Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu 3 days / 2 nights

Physical Level:
Moderate
Max group size:
2 - 12 people
Max. Altitude:
4,350 m / 14,272 ft

Trip Details

Duration: 3 days / 2 nights
Activities: Biking, river rafting, zip line and trekking
Average Group Size: 12 people
Difficulty: Moderate
Meals: 2 breakfast / 2 lunch / 2 dinner
Accommodation: 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

Experience the exciting adventure of the Inca Jungle Trek 3 days and 2 nights to Machu Picchu, a perfect experience for adrenaline and nature lovers. This tour combines biking, rafting, ziplining, and trekking, offering a unique way to reach the Inca wonder.

During the Inca Jungle, you will pass ancient archaeological sites, spectacular Andean landscapes, and lush tropical rainforest until you reach the town of Aguas Calientes, at the foot of Machu Picchu. On your last day, you’ll explore the majestic Inca Citadel, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.

Let yourself be enveloped by the history and mystical energy of the Incas while discovering routes full of adventure. Get ready for the challenge of the Inka Jungle Short Tour and live an unforgettable experience!

Highlights of the 3-Day Inca Jungle Tour:

  • Enjoy hiking, biking, rafting, and ziplining in a single adventure.
  • Bike down spectacular landscapes from the Andes into the jungle.
  • Experience climate change and unique ecosystems.
  • Race down a river on a raft.
  • Fly through the jungle on a zipline surrounded by lush vegetation.
  • Learn the fascinating history of the Incas from guides experts.
  • Finish your trip with a visit to the imposing Machu Picchu.

TRIP ITINERARY

Start your Inca Jungle Trek 3 days and 2 nights with an unforgettable adventure from Cusco to the Peruvian rainforest. At 5:30 a.m., your guide will pick you up at your hotel to head to the majestic Sacred Valley of the Incas, where you can enjoy a traditional breakfast before continuing to the Málaga Pass (4,350 m / 14,160 ft).

Here begins the most exciting part of the Inca Jungle, an experience full of adrenaline and breathtaking landscapes. After a brief orientation, your guide will provide you with the appropriate equipment to begin the downhill bike ride of approximately (3 hours). During the ride, you will enjoy panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, tropical forests, and the gradual change from the Andean climate to the warm jungle atmosphere.

Upon arriving at the town of Huamanmarca, you will feel the true magic of the Inka Jungle begin, surrounded by exotic nature and crystal-clear rivers. Finally, you’ll descend to Santa María (1,200 m / 3,937 ft), where a delicious lunch and a relaxing afternoon await you.

In the afternoon, you’ll have the option to try rafting the Vilcanota River, an extreme adventure with level III and V+ rapids, available from April to December. All safety equipment—helmet, windbreaker, and life jacket—will be provided. After rafting, we’ll transfer to Santa Teresa, where you’ll enjoy a local dinner and comfortable accommodations.

Biking distance:

55 km / 34.18 ml (3 hours).

River rafting distance:

9 km / 5.59 mi (1 hour)

Accommodation altitude:

2,000 m / 6,562 ft

Area:

lush jungle

Difficulty:

moderate

Meals:

lunch and dinner

Accommodation:

Cozy hostal in Santa Teresa

Weather:

Warm and hot at lower elevations.

Wake up early to continue your incredible Inca Jungle Trek 3 days and 2 nights with a day full of excitement and adventure. At 6:30 a.m., enjoy a nutritious breakfast at Santa Teresa before beginning one of the most exciting activities of the tour: the zipline in the Inka Jungle.

At 8:00 a.m., your transportation will take you to the base of the zipline, where you will receive a brief safety briefing before experiencing two hours of pure adrenaline. You’ll experience four unique zip lines and a suspension bridge, flying over tropical landscapes surrounded by mountains, rivers, and lush vegetation.

