, descend for 2 hours to the hydroelectric station for lunch in a local restaurant after lunch. You'll visit the Sundial, a perfectly carved rock aligned with Machu Picchu sundial during the winter solstice, then continue along the train tracks for 3 hours to Aguas Calientes. Your tour guide will drop you off at your hotel for a well-deserved shower and rest after the big mountains. Dinner at a local restaurant
- Aguas Calientes Altitude: 2,051 m/ 6729 ft.
- Distance: 16 km / 89.9 miles
- Duration: 8 hours
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Difficulty: moderate to challenging
On the final and most important day, you'll wake up early, have breakfast in the hotel, and take the first buses to Machu Picchu. Once you arrive at the main entrance, you need to show the original passport and start exploring with your tour guide. First, take a short hike to Sungate or Inca bridge (Only one of them is possible), then start exploring the citadel with your guide, visit the temples, palaces, and altars, and have some time to discover on your own. After the guided tour, you can hike to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain ( Both are not included and are completely different from Machu Picchu Citadel); you can choose only one of them.
Once you finish with Machu Picchu citadel, take the bus down to Aguas Calientes to have lunch (not included). Later, take the 1.5 hours Vistadome panoramic train back to Ollantaytambo, where the Ultimate Trekking team will be waiting for you to transfer you by van back to Cusco. Drop-off will be at the door of your hotel at 7.30 pm.
- Machu Picchu altitude: 2400 m/ 7874 ft.
- Duration of tour: 4 hours
- Meals: breakfast at the hotel
Included:
- The pre-departure briefing held the day before the tour
- Comfortable, light mountain bikes with full equipment
- Professional native mountain tour guide
- Second tour guide for groups 9+
- All transportation Included during the 4-days of tour
- Rafting equipment with specialized tour guides
- 1-nigh Rustic Lodge on day 1
- 1-night in a basic hotel on day 2
- 1-night at a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes
- 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners
- Entrance to Salineras
- Entrance to Colcalmayo Hotsprings
- Entrance to Machu Picchu
- Bus to Machu Picchu (round trip)
- Panoramic Vistadome to Ollantaytambo
- Transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
- All safety equipment and first aid kit
Not Included
- First breakfast
- Last day lunch
- Gratuities
- Huayna Picchu Mountain tickets
- Machu Picchu Mountain tickets (different from Machu Picchu Citadel)
- Travel Insurance (Highly Recommended)
What is the Inca Jungle Trek?
The Inca Jungle Trek is a multi-day adventure that combines hiking, biking, and optional activities such as zip-lining and river rafting. The trek offers a mix of Inca ruins, cloud forest landscapes, and local culture. The route typically takes around 3-4 days to complete, ending at the famous Machu Picchu ruins.
How difficult is the Inca Jungle Trek?
The Inca Jungle Trek is considered moderately challenging. While it doesn't require technical climbing skills, the terrain can be steep and uneven, and the altitude can be challenging for some. It's recommended that trekkers be in good physical condition and have some experience with high-altitude hiking.
What is the best time to go on the Inca Jungle Trek?
The best time to go on the Inca Jungle Trek is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. During these months, the weather is generally sunny and dry, making trekking conditions more enjoyable. However, the trek can be done year-round, with the wet season (November to March) experiencing more rain and potentially muddy conditions.
Do I need a guide for the Inca Jungle Trek?
While it is not mandatory to have a guide for the Inca Jungle Trek, it is highly recommended. A guide can help ensure your safety, provide valuable information about the trail and local culture, and assist with logistics such as transportation and accommodations.
What should I pack for the Inca Jungle Trek?
Recommended items to pack for the Inca Jungle Trek include:
- Lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing (including layers for colder temperatures)
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Trekking poles (optional)
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
- Insect repellent
- Water bottle or hydration system
- Snacks and energy bars
- First aid kit and personal medications
- Camera or smartphone for photos
- Passport (required for entry to Machu Picchu)
- Cash for emergencies and additional expenses
Is altitude sickness a concern on the Inca Jungle Trek?
Altitude sickness can be a concern for some trekkers on the Inca Jungle Trek, as the highest point of the trek is around 4,350 meters (14,271 feet) above sea level. It is recommended that trekkers spend a few days in Cusco (3,399 meters or 11,152 feet) before starting the trek to acclimatize to the altitude. Drinking plenty of water, avoiding alcohol, and moving slowly can also help reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
Are permits required for the Inca Jungle Trek?
Permits are not required for the Inca Jungle Trek itself, but you will need a ticket to enter Machu Picchu. Due to the limited number of daily visitors allowed at Machu Picchu, it's important to book your tickets well in advance, especially during the high season.
