Sky Camp at night in Salkantay Trek

Inca jungle, Machu Picchu, Peru

Inca Jungle Trail Classic to Machu Picchu 4D / 3N

Duration 4 Days / 3 Nights
Tour Type Specific Tour
Difficulty Moderate
Group Size Up to 10 people
Languages Spanish, English

Inca Jungle Trail Classic to Machu Picchu

The Inca Jungle Trail Classic to Machu Picchu is not just a tour. It's a fantastic experience. From descending over 3000 m.a.s.l by mountain bike, sleeping with a local guest family in the jungle, zip-lining, hiking by recently discovered Inca roads, ending up in one of the seven wonders of the World, chosen as the best travel destination by National Geographic: "Machu Picchu."

We have professional Tour Guides, who are well trained, with a lot of experience in our Culture and fluent English. For us, it is essential to share with you all the knowledge about the history of the great Incas, their magnificent culture, and the secrets of the jungle. We are proud of our heritage. We want to show you something unique and unforgettable. Our goal is to change your view of Peru's present and history.

Overview

Your safety is our priority. For biking we offer you full body protection, for hiking, you will be clearly instructed where and where not to go, highly qualified Guides will only do the extra optional activities. We sincerely hope that you'll give us the chance to share this great experience with us.

Activities

Biking, Rafting, Zipline, HotSpring, Trekking Adventure

Difficulty Levels

3 of 5

Maximum Altitude

4350 masl. / 14271 ft.

Accommodation

3 Days hostel

Included Activities

Biking, Rafting, Zipline, HotSpring, Machupicchu

Starts

Pick up at your accommodation in Cusco around 5:45 am

Ends

Drop-off at your accommodation in Cusco around 9:45 PM

Day by Day Itinerary

  • Day 1 Cusco – Abra Malaga – Huamanmarca – Santa Maria (Biking, Rafting)

    After a hotel pickup between 6:00am and 6:30am, you will head on a 1.5-hour ride to Ollantaytambo. Here you can have a quick breakfast and buy snacks. Then, you'll continue for 1.5-hour more towards the Malaga High Pass (4,350 meters) where your adventure begins. After a safety briefing, you will enjoy a thrilling 2.5-hour bike ride down into the lush and humid jungle. You will see Huamanmarka Archaeological site along the way, before arriving to Santa Maria village around 1:30pm. You will spend the night at a basic, Eco Lodge.

    Activity in Santa Maria: Rafting. Go on a scenic 2.5-hour rafting adventure and go down class III & IV rapids on the Urubamba River (also known as Vilcanota River). If you choose not to participate in the rafting activity, you can explore the town on your own.

    • Shuttle to Abra Malaga

      3.5 hours by bus from Cusco.

    • Biking distance

      65km. / 40mile.

    • Biking time

      3.5 to 4 hours approximately.

    • Meals

      Lunch, Dinner.

    • Maximum Altitude

      4350 masl. / 14271 ft.

    • Accommodation

      Lodge: Eco Terra Lodge.

  • Day 2 Santa Maria – Quellomayo – Santa Teresa – Cocalmayo Hot Spring (Hiking, Hot Spring)

    We walk along the riverbanks and start climbing. On our way we'll see small coffee plantations, fruit trees, etc. In this area it is possible to see many types of plants, orchids and birds. We will observe the beauties of the high forest which is a paradise of biodiversity in the Inca jungle route. After arriving to the top of the mountain we will see the whole valley of Urubamba. The group will descend to arrive at the village Qellomayo. After the break we will trek for 3hrs. going through farms, rivers, waterfalls until arriving at the hot water springs in Santa Teresa. We will continue to walk until reaching the town Santa Teresa.

    Cocalmayo offers several relaxing crystal clear hot springs, each with its own temperature. The sound of the river and the stars at night time make it a perfect scenery. After the hot springs(cocalmayo) the group will continue to walk for about 40 min. (or take a bus of you´d prefer) until reaching the town of Santa Teresa where you will check in to a nice comfortable Hotel. After the dinner you all are invited to visit one of the bars to hang out with the other members of the group.

    • Hiking distance

      22 Km. / 13.6 mile.

    • Hiking time

      6.5 to 7 hours approximately.

    • Meal

      Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

    • Maximum Altitude

      1900 masl / 6233 ft.

