Cusco, Santa Maria, Hidroeléctrica, Machu Picchu
- Time 4 Days / 3 Nights
- Tour Type Hike
- Altitude 4315 m.a.s.l.
- Place Cusco
- Difficulty Moderate
Trip Description
We welcome you to Inca Jungle, the ideal option for those looking for an exciting experience before reaching Machu Picchu. This exciting tour combines mountain biking, rafting and hiking in one complete package. During the tour, you will enjoy breathtaking views of the Peruvian landscapes while experiencing the thrill of outdoor adventure. Designed especially for young and fit visitors, this tour will challenge you and give you a unique and unforgettable experience. In addition to adventure sports, you will also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the Inca culture and history of the region. Don’t miss the opportunity to live an epic adventure in Peru with Inca Jungle, we are looking forward to seeing you!
Short itinerary
Day 01: Cusco – Abra Málaga – Santa Maria
We will start the day cycling down a road until we reach the charming village of Santa Maria. As a finishing touch, you will have the option to enjoy an intermediate to easy rafting experience.
Day 02: Day 02: Santa Maria – Quellomayu – Santa Teresa (Hiking)
On this day, we will explore the lush jungle and hike along beautiful trails that will take us through plantations, exotic flora and fauna, and fascinating waterfalls. Our final destination will be Santa Teresa, where we can relax and unwind in the soothing hot springs of Cocalmayo.
Day 03: Santa Teresa – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes
On the third day, we can do more adventure activities, such as the zip line with several stretches, including one 1 km long.
Day 04: Machupicchu Full Day – Cusco.
This is the day we will explore and unveil the mysteries of this ancient Inca city.
| Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Día 4 | |
| Exit point | Cusco | Santa María | Santa Teresa | Machu Picchu |
| Arrival point | Santa María | Santa Teresa | Aguas Calientes | Cusco |
| Distance / duration | 210 km / 7 h | 22 km / 7 h | km / 7 h | |
| Breakfast | ||||
| Lunch | ||||
| Snack | ||||
| Dinner | ||||
| Activities | Transfer from Cuzco to Abra Malaga -Biking | Hike | Hike | Tours |
Complete Itinerary
Day 01: Cusco – Abra Malaga – Santa Maria (Biking)
Cusco, 3. 400 masl: We will be picked up at the hotel between 7:30 and 7:45 am, then we will go by bus to Abra Malaga. We will enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Cusco, visit Chinchero and Ollantaytambo, and pass through impressive landscapes where we can observe the majestic snow-capped mountain range, such as the Veronica Mountain.
Abra Malaga, 4,315 masl: The bike ride from Cusco to Abra Malaga takes about 3 hours. We will experience beautiful landscapes, from the rugged puna to the immense valley, then descend to a temperate zone with abundant jungle flora and fauna. We will make a brief stop for lunch and recharge our batteries before continuing with this wonderful journey.
Santa Maria, 1,280 masl: After our bike ride, we will finally arrive in Santa Maria. During the bike ride, we will have the support of our vehicle in case of any mishap. In Santa Maria, we will spend our first night and enjoy dinner and breakfast. We estimate to arrive in Santa Maria around 4:00 pm.
- Time: 8 Hours Approx.
- Distance 01: Cusco – Abra Malaga 132 Km, 3 Hours Approx. by Bus.
- Distance 02: Abra Malaga – Santa Maria 75 Km, 4 hours Approx. by bike.
- Climate: Cold and Warm, Ceja de Selva.
- Maximum Altitude: 4,316 masl.
- Difficulty: Moderate, Easy
- Overnight: Santa María
- Meals: Breakfast, Box Lunch, Dinner
Day 02: Santa Maria – Quellomayu – Santa Teresa (Hiking)
Santa Maria, 1. 280 masl: After breakfast, we start our hike at approximately 7:30 a.m. We will walk through trails surrounded by lush vegetation, where we can admire the crops and harvest of coffee, as well as the sacred plant of the Incas, Coca. In addition, we will encounter a diversity of flora and fauna, including medicinal plants, birds, butterflies, snakes and exotic jungle fruits such as mango, pineapple, papaya, avocado, among others.
Quellomayu: Afterwards, we will arrive at Quellomayu, a beautiful place where we will have lunch. We will take a short rest and then we will continue with the adventure.
