Inca Jungle Trekking Peru 4Days

Daily program

Itinerary

DAY 1

Cusco/San Luis/Santa María

We begin the tour at 7:30 am, pick up from your hotel. Crossing the towns of Chincheros, Urubamba, Ollantaytambo; places that belong to Sacred Valley. Then we will arrive to Abra Málaga ( $4316 m.s.n.m.$ or $14160 feet$ ), where we will see the majestic snowcapped mountain of Huacay Willca (Veronica). From here, we will begin our descend on bicycle, crossing different ecological zones like: Puna and Cloud Forest (both have a huge range of flora and fauna). We finish our journey on bicycle into the archaeological remains of Huaman Marq’a, then we nail down our route in Santa Maria town (approximately $1200 m.s.n.m.$ or $3937 feet$ ). Overnight, dinner and Breakfast of the next day.

Optional: River Rafting (best from April-October).
Meals: Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 2

Qellomayo/Cocalmayo/Santa Teresa

After a delicious breakfast, our Trek until the Santa Rosa town (1 hour approx), touring the ancestral Inca Trail of Qhapaq Ñan. From this place, we will see birds like: parrots, hummingbirds, eagles and Coca Leaf Plantations, (Sacred Leaf of the Incas), Fruit plantations, coffee, yucca, fruit trees (orange, mango, banana). We have break and talk with the locals of Pispitayoc, where we able to relax in hammocks and see monkeys. Restarting the trek, it will appreciate beautiful landscapes of mountain range of Vilcabamba that will end in Qellomayo town. At this place, we will lunch and begin the last part of the trek, crossing the hot springs of Cocalmayo (optional) and reach the Santa Teresa town.

Overnight: Santa Teresa.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 3

Hidroeléctrica /Aguas Calientes

Continuing our walk by 3 hours viewing the waterfalls. Also, we will see the plantations of coffee and coca to reach Hidroeléctrica ( $1900 m.s.n.m.$ or $6270 feet$ ). After lunch, we will continue by the train rail to reach Aguas Calientes town, where we will lodge and will have the free afternoon. At night, we will gather to dinner and plan the climb to Machu Picchu of the next day.

Optional: Zip-Line.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

DAY 4

Machu Picchu /Ollantaytambo/Cusco

At 05:00 and after the breakfast, we walk toward the Machu Picchu Sanctuary for about two hours (optional by bus, 30 minutes). In the entrance of this Inca citadel, you will show your ticket to start with the tour by two hours. After the guided visit, you will have free time to tour Machu Picchu on your own account and climb to Huayna Picchu (optional). Also, you will have another places like: Inti Punku and Inca Bridge. At the end of our tour in Machu Picchu, we will descend to take the train to Ollantaytambo; where a bus will wait to take you to Cusco. End of our service.

Meals: Breakfast.

What's included

Inclusions & Exclusions

Pick up from hotel.
Transport from Cusco to Abra Málaga pass.
Kona Mountain Bicycle and safety equipment (helmet, pads, gloves).
3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners.
2 nights accommodation in basic lodging (Santa Maria, Santa Teresa).
1 night accommodation in a hostel in Aguas Calientes.
Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
Professional guide (English & Spanish).
First-aid kit.
Return train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
Return bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.

Breakfast on the first day and lunch on the last day.
Entrance ticket to Cocalmayo hot springs (approx. 10 soles).
Optional River Rafting activity on Day 1 ( $30 USD$ ).
Optional Zip-Line activity on Day 3 ( $30 USD$ ).
Entrance ticket for Huayna Picchu mountain ( $15 USD$ ).
Bus tickets to/from Machu Picchu.
Tips for the guide.

