Classic Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu 4 days / 3 nights

Physical Level:
Moderate

Max group size:
2 - 12 people

Max. Altitude:
4,350 m / 14,272 ft

Trip Details

Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
Activities: Biking, river rafting, zip line and trekking
Average Group Size: 12 people
Difficulty: Moderate
Meals: 3 breakfast / 3 lunch / 3 dinner
Accommodation: 01 night hostal in Santa Maria, 01 night hostal in Santa Teresa and 01 night hotel in Machu Picchu town.
Tour Language: English, Spanish
Starts/Ends: Cusco/Cusco (Hotel to hotel)
Entrance permits: Machu Picchu circuit 2
Starting Elevation: 3,400 m / 11,594 ft
Minimum Elevation: 2,040 m / 6,693 ft
Highest Elevation: 4,350 m / 14,272 ft
Machu Picchu Archaeo – Logical Site Elevation: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft

OVERVIEW

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the Inca Jungle Trek 4 days and 3 nights, a unique experience that combines adrenaline, history and nature. This tour to Machu Picchu is perfect for lovers of adventure and intense emotions. Not only will you enjoy hiking, but also activities such as mountain biking, rafting, and ziplining in the heart of the Peruvian jungle.

During the Inca Jungle, you’ll walk ancient Inca trails, discover hidden archaeological sites, and marvel at landscapes ranging from towering snow-capped peaks to lush tropical rainforest. Each day offers a new experience and a deeper connection with Andean history and culture.

You’ll hike to the charming village of Aguas Calientes, at the foot of the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu. On your last day, you’ll explore this Wonder of the World, surrounded by mystical energy and spectacular views.

Highlights of the Inca Jungle Trail 4 days and 3 nights:

Combine hiking, biking, rafting, and ziplining in one adventure.
Bike down the mountain enjoying breathtaking views.
Experience the transition from the cold Andes to the warm Amazon rainforest.
Ride down the river on a raft.
Fly through the jungle on a zipline surrounded by lush tropical foliage.
Discover the fascinating history of the Inca Empire.
Conclude your trip with a guided tour of Machu Picchu Picchu.

TRIP ITINERARY

The Inca Jungle Trek 4 days and 3 nights begins with an adrenaline-filled adventure. We will depart very early from Cusco towards the Málaga Pass, at 4,350 m above sea level, where we will begin an exciting 3-hour, 55-kilometer bike descent.

During the tour, you will enjoy spectacular Andean landscapes, snow-capped mountains, and the transition to the lush tropical rainforest. This first stretch of the Inka Jungle allows you to appreciate how the climate gradually changes from the cold Andean peaks to the warm Amazonian environment.

Along the way, we will make strategic stops to check our equipment and take photographs of the impressive natural surroundings. Upon arriving at the town of Huamanmarca, we will enter the Peruvian Amazon, crossing small streams surrounded by lush vegetation.

We will continue to Santa María (1,200 m / 3,937 ft), where we will enjoy a delicious lunch and spend our first night in comfortable local accommodation.
In the afternoon, you will have the option to experience extreme rafting on the Vilcanota River, which features rapids ranging from grade III to V+. This activity includes all safety equipment: helmets, life jackets, and windbreakers.
Rafting is available from April to December, and swimming skills are required by Peruvian law.

We’ll end the day with dinner at a local restaurant and overnight stay in Santa María.

Biking distance:

55 km / 34.18 ml (3 hours).

River rafting distance:

9 km / 5.59 mi (1 hour)

Accommodation altitude:

(1,200 m / 3,937 ft).

Area:

lush jungle

Difficulty:

moderate

Meals:

lunch and dinner

Accommodation:

Cozy hostal in Santa Maria

Weather:

Warm and hot at lower elevations.

After a nutritious breakfast around 6:00 a.m., we begin the second day of the Inca Jungle Trek 4 days and 3 nights, one of the most memorable stages of the entire adventure. We will start with a 45-minute walk along a road before connecting with the ancient Inca Trail that linked Machu Picchu with Vilcabamba, the last capital of the Inca Empire.

As we advance, you will witness lush landscapes surrounded by plantations of banana, coffee, cassava, and coca leaves. This part of the Inka Jungle is an immersion into local farming life and an opportunity to enjoy stunning views of the Vilcanota Valley and the jungle hills.

After about three hours of hiking, we will arrive at the picturesque village of Quellomayo, where we will have lunch at a local restaurant. We’ll then continue along the Vilcanota River for about 3.5 hours until we reach the Cocalmayo hot springs, a natural oasis perfect for relaxing your muscles and enjoying the tropical surroundings.

After a well-deserved rest, we’ll walk for about 45 more minutes until we reach Santa Teresa, where we’ll spend the night in a cozy hostel and share a local dinner full of good energy and camaraderie.

