Inca Jungle Trail Info
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Every Day
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2 A 10
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Cusco
Overview Inca Jungle Trail
The Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu is an exclusive 4-day tour that combines a beautiful trekking experience with adventurous activities, such as mountain biking, rafting, and ziplining. This alternative Inca Trail with integrated activities lets you appreciate the natural landscape a lot more!
Join us on our next Inca Jungle Adventure and visit the sacred Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
Reservation Recommendation:
It is recommended to book 2 to 3 months in advance to secure the best circuit available. If the circuits are sold out, the only option will be to purchase a ticket in Aguas Calientes, subject to availability.
The circuits correspond to the entrance to Machu Picchu, so booking in advance is essential to guarantee your visit.
Itinerary Inca Jungle Trail
We start the Inca Jungle Trail by picking you up from your hotel at approximately 5:30 am. Then we travel through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where we will enjoy a delicious breakfast.
Afterward, we will continue to the Malaga Pass (4,350 m / 14,271 ft), the highest point of our adventure, where we will begin our biking journey. Our team will provide you with the necessary gear (gloves, elbow pads, knee pads, and helmets), and our experienced guide will give us a brief safety talk. Then, the fun begins, as we descend by bike for about 3 hours, enjoying spectacular views and picturesque villages—covering a distance of 55 km / 34.18 miles.
We will continue until we reach the town of Huamán Marca, where we will take the company vehicle to Santa Maria (1,200 m / 3,937 ft). Here, we will have lunch and check into our lodge for the night.
After a delicious lunch and some time to rest, we’ll be ready to continue the adventure with level 2 or 3 rafting—not too dangerous, but definitely not boring either. (Please note that rafting is only available during the season from April to December.) Later, we will take our private transportation to Santa Maria. Along the way, we’ll observe the changing vegetation of the cloud forest. Tonight, we will stay in a hotel in Santa Maria.
After a nutritious breakfast, we will begin our hike, making several stops along the way to learn about the local flora and fauna. We will also visit a local family home to better understand the customs and traditions of the Santa Teresa area.
Next, we will cross a section of the original Inca Trail that once connected to the Machu Picchu citadel. Here, our guide will take the opportunity to share insights into Inca history, while we enjoy breathtaking views of the Salkantay snow-capped mountain and the Huancarccasa Canyon.
We will descend to Huacayupana for a delicious lunch and then continue toward Santa Teresa, where we will have the option to experience ziplining through the Peruvian jungle, flying over the river.
Afterwards, we’ll relax at the Cocalmayo hot springs, located just 20 minutes from the town of Santa Teresa. Here, we’ll enjoy the therapeutic thermal baths surrounded by incredible scenery. Once we’re ready, our private transportation will take us on a one-hour ride to our Lucmabamba campsite, where we’ll spend the night in our private Jungle Domes. Finally, we’ll enjoy dinner surrounded by nature.
We will wake up with a warm coca tea served in our Jungle Domes, and then start our hike early along a section of the Inca Trail. During the walk, we’ll explore a small part of the Peruvian jungle and see coffee and banana plantations along the way.
We will arrive at the Llactapata ruins, from where we’ll have a stunning view of the Machu Picchu citadel and the backside of Huayna Picchu. We’ll then descend for about 2 hours to reach our lunch spot.
After lunch, we’ll continue walking for another hour to the Hydroelectric Station (Hidroeléctrica), and from there, we’ll follow the railway tracks, visiting the largest Intihuatana (Inca sundial) near Machu Picchu.
Once we arrive in Aguas Calientes, we’ll head to our hotel, where you can take a shower and rest if you like. In the evening, we’ll enjoy dinner at a local tourist restaurant.
The most anticipated day of the Inca Jungle Trail has arrived—and the grand finale! Today, we will visit one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site: Machu Picchu. We will wake up early to enjoy one of the most breathtaking sights—the sunrise shining through the stones of the citadel.
Entrance to Machu Picchu begins at 6:00 am. We’ll take a bus from Aguas Calientes up to the citadel, where you'll enjoy an informative guided tour about Inca culture, lasting approximately 2 hours and covering several important sites.
After the tour, we will return to Aguas Calientes. Here, you’ll have free time to have lunch at a restaurant of your choice (lunch is not included). Then, we’ll take a train to Ollantaytambo, where our private transportation will be waiting to take you back to the city of Cusco.
