The Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu offers an exhilarating blend of activities and adrenaline from start to finish. More than just a trek, this adventure combines downhill mountain biking, optional white water rafting, and hiking through original Inca paths in the lush tropical jungle.
You’ll visit notable Inca archaeological sites and various farms, discovering the region’s rich bounty of tropical fruits and coffee plantations. Many of your accommodations along the Inca Jungle Trail are nestled in the cloud forest, where you’ll wake up to the serene sounds of chirping birds.
The final day culminates in a visit to the magnificent Machu Picchu. Our expert local guide will provide a fascinating two-hour tour, revealing astonishing facts about the Inca citadel. This Inca Jungle Tour is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Book with us, a licensed tour operator and a leading provider in South America. This is one of our signature tours, led by dedicated English-speaking local guides with years of experience. Your safety is our utmost priority; our guides are trained in first aid, and we use state-of-the-art equipment. We operate this tour in small groups or as a private experience, ensuring our bikes are serviced after each use, maintaining our zero-incident record.
Downhill Mountain Biking from Abra Malaga Pass
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Your adventure begins with a 5:30 AM pickup from your hotel in Cusco. We’ll travel by private transport through the scenic Sacred Valley of the Incas, making a brief stop for breakfast. Continuing our drive, we’ll ascend to Abra Malaga Pass, the highest point of the Inca Jungle Trek at 4350 meters (14,271 feet).
Here, your guide will provide a detailed safety briefing and equip you with bikes and safety gear for an exhilarating three-hour downhill mountain biking experience, covering 55 kilometers (34.18 miles). You’ll witness a dramatic change in scenery, descending from snow-capped Andean peaks into a lush tropical jungle. Our support vehicle will follow, ready to assist if needed. After reaching the small town of Humanmarca, we’ll take transport to Santa Maria (1,200m / 3,937ft) for lunch.
In the afternoon, you’ll have the option to experience white water rafting on the Vilcanota River, featuring Category III+ rapids. Our experienced crew will provide a safety briefing and all necessary gear, including Category V life vests. Please note that Peruvian law requires participants to be able to swim, and rafting is typically operated during the dry season (April to November). Afterward, a forty-minute drive will take us to Santa Teresa, where we’ll spend the night.
Hike or Train to Aguas Calientes
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Start your day with a freshly brewed regional coffee or traditional coca tea, followed by a delicious breakfast. We’ll depart from Lucmabamba early in the morning, heading towards Hidroelectrica. From here, you have two options to reach Machu Picchu Pueblo, also known as Aguas Calientes.
You can choose to take a scenic train ride (additional cost of $34.00 USD per person) or enjoy a three-hour hike alongside the railway tracks, immersing yourself in the tropical climate. This hiking route retraces the footsteps of Hiram Bingham III, the renowned American professor who rediscovered Machu Picchu. Once in Aguas Calientes, we’ll check you into an en-suite hotel room for the night. You can spend the evening relaxing or taking a refreshing bath in the town’s namesake hot springs.
Explore Machu Picchu and Return to Cusco
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After an early breakfast, we’ll take a 25-minute bus ride uphill to the magnificent Machu Picchu citadel. Your tour guide will assist with entry, and then lead you on a comprehensive two-hour guided tour of the Lost Inca City. Witness the golden rays of the sun illuminate the ancient mortar walls as you explore the Main Square, remnants of royal quarters, Inca temples, ceremonial sites, and more.
Following the guided tour, if you have pre-booked permits to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, your guide will direct you to the respective trailheads. Alternatively, you can hike to the Sun Gate (Intipunku), a 45-minute walk each way that requires no additional permit. This is the traditional entry point for those completing the Inca Trail. After a full day of exploration, you’ll take a bus back down to Aguas Calientes, with some free time to explore the town or enjoy lunch. Later in the evening, you’ll board a train back to Ollantaytambo, where our representative will meet you and drive you back to your hotel in Cusco, arriving by approximately 9:30 PM.
A valid passport is mandatory for Machu Picchu entry and all train tickets. Ensure it is current and matches the details provided at booking.
The best time to undertake the Inca Jungle Trek is during the dry season, which runs from April to November. During this period, you can expect sunnier days and less rainfall, making the biking, hiking, and especially the optional rafting more enjoyable and safer. The rainy season, from December to March, can bring heavier downpours and higher river levels, which might affect certain activities.
You should bring a small backpack (around 20-30 liters) with essentials for each day’s activities. Your main luggage will be transported separately or stored at your hotel in Cusco. It’s advisable to pack light, bringing only what you need for the trek, as space can be limited on transfers and in accommodations. Specific luggage limits for transfers will be communicated by the operator.
Yes, vegetarian and vegan meal options are typically available upon request. It is crucial to inform the tour operator about any dietary restrictions or preferences when booking your tour so that they can make the necessary arrangements with the kitchens and chefs along the route.
The Inca Jungle Trek involves physically demanding activities such as downhill biking, hiking, and optional rafting, making it generally suitable for active individuals. While there’s no strict age limit, participants should be in good physical condition. For children, it depends on their endurance and experience with adventure sports. The tour is not recommended for individuals with limited mobility due to the nature of the terrain and activities.
The tour operator prioritizes safety. In case of extreme weather conditions (e.g., heavy rain affecting rafting or biking safety) or other unforeseen circumstances, the itinerary may be modified to ensure the well-being of the participants. Alternative activities or routes might be offered. It is always best to maintain flexibility and trust the guide’s decisions during such situations.
Traveler Experiences
Recent comments
A very enriching experience, full of history and good coordination even with changing weather during the route.
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