Inca Jungle Trek: 4-Day Adventure to Machu Picchu from Cusco
The Inca Jungle Trek is the most thrilling alternative route to Machu Picchu — combining mountain biking, trekking, zip-lining, and rafting into one unforgettable 4-day adventure from Cusco. Furthermore, the Inca Jungle Trek takes you through some of the most diverse landscapes in Peru, from high Andean passes at 4,300 meters down into lush cloud forest and tropical jungle. Therefore, if you are an active traveler looking for more than a standard tour, the Inca Jungle Trek is the perfect choice for your Machu Picchu experience. In addition, all fitness levels are welcome — no prior trekking experience is required.
$ 297.00
4 Days / 3 Nights
Group or Private
Daily Departures
Inca Jungle Trek — Tour Overview and Highlights
The Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu covers 4 days and 3 nights of pure adventure across the most scenic landscapes of the Cusco region. Furthermore, the route begins at the famous Abra Málaga Pass at 4,300 meters above sea level and descends dramatically into the Amazon cloud forest below. Therefore, you experience an extraordinary range of ecosystems — from snow-capped Andean highlands to tropical jungle — all in a single journey. In addition, the trek combines four different activities: downhill mountain biking, jungle trekking, zip-line canopy adventure, and white-water rafting on the Vilcanota River.
Inca Jungle Trek — What Is Included and Not Included
Every detail of your Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu is covered from the moment we pick you up at your hotel in Cusco. Furthermore, we include everything you need for a safe and comfortable 4-day adventure so you can focus entirely on the experience. Therefore, there are no hidden costs or surprise fees — the price you see is the price you pay, with the exceptions noted below.
Inca Jungle Trek — What Is Included
- ✅ Professional bilingual guide (English and Spanish)
- ✅ Hotel pickup in Cusco at 6:00 AM
- ✅ Private transportation from Cusco to Carrizales (starting point)
- ✅ Return train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo + bus to Cusco
- ✅ Mountain biking equipment — bicycle, helmet, elbow and knee pads, gloves, and safety gear
- ✅ Machu Picchu entrance ticket
- ✅ 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners (vegetarian option available on request)
- ✅ 2 nights in a hostel + 1 night in a hotel
- ✅ First aid kit throughout the entire route
- ✅ Rafting on the Vilcanota River
- ✅ Zip-line (canopy adventure)
- ✅ Transfer to your hotel at the end of the tour
What Is Not Included in the Inca Jungle Trek
- ❌ Lunch on Day 1 and breakfast on Day 1
- ❌ Bus transportation up and down from the Machu Picchu sanctuary (optional, approx. $12 USD)
- ❌ Huayna Picchu Mountain entrance ticket (optional — $70 USD per person)
- ❌ Entrance fee to hot springs in Santa Teresa (S/. 10.00)
- ❌ Personal travel insurance
- ❌ Tips for guides and drivers
- ❌ Personal expenses and souvenirs
Inca Jungle Trek — Complete Day by Day Itinerary
The Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu is carefully designed to balance physical activity with comfort and acclimatization. Furthermore, each day introduces a new landscape and a new activity, keeping the energy and excitement high throughout the entire 4-day journey. Therefore, here is exactly what to expect each day from departure to arrival back in Cusco.
Day 1 — Cusco to Santa María: Mountain Biking & Rafting
We pick you up from your hotel in Cusco at 6:00 AM in our private vehicle and drive approximately 4 hours to Carrizales or San Luis, where your Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu officially begins. Along the way, we cross the famous Abra Málaga Pass at 4,300 meters (14,108 ft) above sea level — one of the highest points of the entire route. From there, we begin an exhilarating 3-hour downhill mountain biking experience through the cloud forest, passing coffee and coca plantations before arriving in Santa María for lunch. In the afternoon, there is an optional opportunity to enjoy Class III and IV white-water rafting on the Vilcanota River. Overnight in a comfortable guesthouse in Santa María.
Day 2 — Santa María to Santa Teresa: Jungle Trekking
After breakfast at 6:30 AM, we begin the first full trekking day of the Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu. Furthermore, the morning involves a scenic uphill hike through a recently rediscovered section of the original Inca Trail that once connected Machu Picchu with Vilcabamba — the last refuge of the Incas. Therefore, this section of the route is historically significant and your guide will explain the fascinating history of Inca communication systems and road networks along the way. In addition, we make several stops at local family homes to learn about tropical fruits, flora, and Andean culture. We then cross the Urubamba River by traditional cable car, hike 2.5 hours to Old Santa Teresa through coffee plantations and past stunning waterfalls. Overnight in a hostel in Santa Teresa.
