Sky Camp at night in Salkantay Trek

Inca jungle, Machu Picchu, Peru

Inca Jungle Short Imperial to Machu Picchu 3D / 2N

Duration 3 Days / 2 Nights
Tour Type Specific Tour
Difficulty Moderate
Group Size Up to 10 people
Languages Spanish, English

Inca Jungle Imperial to Machu Picchu

Watch the sunrise over the UNESCO-listed 'Lost City of the Incas' before both a guided tour and ample free time to explore

Bed down in comfy lodgings-, including a night at a local homestay

Overview

Inca Jungle Short to Machu Picchu, Enjoy an adventure-filled journey to Machu Picchu, biking, rafting, hiking and ziplining along the way, during this 4-day, 3-night trek. This action-packed trip is a twist on the traditional hiking paths to Machu Picchu, allowing you to enjoy a variety of fun outdoor activities. Do some whitewater rafting on Class III and IV rapids, zoom down a mountain trail by bike, and fly through the sky on a zipline ride. You'll also travel past amazing Inca ruins and admire incredible scenery, ranging from alpine peaks to lush jungle.

3-day Inca jungle adventure to Machu Picchu

Embark on a thrilling, action-filled 'trek' to the famed Inca citadel, mountain biking, whitewater rafting and zipping along the way

Hike among coffee plantations, fruit trees, and high mountain forest while savoring stunning Andean views

Enjoy an alternative to the traditional multi-day Machu Picchu trek

Activities

Biking, Rafting, Zipline, HotSpring, Trekking Adventure

Difficulty Levels

3 of 5

Maximum Altitude

4350 masl. / 14271 ft.

Accommodation

2 Days Hostel

Included Activities

Biking, Rafting, Zipline, HotSpring, Machupicchu

Starts

Pick up at your accommodation in Cusco around 6:00 AM

Ends

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

Day by Day Itinerary

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

    Pick up time is 6:00 a.m. We will leave the Imperial City of Cusco and head towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas. It is here that we will have our buffet style breakfast.

    We will continue on to Abra Málaga (4 350 masl) (14 160 ft), the starting point of our biking tour. After a short explanation to help orientate you, your guide will provide you with the necessary equipment for the activity.

    We will the begin our 3-hour, bicycle descent (9 55km, 5.93 miles) until we reach the town of Huamanmarca. During the trip we will experience the beauty of the snow-capped mountains and the tropical forest.

    It is here in the tropical forest that our Peruvian Amazon adventure begins. We will cross small streams and we will enjoy the change from cold to tropical climate.

    During the journey there will be several stops to review bicycles and equipment. We will arrive at the town of Santa María (1 200 masl)(3,937.01 ft), where we will have our lunch and stay for our first night in a hotel.

    In the afternoon we have the option of rafting on the Vilcanota River (US $ 35 ). This river offers category III + rapids.

    For this activity we will give you helmets, windbreaks and category V life jackets. This activity is available between the months of April to December, and you must be able to swim to participate in accordance with Peruvian law.

    • Shuttle to Abra Malaga

      3.5 hours by bus from Cusco.

    • Biking distance

      65kms. / 40miles.

    • Biking time

      3.5 to 4 hours approximately.

    • Meals

      Lunch, Dinner.

    • Maximum Altitude

      4350 masl. / 14271 ft.

    • Climate

      Cold at the beginning of the biking and very hot in the night.

    • Accommodation

      Lodge: Eco Terra Lodge.

  • Day 2 Santa Teresa – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes (Trekking, Zipline)

    On day two we will have the opportunity to do the zip line activity with one of the highly trusted operators in the area. This activity is optional and lasts approximately two hours.

    We will then have breakfast. After breakfast, we will board our transport to the hydroelectric plant, where the government control is located, and the entrance to Machu Picchu National Park (Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary).

    At this point we will start our trekking to the town of Aguas Calientes, passing through the area called Intihuatana, a small archaeological site where the guide will share an explanation to better understand the site.

    Then we will continue to Inka Rakay, where we will enjoy our lunch. During the journey, we will enjoy and contemplate the majesty of the Machu Picchu mountains, Huayna Picchu as well as other archeological sites in the heights of the mountain.

    We will finish the hike in the town of Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the third night of the tour.

    • Hiking distance

      19 Kms. / 12.3 miles.

    • Hiking time

      6 hours approximately.

    • Climate

      Hot in the day and warm in the night.

    • Meal

      Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    • Maximum Altitude

      2050 masl / 6725 ft.

    • Accommodation Hostel: Aguas Calientes
  • Day 3 Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco

    This is the most important day of the tour, today you will visit one of the seven wonders of the world. The tour will start very early, to appreciate the sunrise in the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

    Our day will start with the option of hiking or taking the bus (US $ 12). Once inside the archaeological site, you will have a two-hour guided tour inside the Inca city of Machu Picchu, you will see its most important temples, such as the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Three Windows, etc.

    You will then be free to explore Machu Picchu on your own. If you booked in advance, to hike Mt. Huayna Picchu (2,800 meters)(9,186.35 ft.) or Machu Picchu mountain (3 082 meters)(10,111.55 ft.) you will have that opportunity after your guided tour.

    You must make the reservations to hike either mountain three months in advance for an additional cost of US $ 20. Space is limited to only 400 people a day to climb Mt. Huayna Picchu.