After the adventure, we’ll take a 1-hour drive to Hidroeléctrica, where you’ll enjoy a delicious local lunch. You’ll then embark on a scenic 10 km hike (approximately 3 hours) following the train tracks to Aguas Calientes, a journey filled with verdant landscapes, waterfalls, and the sounds of the jungle.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you’ll check into your hotel and relax before a special dinner at a local restaurant at 7:00 p.m. Rest well, because the next day you’ll visit the majestic Aguas Calientes. data-end=”1619″>Machu Picchu Inca citadel, the highlight of the Inca Jungle short.

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 warm nights

Meals:

breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Accommodation:

Hotel in Aguas Calientes Town

Visit to the Lost City of the Incas

The last day of the Inca Jungle Trek 3 days and 2 nights has arrived, and the most anticipated moment of the trip awaits you: the visit to the majestic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Aguas Calientes, we’ll board the bus to the main entrance of Machu Picchu, aiming to be among the first to enter (the gate opens at 6:00 a.m.).

During a 2-hour guided tour, you’ll explore the citadel’s most iconic sites: sacred temples, agricultural terraces, residences, and natural viewpoints. Your guide will share the mysteries and advanced engineering of the Incas, who were able to build a monumental city without modern tools, taking advantage of the mountains and natural water channels.

After the tour, you’ll have free time to enjoy and take unforgettable photographs. If you wish, you can take an additional hike to Huayna Picchu Mountain (2,720 m / 8,924 ft) or Machu Picchu Mountain (3,000 m / 9,843 ft) (tickets must be reserved in advance), from where you will have a stunning panoramic view of the citadel and the valley below.

Afterward, you will return to Aguas Calientes for lunch before boarding the train to Ollantaytambo, where your transportation will be waiting for you. private for the return to Cusco.
Thus ends the unforgettable Inka Jungle, an adventure that combines nature, culture and excitement in the Peruvian Andes.

Meals:

01 breakfast at hotel

Highlights:

Visit to Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Note: You can book these services even if you are traveling alone, as they are shared and all costs are expressed in dollars. If you have any questions, please feel free to email us.

Enhance your Inca Jungle experience

During your adventure through the Inca Jungle, you can complement your visit with an additional hike to one of Machu Picchu’s sacred mountains:

Huayna Picchu Mountain
• Elevation: 2,720 m / 8,924 ft (2 hours)
Climb the iconic mountain that appears behind the archaeological site in most photographs. The hike takes about 45 minutes, and the descent may be challenging for those afraid of heights. This climb takes place at the end of the guided tour of Machu Picchu.
Due to high demand, permits must be reserved at least one month in advance. Please note that weather conditions may cause slight changes to the itinerary.
Additional cost: US$75.00 per person.

