Live with us the famous Inka Forest where walks and adrenaline will create something unique on your trip to Machu Picchu. Combining adventure sports such as mountain biking, canoeing, canopy (zipline) and a long but incredible hike, a great alternative to the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu was created. Optionally (as long as there is availability) you can access one of the additional mountains: “Machu Picchu Montaña” or “Huayna Picchu”.
The Inka Jungle tour is an optimized and / or personalized service that allows you to take tours of places with thick vegetation and little-known paths, a recommended option for couples, families and groups of friends who prefer privacy and a more comfortable service when it comes to do an adventure excursion. Although it seems demanding, this tour is done by people of any age without complications.
ITINERARY:
Day 1: Cusco – Abra Málaga – Huamanmarca – Santa María (cycling, canoeing)
After you are picked up from your hotel between 6:00 a.m. And at 6:30 a.m., we will undertake a 1 hour and a half trip to Ollantaytambo. Here you will have a quick breakfast and buy snacks. We will continue our journey to the Abra de Málaga (4,350 meters) where our adventure will begin. After a safety briefing, you will enjoy an exciting 2.5-hour bike descent in the thick, wet jungle. You will see archaeological sites like Huamanmarka on the way, before reaching the town of Santa María around 1:30 p.m.
Activity in Santa María: rafting. Take a 2.5-hour rafting adventure and descend Class III & amp; IV rapids on the Urubamba River (also known as Vilcanota River). If you decide not to participate in the rafting activity, you can explore the city on your own.
- Transfer to Abra Málaga: 3½ hours by bus from Cusco.
- Bicycle distance: 65 km. / 40 miles.
- Cycle time: 3½ to 4 hours approximately.
- Weather: cold at the beginning of the bike and very hot at night.
- Meals: lunch, dinner.
- Maximum altitude: 4350 masl. / 14271 feet
- Minimum altitude: 1250 masl. / 4691 feet
Day 2: Santa María – Inca Trail – Quellomayo – Cocalmayo – Santa Teresa
We will walk along the banks of the river and start climbing. Here we will see different types of orchids and birds in the area. We will observe the beauty of the high forest, which is a paradise of biodiversity on the route of the Inca jungle. After reaching the top of the mountain we will see the entire Urubamba valley. The group will descend to reach the town of Qellomayo. After the break, we will hike for 3 hours. Crossing rivers, waterfalls until reaching the hot springs of Santa Teresa. We will continue walking until we reach the town of Santa Teresa.
Cocalmayo offers relaxing crystalline hot springs, each with its own temperature. The sound of the river and the stars at night make it a perfect setting. After the hot springs (Cocalmayo), the group will continue walking for about 40 minutes. (or take a bus of your choice) until you reach the city of Santa Teresa, where you will check into a pleasant and comfortable hotel. After dinner everyone is invited to visit one of the bars to hang out with the other members of the group.
- Walking distance: 22 km / 13.6 miles.
- Walking time: 6½ to 7 hours approximately.
- Climate: hot during the day and warm at night.
- Accommodation: Hostel: Santa Teresa.
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
- Maximum altitude: 1900 masl / 6233 feet.
- Minimum Altitude: 1430 masl / 4691 feet.
Day 3: Santa Teresa – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes (Hike, Zipline)
We continue exploring along little traveled roads and we start from the town of Santa Teresa. Passengers who booked in advance will enjoy the zip line, the rest of the group will continue until they reach the hydroelectric plant, where we will all meet. After a short break, the trip will continue along the great Inca jungle, passing through waterfalls, coca crops and coffee until reaching the town of Aguas Calientes. Before, since resting, we all meet in a restaurant to have a great dinner and have the informative meeting about the trek to Machu Picchu.
- Walking distance: 19 km / 12.3 miles
- Walking time: 6 hours approximately.
- Climate: hot in the day and warm at night.
- Accommodation: Hostel: Aguas Calientes.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
- Maximum altitude: 2050 masl / 6725 feet.
- Minimum Altitude: 1430 masl / 4691 feet.
Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Finally, on the last day of our tour through the Inca jungle we get up around 4:00 AM. We will prepare to head towards wonder, our hike will follow a zig-zagging path through the forest, after checking in at the checkpoint around 6:00 AM. We will have a private guide that will take us inside the Inca citadel for approximately 1½ hours.