Day 3 — Santa Teresa to Aguas Calientes: Zip-Line Adventure
Day 3 of the Inca Jungle Trek starts with an optional zip-line adventure in the morning — an extraordinary way to fly over the jungle canopy before continuing on foot. Furthermore, after breakfast we head toward Old Santa Teresa and cross the Urubamba River again before beginning a 2.5-hour scenic hike surrounded by banana trees, avocado plants, oranges, and mangoes. Therefore, the variety of tropical scenery on this day is unlike anything you experience on the classic Inca Trail. We arrive at Hydroelectric Station for lunch, then walk approximately 2 hours along the scenic railway tracks to the town of Aguas Calientes — also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo. Overnight in a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Day 4 — Machu Picchu: The Inca Jungle Trek Grand Finale
The final day of the Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu is the one you have been building toward since Day 1. Furthermore, we wake up early — breakfast at approximately 5:00 AM — and begin our uphill hike to the Inca citadel, arriving among the very first visitors of the day to witness the spectacular sunrise over Machu Picchu. Therefore, arriving on foot rather than by bus makes this moment even more powerful and personal. Your certified guide leads a comprehensive 2-hour guided tour of the most important temples, palaces, and ceremonial areas inside the site. After the guided visit, you have free time to explore independently. Optional hikes to Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain are available for an additional cost of $70 USD per person. At the appropriate time, we return to Aguas Calientes, board the train to Ollantaytambo, and take private transport back to Cusco, arriving at approximately 9:30 PM.
What to Pack on the Inca Jungle Trek
Packing the right gear makes a significant difference on the Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu. Furthermore, the route passes through multiple climate zones in 4 days, so you need to be prepared for both cold Andean temperatures at the start and warm tropical heat in the cloud forest. Therefore, review this recommended packing list carefully before your departure day.
Essential Items for Your Inca Jungle Trek
🎒 Original passport — valid for at least 7 months from travel date
🎒 ISIC student card or university ID if applicable (send a copy at time of booking)
🎒 Sandals — very important for the hot springs and hostel evenings
🎒 Light clothing suitable for warm cloud forest temperatures
🎒 Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
🎒 Insect repellent
🎒 Rain jacket, waterproof trousers, and a plastic poncho
🎒 Small towel
🎒 Extra cash for drinks, tips, souvenirs, and personal expenses (USD or Peruvian Soles)
🎒 Swimwear for the hot springs (optional but recommended)
🎒 Water bottle — minimum 1 liter recommended
Why Choose Us for the Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu
At Peruvian Cusco Travel Tour we have been guiding the Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu for over 10 years. Furthermore, our certified bilingual guides know every section of the route personally and are trained in first aid and emergency response. Therefore, your safety and comfort are our absolute priority from the 6:00 AM pickup in Cusco to the final transfer back to your hotel on Day 4. In addition, we are proud winners of the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2024 — a recognition earned entirely through genuine reviews from real travelers just like you. read our verified reviews on TripAdvisor
Book Your Inca Jungle Trek Today
Spots on the Inca Jungle Trek fill up fast — especially between June and September during peak season. Furthermore, we recommend booking at least 3 to 4 weeks in advance to guarantee your preferred departure date. Therefore, do not wait until you arrive in Cusco to organize your trek — the best dates sell out quickly. In addition, our team is available 7 days a week from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM and via WhatsApp 24 hours a day to answer any questions and confirm your reservation. check availability and book your spot
Essential Items to Pack
- 🎒 Original passport — valid for at least 7 months from travel date
- 🎒 ISIC student card or university ID if applicable (send a copy at time of booking)
- 🎒 Sandals — very important for the hot springs and hostel evenings
- 🎒 Light clothing suitable for warm cloud forest temperatures
- 🎒 Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
- 🎒 Insect repellent
- 🎒 Rain jacket, waterproof trousers, and a plastic poncho
- 🎒 Small towel
- 🎒 Extra cash for drinks, tips, souvenirs, and personal expenses (USD or Peruvian Soles)
- 🎒 Swimwear for the hot springs (optional but recommended)
- 🎒 Water bottle — minimum 1 liter recommended
- 297 USD per person
- 477 USD per person (min. 2 people)
¿DO YOU NEED HELP?
Yes, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact us through the following channels for any priority assistance.
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Guías profesionales, que conocen a su cultura y tradiciones de su pueblo.
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Dentro de nuestros servicios, tenemos salidas en grupos pequeños; para una mejor experiencia y comodidad de los turistas.
Agencia sostenible
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