The Inca Jungle Adventure to Machu Picchu
The Inca Jungle Trail 3 Days is the most adventurous way to explore the lost city of the Incas, Machu Picchu. It is well recommended for adventure and adrenaline lovers, combining mountain biking with hiking and extra activities such as ziplining and river rafting. Hike through epic landscapes around Machu Picchu, cross the most beautiful areas of the Andes Mountains and the high forest, interact with locals, relax in natural thermal baths, follow a railway trail, and take part in extreme activities like upside-down ziplining.
It is a unique and enjoyable event that combines culture, nature, touch, and adrenaline. And explore Machu Picchu, the most epic ancient building, as the highlight of your journey.
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- Recommendations
- Faqs
- Pricing
- Enquire Now
The Inca Jungle Trail 3-Day to Machu Picchu is a memory you will cherish forever, perfect for thrill-seekers and history enthusiasts alike. Begin planning your unforgettable adventure today, and let us help you make it a reality. Machu Picchu’s locals designed a special itinerary for those who don’t have enough time to explore the Inca civilization.
Exploring Machu Picchu through the Inca Jungle Trail short version, you will connect with nature. This extraordinary journey offers an exclusive fusion of natural wonders and cultural treasures, from majestic Inca ruins to lush coffee, coca, and fruit fields. Immerse yourself in Colcamayo’s natural hot springs as a fitting reward for a busy day.
At Machu Picchu by Locals, we know that safety is our top priority, which is why our professional adventure guides are well trained in this area and have a lot of experience leading different groups through this incredible Inca jungle route. As a tour operator, we will provide you with the top-biking gear that makes a difference from others.
Enjoy the whitewater rafting in the Urubamaba River, well recommended for beginners and experienced people. Join the rappids and jump into the river in the high tropical jungle. Have fun flying in the valley via zipline with proper petzel gears and expert instructors. Explore the iconic Machu Picchu as the final destination of your journey.
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.
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 trail 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.
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)
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.
At Machu Picchu by Locals we are transparent and provide the specific details of what is included and excluded in the Inca Jungle Tour. 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
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 of this adventure.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Accommodations
At Machu Picchu by Locals we included accommodations 2 nights in a lodge along the Inca Jungle trail, these are safe and clean lodges located along the route, 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 Calientes town or Machu Picchu town please contact to Machu Picchu by Locals team.
-
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
-
Turistic 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.
-
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.
Equipment
-
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
-
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.
-
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
-
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 2 breakfast, 2 lunch and 2 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.
WE NOT INCLUDED
-
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.
-
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.
-
Lunch in Agus 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.
The ticket for Machu Picchu Mountain has an extra cost of US$ 30.00 per person.
-
Water
We don’t include water along this tour, however you will find some shops where you can by some bottle of water specially during the meals
-
Hot Spring
We highly recommend to join the hot spring after a long day, and relax for a hour there, the entrance fees for it is S/10.00 Peruvian soles and you can pay directly there.
-
Travel Insurance
We recommend to buy a travel insurance before to leave your country in case something happen along your visit to Peru
-
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
-
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.
INFO
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
-
- 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 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.
MACHU PICCHU by LOCALS FAQs
Here some frequently asked question about the Inca Jungle trail to Machu Picchu
PREPARING FOR THE INCA JUNGLE TRAIL
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 320.00 per person
USD 320.00: from 4 people to more
* Additional single room in Aguas Calientes $60USD
* 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.
Our Pledge | Your privacy is respected and protected. Machu Picchu by Locals will never share, sell, or make public any of your personal contact information to third parties.
3 Days / 2 Nights
Inca Jungle Trail 3 Days
What's it like!!
Map of Inca Jungle Trail 3 Days
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.
-
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 private hostel stay for the last night. This ensures you are well rested and ready to explore Machu Picchu.
-
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 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.
Why Travel with us
Social Project
Everything from one source
There's a reason why so many people recommend our adventure holidays.
What Our Clients Say
We take great pride in taking care of our guests
Our travellers are our best advocates, and they frequently recommend our specialist travel services to friends, colleagues and family when planning a trip to our region.