Santa Teresa, 1. 550 masl: We approach Santa Teresa and the hot springs of Colcalmayu, where you can enjoy a relaxing bath. Afterwards, we will enter the village of Santa Teresa.
- Time: 7 to 8 Hours Approx.
- Distance: 15 Km.
- Climate: Warm, Ceja de Selva.
- Maximum Altitude: 1550 masl.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Overnight: Santa Teresa
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 03: Santa Teresa – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes
Santa Teresa, 1,280 masl: After breakfast, we follow the itinerary walking in group along the river. During the tour, we will appreciate a diversity of vegetation. We will arrive at the hydroelectric area, where we will take a break and enjoy lunch. From there, we will begin the hike of approximately 2 hours.
Hydroelectric: This place is located between Santa Teresa and Aguas Calientes and is used as a train station by the Peru Rail company to reach Aguas Calientes.
Aguas Calientes, 2. 040 masl: We continue our hike to our final destination, “Aguas Calientes”, where we will stay at our lodge. In the evening, you will have the opportunity to walk around the town. We will spend the night in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), and you can also take the opportunity to visit the Aguas Calientes Hot Springs.
- Time: 6 Hours Approx.
- Climate: Warm, Ceja de Selva (jungle).
- Maximum Altitude: 2, 040 masl.
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Overnight: Aguas Calientes
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 04: Machupicchu Full Day – Cusco.
Aguas Calientes, 2. 040 masl: We wake up at 4:30 am and at 5:00 am we have breakfast at our hotel.
Machu Picchu 2. 430 masl: Afterwards, we will line up to take one of the first buses to Machu Picchu, which operate on a first-come, first-served basis. The bus ride takes between 25 and 30 minutes to reach the citadel of Machu Picchu, which opens its doors at 6:00 am.
It is important to carry the original passport that was used to book the trip, as the park rangers will ask for it (it is also possible to get a Machu Picchu stamp in the passport, if desired).
Our guide will help us find the best places to appreciate the Machu Picchu Sanctuary (perfect for updating our Facebook profile picture!). We will present our entrance tickets to Machu Picchu, along with our passport, and begin our visit.
Our guide will be waiting for us to start a guided tour of approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes through the sanctuary of Machu Picchu. We will visit different archaeological sites inside the sanctuary, such as the Agricultural Zone, the Urban Zone, the Temple of the Sun, the Royal Residence, the Sacred Plaza, the Intihuatana, the Sacred Rock and many other points that will undoubtedly surprise us.
At 14:30, 16:12 or 19:00 we will board our train to Ollantaytambo or Poroy.
Optional:
- Huayna Picchu: If you wish to add to your experience the climb to Huayna Picchu, which offers spectacular views, it is necessary to book it in advance and has an additional cost of $25 per person. The climb to the top takes about 45 minutes and represents quite a challenge.
- Machu Picchu Mountain: You can also choose to climb Machu Picchu Mountain, a very demanding 90-minute upward trek, at an additional cost of $15 per person. This option offers probably the most beautiful and spectacular views, from where you can enjoy breathtaking landscapes.
- Buffet Lunch: We suggest you visit the MAPI Restaurant, with an additional cost of $20.00.
NOTE
- The program of activities may be subject to change depending on the availability of reservations and spaces in the camps at the time of our arrival.
- Campsites may vary due to weather conditions and the health of the hikers.
- The train included in all excursions is the Expeditions Train (round trip from Ollantaytambo). Train schedules are confirmed close to the date of the trek. If you join the group at the end of the day, we cannot guarantee that you will travel on the same trains as the rest of the group.
- Train schedules are subject to change according to Peru Rail’s calendar and availability.
What's included
What’s Included Inca Jungle:
- Transfers In / Out
- Transportation Cusco- Abra Malaga (starts by bike)
- Mountain and Technical Bicycles with the Respective Equipment.
- Professional bilingual guide ( English – Spanish)
- Transportation Urubamba -Alfamayo.
- 01 Night hotel in Agua Caliente in Machupicchu Pueblo.
- 03 Breakfast, 03 Lunches, 03 Dinners.
