Inca Jungle Trail Program

Day 1: Cusco – Santa Maria (Mountain Biking)

The journey begins early with a van ride toward Chinchero and Ollantaytambo. From there, the road climbs up to the Abra Malaga Pass at 4,350 meters – a mystical viewpoint where local farmers often make traditional offerings to Mother Earth (Pachamama).

From the pass, it’s another 10 minutes by bus to reach 4,100 meters in the Peruvian Andes. Here, your guide gives the final instructions before an epic 3-hour mountain bike descent. As you ride downhill, the landscape gradually transforms: starting in the high Andes with small agricultural terraces and dry terrain, then descending into lush cloud forest where tropical plants like coca, oranges, and mangoes thrive.

After about three hours of cycling, you arrive at 1,100 meters in the village of Santa Maria. Accommodation is in a small, rustic yet cozy lodge. Upon arrival, enjoy a well-deserved lunch and some rest. Then it’s time for an exciting adventure: rafting on the river. Prefer something more relaxed? You can unwind at the lodge or take a short tour of a nearby coffee plantation.

The day ends with dinner and a brief guide-led briefing on the next stage of the journey.

Day 2: Santa Maria – Santa Teresa (Hiking Day)

The second day starts early. We hike a section of the original Inca Trail, passing fruit, coffee, and coca plantations. The Trail winds through lush rainforest, teeming with stunning flora and fauna. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of the vast Vilcanota River and its tributaries. Halfway through, we pause for a well-earned lunch.

In the afternoon, after roughly seven hours of walking, we reach the medicinal hot springs of Cocalmayo. Here, you can relax and soothe your muscles in what are considered the finest thermal baths in the region – don’t forget your swimsuit! Tonight, we stay in a simple hotel with basic facilities in Santa Teresa and conclude the day with a delicious dinner.

Day 3: Santa Teresa – Aguas Calientes (Zip-lining Adventure)

Another early start today! We begin with a hike in search of hanging bridges, crossing the sacred Vilcanota River via a self-pulled cable car (oroya) – an adrenaline-filled experience! There’s also the option to take an adventurous zip-line ride down the valley, one of the most exciting and fun parts of the trek. Along the way, enjoy the incredible biodiversity: butterflies, parrots, colorful birds, and insects. We also visit Inti Watana, an ancient Inca sun dial.

Lunch is served at the Hidroeléctrica hydroelectric plant, where you can try fresh avocado – considered by many to be the best in the world – along with a tasty local soup.

After lunch, we continue the hike to Aguas Calientes, the final stop before your Machu Picchu visit. In the evening, there’s a group dinner and briefing, where your guide will provide the final instructions for what many consider the most unforgettable day of their life: the visit to Machu Picchu.

Day 4: Machu Picchu

Early in the morning, we set off for Machu Picchu. The hike takes approximately 90 minutes, although a bus is available for this section at an additional cost. Upon arrival, your guide will take you on a tour of the breathtaking Inca Citadel, allowing you to fully absorb the wonder of this ancient site. Afterwards, there’s time for photos and to explore within the designated route.

Important: Since 2024, Peruvian authorities have implemented regulations to manage crowding at Machu Picchu. Three circuits have been created for visits, with Circuit 2 and Circuit 3 being the most comprehensive. On this trek, we always include a 2-hour tour via Circuit 3. If you’d like to extend the tour with Circuit 2, tickets can be purchased for an additional $45 per person.

Optional Climbs: Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain

For an extra challenge, you can climb Huayna Picchu (“Young Mountain”), the iconic green peak overlooking Machu Picchu, offering stunning views of the citadel and surrounding valleys. The climb takes about 45 minutes but is not included in the standard tour.

Alternatively, Machu Picchu Mountain, the larger peak opposite Huayna Picchu, offers a slightly steeper but equally rewarding climb. For more information on booking either climb as part of your trek, please contact us.

In the late afternoon, we descend back to Aguas Calientes, where you may also enjoy the hot springs. Afterwards, we travel by train back to Cusco.