The Inca Jungle Adventure to Machu Picchu
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
- Packing List
- Faqs
- Pricing
- Enquire Now
Our Inca Jungle 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 & ZiplineHiking 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.
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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.
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Day03
Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco
Explore this amazing Inca citadel now one of the new seven wonders around the world Machu Picchu.
Cusco – Abra Malaga - Huamanmarca-Santa Maria-Santa Teresa
Bus Drive to Abra Malaga: 3 hours 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. / 4,180 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Accommodation: Private room (Lodge)
Adventure: Absolutely
Highlight of The Day: Biking and River Rafting
The Adventure will start with pick you up from your hotel 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 items that you could 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.
Santa Teresa - Aguas Calientes: Trekking (10 miles, 16 km)
Walking Distance: 11 km. / 6. miles
Starting Elevation: 1,500masl. / 4,921 feet
Campsite Elevation: 2,040masl / 6,692 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
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)
Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo - Cusco
Walking Distance: By Bus, (hiking optional 8km/5miles)
Starting Elevation: 2,040masl. / 4,921 feet
Machu Picchu Elevation: 2,430masl. / 7,972 feet
Difficulty: Easy
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.
Finally, the great day arrive to visit this incredible Seven World Wonder, 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 your own and maybe even hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (previous reservations are needed two months in advance, plus a fee of $70). (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.
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.
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
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.
- 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.
Imporant Items
- 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.
INCA JUNGLE TREK FAQs
Here some frequently asked question about the Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu
PREPARING FOR THE INCA JUNGLE TREK 3 DAYS
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.
This is the short version of the Classic Inca Jungle Trail; it is perfect for people who have limited time to explore Machu Picchu through the classic tours. This tour goes the same as the other four days, but the difference is that you'll skip the hiking day on day two. You will join the other activities normally.
The mountain bike in the Inca Jungle Trek is quite easy; you just need a bit of experience riding the bike and you will be fine. The route goes mostly downhill on an asphal road with some stops along the way, and you don't need to carry your own backpack because the car will always be behind the group.
Yes! The lodges and restaurants have bathrooms, and you will get a private bathroom in your hotel. You will also be able to find toilets during the hike from Hidroelectrica to Agus Calientes town.
This activity is quite easy; you don't need any previous experience to join the water rafting. It is a quiet river with some fun rapids, and you'll get all the safety gear before going in the river. There will also be a safety kayaker who will care for the group during the activity.
No, this is the high jungle of Peru, and these mosquitoes in the area don't have these diseases; however, we recommend bringing insect repellent and some medication for the bites in case you are allergic to these.
In Vidal Expeditions, we know this is important for every customer, and we work with some lodges located along the route that are clean and have good maintenance. The first night is a basic lodge supported by a local family, but the last night is a 3-star hotel. We provide a private room for two people. These rooms have a private bathroom with a hot shower. .
Hiking boots are not necessary for this Inca Jungle 3 Days because the only hike that you will do will be from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes, 11 km, and a little in Machu Picchu. You can wear your sport shoes for this tour without any problem.
We highly recommend visiting Machu Picchu during the dry season, which is from May to October. During this season, rain is rare, and you will have more chance to see the gorgeous landscapes and the sunrise at Machu Picchu.
No, you don't need any permission for this tour; however, you need to book your Machu Picchu ticket in advance. We recommend 3 months in advance as the minimum.
Most hotels in Cusco provide free storage for your luggage while you are in the tour, even if you will change of hotel after your trip. We also offer free storage for your luggage at the Vidal Expeditions office. Please get in touch with our team for more information.
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.
From: USD 360.00 per person
USD 360.00: from 4 people to more
* Upgrade your returning train to Vistadome service (with larger windows and more comfortable seats) $60US per person
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.
Feel free to reach us via email at vidalexpeditions@gmail.com or by calling us directly at +51 951 359 694
Monday - Friday:
09:00 to 18:00 Hrs.
Saturday:
09:00 to 13:00 Hrs.
Prolongacion Av. Grau L-8, Santiago - Cusco
3 Days / 2 Nights
Inca Jungle Trek
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.
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Small groups: Along our excursion group size is a capped at 8 people. This guarantees that you will enjoy every step of our excursion
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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.
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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.
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Local Tour guides: Our team consists of 100% local tour guides, who have expert knowledge in our ancient culture.
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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.
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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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