📋 Included in the Inca Jungle Trail
🏕️ Accommodation
First night: Rest in a cozy local hostel, in single or shared rooms (double or triple), perfect for relaxing after a day full of adventure.
Second night: For two people. Enjoy a special night in our Jungle Domes, surrounded by nature and designed for a comfortable sleep under the stars.
Third night: For two people. Rest in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes, with all the amenities you need before your day at Machu Picchu.
🍽️ Meals
Meals as indicated in the itinerary (4x Breakfast, 3x Lunch, 3x Dinner).
🚗 Transportation
Day 1: Private transportation to the Abra Málaga pass, where you will begin the bike ride.
Day 2: Transportation from Huacayupana to Santa Teresa.
Day 4: Transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
🚴♂️ Professional Mountainbikes
- Suspension
- Gloves
- Elbow pads
- Knee pads
- Helmet
- Security transport on the first day
- First aid kit included
🧭 Local Guides & Team
English/Spanish speaking professional
All our trekking guides have a minimum of 3 years of guiding experience and are certified. They carry a first aid kit with them, as well as an extra oxygen bottle in case of emergencies.
We provide duffle bags during your briefing for your personal items (up to 5 kg per person).
🎫 Tickets & Briefing
Briefing: You will have a meeting with your guide in our office to go over all the details regarding your tour. The orientation will be between 17:00, 18:00 or 19:00 at our office in Cusco the day before departure.
Rafting ticket in Santa Maria.
Entrance ticket to the Cocalmayo hot springs.
The package includes entry to Machu Picchu.
❌ What Is Not Included in the Inca Jungle Trail?
🔧 Other
- Trekking poles (additional $20.00 per person)
- Tips for your guide, cook, and porters
- National or international flights
- Travel Insurance
- Other activities not mentioned in this itinerary
- Shuttle bus between Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes round trip ($24.00 per person, or you can choose to walk)
🍽️ Meals
Lunch and dinner on the last day are not included.
Boiled water is not provided during the hikes. It is recommended to bring enough water with you from the beginning and purchase additional bottles along the way if needed.
🎒 Optional Activities
- Zipline ticket: $30.00 USD per person
- Trekking poles ticket: $15.00 USD for the entire hike
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain: $60.00 USD per person. It is recommended to book 2 to 3 months in advance and check availability beforehand.
- Entrance to the Aguas Calientes hot springs is optional
FAQ's Inca Jungle Trail
If you are a student, you could get a discount of $20 USD on the Machu Picchu ticket, as long as you meet the requirements set by the Peruvian government. This discount is non-negotiable.
To apply, send us a photo of both sides of your student ID and another of your passport after making the reservation. The student ID must be original, issued by your university, and meet the following requirements:
- PVC material
- University information
- Photo and full name
- Valid expiration date, for one year only
- Must match the year you visit Machu Picchu
- Issued by a recognized university
You must also bring your original student ID for the control at the entrance of Machu Picchu.
Please check if your student card includes the following requirements:
Example of a student card meeting all the requirements.
To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable Inca Jungle Trail experience, please bring the following items:
- Personal Daypack: A 30 to 50 L backpack is sufficient.
- Duffle Bag: Before your trek, we will provide one extra duffle bag from our office to carry your extra clothes and personal items (max. 5kg).
- Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated!
- Small Coins: Carry some coins in Peruvian Soles (Bathrooms are free at the campsites but cost 1 Sol along the route). Keep small change on hand for water bottles, snacks, and toilet paper.
- Rain Jacket or Rain Poncho: Essential for unpredictable weather.
- Strong Footwear: Waterproof trekking boots are recommended.
- Sleeping Bag: Available for rent if you don’t have your own.
- Flashlight/Headlamp: Don’t forget extra batteries!
- Clothing: Bring enough clothes for the entire trek:
- Two long-sleeve trekking shirts
- Two short-sleeve shirts
- Leggings or trekking pants
- Shorts
- Four pairs of underwear
- Sweatpants for the night
- Three pairs of hiking socks
- A rain poncho
- An insulated jacket
- Gloves and a beanie
- A hat with a brim
- Hiking boots
- Bathing suit and small towel (if you plan to visit the hot springs)
- Sandals to rest your feet at the campsites
- Sunscreen: Protect your skin from the sun.
