Nice view on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

Classic Inca Jungle Tour to Machu Picchu

4 Days / 3 Nights
Vidal Expeditions video
Accommodation Icon
Hostel Accommodation
Group Size Icon
Up to 8 People Group Size
Max. Altitude Icon
4,315 m / 14,156 ft Max. Altitude
Difficulty Icon
Moderate Difficulty

Inca Jungle Adventure to Machu Picchu

Cusco, Santa Maria, Santa Teresa, Machu Picchu
Accommodation Icon
Hostel Accommodation
Group Size Icon
Up to 8 People Group Size
Max. Altitude Icon
4,315 m / 14,156 ft Max. Altitude
Difficulty Icon
Moderate Difficulty

The Classic Inca Jungle Tour is ideal for people with a passion for adventure and newly recharged energy; what defines this tour is trekking and biking! Also, you have a chance to go rafting and ziplining. Along the Inca Jungle Trek, we will go through trails and archaeological sites similar to the ones on the Inca Trail until we arrive at the magical Inca site of Machu Picchu.

  • Overview
  • Itinerary
  • Inclusions
  • Recommendations
  • Faqs
  • Pricing
  • Enquire Now
  Overview

If you love to be in contact with nature and explore places where less tourists go, "The Inca Jungle Tour" is the perfect tour for you. You will live a lifetime experience these 4 days towards Machu Picchu, and since the beginning we guarantee that you will enjoy the landscape, culture, traditions, nature, history, and for sure you'll have fun on these extra activities.

You will be amazed by the dense vegetation and the wildlife along this route. Let the magic of the Incas envelop you and wrap you up in this mystical history as you explore and unravel secrets.

At the end of your journey, you will explore this incredible ancient Inca site, Machu Picchu, nowadays declared as one of the seven wonders of the world.

Itinerary at a Glance

  • Day01

    Cusco - Malaga Pass - Santa Maria

    Cycling from the mountain to the rainforest 55km /34 miles.

  • Day02

    Santa Maria - Hot Spring - Santa Teresa:

    Hike into the dense rainforest, exploring the incredible of the flora and fauna, enjoy the hot spring at the end.

  • Day03

    Santa Teresa - Hidro Electrica - Aguas Calientes

    Hike around the Urubamba valley and in the bottom of Machu Picchu mountain

  • Day04

    Aguas Calientes - Machupicchu - Cusco

    Explore the magic of the acient citadel Machu Picchu.

  Itinerary
Day 01

Cusco – Abra Malaga - Santa Maria : Cycling (55 km-34 miles)

Shuttle to Abra Malaga:3.5 hour by bus from Cusco
Biking time:  2.5 to 3 hour approximately.
Maximum Altitude: 4,350masl. / 14,271 feet
Minimum Altitude:1275masl. / 4180 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Meals: Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation:(Hostel)
Adventure: Absolutely¡ River rafting Class I-II-III

We will pick you up from your hotel (which must be located in Cusco or Ollantaytambo) at 6:00 a.m. to begin our Inca Jungle Tour to Machu Picchu. Then we’ll head towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas (Ollantaytambo), where we have a short stop to enjoy a breakfast or buy something you will need along the tour.

Afterwards, we’ll continue in our private van to reach the highest point of this trip, the Malaga Pass (4,316 m/14,160 ft). Here you will have a stunning view of the Veronica mountain on the side of the road. This is where we begin our cycling tour down the mountain. Your guide will give a quick informational briefing and provide the bikes with the appropriate safety gear. Then, we’ll begin our mountain biking for about three hours (42 km; 26 miles), and you will enjoy the landscape as it changes from the misty mountains to the beginning of the lush jungle along the cycling route. You’ll pass through small streams and enjoy the warm climate while you descend from the mountains. After a few stops, you’ll reach Huamanmarca. From there, we continue our journey by bus to the town of Santa Maria, located at 1200 m (3937 ft) above sea level. Where we have our first lunch and spend the first night in our lodge.

During the afternoon, you’ll have the option to go rafting on the Vilcanota River on categories I, II, III, and III+ with some rapids. You’ll be safe as we’ll provide you all the safety equipment (helmet, windbreaker, and life jacket).. (Please note that this exciting activity is only available from April to December as the river rises during the wet season.)

Day 02

Santa Maria - Santa Teresa : Trekking (11 miles, 18 km)

Walking Distance:  15 km./9.3miles
Starting Elevation: 1275masl. / 4180 feet
Campsite Elevation: 1500masl. / 4921 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Hostel
Adventure: Absolutely, hot spring, cable car.