- First Aid Kit
- 02 nights in basic hotel in Santa Maria and Santa Teresa Machu Picchu.
- Entrance tickets to the Inca City of Machupicchu.
- 01 Bus up and down Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu.
- Guide for two hours in Machupicchu Sanctuary.
- Return train tickets (Expeditions train) to Cusco.
- Transfer to the hotel, Ollanta – Cusco
Recommendations
Recommendations – What you need:
- Original passport and * International Student Identity Card (ISIC) if applicable.
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket / rain poncho
- Warm jacket, hat and gloves
- T-shirts
- Comfortable pants
- Hat
- Sunscreen cream (factor 35 recommended)
- Reusable plastic or metal water container or camel bags.
- Water, water purification tablets, or money to buy water along the way
- Insect repellent
- Toiletries
- Personal medications
- Camera
- Torch with spare batteries (headlamps are useful)
This tour offers a unique adventure experience. Explore various routes, including the option of mountain biking on the first day, long nature walks and many other exciting activities. Find answers to frequently asked questions about the Inka Jungle here.
Prices
SHARED SERVICE TOURInca Jungle Tour to Machu Picchu PRICE PER PERSON Minimum 02 people |
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Tour Summary
What is included in the tour
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Important note:
THE VOYAGER Train service – Inca Rail or EXPEDITION Train – Peru Rail, if you prefer to add the VISTADOME Train service the additional is US$ 45.00 per person Return.
Differential prices for students, children, infants.
FAQS
Frequently asked questions from travelers
What does the Inka Jungle tour consist of and how long does it last?
This incredible tour is part of our adventure packages. It includes an exciting hike through the ancient Inca trails that connected the empire, as well as alternative routes, where you will cross unforgettable landscapes and discover archaeological remains. You will also visit several typical villages and walk through them on foot (walking tour). On the last day, you will take an exciting walking tour from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, where you will explore the impressive citadel of the Inca nobles.
During the first day, you will have the option to enjoy an exciting mountain biking tour. The total duration of the Inka Jungle tour is 4 days and 3 nights.
What activities are included in this package?
- You have the option to enjoy the exciting mountain biking.
- Walking tours in the picturesque Andean villages of Santa Maria, Santa Teresa and Aguas Calientes, as well as in the famous
- Machu Picchu Hydroelectric Plant.
- Hike through the majestic geography of the region, including mountains, valleys, rivers, canyons and finally the beautiful Urubamba River valley, where Machu Picchu is located.
- Hike to the Inca citadel and enjoy a guided tour with professionals. Optionally, for an additional cost, you can hike to Huayna Picchu.
- Enjoy the delicious typical gastronomy of the region.
- Nights will be spent in family lodges and hostels.
- Relax to the maximum in the thermal baths of Santa Teresa (not included).
How is the cycling part?
On Day 1, we will arrive at Malaga Pass (4,316 meters above sea level) at noon, after a relaxing ride through the beautiful Sacred Valley. You will begin the exciting mountain biking adventure, descending rapidly through the impressive Andean geography to the archaeological site of Huamanmarca. You will have the option to continue biking to Santa Maria or use our support car. We will provide a quality BMX bike and accessories such as helmet, visor, gloves, and elbow and knee protectors.
How are the hikes?
The Inka Jungle tour is ideal for those who love long hikes. From day 2 to day 4, walking will be the main activity. In certain sections, you will follow parts of the Classic Inca Trail. You will start at high altitudes near the snow-capped mountains, moving through the beautiful and energetic Andean geography. As the days go by, the tour will approach the jungle region, with its pleasant climate and lush vegetation. The imposing green mountains are shrouded in clouds, creating a breathtaking landscape. Undoubtedly, this experience will leave a beautiful and unforgettable mark in your memory.
Does this tour include camping?
That is an excellent question. Another distinctive feature is that you will not spend the nights in camps. Instead, you will enjoy dinners, rest and a comfortable, revitalizing sleep in family accommodations for the first two nights, and finally in a hostel in Aguas Calientes for the third night.
What are the age requirements for this package?
It is suggested that children be at least 10 years old to participate in any type of adventure, as long as they possess the necessary stamina, patience and discipline. From the age of 16, there are no age restrictions, as long as visitors are in normal physical condition. For older adults, it is recommended that they themselves evaluate their physical capacity, adaptability to altitude, cold, heat, and other relevant factors.