    • Accommodation

      Super Jungle Domes

  • Day 3 Santa Teresa – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes (Hiking, Zipline)

    We continue to explore the roads less traveled and start from the town Santa Teresa. The passengers that reserved in advance will enjoy the zipline, the rest of the group will continue until reaching the hydroelectric too, where the whole group will rejoin. After a short break, the journey will continue along the great Inca jungle, going through waterfalls, coca and coffee farms until arriving at the town Aguas Calientes. The group will be taken to the hostel around 4 pm. At night we all get together in a restaurant to have a great dinner and have a briefing about the trek to Machu Picchu.

    • Hiking distance

      19 Km. / 12.3 mile

    • Hiking time

      6 hour approximately.

    • Meals

      Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

    • Maximum Altitude

      2050 masl / 6725 ft.

    • Acomodation

      Hostel: Aguas Calientes.

  • Day 4 Explore Machu Picchu Archaeological Site

    Finally on last day of our Inca jungle tour we get up around 4:00AM. After which we´ll get ready to head to Machu Picchu, our trek will follow an ascending path through the high forest, after registering in the control entrance around 6:00AM. we will have a private guide leading us within the Inca citadel for about 1,5 hours.

    The travelers that booked the hiking to HuaynaPicchu or Machu Picchu Mountain will be able to start this journey, the climbing lasts around 45 min. for Huayna Picchu, the way up is very steppy at some points but it’s worth it because the view from the top is absolutely breathtaking.

    For Machu Picchu Montaña, it´ll last you about 2hrs to go up, and it´s not as steep as Huayna Picchu, and even higher! Please note that you have to go before a certain time, so don´t forget to ask your guide which time you have been issued.

    You will have until 5PM time to explore Machu Picchu on your own, because then the guards will ask you to leave. In the afternoon, according to the departure of the train ticket, you will descend walking on your own to the town of Aguas Calientes to get the train back to Ollantaytambo where the group will be picked up and transferred to Cusco city.

    • Hiking time

      2 hours approximately.

    • Machu Picchu guided tour

      2.5 hours

    • Maximum Altitude

      2429 masl / 7972 ft.

    • Meals

      Breakfast

Trip Info & Details

How is the weather in the inca jungle tour?

Weather in the Inca jungle trail change a lot special the first day. however the weather is very warm in Santa Maria, Santa Tereza and Aguas Calientes. all this towns are located lower then Cusco and they are not higher then 2400 meter about the see level. Temperature during all year is between 10°C and 25 °C. Only in the biking portion you will need warm jacket and rain jacket.

when is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?

Best time to visit Machu Picchu by inca jungle trail is between march and December.

How hard is the biking tour ?

It is not that difficult and not that challenge however we recommend passenger have some king of experience with the bike. then with our tour guide recommendation you will have a great time with our tour.

Do I need experience for the tour?

Actually you don't need that expert experience on biking, rafting, or zipline. In any moment you fell these activities is to much for you. You can decide to not continue with this activities and take and optional way.

When should I book inca jungle trek?

Never is to early to book you tour with us, It is because you will have enough time to book in advance updates like Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Montaña. This tickets are sold out very fast and you need to book approximately 2 months before departure.

How much is to enjoy hotspings?

In Santa Tereza - Cocalmayo, You will find the best hotspings in the area, it only cost 10 soles or 3.5 USD dollars.

How hard is the hike on the second day?

It is not that hard. It is a medium exercise hike, However we recommend bring just belongs you will really need in the hike. Lite back pack is more confortable for hike this area.

How much money do I have to take in the tour?

We recommend 200 soles or 70 USD dollars. This is because sometimes you can need money for water, snacks, extra drinks, any kind of emergency.

How hard is hike from Aguas Calientes o Machu Picchu?

It is 1:30 hours hike . The first part is 30 minutes flat and then 1 hour steps up to Machu Picchu.

When Machu Picchu open and close?

Machu Picchu Open at 6:00 am and Close at 5:00 pm.

How long people usually take in machu picchu?

Usually people stay in Machu Picchu for 5 hours then they prefer to go to Aguas Calientes for lunch or spend sometime in the town.

Do you serve vegetarian food in machu picchu jungle tour?

Yes we do . Please when you book this tours don't forget to tell us if yu are vegetarian or you have any kind of allergy.