After a delicious breakfast, we take our private van to the trailhead. The first two hours of our trek will be uphill, but there will be various stops in order to learn a bit more about the rich variety of flora and fauna that can be found in the region we are in. One of these stops will be a family house, where we will rest for 20 minutes and supply ourselves with more water and some regional tropical fruit. After resting for a bit, we will cross a section of the Inca Trail that historically connected Machu Picchu with the city of Vilcabamba. Here, our guide will explain a bit more about the history of the Incas, as well as the system of communication that existed during that time. At this point, we will also see one of the most impressive views in all of the Huancarccasa Canyon. Afterwards, we will descend to the small town of Quellomayo, where we will stop to take our lunch and rest in the nearby hammocks. We then continue for two more hours on foot to the thermal baths of Cocalmayo, where you will have plenty of time to enjoy the naturally heated water of the baths. After bathing, we will continue on to the final destination of the day, Santa Teresa, hike via the bus route, and spend our second night in our hostel.

Day 03

Santa Teresa – Hydroelectric - Aguas Calientes : Trekking (10 miles, 16 km)

Walking Distance:  11 km. / 6.miles
Starting Elevation: 1500masl. / 4921 feet
Campsite Elevation: 2000masl / 6561 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Hostel
Adventure: Absolutely, Zip Line. (6 cables,)

This day our adventure will continue; after breakfast we have the option to go ziplining; they will pick you up at the restaurant, then we drive for a few minutes towards the base camp, where your instructor will provide you the safety equipment and instructions. or just hike following the bus road to the next restaurant; the hike takes about 2 hours.

Once you've arrived at Hydroelectric, where you'll enjoy our delicious lunch in the restaurant surrounded by trees beside the train truck, we’ll head to Aguas Calientes, hiking along the train rail with stunning views of Machu Picchu and the Urubamba River. Your guide will show you the locations of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu, and you'll also see the train several times as it rides to Hydroelectric. After three hours of hiking, we’ll arrive in Aguas Calientes town, where your guide will accommodate you in your hostel so you can rest before you explore the picturesque town.

Day 04

Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu - Cusco

Walking Distance:  By Bus
Starting Elevation: 2000masl. / 6561 feet
Machu Picchu Elevation: 2400masl. /7874 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Meals: Breakfast
Adventure: Absolutely

This is the most important day of the tour—the day that we arrive at one of the 7 Wonders of the World. Our last day of the tour begins very early in the morning in order to be able to watch the sun rise over the Incan citadel of Machu Picchu. We begin the ascent hiking from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu at 5:00 AM; this hike will take, according to your physical condition, 40 minutes to 1:00 hours to reach the citadel.

Once inside the park, your guide will take you to the best spots to enjoy this magical Inca site. Then, he’ll provide you with two hours of tour time; afterwards, you’ll have your time to explore on your own the other places of Machu Picchu, maybe even hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (previous reservations are needed with two months of anticipation, plus a fee of $75). There are only 400 entrance tickets per day to climb these two mountains. You can climb these on your own time, but you’ll need to return to Aguas Calientes by hike of 30 minutes or bus in order to board a returning train to Ollantaytambo and finally a bus drive towards Cusco.

NOTE:

In order to receive detailed information about your trip, including when and where you will be picked up on the first day, you must visit the “Vidal Expeditions” office one day before embarking on your journey.

KEEP IN MIND:

Please bring your passport and the immigration slip you received upon your arrival to Peru. Cash is the only acceptable form of payment (Dollars or Soles). The type of change (Dollars or Soles) given for payments made in Soles will be determined by the Agency.

  Inclusions

At Vidal ExpeditionsWe are transparent and provide specific details of what is included and excluded in our Inca Jungle. We know this is very important so that you know exactly what to bring and don’t miss anything. We provide this information to ensure that you have an incredible experience during your jungle tour.

WE INCLUDE

Vidal Expeditions Team Provide

  • Pre-departure briefing

    Once you book the tour with us, you will get a notification about the pre-departure briefing, where you will meet with your adventure guide and the tour group in our office the night before your Inca Jungle departure. During this briefing, you will receive important details about this adventure.

  • Professional Adventure Guide

    All our tour guides have a great reputation for customer service. They have graduated with a tourism career from the National University San Antonio Abad of Cusco, and they have also studied English in a private language institute. Through their patience, responsibility, knowledge, passion for trekking, and pride in having been born in the land of the Incas, we ensure our guides provide an excellent experience for you when you explore the magical Machu Picchu.

