Inca Jungle to Machu Picchu, Peru.

Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu

3 Days 2 Nights
Vidal Expeditions Peru
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 Inca Jungle Adventure to Machu Picchu

Abra Malaga, Biking, Rafting, Santa Teresa, Zip Line, 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 Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu is the ultimate adventure trip in the Peruvian jungle with fun activities. The short Inca Jungle Trek incorporates loads of adventure activities into the journey that go far beyond hiking. This is excellent for people who do not have enough time to explore Cusco and Peru. This Inca Jungle Trek includes downhill mountain biking, whitewater rafting in the Urubamba River, relaxing in a hot spring near Machu Picchu, feeling the adrenaline rush while flying along on the longest zipline in America, and exploring the lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu, while enjoying the sunrise before the crowds arrive.

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

Our Inca Jungl Trek combines different activities during these 3 days of tour. Enjoy the stunning views in the mountains surrounded by snow peaks while you descend from 4,315 m (14,156 ft) by bicycle (with all the safety gear) to the rainforest located at 1,500 m (4,921 ft). Feel the adrenaline rush during the whitewater rafting, which is perfect for beginners and the more experienced adventurer. End the busy first day by relaxing in the Cocalmayo hot spring with fantastic views of the Valley. Challenge yourself by ziplining over the valley. Finally, explore one of the new seven wonders of the world, Machu Picchu, and be impressed by its unbelievable buildings. All these in only three day tour from Cusco.

Highlights: Machu Picchu, River rafting & Zipline
Hiking distance: 11km/6.8miles
Considerations: Not Permit Required
Season: March through January

Itinerary at a Glance

  • Day01

    Cusco - Ollantaytambo - Abra Malaga – Huamanmarca - Santa Maria - Santa Teresa

    Bus drive to the cycling point, cycling 45km down to the rainforest and river rafting in Urubamba river.

  • Day02

    Santa Teresa - Hidro Eléctrica - Aguas Calientes

    Flight on the longest Zipline in Peru and feel the adrenaline of the Andes, first view of Machu Picchu from the bottom of the Huayna Picchu mountain while you are hiking around it.

  • Day03

    Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco

    Explore this amazing Inca citadel now one of the new seven wonders around the world Machu Picchu.

  Itinerary
Day 01

Cusco – Abra Malaga - Huamanmarca-Santa Maria-Santa Teresa

Bus Drive to Abra Malaga: 3.5 hour by bus from Cusco
Biking time: 2.5 to 3 hours approximately. (45km/26miles cycling)
Maximum Altitude: 4,350masl. / 14,271 feet
Minimum Altitude: 1275masl. / 4180 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Meals: Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Private room (Lodge)
Adventure: Absolutely
Highlight of The Day: Biking and River Rafting

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 trek to Machu Picchu adventure. Afterwards, we'll head to Ollantaytambo (1:45 hrs. of driving), where we have a short stop to buy some stuff that you will need along the tour. We continue in our private van for 1.20 more hours until we arrive at the Malaga Pass (4,316 meters above sea level) (14,160 feet above sea level).

This is where we begin our bicycle tour down the mountain. Your tour guide will give a quick informational briefing and provide all riders with the appropriate safety gear before the 3-hour mountain descent (about 34 miles or 55 km) to the town of Huamanmarca. From there, we continue our journey by bus for approximately 30 minutes until we reach the town of Santa Maria, where we have our first lunch and then have river rafting activity during the afternoon (level I, II, III, and III+, during April-November) on the Urubamba River, which crosses through part of the jungle. Once we done with this, we take our van towards Santa Teresa for around 40 minutes driving, there is the location of our lodge to spend the first night, also you will be available to join the hot spring before your dinner.

Day 02

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

Walking Distance: 11 km. / 6. miles
Starting Elevation: 1500masl. / 4921 feet
Campsite Elevation: 2000masl / 6561 feet (Aguas Calientes hotel)
Difficulty: Moderate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Private room Hotel 3 stars
Adventure: Absolutely
Highlight of The Day: Zipline and Hike around Huayna Picchu mountain

After breakfast, we will take a bus to Zipline base camp, where our instructor will provide us all our safety gear for the flight over an Urubamba valley. Before starting the adventure, they will explain the safety procedures with some examples. And you are ready to live the adrenaline. It takes 2:30 hours to complete the whole activity.

Once you are done with the zipline, we take our van to Hydroelectrical (Hydro station), where we will pass the control and then have lunch at the restaurant. After a short break, you will start with our hike towards Aguas Calientes town, following the train tracks. It normally takes 3 hours (11 km, 6.8 miles) and has great scenery of the Urubamba river. Also, we will have the chance to see part of Machu Picchu and the Wayna Picchu Inca site from the bottom of the mountain.

