Inca Jungle Adventure to Machu Picchu
The Inca Jungle Private Tour is the best option for people who want to live a different lifetime experience on the way to Machu Picchu with different outdoor activities. This adventure begins with a bike ride from a mountain located at 4,315 meters down to the rainforest, with incredible views along the route.
Also you have chance to have fun in our white water rafting perfect for beginners and experience people & and fly on the valley via Zip-Lining. 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 Machupicchu.
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- Recommendations
- Faqs
- Pricing
- Enquire Now
If you love the feeling of adrenaline mixed with adventure, this tour is perfect for you. The Inca Jungle Private Tour to Machu Picchu combines different activities with a lot of adventure. Ride a bike down the Jungle Road, full of stunning views and gorgeous green jungle. Machu Picchu by Locals has designed the perfect tour to take you to incredible landscapes away from the crowds and connect with our magical jungle.
Learn about the tradition of the local villages, discover the while animals of these areas. On the Vilcanota River, you will beat the rapids and enjoy the freshwater splashing on your cheeks. Feel your heart racing as you zipline through the luscious jungle. End this exhilarating trip by exploring the majestic Machu Picchu, one of the new seven wonders!
Itinerary at a Glance
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Day01|
Cusco - Malaga Pass - Santa Maria
Mountain bike 55km /34 miles. Whitewater rafting
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Day02
Santa Maria - Santa Teresa: Trekking
Hike on the Inca Trail with stunning views.
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Day03
Santa Teresa - Aguas Calientes
Have fun on the Zipline and hiking with a view of Machu Picchu.
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Day04
Aguas Calientes - Machupicchu - Cusco
Explore the new seven wonders before the crowds arrive
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: Private room (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 expedition to Machu Picchu. Then we’ll head towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas (Ollantaytambo) there we have a short stop to enjoy a breakfast or buy something you will need along the tour.
After that, we’ll continue in our own vehicle to the Malaga Pass (4,316 m/14,160 ft), which is the highest location we’ll encounter on this journey. The Veronica mountain, which is located by the side of the road, may be seen in spectacular detail from here. We start our trek down the mountain by bicycle from this point. A brief informational lecture will be given by your guide, who will also outfit the bikes with the necessary safety equipment. Then we’ll start our three-hour (42 km; 26 mile) mountain bike excursion, and you may take in the scenery as it transforms from misty highlands to the start of the lush rainforest. When descending from the slopes, you will cross a few tiny streams and take in the pleasant weather. After several stops later, you’ll arrive in Huamanmarca. From there, we continue our trip by bus to Santa Maria 1200 meters (3937 feet). where we have our first meal and stay in our lodge for the first night.
During the afternoon you’ll have option to go rafting on the Vilcanota river on category I, II, III and III+ with some rapids, you’ll be safe as we’ll provide you all the safety equipment (Helmet, windbreakers, and lifejacket) it takes 2.30 hours in total. (Please note that this exciting activity is only available from April to December as the river rises during the wet season.)
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:Private room Hostel
Adventure: Absolutely, hot spring, cable car.
We take our personal van to the trailhead after a sumptuous breakfast. We will be climbing for the first two hours of our journey, but we will make several stops to learn more about the diverse range of flora and wildlife that can be found in the area we are in. One of these stops will be at a family home, where we will rest for 20 minutes and replenish our supplies of water and regional tropical fruit. After a brief rest, we will traverse a section of the Inca Trail that once linked Machu Picchu to the city of Vilcabamba.
Our guide will explain more about the Incas’ history as well as the communication system that existed at the time. We will also see one of the most spectacular views in the Huancarcasa Canyon at this point. Following that, we will descend to the small town of Quellomayo, where we will have lunch and relax in the nearby hammocks.
We will then walk for another two hours to the Cocalmayo thermal baths, where you will have plenty of time to enjoy the naturally heated water. After bathing, we will take a private van to our final destination of the day, Santa Teresa, and spend the night in our hostel.
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 (AguasCalientes hotel)
Difficulty: Moderate
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Accommodation: Private roomHotel 3 stars
Adventure: Absolutely, Zip Line. (6 cables,)
This day, after breakfast, we will go to Zip Line, where they will pick you up at the restaurant, and then we will drive for a few minutes to the base camp, where your instructor will provide you with safety equipment and instructions.
