Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu

Duration
4 Días / 3 Noches
Service
Group
Pickup
Hotel
Cancel
Non-refund
Guide
Difficulty
Easy

About this experience

The 4 Day Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu combines adventure, culture, and breathtaking Andean scenery in one unforgettable journey. Unlike traditional hikes, this route blends adrenaline and nature with mountain biking, rafting, ziplining, and hiking through lush valleys and cloud forests. The adventure starts with a thrilling descent from Abra Malaga (4,350 meters above sea le and continues through Santa María and Santa Teresa, offering a mix of excitement and relaxation. You’ll enjoy cozy eco-lodges, the Cocalmayo Hot Springs, and local cuisine. On the final day, explore Machu Picchu with a guided tour and discover its ancient mysteries. This trek is ideal for adventurous travelers seeking an active and authentic way to reach the Inca citadel.

Detailed itinerary

Day 1: Cusco – Abra Málaga – Santa María

We will start the Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu early at 5:00 AM with hotel pickup in Cusco. The scenic drive crosses the Sacred Valley of the Incas, passing Andean villages and terraced hillsides. After 4 hours, we will reach Abra Málaga Pass (4,316 meters above sea level), surrounded by snowy peaks and fresh mountain air.

After a safety briefing, we will begin our mountain biking adventure. The 55 km downhill route lasts about 3 hours, descending from icy highlands to warm jungle valleys. Along the way, we will stop at waterfalls and viewpoints to capture incredible photos.

By afternoon, we will reach Santa María (1,200 meters above sea level), where a local lunch awaits. Optional white-water rafting on the Vilcanota River (Class II–III) is available for thrill-seekers. In the evening, we will enjoy dinner and spend the night in a cozy eco-lodge surrounded by jungle sounds.

Day 2: Santa María – Jungle Trek – Santa Teresa (Cocalmayo Hot Springs)

After breakfast, we will start our trek through lush jungle trails filled with fruit trees, orchids, and coffee plantations. The 6–7 hour hike offers incredible biodiversity and direct interaction with local communities. Our guide will explain traditional crops and Inca history along the way.

We will follow parts of the Qhapaq Ñan, the ancient Inca road system, where original stone paths remain intact. Small archaeological sites appear between valleys, adding history to the journey.

By afternoon, we will arrive in Santa Teresa (1,550 meters above sea level), where we can relax at the Cocalmayo Hot Springs, surrounded by mountains and warm pools. It’s the perfect reward after a long day of trekking. Dinner and overnight stay in a local lodge. 

Day 3: Santa Teresa – Zipline – Hydroelectric Station – Aguas Calientes

After breakfast, we will start our trek through lush jungle trails filled with fruit trees, orchids, and coffee plantations. The 6–7 hour hike offers incredible biodiversity and direct interaction with local communities. Our guide will explain traditional crops and Inca history along the way.

We will follow parts of the Qhapaq Ñan, the ancient Inca road system, where original stone paths remain intact. Small archaeological sites appear between valleys, adding history to the journey.

By afternoon, we will arrive in Santa Teresa (1,550 meters above sea level), where we can relax at the Cocalmayo Hot Springs, surrounded by mountains and warm pools. It’s the perfect reward after a long day of trekking. Dinner and overnight stay in a local lodge.

Day 4: Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco

The final day of the Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu begins early. After breakfast, we will take a bus (30 min) or hike (1.5 hours) to the Machu Picchu entrance (2,430 meters above sea level)

Once inside, we will join our guided tour of about two hours, exploring the Temple of the Sun, the Sacred Plaza, the Intihuatana, and agricultural terraces. Our guide will explain the history, purpose, and architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Afterward, we will have free time to explore or climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (optional, booked in advance).

By midday, we will descend to Aguas Calientes and board the train to Ollantaytambo. From there, our private transport will return us to Cusco, arriving around 9:00 PM.

Note: itineraries are subject to change.