    We also recommend allowing time to relax, meditate and rest while taking advantage of the magical and spiritual energies of this great wonder.

    You will have enough 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 distance

      8 Kms. / 4.9 miles.

    • Hiking time

      2 hours approximately.

    • Meals

      Breakfast

    • Shuttle to Machu Picchu

      25 minutes from Aguas Calientes.

    • Machu Picchu guided tour

      2.5 hours.

    • Climate

      Tropical warm.

    • Shuttle to Cusco

      3 hours by train and bus from Aguas Calientes to Cusco.

    • Meals

      Breakfast.

    • Maximum Altitude

      2429 masl / 7972 ft.

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

  • Orginal Passport
  • For students: ISIC card
  • Insurance card/certificate
  • Water bottle or CamelBak
  • Sunblock: factor 70 or more
  • Insect repellent

Clothing

  • Hiking boots
  • Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
  • Warm jacket
  • Hat and gloves
  • 2-4 t-shirts
  • 2 pairs of pants (1 for hiking, 1 for camp)
  • Long sleeve t-shirts
  • Long underwear for sleeping
  • Comfortable trousers
  • Comfortable trousers

Equipment

  • Toiletries/ Toilet paper
  • Personal medication
  • Camera
  • Insect repellent
  • Flashlight or headlamp

Reccommend

  • Sunscreen
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Water
  • Extra money for tips/snacks/beer.

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

Inca Jungle Trek 100% Recommended with Local Trekkers Peru

I did the Inka Jungle Trail to MachuPicchu with Local Trekkers Peru and it was like embarking on an odyssey that mixed the excitement of cycling, the adrenaline of rafting and ziplining, the beauty of nature and the richness of Inca culture. Every day on the trail revealed landscapes impressive and ending up in MachuPicchu after 4 days of adventure, is something that cannot be explained in words. The agency not only provided impeccable logistics, but also injected a dose of authentic adventure into every moment. I thank Daniel our guide for converting This trip in an unforgettable experience. The Inka Jungle Trail with Local Trekkers Peru is an experience that I will always recommend to all those looking for a reliable company.

Eddie S

Published at 10th Jannuary, 2025 on Tripadvisor

You can't miss the 4 day Inca Jungle tour!

On the recommendation of a friend we did the 4 day Inca Jungle tour with Terra Qechua Peru and it was a memorable experience. The trip started with a thrilling downhill bike ride and we did other activities such as rafting and zip lining, which added an extra adrenaline rush, followed by a hike through the rainforest full of fascinating flora and fauna, guided by a very knowledgeable expert. In addition, the natural hot springs in Santa Teresa were the perfect relaxation after active days. The final visit to Machu Picchu was the finishing touch, offering breathtaking views and a total immersion in Inca history.

Osric Woolvett

Published at 6th August 2024 on Tripadvisor

The Inca Jungle is highly recommended

With my university classmates we did the 4-day Inca Jungle with Terra Quechua Peru and it was a great experience. We did a lot of adventure sports and the safety measures for the zip line, rafting and cycling were top notch. It was more fun than the Salkantay and much cheaper than the official Inca Trail. In general the whole experience is excellent, it has no waste, adventure tourism at its best, warmth of all the people who attended us and excellent guide, very professional, he answered all the questions we had and gave us a history lesson, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

FRANCESC S

Published at 20th May 2024 on Tripadvisor

Everything was amazing!

The Inca Jungle Trek was amazing! We had a 4 days/3 nights experience full of adventure: biking, rafting, trekking, zipline, hot springs! Everything was well organised, food was great, acommodations were amazing and our guides, Emerson and Freddy, were the best we could have! This kind of tour was perfect to know the history of Inca civilization, their tradicion, to observe the nature and have fun before arriving at one of the most mystical places in the world: Machu Picchu! I recommend 100% Inca Jungle!

Florina P

Published at 31th October 2023 on Tripadvisor

Excellent!!! We had an excellent time

This was an amazing adventure in the Inca jungle, from the beginning to the end Terra Quechua Peru has organized very well all the details (transportation, guide, meals, camping and equipment) they worked hard to create an unforgettable experience for us. Our guide got even better during our hike, he knows very well the Inca history and traditions in this area.This tour combines different activities along the way.BIKE, it was amazing to descend from the mountains at over 14,130 feet,I had never been rafting before, however, these guys kept me safe while on the river.The hotel on the last night before exploring Machu Picchu was great and we were happy to rest comfortably after 3 days of full adventure.

DONALDS1975

Published at 15th January 2023 on Tripadvisor

inca jungle trail 4 days

We did the Inca Jungle trail with our family of 4. We met with our guide Julian and soon adopted him as our second son. Julian did a really good job in modifying the trip to our specific needs. He arranged taxi’s, traintickets etc. I would highly recommend him. some details about our trip : The bike ride down to Santa Maria was great. The extensive safety harness was not really required in my opinion since we basically followed an asphalted road with limited traffic. I would however advice the organisation to bring a spare bike along. We were lucky that my wife decided not to cycle but stayed in the van, so that we had a spare bike (1 flat tire + 1 shifter not working). Rafting was nice (bring mosquito repellent).

BertenVermeulen

Published at 26th July, 2022 on Tripadvisor