The adventure then begins. Flying between mountains, through the valley, and through dense forest, you’ll feel the adrenaline rush and take in the breathtaking views of the river and valley. You will be able to fly in various positions..
Following that, we’ll take our van to Hydroelectric, where you’ll enjoy our delicious lunch in the restaurant beside the train truck, surrounded by trees. Then we’ll hike to Aguas Calientes along the train rail with stunning views of Machu Picchu and the Urubamba river, your guide will show you the location of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu, and you’ll see the train riding to Hydroelectic several times. After three hours of hiking, we’ll arrive in Aguas Calientes town where your guide will accommodate you in your hotel to rest before exploring the picturesque town.
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 because it is the day we arrive at one of the World’s Seven Wonders. Our final day of the tour begins early in the morning so that we can see the sun rise over the Incan citadel of Machu Picchu. At 5:30 a.m., we begin the bus ride from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu.
Your guide will take you to the best spots to enjoy this magical Inca site once you enter the park. Then he’ll give you a two-hour tour, after which you’ll have time to explore other parts of Machu Picchu on your own, possibly hiking Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (previous reservations are required with two months’ notice, plus a fee of $35). There are only 400 tickets available 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 bus in order to catch a train back to Ollantaytambo and then a bus back to 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.
At Machu Picchu by Locals we are transparent and provide the specific details of what is included and excluded in the Inca Jungle. We know this is very important so that you know what exactly to bring and you don’t miss anything. We provide this information to ensure that you have an incredible experience during your trek.
WE INCLUDE
Machu Picchu by Locals Team Provide
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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 of this adventure.
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Professional Adventure Guide
All our tour guides have a great reputation in customer service, our tour guide have graduated with tourism career from National University San Antonio Abad of Cusco, they have also studied English in a private language institute. Through to their patience, responsibility, knowledge, passion for trekking and proud to have been born in the land of the Incas, we ensure our guides provide an excellent experience for you when you explore the Magic Machu Picchu.
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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 it can be update, however for this change you must to bring both you old and new passport.
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Accommodations
At Machu Picchu by Locals we included private accommodations 3 nights along our Inca Jungle , these are safe and clean lodges located along the route, each room of our lodges has private bathroom with a hot water and clean towel, you also will be available to recharge your cameras, phones, etc. But remember the electrical outlets are different than you are used it is 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 to Machu Picchu by Locals team.
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River Rafting and Zipline
To make of this adventure unforgettable we include these activities full of adrenaline. White river rafting in Urubamba river with a category of I, II, III and III+, great for beginners and experienced people and our Zipline over a canyon with a unique view.
Transportations
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Private Transport
We included all the transportations during your tour, we will pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and take you to the beginning of the biking, the bus returning from Ollantaytambo to Cusco will drop off you at your hotel.
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Train Ticket
In the Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu, we include the returning train ticket after you have explored Machu Picchu on the last day. The train ticket will be one of the available train schedules of 14:20hrs, 14:55hrs and 16:20hrs.
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Bus Ticket
We include the Bus round trip from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes the day 4 to go to explore the lost city of the Incas Machu Picchu.
Equipment
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Biking Equipment
Machu Picchu by Locals been leading tours to Machu Picchu with a suitable biking equipment to make of your trip an experience of the life time. Our bikes and biking gears are very safe and professional for this kind of activities we include from suspension bike, DH helmet, body armor, knee pads and globes.
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Rafting and Zipline Gears
We know very well about these activities and have professional instructors with the right equipment to make of these activities 100% safe, they have been working for a long time on river rafting and Zipline and they have years of experience to show you our wonderful landscape along the tour.
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Medical First Aid Kit
All tour guides of Machu Picchu by Locals are very well trained in First aid. They received training courses every 6 months how to assist to someone who is in an emergency situation. Also, they are trained how to supply a balloon oxygen in the case if someone requires it.
Meals
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Meals
At Machu Picchu by Locals, 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 breakfast, 3 lunch and 3 dinner. 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 ever you’ve had with local and organic ingredients.
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Water
Machu Picchu by Locals will provide you water the second day and third day a litter per day, however you will be available to buy more water along the trail, there are some local shops but remember to bring your container bottle or camel bag enough size for a few hours, 2 litters are what we recommend.
