Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu – 4 Days / 3 Nights

Your adventure begins early with pickup from your hotel in Cusco. We then travel by tourist transport through the Sacred Valley to Abra Málaga Pass (4,316 m / 14,160 ft), enjoying spectacular views of snow-capped peaks, mountain valleys, and traditional Andean villages along the way.

Upon arrival, your guide will provide a comprehensive safety briefing before fitting you with your biking equipment. From here, you'll begin an exciting downhill mountain biking adventure, descending from the high Andes into the lush cloud forest. Along the route, you'll experience dramatic changes in scenery, climate, and vegetation as you ride through winding mountain roads surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.

After completing the biking section, we continue by vehicle to Santa María, where a delicious lunch awaits. In the afternoon, travelers who choose the optional rafting experience can enjoy an adrenaline-filled ride on the Urubamba River, accompanied by professional instructors and safety equipment. Those who prefer to relax can explore the town or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

In the evening, we settle into our local lodge in Santa María, where we'll enjoy dinner and prepare for the next day's adventure.

• Main activity: Mountain biking (optional rafting in the afternoon)
• Biking distance: Approximately 55 km / 34 mi
• Starting altitude: 4,316 m / 14,160 ft
• Ending altitude: 1,200 m / 3,937 ft
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Climate: Cold at the pass, warm and tropical in Santa María
• Sites visited: Abra Málaga, cloud forest, Santa María
• Meals: Lunch and dinner
• Accommodation: Local lodge

After breakfast, we begin one of the most scenic hiking days of the Inca Jungle Trek. Following trails through the lush cloud forest, we walk past rivers, waterfalls, coffee and cacao plantations, and small farming communities that offer a glimpse into everyday life in the Peruvian jungle.

Along the way, your guide will share insights into the region's history, flora, fauna, and local traditions. Parts of the trail follow sections of the original Inca Trail, where ancient stone paths once connected the Amazon with the heart of the Inca Empire. The combination of tropical scenery and archaeological heritage makes this day especially memorable.

After lunch, we continue toward Santa Teresa. Travelers who choose the optional zipline adventure can enjoy an exciting ride over the valley before rejoining the group. Later, there is also the opportunity to relax in the famous Cocalmayo Hot Springs, where warm mineral-rich waters provide the perfect way to recover after the hike (optional).

In the evening, we arrive at our lodge in Santa Teresa, where we'll enjoy dinner and spend the night surrounded by the peaceful atmosphere of the cloud forest.

• Hiking distance: Approximately 15 km / 9.3 mi
• Hiking time: 6–7 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Climate: Warm and tropical
• Sites visited: Original Inca Trail, coffee plantations, cacao farms, Santa Teresa
• Optional activities: Zipline and Cocalmayo Hot Springs
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Accommodation: Local lodge

After breakfast, we continue toward Hydroelectric, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Travelers who have booked the optional zipline experience can start the day soaring above the lush valleys and rivers of Santa Teresa, enjoying one of the most exciting adventure activities on the route before rejoining the group.

From Hydroelectric, we begin one of the most iconic hikes of the journey. Following the railway tracks through the cloud forest, we walk alongside the Urubamba River while surrounded by tropical vegetation, waterfalls, and impressive mountain scenery. This relaxed section offers excellent opportunities to enjoy nature and take memorable photos.

In the afternoon, we arrive in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), the charming town at the foot of the Inca citadel. After checking into the hotel, you'll have free time to explore the town, visit its cafés and artisan shops, or simply rest before the highlight of the trip.

In the evening, we'll meet with our guide for a briefing about the next day's visit to Machu Picchu, including departure times, entry procedures, and helpful tips to make the most of your experience.

• Hiking distance: Approximately 10–12 km / 6.2–7.5 mi
• Hiking time: 3–4 hours
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Climate: Warm and humid
• Sites visited: Santa Teresa, Hydroelectric, Urubamba River, Aguas Calientes
• Optional activity: Zipline
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
• Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes

Today is the highlight of your adventure. After an early breakfast, we take one of the first buses from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, arriving in time to experience the magic of the ancient Inca citadel in the soft morning light. After days of biking, trekking, and exploring the cloud forest, reaching this World Wonder is an unforgettable reward.

Your guided tour follows the circuit assigned with your entrance ticket. During approximately two to three hours, your expert guide will explain the history, architecture, engineering, and spiritual significance of Machu Picchu while visiting its most important sectors, viewpoints, temples, agricultural terraces, and ceremonial plazas. There will also be time to take photographs and admire the spectacular mountain scenery.

After the guided visit, those with additional tickets may hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (optional and subject to availability). At the scheduled time, we return by bus to Aguas Calientes, where you'll have free time for lunch or to explore the town before boarding the train back to Ollantaytambo.

Upon arrival at Ollantaytambo Station, our representative will be waiting to transfer you back to Cusco. We expect to arrive in the afternoon or evening, depending on your train schedule, marking the end of an unforgettable Inca Jungle Trek adventure.

• Main activity: Guided tour of Machu Picchu
• Altitude: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
• Guided tour: Approximately 2–3 hours
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Sites visited: Machu Picchu, Aguas Calientes, Ollantaytambo
• Meals: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Not included