Huayna Picchu VS Machu Picchu Montaña

Many people ask about Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Montaña and few people know the difference about this 2 climbing hike mountains in Machu Picchu. Huayna picchu: It is located at the northeast area and it is famous because since the summit you can enjoy a beautiful landscape and Machu Picchu. huaynapicchu have a steep road and people arrive to the summit in approximately 45 minutes hike up. In the summit you can enjoy and take picture for not longer then 20 minutes. This is because huaynaPicchu pick do not have a big space and not to of people can login there. if you plan hike up to Huayna Picchu You need to book in advance . it cost 25 American dollars per person. Huayna Picchu altitude: 2789 masl. Montaña Machu Picchu: It is the taller Mountain. You need at list 3:30 hours to enjoy the hike up to this Montaña. This mountain ofer different altitudes view of Machu Picchu and also a amazing panoramic view of all machu picchu, Aguas calientes, hidroelectrica and others areas around. In the summit you can spend longer time. this is because not lot of people go to this mountain yet because the new accest it is. if you plan hike up to Montaña, You need to book in advance . it cost 25 American dollars per person. Montaña altitude: 3240 masl.

Essential

  • Valid Passport
  • Extra money (recommended soles)
  • Personal medication
  • Water bottle or CamelBak
  • Sunblock: factor 70 or more
  • Insect repellent

Clothing

  • Hiking boots or shoes (preferably waterproof)
  • Light footwear or sandals
  • Trekking pants (*)
  • Trekking socks
  • Pair of thermal pants
  • Shorts
  • Long sleeve t-shirts
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Raincoat or rain poncho

Equipment

  • Sleeping bag (-15°C)
  • Trekking poles
  • Medium trekking backpack (15 - 25 liter)

Reccommend

  • Camera and charger
  • Power bank
  • Snacks: Energy bars, chocolate, candies, dried fruits, etc.
  • Towel

Sky Camp

Our incredible Sky Camp is located in front of the impressive mountains Humantay and Salkantay. This campsite allows for the perfect union of sky and earth. It allows you to sleep calmly under a deep, blue sky starred with an exceptional view of the constellations. At the same time, you can enjoy all the comforts of a first-class vacation home.

  • location Soraypampa
  • Altitude 3,900 m / 12,795 ft
  • Igloos: 26
  • Capacity: 2 people per Igloo
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Mountain Sky View

Our campsite Mountain Sky View is a warm mountain accommodation and our novelty this year, and it’s with great pleasure that we prepared this place for all those looking for a glamping experience surrounded by nature. Each one of its individual Andean Sky Huts counts with a private bath besides spectacular tropical mountain views. You’ll find peace under the shining stars listening to the voices of wildlife and the whispers of the river in the valley.

  • location: Collpapampa
  • Altitude: 2,950 m / 9,678 ft
  • Cabins: 10
  • Capacity: 2 people per Sky Hut
  • Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Customer Reviews

An experience of a lifetime!

We had an amazing time on the Salkantay Trek and can’t say enough good things about Salkantay Trekking and our guide, Edgar. The company was very communicative throughout our booking process and throughout the trip. They answered all of our questions and the information that they provided was super helpful with our planning process.

Ashley H

Published at 24th Sepetember 2024 on Tripadvisor

Great experience 4 days trekking salkantay

We did the 4 days Salkantay trekking and had an amazing time ! Chachy was our guide and took great care of us. He told us many interesting facts about inca & quechua culture. The hike was really fun, great view. The accomodations were fantastic and the food was definitely above our expectations, we ate really well. We definitely recommend this hike for anyone who is looking for an experience a little more remote 😊

Caroline V

Published at 24th September 2024 on Tripadvisor

Really get a feel for Peru

It was an excellent trip, very difficult but rewarding, thanks to the help of our excellent guide Juvenal, the cook Rolando and his assistant Juan Carlos who delivered typical Peruvian dishes and the "aiguero" Edson who carried our luggage during the first few days.

Luiz José L

Published at 23th September 2024 on Tripadvisor

SALKANTAY 4 day trek

I was amazed by all of the stunning landscapes, the organization, and the people. Our tour guide, Carlos Rimachi was amazing! The trek would not be the same without him. I would recommend him to anyone as a tour guide for this trek. He was motivating, kind, knowledgeable and funny. He taught us a lot about the local customs, culture, plants and more.

Christine Y

Published at 23th September 2024 on Tripadvisor