Machu Picchu Mountain
• Elevation: 3,000 m / 9,843 ft (3 – 4 hours)
This mountain offers a more gradual ascent and wider trails than Huayna Picchu. The hike takes about 1.5 hours to the top, with stunning panoramic views of the Sanctuary.
A special entrance ticket is required, which we can arrange for you with due notice.
Additional cost: 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
    Entrance to the Machu Picchu Archaeological Site (Circuit 2)
    Once we receive your complete information and payment, we will process all required permits.
    These tickets are personal and non-transferable, issued with a fixed date. Changes to passport numbers are only allowed for renewal, upon presentation of both documents (old and new).
  • Adventure Activities
    Cycling: Professional bicycles with front suspension, gloves, and helmet.
    River Rafting: helmets and windbreakers required
    Zipline: safety equipment required
    Cocalmayo Hot Springs: admission included
  • Adventure tour guide.
    Accompanied by an official bilingual guide (Spanish and English), professional and with extensive experience in adventure tourism.
    Our guides stand out for their knowledge, responsibility, and passion for sharing the culture and history of Peru.
    Their priority will be your safety, comfort, and enjoyment throughout the tour.
  • Accommodation
    Accommodation in comfortable rooms
    Overnight 1. Cozy hostel in Santa Teresa
    Night 2. 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 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 2 dinners.
    We can accommodate your dietary preferences: vegetarian, vegan, or special options at no additional cost.
    Please indicate any restrictions or allergies on the booking form and remind your guide during the briefing.
  • Luggage Duffel Bag Service
    During orientation, you will receive a duffel bag (up to 7 kg) for your personal gear.
    Our staff will transport your bag between Accommodations, so you can hike comfortably with just your light backpack.
    At the end of the hike and returning to Cusco, you can drop your bag off at your hotel.
  • Transportation
    Day 1: You’ll be picked up from your hotel in the morning and travel by private transportation to Málaga Pass, the starting point for your bike ride.
    Day 3: Transportation from the Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco.
    Round-trip Consettur bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (Day 3)
    Tourist train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Day 3)
  • Personal luggage transportation
    Our staff will take care of your duffel bag and personal belongings, which will be delivered to you upon arrival at each hotel.
  • Medical kit or first aid kit
    Our guides are first aid trained and have basic medical equipment (first aid kit and oxygen).
    In case of any emergency, we will coordinate rapid assistance and transfer to a clinic if necessary.
  • Customer service 24/7
    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 famous mountain that appears in the images behind the ancient site of Machu Picchu. It’s a 45-minute climb, and the descent can be frightening if you’re 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 your reservation, mainly due to weather conditions.
    The ticket to Huayna Picchu Mountain costs an additional US$75.00 per person.
  • Machu Picchu Mountain
    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 to Machu Picchu Mountain has an additional cost of US$75.00 per person.
  • Upgrading to the Panoramic Vistadome Observatory Train
    It is possible to upgrade to the Panoramic Vistadome Observatory train service; the additional cost is US$75.00; it is possible to upgrade only one way if you prefer.
  • Tipping for Our Staff
    Tipping is customary on any trip to Machu Picchu. Although we pay all our crew members well, anything extra is always appreciated, especially given how hard they work. Typically, group members collect their tips to distribute collectively to porters and chefs.
  • Additional costs or delays beyond our control
    Expenses caused by external factors or force majeure, such as landslides, adverse weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to safety issues, illness, pandemics, changes in government policies, political instability, strikes, acts of God, etc., are not included.

What to Pack?

If you choose to do the Inka Jungle, you need to pack appropriately for the three-day walk. Here are some important items to consider bringing.

CLOTHING:

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

TREKKING GEAR:

  • Backpack of 30 to 40 liters
  • Hiking poles, if you do not have you can rent from the company
  • Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Water bottle or hydration system
  • Snacks (energy bars, trail mix, etc.)
  • Personal toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes, etc.)

MISCELLANEOUS:

  • Passport and necessary documents
  • Original student card if you apply for the student price
  • Camera or phone with a good camera for capturing memories
  • Portable charger for electronic devices
  • Lightweight towel

What our customers say on Tripadvisor

star rating  Bonita experiencia para los recuerdos el valle sagrado de los incas bellos lugares  - Vistas increíbles, bonitos lugares llenos de energía también excelente paisajes para tomar fotos con amigos y familiares

avatar thumb Joshua valentin V
July 17, 2025

star rating  Muy bueno - Muy bonito todo, muy amables todos. La guía espectacular nos explicaba cada detalle. Muy recomendado. Gracia a todos por su servicio

avatar thumb Jeison U
January 1, 1970

star rating  Excelentes planificando vacaciones, todo super genial  - Excelente para poder planear nuestras vacaciones en familia, los lugares muy mágicos y bonitos. Sin duda alguna super recomendado

avatar thumb Karen C
January 1, 1970

star rating  Todos fueron amables, fue divertido y la pasé bien.  - Fueron muy amables, la pase muy bien, todo fue tranquilo y divertido, recomiendo mucho a los que desean viajar con esta agencia.

avatar thumb ANGIE GUADALUPE C
January 1, 1970