Is any previous training needed?
This question is very important. If you are not used to hiking or doing endurance sports on a regular basis, it would be advisable to assess your physical fitness. It is suggested to do simulations in rural environments with difficult terrain in your area, using a backpack, appropriate clothing, hiking boots, etc. This will allow you to prepare yourself physically and mentally for the 4 days of hiking in the cold altitudes and warm slopes leading to the western jungle of Cusco.
What is the best time of year to hike the Inka Jungle Trail?
The best time to hike the Inka Jungle Trail in Peru is during the dry season, which generally runs from May to September. During these months, there is less chance of rain and conditions are more favorable for outdoor activities. However, keep in mind that the weather in the mountains can be unpredictable, so it is always advisable to be prepared for sudden changes in temperature and weather conditions.
What are the main activities that take place during the Inka Jungle?
During the Inka Jungle trek in Peru, you can do several exciting and enriching activities. Some of the main activities are:
- Mountain biking: A descent by bicycle from the high mountains to the valley, crossing scenic roads and enjoying beautiful landscapes.
- Hiking: You walk along scenic trails through mountains, forests and local villages, exploring the natural beauty of the region.
- Rafting: You descend the river in a raft, facing exciting rapids and enjoying the adrenaline while navigating through crystal clear waters.
- Ziplining: You can enjoy the experience of flying on a zip line over the exuberant landscapes, obtaining panoramic views and a dose of adventure.
- Visit to archaeological ruins: You will visit historical and sacred sites, such as the ruins of Machu Picchu and other Inca sites along the way.
- Hot springs: You have the opportunity to relax in natural hot springs, a comforting experience after a day full of activities.
- Cultural interaction: You can have contact with the local communities, learn about their culture, traditions and taste the delicious Peruvian gastronomy.
These are just some of the main activities that can be done during the Inka Jungle. The combination of adventure, nature, history and culture makes this route unique and exciting for tourists.
What is the difficulty level of the Inka Jungle trek?
The Inka Jungle Trek has a moderate to challenging level of difficulty. Good physical condition is required for cycling and hiking on steep and uneven terrain for several consecutive days. The altitude can also be challenging. It is recommended to assess individual fitness and conditions before undertaking the trek.
What are the destinations and outstanding places along the tour?
Along the Inka Jungle tour in Peru, there are several destinations and outstanding places worth visiting. Some of them are:
- Abra Malaga: This is the starting point of the tour, located at an altitude of approximately 4,350 meters. From here, the descent by bicycle into the valley begins.
- Santa María: This is a small town in the valley that is visited during the tour. Here you can find some stores, restaurants and basic accommodations.
- Llactapata Ruins: These Inca ruins are a highlight on the way to Machu Picchu. They offer an impressive view of the citadel from a different perspective.
- Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo): It is the starting point to visit the famous citadel of Machu Picchu. Here you will find hotels, restaurants and hot springs to relax.
- Machu Picchu: It is the main attraction of the tour. This ancient Inca city is considered one of the wonders of the world and offers breathtaking views of mountain scenery and ancient architecture.
In addition to these main destinations, spectacular landscapes, such as mountains, valleys, rivers and cloud forests, are crossed along the route.
Is it necessary to hire a tour to do the Inka Jungle tour?
It is not strictly necessary to hire a tour to do the Inka Jungle trek, but it is recommended to do so due to the advantages in logistics, local knowledge, security and access to permits and entrance fees offered by a specialized travel agency.
Are there options for vegetarians or people with special diets in the Inka Jungle?
Yes, suitable options for vegetarians and people with special diets can be found during the Inka Jungle tour. However, it is important to request these options in advance.
Is travel insurance necessary for the Inca Jungle?
No, but it is recommended to have travel insurance for the Inka Jungle. It covers medical expenses, emergency evacuation and lost luggage. Check that it includes tour activities and fits your needs.
Are there restrooms on the Inca Jungle?
There are restrooms along the Inka Jungle trail, but they can be basic. It is recommended to bring toilet paper and personal hygiene products. The guides will provide information about the location of the restrooms and the facilities available. You should practice responsible tourism and respect the natural environment.