  • Permit for Machu Picchu

    Once we receive your details and the deposit for your tour, we purchase all the necessary tickets for your trek, and these permits will be for a specific date and will be in your name. Unfortunately, this information can’t be modified under any circumstance once confirmed; only your passport number can be updated; however, for this change, you must bring both your old and new passport.

  • Accommodations

    At Vidal Expeditions, we included private accommodations for 3 nights along our Inca Jungle. These are safe and clean hostels located along the route. Each room of our hostels has a private bathroom. You will also be able to recharge your cameras, phones, etc. But remember, the electrical outlets are different than you are used to; they are mostly USA and South American standard outlets. If you want to spend an extra night in Aguas Caliente town or Machu Picchu town, please contact the Vidal Expeditions team.

Transportations

  • Private Transport

    We included all the transportation during your tour. We will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and take you to the beginning of the biking, and the bus returning from Ollantaytambo to Cusco will drop you off at your hotel.

  • Train Ticket

    On the Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu, we include the return train ticket after you have explored Machu Picchu on the last day. The train ticket will be for one of the available train schedules of 14:20 hrs., 14:55 hrs., or 16:20 hrs.

Equipment

  • Biking Equipment

    Vidal Expeditions has been leading tours to Machu Picchu with suitable biking equipment to make your trip an experience of a lifetime. Our bikes and biking gear are very safe and professional for this kind of activity. We include suspension bikes, DH helmets, body armor, knee pads, and gloves.

  • Medical First Aid Kit

    All tour guides at Vidal Expeditions are very well trained in first aid. They received training courses every six months on how to assist someone who is in an emergency situation. Also, they are trained on how to supply balloon oxygen if someone requires it.

Meals

  • Meals

    At Vidal Expeditions, we know food is such an important part of any vacation, and getting the right fuel on an active holiday is crucial. We include 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners. And of course, we cater to all dietary restrictions. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and others—just let us know. Our team is well-trained to prepare the best food you've ever had with local and organic ingredients.

  • Water

    Vidal Expeditions will provide you with water the second and third days, a litter per day; however, you will be able to buy more water along the trail. There are some local shops, but remember to bring your container bottle or camel bag large enough for a few hours; 2 litters is what we recommend.

WE NOT INCLUDED

  • River Rafting and Zipline

    During this tour, you'll have the option to do some extra activities. Whitewater rafting in the Urubamba River with a category of I, II, III, and III+ is great for beginners and experienced people, as is ziplining over a canyon with a unique view.

    These extra activities has additions cost

    White water rafting: $45.00USD

    Zipline: $45.00USD

  • Hot Spring and Cable Car Tickets

    Along the route, we will use some cable cars to cross the river from side to side, so for this, we need to charge directly to the locals 10 soles per person.

    In case you want to join the hot spring with around 35°C you need to buy the ticket entrance which is s/10 soles per person.

  • Bus Ticket

    If you don't want to hike to Machu Picchu on the final day, you have the option to take the bus up to the Inca citadel. This will cost you $12 USD one way.

  • Walking Sticks

    Hiking with trekking poles has its benefits. They protect your knees while you are hiking downhill, especially on the ancient Inca Trail, where there are many stairs up and down. Trekking poles also help you during the ascent with increased stability. If you don’t have a pair of trekking poles, you can rent them from our office.

  • First Breakfast

    We do not provide breakfast on the day of your departure. However, most hotels offer breakfast during your stay. In case your hotel does not provide breakfast, we will stop at a restaurant near Ollantaytambo where you will be able to purchase breakfast.

  • Lunch in Aguas Calientes

    Lunch on the last day at Aguas Calientes is not included in this tour. However, you and the group can enjoy the last lunch together at a restaurant recommended by your tour guide.

  • Travel Insurance

    We recommend buying travel insurance before leaving your country in case something happens during your visit to Peru.

  • Tips for our team

    Tips are not included. Tipping the team is usual on any excursion to Machu Picchu, and although we pay good salaries to our entire team, tips are welcome as a token of your appreciation for the team's hard work.

  • Huayna Picchu

    Huayna Picchu is the mountain that stands next to Machu Picchu. It is a really famous hike that normally takes 45 minutes to hike up the narrow, steep steps to the top with a great view of Machu Picchu citadel. If you would like to hike Huayna Picchu after your tour to Machu Picchu, there is an extra cost of $75.00 US.Also, this booking must be done at least 3 months in advance due to its popularity.