Once we arrived to Aguas Calientes town our guide will take you to your hotel where you will spend the night, then you are free to explore the beautiful town by yourself until our dinner time, here is when your tour guide will explain you all the plan for the last day, the most important day where we are going to visit Machu Picchu, your guide will provide you all your tickets for it. Breakfast, Lunch, dinner, hotel (2 person per room)

Day 03

Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo - Cusco

Walking Distance: By Bus, (hiking optional 5km/3miles)
Starting Elevation: 2000masl. / 6561 feet
Machu Picchu Elevation: 2400masl. /7874 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Meals: Breakfast
Adventure: Absolutely
Highlight of The Day: The wonder of Machu Picchu

Highlights of today: We will appreciate the landscape, scenery and wildlife. Looking different wild fruits along the way like: banana, avocado, passion fruit, coffee, etc.

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 sunrise over the Incan citadel of Machu Picchu. We begin the ascent from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu at 4:30 AM, with the option of hiking the 1,500 Incan steps following the trail of 5km/3miles up to the Inca site. Once inside the park, your tour guide will provide a 2-hour tour of this magic place and visit the most important temples within the ancient city. Afterwards, you will be free to explore Machu Picchu by yourself and maybe even hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (previous reservations are needed two months in advance, plus a fee of $35). (There are only 400 entrance tickets per day to climb these two mountains.) On your own time, you will need to return to Aguas Calientes (by the trail or bus; this is optional) in order to take a return train to Ollantaytambo and finally a bus towards Cusco, which will drop you off at the hotel where we picked you up the first day.

  Inclusions

At Vidal Expeditions, we are transparent and provide specific details of what is included and excluded in the Inca Jungle Trek. 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 tour.

What Is Included?

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 Trail 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 2 nights along the Inca Jungle Trail. These are safe and clean lodges located along the route. Each room of our lodges has a private bathroom with hot water and a clean towel. You will also have access 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.

  • River Rafting and Zipline

    To make this adventure unforgettable, we included these activities full of adrenaline. White river rafting in the Urubamba River with a category of I, II, III, and III+ is great for beginners and experienced people, as is our zipline over a canyon with a unique view.

  • Hot Spring

    We know the small details are important for you during your trip, and Vidal Expeditions makes everything possible to provide an excellent service where you don’t need to worry about these things.

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.

  • Bus Ticket

    We include the bus round trip from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes on day 3 to go explore the lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu.

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.

  • Rafting and Zipline Gears

    We know very well about these activities and have professional instructors with the right equipment to make them 100% safe. They have been working for a long time on river rafting and ziplining, and they have years of experience to show you our wonderful landscape along the tour.

  • 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 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 2 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

  • 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 Agus 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.

    The ticket for Machu Picchu Mountain has an extra cost of $70.00 per person.

  • 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 THE TOUR:
  • 2-3 wicking t-shirts
  • 2-3 hiking pants
  • 3 sets of undergarments.
  • 2-3 wicking t-shirts
  • 1 Fleece
  • 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

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

INSIDE YOUR DAYPACKS:

Daypacks 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 360.00 per person

USD 360.00: from 4 people to more

Additional Items
* Additional single room in Aguas Calientes $60USD
* Upgrade your returning train to Vistadome service (with larger windows and more comfortable seats) $60US 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

Inca Jungle Trek 3 Days / 2 Nights
14 years and above
Below 14 years
7 + 3 =
Contact to 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
3 Days / 2 Nights
Inca Jungle Trek

Price from $ 360 USD Per Person

Group Size Up to 8 People

What's it like

Inca Jungle Trek 3 Days / 2 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



Why Travel with us

Start a Conversation

Hi! Click one our members below to chat on WhatsApp ;)

The team typically replies in a few minutes
From US$ 360.00
Exciting Treks in Cusco icon

Related Peru Treks

Alternative journeys you may be interested in

Here you have other options that will suit your needs from the Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu

Biking to Machu Picchu

Inca Jungle Trek 3 Days

Reach Machu Picchu through the Short Inca Jungle in 3 days with incredible activities.

Read More ➼
Adventure Tour to Machu Picchu via Inca Jungle

Inca Jungle Classic 4 Days

Join us on this adventure tour to Machu Picchu via Inca Jungle Classic 4 Days.

Read More ➼
Exclusive Inca Jungle Trail

Inca Jungle Trail 4 Days

Explore the most fascinating Peruvian on your way to Machu Picchu with fun activities, biking, rafting and ziplining.

Read More ➼
Private Machu Picchu with activities

Private Inca Jungle Tour 4 Day

Cuztumize your adventure tour to Machu Picchu with fun activities along the route in a private tour.

Read More➼

Related Articles

Explorations Journal

Just looking for inspiration? Take a look at our latest blog posts below.