The Inca Jungle Trek is an exhilarating and alternative route to reach the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu. This action-packed adventure combines hiking, biking, and optional activities such as ziplining and whitewater rafting, offering an adrenaline-fueled journey through the diverse landscapes of the Peruvian Andes.
The trek begins with a thrilling descent on mountain bikes from high-altitude passes, navigating winding roads and taking in breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and lush valleys. As you pedal through quaint villages and vibrant cloud forests, you will immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region and witness the incredible biodiversity that thrives in this part of the world.
After the biking leg, the trek continues on foot along ancient Inca trails, where you will hike through dense jungles and explore hidden archaeological sites. Along the way, you’ll encounter picturesque waterfalls, encounter native wildlife, and learn about the flora and fauna unique to this region. The Inca Jungle Trek also offers the opportunity to engage in thrilling activities such as ziplining across the treetops or navigating the rapids of the Urubamba River during an exciting whitewater rafting adventure.
The culmination of the Inca Jungle Trek is the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu. As you approach the ancient citadel, a sense of wonder and anticipation builds, knowing that you are about to witness one of the world’s most remarkable archaeological wonders. Exploring the stone terraces, temples, and intricate ruins of Machu Picchu is a truly magical experience, providing insight into the remarkable engineering and spiritual significance of the Inca civilization.
Cusco Hotel Transfer
06:00 AM
On the first day of the Inca Jungle Trek, your journey begins in Cusco as you make your way to Santa Teresa. To reach this picturesque town, you’ll embark on an exciting biking adventure covering approximately 34 miles (55 km). Along the way, you’ll pass through Abra Malaga, a mountain pass offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
As you descend from the pass, you’ll cycle through the historical site of Huamanmarca, where you can appreciate the ancient Inca ruins that stand as a testament to their remarkable civilization. Continuing on, you’ll reach the charming town of Santa María, nestled in the heart of the Sacred Valley.
From Santa María, the adventure continues with a thrilling rafting experience on the Urubamba River. Feel the rush as you navigate through its rapids, surrounded by breathtaking scenery. The rafting journey lasts approximately 2 hours, providing an exhilarating start to your trek.
Afterward, you can unwind and relax in the rejuvenating hot springs of Cocalmayo, where you can soak in the warm waters and soak away the day’s excitement. This marks the end of your first day on the Inca Jungle Trek, setting the stage for more adventures to come in the following days.
After enjoying our morning meal, we will proceed to the designated zip line location, where we can partake in this exhilarating activity while ensuring the use of all necessary safety gear. Following our zip line adventure, our vehicle will transport us to the hydroelectric town, where we will relish a delightful countryside lunch. Subsequently, at approximately 2 pm, we will commence our trek towards Aguas Calientes.
During the trekking expedition in the Aobamba Valley, which spans around 3 hours, we will traverse the Intihuatana area, where we must pass through a government checkpoint before continuing our journey. Along the way, we will be treated to a scenic spectacle of cascading waterfalls and the majestic presence of the surrounding mountains enveloping Machupicchu and Haynapicchu. Additionally, we will have the opportunity to witness an astronomical sundial employed by the Incas, as well as other remarkable structures like the Machupicchu Inca citadel.
After our rewarding 3-hour trek, we will finally arrive in Aguas Calientes, following the path alongside the train tracks that guide us to this quaint town. Throughout the day, meals of breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be provided.
OPTIONAL CANOPY ZIPLINE: 100 soles
This is a pivotal day of the excursion, as it marks our arrival at one of the magnificent wonders of the world. Our final day of the tour commences bright and early, with a nourishing breakfast at the hotel. At 4:30 AM, we embark on the ascent from Aguas Calientes to Machupicchu. There is an option to undertake the journey on foot, encompassing the 1,500 Inca steps, providing a chance to witness the sunrise. (Participation in this activity is voluntary for those interested in walking, while the rest of the group will take a 40-minute bus ride to the entrance of the Inca city.)
Upon reaching the city’s entrance, our guide will lead us on a comprehensive 2-hour tour of the citadel, highlighting its prominent temples and significant sites from the ancient Inca civilization. Please note that reservations for this experience must be made two months in advance, along with a fee of $15. It’s important to note that only 400 entrance tickets are available per day for ascending the two mountains. After the tour, you will have ample free time to make your way back to Aguas Calientes, either by stairs or by taking the bus. From there, we will board a train to Ollantaytambo, followed by a bus journey back to Cusco.
