Inca Jungle to Machu Picchu 4 Days

Itinerary

DAY 01: CUSCO – ABRA MALAGA – BIKING – RAFTING – SANTA MARÍA – LODGE

Your Inca Jungle Trek adventure begins with pickup from your hotel around 6:00 a.m. We will board our vehicle and travel through the Sacred Valley, crossing picturesque villages between the Vilcabamba and Vilcanota mountain ranges. We will make stops in Chinchero and Ollantaytambo to stretch our legs and enjoy the scenery.

We will then continue to Abra Malaga (4,350 m.a.s.l.), where our team will prepare the bicycles and provide you with the necessary safety equipment. With guidance from our instructors, we will begin the exciting 50 km (31 miles) downhill bike ride with two strategic stops to admire the Veronica snow-capped peak and the lush valley views.

After the bike route, we will arrive at Santa María (1,200 m.a.s.l.), where we will spend the night. In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to go white-water rafting on the Vilcanota River (optional activity available between April and December, subject to river conditions). Afterwards, we will return to the lodge for dinner and rest.

Day 1 Statistics

• Distance traveled: 50 km
• Highest altitude: 4,350 m.a.s.l. (Chinchero)
• Lowest altitude: 1,200 m.a.s.l. (Santa María)
• Route: Cusco – Abra Malaga – Santa María
• Difficulty level: Moderate

DAY 02: SANTA MARÍA – INCA TRAIL – HOT SPRINGS – SANTA TERESA

After breakfast, we will begin the second day of our journey. We will hike uphill for 45 minutes, learning about native plants and wildlife. We will stop at an organic coffee farm to discover the local coffee-making process and taste fresh coffee and chocolate prepared by Andean families.

We will continue along original Inca paths, walking for about an hour on stone steps built centuries ago. We will follow farmer trails until reaching the village of Huaka Yupana, where locals will prepare traditional meals and we will spend time sharing their culture and lifestyle.

After lunch, we will hike for 40 minutes and cross a hanging bridge, as well as use a small cable car to cross another river. By late afternoon, we will arrive at the Cocalmayo Hot Springs, where we can relax in warm pools surrounded by mountains. Finally, we will continue to Santa Teresa for dinner and overnight accommodation.

Day 2 Statistics

• Distance traveled: 14 km
• Highest altitude: 1,750 m.a.s.l.
• Lowest altitude: 1,200 m.a.s.l.
• Route: Santa María – Inca Trail – Santa Teresa
• Difficulty level: Moderate to challenging

DAY 03: SANTA TERESA – ZIP LINE – HIDROELECTRICA – AGUAS CALIENTES

We will start the third day with a delicious breakfast and coffee. Then, we will prepare for zip-lining, one of the most exciting parts of the trek. For two hours, we will cross canyons and forests on high cables, enjoying impressive panoramic views of the mountains and valleys.

After zip-lining, we will take transportation to Hidroelectrica, where we will have lunch. Then, we will begin an 11 km hike following the train tracks through the jungle, where we will appreciate waterfalls, banana plantations, and wild orchids.

By late afternoon, we will arrive at Aguas Calientes (2,040 m.a.s.l.), where we will check into our hotel, rest, and have dinner. In the evening, we will prepare for the big day at Machu Picchu.

Day 3 Statistics

• Distance traveled: 11 km
• Highest altitude: 1,500 m.a.s.l.
• Lowest altitude: 1,500 m.a.s.l.
• Route: Santa Teresa – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes
• Difficulty level: Moderate

DAY 04: MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

On the final day, we will wake up very early and have breakfast. Then, we will ascend to Machu Picchu: we may choose to walk 1.5 hours up 1,700 steps or take the bus for a 30-minute ride.

Once inside Machu Picchu (2,430 m.a.s.l.), our guide will lead a 2.5-hour tour, where we will learn about Inca history, architecture, and spiritual traditions. We will visit temples, terraces, and viewpoints with breathtaking panoramas. After the guided tour, you will have free time to explore or rest.

Those who booked in advance may hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, both rewarding with unforgettable views. In the afternoon, we will return to Cusco by train or bus, completing our adventure.

Day 4 Statistics

• Distance traveled: 3 km
• Highest altitude: 2,430 m.a.s.l.
• Lowest altitude: 2,040 m.a.s.l.
• Route: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
• Difficulty level: Moderate