Inclusions & exclusions

What's included

  • Pre-departure briefing (virtual or in person) the evening before the trek.
  • Hotel pickup in Cusco and transportation to Santa María
  • Mountain biking equipment: bicycles, helmets, gloves, protective gear
  • All adventure activities included in the program (biking, rafting, zipline – with equipment provided)
  • Entrance ticket to Cocalmayo hot springs
  • Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu (subject to availability)
  • Professional bilingual tour guide (English/Spanish/Portuguese)
  • Accommodation:
  • 1 night in an eco-lodge:
  • 2 nights in lodges/hotels with private bathroom and hot showers:
  • Meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners (vegetarian/vegan options available:
  • Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
  • Tourist bus/van from Ollantaytambo back to Cusco.
  • First aid kit and oxygen supply

What's not included

  • Final day lunch and dinner in Aguas Calientes or Cusco
  • Bus (Consettur) from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and return (optional upgrade)
  • Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (USD $75, optional, requires booking)
  • Train from Hydroelectric Station to Aguas Calientes (optional, not included)
  • Personal toiletries and travel insurance
  • Tips for guides, drivers, or local staff (voluntary)
  • Extra snacks, drinks, or meals not mentioned in the itinerary

Frequently asked questions

We answer your questions about this tour

1 Do we need to be in good physical condition for this tour?

Yes. The Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu requires a moderate to challenging fitness level. Participants should be able to handle mountain biking, long hikes, and high altitudes comfortably. Regular exercise before the tour is highly recommended.

2 What is the best time of year to do the Inca Jungle Trek?

The best time to take the trek is from April to October, during the dry season in Peru. You can expect sunny days and clear trails. However, the trek operates year-round, and the rainy season (November to March) offers fewer crowds and lush landscapes.

3 Is the Inca Jungle Trek suitable for children or seniors?

No. This tour is not recommended for young children or elderly travelers with limited mobility. It is designed for active travelers and adventure seekers who enjoy physical challenges and outdoor activities.

4 What should we bring for the Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu?

We recommend bringing: Comfortable hiking clothes and trekking shoes Insect repellent and sunscreen Rain jacket or poncho Swimsuit (for the Cocalmayo Hot Springs) Passport and some cash in Peruvian soles Small backpack and reusable water bottle

5 Are meals included during the Inca Jungle Trek?

Yes. Most meals are included, such as breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Vegetarian and vegan options are available upon request at the time of booking.

6 Do we need to book Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain in advance?

Yes. Both Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain require a separate entrance ticket and must be booked months in advance, as spaces are limited to a few hundred visitors per day.

7 What is the maximum altitude during the trek?

The highest point of the Inca Jungle Trek is Abra Málaga at 4,316 meters above sea level. The lowest point is around 1,200 meters above sea level near Santa María.

8 Is travel insurance required for this trek?

Travel insurance is strongly recommended. It should cover medical emergencies, accidents, and adventure activities like biking and rafting.

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Traveler Experiences

What our travelers say about our Machu Picchu tours

Our reputation is built on the experiences of real travelers. With more than 1,200 verified reviews across TripAdvisor and Google, we are consistently rated 4.9 out of 5 — one of the top-rated Machu Picchu tour operators in Cusco.

4.9
out of 5 based on
PS
MR
DK
AC
SE
+1k
+1,200 reviews
See all on TripAdvisor
Tripadvisor

"Punctuality, very attentive guide and perfect organization. From the hotel exit, transit by train, lunch schedule and guided tours."

AS

Andrey S.

October 14, 2025

Google

"Machu Picchu Peru Tours full day Sacred Valley was an amazing highlight of our trip to Peru. Do not miss it! Our driver Julio Cesar took us on time and safely to all amazing places and experiences beating the crowds. The guide, Erik, was the most passionated guide I've met. An incredible story teller, knowledgeable and giving us a superb experience. It was a real perfect day and an amazing almost private tour feeling like a super engaging history class. Don't think twice."