- Insect Repellent: Keep bugs at bay.
- Additional Snacks: Remember that we supply plenty of food already.
- Original Passport: Mandatory for entrance to Machu Picchu.
The best way to prepare yourself for this trekking experience is easy: spend at least 2 to 3 days at a high-altitude place like Cusco, so your body gets used to the high altitude. If you have already been to a high altitude destination before arriving to Cusco, we still recommend you spend at least one full day in Cusco to rest, recuperate from your trip, and enjoy the beautiful views of the city before your trek.
Additionally, taking good care of your body helps deal with the extra pressures that altitude creates. We recommend you to eat healthy food, drink lots of water, and stay away from alcohol. Chewing coca leaves and drinking coca tea helps to alleviate any discomfort associated with the altitude.
The entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain are additional add-ons that you can choose to purchase besides the Machu Picchu visit that is already included in this trek. You can visit one of these mountains after your Machu Picchu visit to see the Inca Citadel from the top.
Please send us an email asking about availability. Then, if available, you can select which mountain you would like to climb when you make your reservation online. Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain are an additional 60 USD.
What is Huayna Picchu Mountain?
Huayna Picchu Mountain is home to the Temple of the Moon and is the famous mountain peak seen behind the ruins in all the classic photos of Machu Picchu. Huayna Picchu is an approximately 45 minute climb with more ruins at the top and offers an incredible view of the Machu Picchu ruins. The visit to Huayna Picchu takes approximately 2 hours. Huayna Picchu Mountain is an additional 60 USD.
What is Machu Picchu Mountain?
Machu Picchu Mountain is an additional hike within Machu Picchu that offers a much higher view of the ruins and overlooks the entire valley. Machu Picchu Mountain is an additional 60 USD.
The Inca Trail is more crowded than the Salkantay Trek because it is an original trail of the Incas and one of the most famous hikes in the world, attracting thousands of trekkers every year. It is the only trek that leads directly to Machu Picchu, but is therefore a lot more expensive than the Salkantay Trek.
On the Salkantay Trek you will spend the last night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes before visiting Machu Picchu the next day. During the Inca Trail you will discover ancient Inca ruins, whereas the Salkantay offers more wildlife and high mountain sceneries. Many trekkers consider the Salkantay Trek to be a bit more strenuous than the Inca Trail because the general altitude is higher.
In this 7 Days Trek we are combining the best of both the Salkantay Trek and Inca Trail. Feel free to contact us for more questions!
Congratulations, adventure awaits you! We sent you a confirmation e-mail with more details about the Inca Jungle Trail. The day before your departure at 17:00, 18:00 or 19:00, please stop by our office located in Portal Espinar Nro 163 to receive the informative briefing. Our professional guide will tell you everything about your trek and clarify any last questions you may have.
In general, Salkantay is known for its unpredictable weather, so please come prepared for both warm and cold temperatures, and rainy and dry conditions. We have two main seasons in the Andes Mountains: the rainy season (November-March) and the dry season (April-October).
During the rainy, warmer season, temperatures average around 15°C / 60°F during the day and 5°C / 40°F at night. However, with a high chance of rain and wind at the Salkantay Pass, these temperatures may feel a lot colder to you.
During the dry season, the weather is sunny and clear, and on average 20°C / 70°F during the day but much colder at night, around -3°C / 26°F.
Also, after the second day, as we descend into the Peruvian Amazon basin, the weather changes to a more humid and warmer climate – these humid temperatures are consistent throughout the year.
We serve a variety of local superfoods and traditional Peruvian dishes with rice, chicken, beef, salad, potatoes, vegetables, delicious soups, and fruits. Everything will be freshly prepared by our local chef.
We have a lot of vegetarian travelers, and our cooks have some great options for them to enjoy their meals. We can cater for all other types of dietary requests with adequate preparation and clear communication.
Prior hiking experience is recommended for the Inca Jungle Trail but not required. Our guides are trained to assist hikers of all fitness levels and all trekking experience levels so you will never be left behind. Most important of all is to acclimate yourself to the altitude before your trek.
Yes, you can leave extra luggage in our office free of charge.
The minimum group size is 4 people and the maximum group size is 15 people. There will be an assistant guide for groups over 12 people.
Packing List Inca Jungle Trail
🧳 Personal Gear
👕 Clothing
☀️ Additional Items