WE NOT INCLUDED
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Walking Sticks
Hiking with trekking poles has its benefits, protect your knees while you are hiking downhill, especially on ancient Inca trail which are many stairs up and down, trekking poles help you during the ascent, increased stability, if you don’t have a pair of trekking poles you can rent them from our office.
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First Breakfast
We do not provide breakfast on the day of your departure. However, most hotel offers breakfast during your stay there. In case your hotel does not provide breakfast, we will stop at a restaurant near to Ollantaytambo where you will be available to purchase a breakfast.
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Lunch in Aguas Calientes
Lunch on the las day at Aguas Calientes is not included in this tour. However, you and the group can enjoy the last lunch together in a restaurant recommended by your tour guide.
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Travel Insurance
We recommend to buy a travel insurance before to leave your country in case something happen along your visit to Peru
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Tips for our team
Tips are not included. Tipping the team is usual on any excursion to Machu Picchu, although we pay good salaries to our entire team, tips are welcome as a token of your appreciation for the team hard work
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Huayna Picchu
Huayna Picchu is the mountain which stands next to Machu Picchu. It is really famous hike normally takes 45 minutes hike up to the top by narrow steps steep 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 $75.00US Also, this booking must be done at least 3 months in advance due the popularity.
INCA JUNGLE PRIVATE TOUR PACKING LIST
At Machu Picchu by Locals we focus to make your trip an unforgettable experience and we want to provide all details which you need to know before to leave your country and start 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:
Your duffle bag will be transport by a taxi until your next hotel it has to be no more than 4 kg of your personal items, in case you bring more weight of it you should pay extra.
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- 3 wicking t-shirts
- 3 hiking pants
- 3 sets of undergarments.
- 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
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho
Large plastic bags:
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- 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 25L will not be allowed in. If it is larger, you will need to store it outside citadel gates. But don´t worry, they have a secure storage facility.
Water: we supply a bottle of water the 2nd day and the same the 3rd day, however you will be available to buy more water along the route or at the restaurant. You are responsible for your first and last day
- 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 PRIVATE TOUR FAQs
Here some frequently asked question about the Inca Jungle trail to Machu Picchu
PREPARING FOR THE INCA JUNGLE TOUR
BOOKING
At Machu Picchu by Locals, we like to make the booking process as easy as possible; once you decided to do the Inca Jungle trail, we will send to you a booking form where you need to complete all the required details on the form. We need these details to book your entrance tickets and train ticket; you will also need to pay a deposit of $200USD per person. Once we receive your deposit, we immediately book a spot for the Inca Jungle trail once we have done with it, we will send you your invoice and confirmation that all the booking process has 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; hotels ranging from 2 stars to 5 stars, there are also Airbnb places where you can feel as home. However, keep in mind that Cusco streets are narrow especially near to 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 your pick up and drop off location of the tour. You may also choose stay in the Sacred Valley near Urubamba city or Ollantaytambo. In this case your pick-up time for the tour will be 1.20 hour late than 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 also may 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 have a chance to pay for these activities at the base camp. Just let your tour guide knows and they will help you out.
DO YOU NEED HIKING BOOTS?
Definitely! it is always recommendable to wear a 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/hiking sticks since the hike of the second day and third day are not strenuous. However, if you are unexperienced hiking on the mountains, we recommend you use walking stick to help you to keep 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 area or semitropical. There will be mosquitos in the region but these mosquitos do not carry any diseases. We do recommend you bring insect repellent to keep the mosquitos away.
WHERE DO I STORE MY LUGGAGE?
Most hotels in Cusco provide storage for your luggage free of charge, if you have extra luggage which you not need to bring on the trail. If you are planning to change your hotel after your trek, we can storage 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 in 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 do not follow 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 (yoga or hiking) are encouraged to help from the mosquitos which can be a nuisance in Aguas Calientes.
From: USD 580.00 per person
USD 560.00: from 4 people to more
* Upgrade your hotel 4 stars $100USD
* 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 Machu Picchu by Locals. 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.
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4 Days / 3 Nights
Inca Jungle Private Tour to Machu Picchu
What's it like!!
Map of Inca Jungle Private Tour to Machu Picchu
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?
At Machu Picchu by Locals 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 private hostel stay for the last night. This ensures you are well rested and ready to explore Machu Picchu.
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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 Machu Picchu by Locals 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.
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