PN

Patricia N.

A year ago

Tripadvisor

"A very enriching experience, a lot of history, although it rained that day, was a good for nothing our tour. Our guide was very attentive and professional."

MR

Maria R.

October 12, 2025

Google

"We had a amazing tour with Machu pichu Peru tours to the vinicunca mountain, or the rainbow mountain. Tour was well organised and your tour guide took really good care of us. Also the breakfast and lunch was quite good. We can totally recommend this tour organisation."

DK

Daniel K.

2 years ago

Tripadvisor

"The tour starts very early type 3-4 am, how good you can sleep on the way, we breakfast in a very good buffet and then depart for the mountain. Here the height is the problem, you can walk up but it requires a lot of condition, the good thing is that there are horses that you can pay and for 90 suns they leave you 15-20 minutes from the top. Wear layered clothes as you can warm up when climbing. We already walk down and the road is much easier. On horseback you go up in 40 minutes, you are on the mountain an hour to take pictures and the return is about 1 hour or so. In the end we still had lunch in the same very rich buffet!"

AC

Alejandra C.

October 12, 2025

Google

"I highly recommend Machu Picchu Peru Tour. Their service is incredible. I highly recommend their guides, especially Rocio and Jhordi. They are very professional and super friendly. My recommendation is because they have everything arranged and structured so we can fully enjoy the experience: transportation, lodging, food, and tourist attractions. I hope you can take advantage of traveling with them and enjoy it as much as we did."

CG

Cesar G.

8 months ago

Tripadvisor

"I liked the Service and attention I received, plus the quality of the guide who touched us to know the sacred valley on the way to Machu Picchu was first class, with extensive knowledge of the Inca culture and with very good explanation, I highly recommend them."

SM

Salvador M.

September 19, 2025

Google

"It was a wonderful experience. Getting to know one of the wonders of the world and learning its history in detail was very rewarding. We had an excellent guide who answered every one of our questions and her support was unconditional. The guide, Veronica Quispe, and the drivers who supported us were incredible. Thank you so much. They made the trip wonderful."

PN

Patty N.

10 months ago

Tripadvisor

"They were exceptional! Everything very organized, took care of all the details, we hired all the tours, lodging and transfer, we do not regret!"

SE

Sarah E.

October 12, 2025

Google

"The quality and friendliness of the staff were impressive. Wendy served us and was always very attentive to everything, responding quickly. They offer good options without breaking your budget. A short but substantial excursion. The guide Jaime knew everything in detail and provided excellent explanations. I recommend him, especially if you're traveling with children or older adults, as he really has everything under control."

AS

Ara S.

3 years ago

Tripadvisor

"Recommended! What a beautiful place!!! Most of us went up there on mules. Important to clarify if the person weighs more than 110 kg he will not be able to carry it and will have to walk up. It is still very expensive, to have proper footwear."

VL

Veronica L.

October 12, 2025

Google

"I had the wonderful experience of coordinating a group trip with Carolina from this agency, and it was very positive. They were always willing to help and facilitate the trip. On the tours, we had the opportunity to meet Alex on the Sacred Valley tour. He is an excellent guide, very friendly and knowledgeable about all the sites, making the tour very entertaining. In Machu Picchu, we were guided by Edmar, an excellent, knowledgeable, and friendly guide."

KD

Kevin D.

2 years ago

Google

"I loved that the travel agency made everything easy for me in Cusco. All I had to worry about was being on time for pickup and choosing what to eat at the buffet. The agency itself took care of everything. If I could highlight anything, it's the fact that I had a different guide on each tour, and they were all very kind and polite. They did their jobs well and knew how to explain the history of each place."

EG

Enrique G.

10 months ago

Google

"The excursion to the Sacred Valley of the Incas was a great one. Our guide, Veronica, accompanied us the entire time and did her best to make the experience as informative as possible."

AG

Agustin G.

A year ago