Hiking distance:

22 km / 13.7 ml (7 to 8 hours)

Accommodation altitude:

2,000 m / 6,562 ft

Difficulty:

Moderate day (full day hike)

Area:

cloud rainforest

Weather:

Warm and Tropical, with very warm nights

Meals:

breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Accommodation:

Cozy hostal in Santa Teresa

Start your day at 6:30 a.m. with a nutritious breakfast before getting ready for a day full of adrenaline and breathtaking landscapes.
At 8:00 a.m., you will be transferred to the base of the zip line, where you will receive a brief safety briefing before enjoying an exciting experience of approximately 2 hours. You’ll experience the adventure of sliding down four different zip lines and crossing a suspension bridge, all amidst a spectacular natural setting.

Once the activity is over, we’ll take a 1-hour shuttle to Hidroeléctrica, where you’ll enjoy a well-deserved lunch. Afterwards, we will begin a 10 km scenic hike (approximately 3 hours) along the train tracks, surrounded by the lush vegetation of the highland jungle, until we reach the charming town of Aguas Calientes.

Upon arrival, you will check into your hotel and have some time to rest. At 7:00 p.m., you will enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, ideal to regain energy and prepare for the long-awaited visit to Machu Picchu the next day.

Zipline Adventure:

Experience 4 Unique Ziplines and 1 Thrilling Suspension Bridge

Walking distance:

10 km / 6.2 ml (3 hours)

Accommodation altitude:

2,040 m / 6,693 ft

Difficulty:

moderate

Area:

cloud rainforest

Weather:

Warm and Tropical very warn nights

Meals:

breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Accommodation:

Hotel in Aguas Calientes Town

Visit to the Lost City of the Incas

Today is the most anticipated day of the entire adventure. You will finally visit Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and UNESCO World Heritage Site!

We will start very early, before dawn, to enjoy the tranquility and magic of the first lights on the imposing Andean cliffs. After a comforting rest at the lodge, we will board the bus from Aguas Calientes to the Inca citadel, whose entrance opens at 6:00 a.m. We will be among the first to enter to take advantage of the calm of the morning and the best views.

Once inside the sanctuary, your expert guide will accompany you on a tour of approximately two hours through the most emblematic sectors: temples, residences, agricultural terraces, and natural viewpoints. You’ll be amazed by the Inca engineering and architecture, capable of building a majestic city in the middle of the mountains, using canals and aqueducts to distribute water precisely, all without metal tools.

Discovered by Hiram Bingham and later restored, Machu Picchu remains today one of the most admired treasures on the planet.

After the guided tour, you will have the option to ascend the Huayna Picchu mountains (2,720 m) or ascend the Huayna Picchu mountains (2,720 m). data-end=”1600″>Machu Picchu Mountain (3,000 m)—both with stunning views of the citadel. It is important to book these tickets in advance due to high demand.

After your visit, you will return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and then board the return train to Ollantaytambo (subject to availability). Upon arrival, our private transportation will be waiting to take you back to your accommodation in Cusco.

This brings to an end an unforgettable experience of our 4-day, 3-night Inca Jungle Trek, leaving in your memory the grandeur of the Andes and the eternal spirit of the Incas.

Meals:

01 breakfast at hotel

Highlights:

Visit to Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Note: You can book this tour even if you are traveling alone, as all services are shared and prices are expressed in US dollars (USD).
If you have any questions or would like to customize your experience, please do not hesitate to contact us by email — our team will be happy to help you.

Upgrade your Inca Jungle Tour Experience

During your visit to the citadel, you can add one of the following hikes to enjoy unique panoramic views. These options must be booked in advance due to high demand.

Huayna Picchu Mountain
• Elevation: 2,720 m / 8,924 ft (2 hours)
You can climb the famous mountain that appears in the images behind the ancient site of Machu Picchu. It is a 45-minute climb, and the descent can be frightening if you are afraid of heights. You can take this trip after your guided tour of Machu Picchu ends. Due to high demand, permits must be provided at least one month in advance. Please note that adjustments may be made to maintain its integrity, primarily due to weather conditions.
The ticket for Huayna Picchu Mountain has an additional cost of US$75.00 per person.

Machu Picchu Mountain
• Elevation: 3,000 m / 9,843 ft (3 – 4 hours)
Machu Picchu Mountain is one of the mountains surrounding the ancient site of Machu Picchu. The paths are less steep, wider, and visually less intimidating than those of Huayna Picchu, with a 1.5-hour climb to the summit. This hike requires an entrance ticket, which we can obtain for you if we have enough time in advance.
The ticket for Machu Picchu Mountain has an additional cost of US$75.00 per person.

INCLUSIONS

What is included?