  Recommendations
INFO

At Vidal Expeditions, we focus on making your trip an unforgettable experience, and we want to provide all the details you need to know before leaving your country and starting your life experience in Peru.

What you need to pack? Important
  • Passport
  • Valid, STUDENT CARD (if you booked as a student)
  • Immigration Card (given on the plane as you enter Peru)
  • Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
  • Water storage: Water reservoir like Camelback is encouraged - but enough for at least 2-3 liters.
  • Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles)
  • Trekking poles

FOR YOUR DUFFEL:

You need to take with you the following items for your entire adventure.

  • 3 wicking t-shirts
  • 3 hiking pants
  • 3 sets of undergarments.
  • 1 Warm, down jacket: gets little cold at the morning in Machu Picchu
  • 1 Rain jacket and pants
  • 1 sun hat
  • Bathers / swimsuit for the hot spring
  • Small towel
  • Flip flops
  • Walking boots
  • Waterproof jacket/rain poncho

  • Large plastic bags: to help organize and keep clean from dirty.

INSIDE YOUR DAYPACKS:

A Daypack can be any size for hiking, but we always say the smaller, the better. Inside Machu Picchu, bags larger than 25 liters will not be allowed in. If it is larger, you will need to store it outside the citadel gates. But don´t worry; they have a secure storage facility.

  • Sun hat
  • Rain gear
  • Fleece
  • Camera
  • Music (iPhone)
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
  • Extra Money for Souvenirs, Drinks & Tips
  • Earplugs
  • Some snacks (Chocolate, fruits, energy bars, etc.)

TOILETRIES:

  • Sunscreen
  • Face moisturizer
  • Bug spray
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Wet wipes
  • Small towel
  • Toothbrush and paste
  • Toilet paper
  • Personal medication
  • First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.
  Faqs

VIDAL EXPEDITIONS FAQs

Here some frequently asked question about the Inca Jungle trail to Machu Picchu

PREPARING FOR THE INCA JUNGLE TRAIL

BOOKING

At Vidal Expeditions, we like to make the booking process as easy as possible. Once you decide to do the Inca Jungle Trail, we will send you a booking form where you need to complete all the required details. We need these details to book your entrance tickets and train tickets; you will also need to pay a deposit of $200 USD per person. Once we receive your deposit, we immediately book a spot for the Inca Jungle Trail. Once we are done with it, we will send you your invoice and confirmation that all the booking processes have been set up satisfactorily.

WHERE TO STAY IN CUSCO?

Cusco is a big city. You can find a place to stay in Cusco that satisfies your needs, with hotels ranging from 2 stars to 5 stars. There are also Airbnb places where you can feel at home. However, keep in mind that Cusco streets are narrow, especially near the main square, and some streets are pedestrian with some stairs. If the place you are staying is not accessible by car, we will notify you of the pick-up and drop-off locations of the tour. You may also choose to stay in the Sacred Valley, near Urubamba City or Ollantaytambo. In this case, your pick-up time for the tour will be 1.20 hours later than in Cusco. If you need recommendations on where to stay, please contact us.

CAN I SPEND AN EXTRA NIGHT IN AGUAS CALIENTES?

Yes! It is possible; we can book your train ticket back to Ollantaytambo a day later at no additional cost. The train departs at 14:30 or 14:55. If you need us to book your hotel or another visit to Machu Picchu, let us know, but this will be at an additional cost. If you do choose to spend one more night in Aguas Calientes, make sure you contact us at the Vidal Expeditions office at least one month in advance so we can purchase your train ticket for the right day.

ALONG THE INCA JUNGLE TRAIL

IS THERE ELECTRICITY ALONG THE TRAIL?

Yes! On the Inca Jungle Trail, there will be places where you can charge your cellphone at our lodges and restaurants. Most lodges and restaurants in Peru now have the standard US outlet along with the South American outlet. There may also be Wi-Fi connections in some lodges and restaurants.

HOW CHALLENGING IS THE BICKING SEGMENT?

As long as you know how to ride a bicycle, you will be fine on the biking segment during the first day along the Inca jungle trail. Our guides will give you a safety talk at the beginning of the bicycle ride; they will make sure that you are taken care of and will provide rest stops along the ride. Our car will stay behind the group the entire time to make sure everything goes well.

CAN I JOIN THE RIVER RAFTING AND ZIPLINE IF I DID NOT BOOK IN MY PACKAGE?

Yes! Don’t worry, if you did not book the extra activities of river rafting and zip lining when you booked your package. You will hae a chance to pay for these activities at the base camp. Just let your tour guide know, and they will help you out.