If you have booked the excursion to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain they can start this trip, the climb lasts around 45 min. For Huayna Picchu, the ascent is very steep at some points, but it’s worth it because the view from the top is absolutely breathtaking.
For Machu Picchu Montaña, the approximate duration is 2 hours, and it is not as steep as Huayna Picchu, and even higher! Please note that you must go before the time indicated on your ticket.
Our time in wonder will be until 5 in the afternoon to explore Machu Picchu having time to take pictures and walk through all the attractions of Machu PIcchu. In the afternoon, according to your train ticket, you will go down to the town of Aguas Calientes to return to Ollantaytambo, where the group will be picked up and transferred to the city of Cusco.
- Distance traveled: 8 km / 4.9 miles
- Walking time: 2 hours approximately.
- Optional: Transfer to Machu Picchu: 25 minutes from Aguas Calientes.
- Guided visit to Machu Picchu: 2½ hours.
- Climate: warm tropical.
- Transfer to Cusco: 3 hours by train and bus from Aguas Calientes to Cusco.
- Meals: Breakfast.
- Maximum altitude: 2429 masl / 7972 feet.
- Minimum Altitude: 2040 masl / 6692 feet.
What is Included?
- Informative meeting before departure
- Pick up at the hotel in Cuzco
- Two nights accommodation in a basic guest house (Santa María and Santa Teresa)
- One night accommodation in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- Bilingual professional guide
- Tourist bus Cusco – starting point of the trek.
- Entrance to Machu Picchu
- Tourist Train Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo
- Ollantaytambo tourist bus – Cusco.
- Meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners and 3 sandwiches with typical menus in local restaurants
- Mountain biking equipment (bicycles, helmet and gloves).
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen bottle.
- Small group tour
- Rafting and Canopy (Zipline)
- HotSpring Tikets
- Huyana Picchu or Machupicchu Mountain, Note: according to availability
Not Included:
- Day 1 breakfast and day 4 lunch.
- Lunch / dinner day 4 in Aguas Calientes
- Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
What to bring:
- Backpack (30 or 50 liters), canteen, trekking shoes, waterproof jacket.
- Passport, cash in soles (additional purchases).
- Camera, charging cable, extra batteries.
- Rain poncho, t-shirts, wool hat, ear muffs, pants, shorts, swimwear, underwear, socks, sneakers, sandals, gloves, scarf.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, sun hat, small towel, personal medication.
Frequently asked questions:
How is the weather on the Inca jungle tour?
The weather on the Inca jungle trail changes a lot on the first day. However, the climate is very warm in Santa María, Santa Tereza and Aguas Calientes. All of these towns are located lower than Cusco and are no higher than 2400 meters above sea level. The temperature throughout the year is between 10 ° C and 25 ° C. Only in the cycling part you will need a warm jacket and a rain jacket.
When is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?
The best time to visit Machu Picchu on the way of the Inca jungle is between March and December.
How difficult is the bike tour?
It is not that difficult or challenging, however we recommend that passengers have some experience with the bike. Then, with our recommendation as a tourist guide, you will have a great time with our tour.
Do I need experience for the tour?
You don’t really need that expert cycling, rafting, or zip-line experience. At any time these activities are dropped is too much for you. You can decide not to continue these activities and take an optional form.
When should I book Inca jungle trek?
It is never too early to book your tour with us, it is because you will have enough time to book updates in advance such as Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Montaña. These tickets sell out very quickly and you must reserve approximately 2 months before departure.
How long do people usually take in Machu Picchu?
Generally, people stay in Machu Picchu for 5 hours and then prefer to go to Aguas Calientes for lunch or to spend some time in the city.
Do you serve vegetarian food on the tour to the jungle of machu picchu?
Yeah When you book these tours, don’t forget to tell us if you are a vegetarian or if you have allergies.
Can I leave the luggage at the Inca Jungle offices?
Yes. You can leave your luggage at our offices. You can take it with you to your briefing, or you can bring it with you when you are picked up in the morning for a walk. The driver will bring you back to our offices. You can also arrange to be dropped off at your hotel once you return from Inca Jungle Trek.