Pre-departure briefing
You will meet with your tour guide and group for an orientation before the hike.
Permits and Entrance Tickets
Admission to the Machu Picchu Archaeological Site (Circuit 2)
Once we receive your complete information and payment, we will process all necessary permits on your behalf.
These tickets are personal and non-transferable. Changes are only allowed for passport renewal (in which case, you must present both the old and new documents).
Adventure Activities
Cycling: Professional bicycles with front suspension, gloves, and helmet.
River Rafting: with helmets and windbreakers
Zipline: with safety equipment
Cocalmayo Hot Springs: with entrance fees
Experienced Tour Guide
Official bilingual guide (English and Spanish), certified and with extensive experience in adventure tourism.
Our guides are passionate about Inca culture and will ensure that you have a safe, educational, and memorable experience.
Accommodation
Personal accommodations in private campsites
Night 1: Cozy hostel in Santa Maria
Night 2 – Cozy hostel in Santa Teresa
Night 3 – Hotel in Aguas Calientes. You will spend the last night of this trek in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes, which includes luggage storage while you visit Machu Picchu.
*Accommodation is in double and triple rooms.
Meals
Includes 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners.
Our guests praise the quality and flavor of the meals.
We cater to special diets (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.) at no additional cost.
Please inform us of your dietary restrictions at the time of booking. You’ll have breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as hot drinks and snacks.
Duffel Bag Service (7 kg)
During the briefing, you’ll receive a duffel bag with a capacity of up to 7 kg for your personal belongings.
Our team will transport it between accommodations, so you can enjoy the hike with only a light backpack.
Transportation
Day 1: You’ll be picked up from your hotel in the morning and travel by private transport to the Málaga Pass, the starting point of the bike ride.
Day 4: Transportation from the Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco.
One-way bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (Day 4)
Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Day 4)
Transportation of Personal Belongings
Our staff will take care of your duffel bag and personal items, and they will be delivered to you upon arrival at each hotel.
Medical Kit or First Aid Kit
All guides are trained in first aid and emergency management.
They carry a medical kit, oxygen, and backup communication equipment, ensuring a safe experience throughout the day. the route.
24/7 Customer Service
We have a 24-hour phone service available to facilitate communication with the media prior to your walk.

What is not included?

Huayna Picchu Mountain
You can climb the renowned mountain that appears in images behind the ancient site of Machu Picchu. It’s a 45-minute climb, and the descent might be frightening if you’re afraid of heights. You can do this trip after your guided tour of Machu Picchu ends. Due to the high demand, permits must be provided at least one month in advance. Consider that there may be adjustments to maintain your integrity, primarily due to weather conditions.
The ticket for Huayna Picchu Mountain has an extra cost of US$ 75.00 per person.
Machu Picchu Mountain
Machu Picchu Mountain is another of the mountains that surround the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. It oﬀers less steep, wider, and visually less frightening trails than Huayna Picchu, and it takes
1.5 hours to reach the top. This walk requires an entrance ticket which we can secure for you if we have time in advance.
The ticket for Machu Picchu Mountain has an extra cost of US$ 75.00 per person.
Vistadome Observatory train
It is posible to upgrade to the Panoramic Vistadome Observatory train service, the extra per way is US$ 75.00, it is posible to upgrade only one way if your prefer.
Tips for our staﬀ
Tipping is customary on any trip to Machu Picchu. Although we pay our entire crew well, anything extra is always appreciated, especially given how hard they work. Typically, group members collect their tips to distribute to the porters and chefs collectively.
Additional costs or delays beyond our control
Landslides, bad weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to a safety concern, illness, pandemia, government policy changes, political instability, strikes, act of God, etc.

What to Pack?

If you choose to hike the Inca Jungle Trek, you should pack appropriately for the four-day trek. Here are some important items to consider bringing.

CLOTHING:

Comfortable hiking shoes/boots
Moisture-wicking hiking socks
Quick-dry pants
Lightweight t-shirts
Long-sleeved shirt
Fleece jacket or sweater
Raincoat and pants
Hat or cap
Gloves

SLEEPING GEAR:

Sleeping bag (rated for cold weather) if you don’t have one, you can rent one from the company.
Pillow (optional)

TREKKING GEAR:

30-40L backpack liters
Hiking poles; if you don’t have one, you can rent them from the company.
Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries.
Sunscreen (SPF 50 or higher recommended).
Mosquito or insect repellent.
Water bottle or hydration system.
Snacks (energy bars, trail mix, etc.).
Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, wipes, etc.).

ADDITIONALLY

Passport and necessary documents.
Original student ID if you apply for the student price.
Camera or phone with a good camera to capture memories.
Portable charger for electronic devices.
Towel. light

Small Groups