DO YOU NEED HIKING BOOTS?

Definitely! It is always recommended to wear light hiking boots if possible. Ones with ankle support are extra helpful, especially for the inexperienced hiker. The trail will involve hiking up and down stairs created by the Incas, hiking on uneven surfaces, and crossing rivers that may be slippery. The extra ankle support of your hiking boots will help prevent twisting your ankles.

SHOULD I USE WALKING STICKS?

It is not necessary to use walking or hiking sticks since the hikes on the second and third days are not strenuous. However, if you are unexperienced hiking in the mountains, we recommend you use a walking stick to help you keep your balance, especially during the downhill sections.

SHOULD I NEED SOME VACCINES FOR THE INCA JUNGLE TRAIL?

No, this part of the jungle is far away from the Amazon and is considered rainforest or semitropical. There will be mosquitoes in the region, but these mosquitoes do not carry any diseases. We do recommend you bring insect repellent to keep the mosquitoes away.

WHERE DO I STORE MY LUGGAGE?

Most hotels in Cusco provide storage for your luggage free of charge if you have extra luggage that you do not need to bring on the trail. If you are planning to change hotels after your trek, we can store your luggage at the Vidal Expeditions office. Please get in touch with our team for more information.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AS FAR AS WEATHER?

The weather in Cusco and the surrounding areas of the Andes is unpredictable. Even if the weather forecast says it will be 100% sunny, it is possible that it may still rain. This is why this is an impossible question for us to answer. Historically, April through September is the dry season; November through February is the rainy season; and March and October are bridge months—a mixture of both. But unfortunately, the clouds have not followed these rules in the last few years. It is best to be prepared for both sun and rain, no matter when you come. As far as temperatures go, that is more consistent throughout the year. Mornings and evenings are always cold. Make sure to bring a fleece jacket for the mornings and a down jacket for the evenings. Once the sun is up, you will be comfortable hiking and touring Machu Picchu in short sleeves. Long pants (for yoga or hiking) are encouraged to protect against the mosquitoes, which can be a nuisance in Aguas Calientes.

  Pricing

From: USD 340.00 per person

USD 330.00: from 4 people to more

Additional Items
* Upgrade your hotel 3 stars $100USD
* Upgrade your returning train to Vistadome service (with larger windows and more comfortable seats) $70US per person

  Enquire Now

Thank you for your interest in having an adventure travel experience in Peru curated by Vidal Expeditions. Please take a moment to complete our short form, so one our friendly Adventure Consultants could provide you all the information for your trip of a lifetime in Peru.

Our Pledge |  Your privacy is respected and protected. Vidal Expeditions will never share, sell, or make public any of your personal contact information to third parties.

Personal Details

Trip Details

Classic Inca Jungle Trek 4 Days
14 years and above
Below 14 years
7 + 3 =
Contact Vidal Expeditions

Feel free to reach us via email at vidalexpeditions@gmail.com or by calling us directly at +51 951 359 694

Book your trip

Monday - Friday: 09:00 to 18:00 Hrs.
Saturday: 09:00 to 13:00 Hrs.

Vidal Expeditions location

Prolongacion Av. Grau L-8, Santiago - Cusco

Best Seller
Tour Price
4 days 3 Nights
Classic Inca Jungle Trek

Price from $ 340 USD Per Person

Group Size Up to 8 People

What's it like

Classic Inca Jungle Trek 4 Days / 3 Nights Map



WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?


At Vidal Expeditions we offer the best service for all our customers and here is what makes us different than others.

  • Small groups: Along our excursion group size is a capped at 8 people. This guarantees that you will enjoy every step of our excursion

  • Hotel: During our excursion to Machu Picchu, we offer a 3 stars hotel stay for the last night. This ensures you are well rested and ready to explore Machu Picchu.

  • Bus to Machu Picchu: To enjoy Machu Picchu, we provide a round trip ticket on the bus from Aguas Calientes to the main entrance of the archaeological site.

  • Local Tour guides: Our team consists of 100% local tour guides, who have expert knowledge in our ancient culture.

  • Best Camping Equipment: We have the state-of-the-art camping equipment for our excursion. The equipment is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before and after every excursion.

  • Best Trekking team: At Vidal Expeditions we focus to create the best experience during our excursions. Our team that consists of tour guides, cooks, porters, horse drivers are handpicked. We train our team to offer you the best service. We take care of our team by providing them with good equipment and paying them fairly.

Activities Inca Jungle Trail



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