Tour Description
The Inca Jungle Trek is not just a hike; it is an adrenaline-fueled, multi-sport adventure designed for thrill-seekers. It is the most action-packed alternative route to Machu Picchu, taking you from the freezing high Andes down into the steamy tropical jungle.
Your journey starts with a massive 3-hour downhill mountain bike ride from the Malaga Pass (4,316m) down into the cloud forest. Over the next days, you will have the opportunity to go white-water rafting on the Urubamba River, hike along original Inca trails through coffee and fruit plantations, relax in the Cocalmayo hot springs, and fly across the valleys on some of South America's highest zip-lines, before finally reaching Machu Picchu.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Abra Malaga (Biking) – Santa Maria (Rafting)
- 06:00 AMPick up from Cusco and drive through the Sacred Valley to Abra Malaga (4,316m).
- 10:00 AMEquip with full safety gear and begin a thrilling 3-hour downhill mountain bike ride.
- 01:30 PMArrive in Huamanmarca and take the van to Santa Maria for lunch.
- 03:00 PMOptional white-water rafting (Class III/IV) on the Urubamba River.
- 06:00 PMDinner and overnight in a basic local lodge in Santa Maria.
Day 2: Santa Maria – Santa Teresa (Trekking & Hot Springs)
- 06:30 AMBreakfast and start hiking through the high jungle.
- 09:00 AMHike along an original, well-preserved section of the Inca Trail.
- 12:30 PMStop at the village of Quellomayo for lunch and a hammock rest.
- 03:30 PMArrive at the spectacular Cocalmayo hot springs to relax your muscles.
- 06:00 PMShort drive to Santa Teresa for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Santa Teresa (Ziplining) – Aguas Calientes
- 07:00 AMBreakfast. Optional morning zip-lining adventure.
- 10:00 AMDrive or walk to the Hydroelectric station.
- 12:00 PMLunch at the Hydroelectric station.
- 02:00 PMEnjoy a flat, scenic 3-hour walk along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes.
- 05:30 PMCheck into your hotel. Final group dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 4: Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco
- 04:30 AMEarly wake up and breakfast.
- 05:30 AMTake the bus up or hike the stairs to the Machu Picchu entrance.
- 06:30 AMEnter the citadel for a 2-hour guided tour.
- 09:00 AMFree time to explore.
- 01:30 PMReturn by train to Ollantaytambo, then transfer by bus to Cusco.
Included
- Pre-departure briefing
- Transportation and full suspension mountain bikes with safety gear
- Professional bilingual guide
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket
- Meals (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners)
- 2 nights in basic eco-lodges, 1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Return train to Ollantaytambo and bus to Cusco
Not included
- Rafting and Zip-lining activities (can be added as extras)
- Cocalmayo hot springs entrance fee
- Bus tickets up/down to Machu Picchu (you can walk up)
- First breakfast and last lunch
What to bring
- Passport
- Light hiking clothes (it gets very hot in the jungle)
- Swimsuit for hot springs and rafting
- Insect repellent (essential)
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
Expert Tips
- This is the warmest of all the treks to Machu Picchu, pack lots of light clothing and insect repellent.
- You can opt-out of the biking and ride in the support van if you feel tired or unsafe.