Choose your package

Prices

EXTRAS & UPGRADES

Sleeping Bag – $15 USD per person per trek (Rated for cold mountain temperatures. Essential for the first nights at altitude before descending into the jungle. Cleaned and sanitized after every use. Please request at the time of booking)
Walking / Trekking Poles – $15 USD per pair per trek (Professional adjustable poles. Particularly useful on the steep jungle trails of Day 2 between Santa María and Santa Teresa. Note: poles are NOT permitted inside Machu Picchu Citadel)
White Water Rafting on the Vilcanota River – $30 USD per person (An optional afternoon activity on Day 1 after the downhill bike ride to Santa María. Class III rapids on the Vilcanota River. All safety equipment provided. Please confirm availability at the time of booking)
Zip Line / Canopy in Santa Teresa – $40 USD per person (An exhilarating optional zip-line experience available on the morning of Day 3 in Santa Teresa, before crossing the Urubamba River and trekking to Aguas Calientes. Safety equipment and professional operators included)
Cocalmayo Hot Springs Entry – $5 USD per person (Natural thermo-medicinal hot springs near Santa Teresa — a perfect reward after Day 2’s challenging jungle trek. Cash only, payable at the entrance. Available on Day 2 or 3 depending on your itinerary)
Aguas Calientes Hot Springs Entry – $4 USD per person (Relax in the town hot springs during your free evening in Aguas Calientes before the Machu Picchu visit. Payable in cash on-site)
Huayna Picchu Mountain – $75 USD per person (The iconic steep climb within Machu Picchu Citadel offering breathtaking aerial views of the ruins. Tickets are strictly limited — please request at the time of booking, 2–3 months in advance)
Machu Picchu Mountain – $75 USD per person (A longer, less crowded alternative to Huayna Picchu with panoramic views of the full citadel. Please request at the time of booking)
Huchuy Picchu Mountain – $30 USD per person (The newest, shortest, and most accessible optional mountain hike within Machu Picchu. Ideal for those who want elevated views without the extreme effort of the other two peaks)
Vistadome Train Upgrade – $65 USD per person (Upgrade your return train from the standard Expedition / Voyager service to the scenic Vistadome, featuring panoramic glass-ceiling windows, wider seats, and an onboard cultural entertainment show. Return journey only. Subject to availability)
Vistadome 360° Observatory Train Upgrade – $70 USD per person (One way — return only from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo. The most premium train experience available on this route. Subject to availability — please request at the time of booking)
Additional Night in Aguas Calientes – from $60 USD per person (Extend your stay to visit a second Machu Picchu circuit, explore the town hot springs at leisure, or take the walking route to Machu Picchu at sunrise. Subject to hotel and ticket availability)
Return to Cusco by Car (Hidroeléctrica Route) – Included as option (Instead of the train, return on Day 4 via a 3–3.5 hour walk from Machu Picchu to Hidroeléctrica followed by a 6-hour car journey back to Cusco. Available at no extra cost — confirm preference at booking. Note: departure from Machu Picchu must be by 10:30 AM)

Pricing & Availability – Inca Jungle Trekking Peru 4 Days

The Inca Jungle Trek 4 Days / 3 Nights departs daily, year-round, from Cusco. Unlike the Classic Inca Trail, no government permit is required for this route, making it more flexible to book last minute. However, Machu Picchu entrance tickets and train tickets must be purchased in advance and sell out quickly during high season (May–September). A non-refundable deposit of $180 USD per person is required at the time of booking to secure your Machu Picchu entrance and train tickets. Pickup from your hotel is at 6:00–7:30 AM on Day 1. A pre-departure briefing takes place at our Cusco office the evening before departure.

GROUP SERVICE

$459 USD per person
Groups of up to 12 people, maximum 16 participants
Discount of $20 USD per person for groups of 5 or more persons

PRIVATE SERVICE

$749 USD per person – 2 to 3 persons
$649 USD per person – 4 to 6 persons
$549 USD per person – 7 to 8 persons

DISCOUNTS

Students (18–25 years old): $20 USD discount. A valid ISIC card or university ID is required at the time of booking. Information required: university name, student name, photo, and expiration date. A copy must be sent at booking and the original carried throughout the trek.
Under 18 years old: $20 USD discount. Please send a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
Under 12 years old: $20 USD discount. Please send a copy of your passport at the time of booking. Minimum age recommended: 4 years.
Children under 7 years old: $50 USD discount. Please send a copy of your passport at the time of booking.

Important Notes: The Inca Jungle Trek is the most adventure-packed alternative route to Machu Picchu, combining downhill mountain biking from the Abra Málaga Pass at 4,350 m / 14,271 ft, optional white water rafting, zip-lining, jungle trekking, hot springs, and a sunrise guided visit to Machu Picchu — all in 4 days. Unlike the Classic Inca Trail, no permits are required, but Machu Picchu tickets must still be booked well in advance as circuits sell out quickly. The route covers a total of approximately 89 km / 55 miles across 4 days, descending from the high Andes into the cloud forest and jungle. A minimum of 2 days of acclimatization in Cusco before departure is strongly recommended. Tips for guides, cooks, and support staff are optional but warmly appreciated — a guideline of $6–$8 USD per person per day is customary.

Walking shoes or boots.
Light clothes for walking and warmer layers for the evenings.
Water bottle.
Rain jacket, hat, sunblock, sunglasses.
Insect repellent (for jungle areas).
Chocolates, candies, or other snacks.
Camera and spare batteries.
Swimsuit for hot springs.
Small towel.
Extra money in Nuevos Soles for snacks, drinks, and optional activities.

About the Inca Jungle Trek This is an alternative, high-energy route to Machu Picchu that originates in the high Andes and descends into the upper Amazon jungle. It is not a traditional trek but a multi-day tour that combines different adventure activities. It is a popular choice for budget-conscious and adventurous travelers.

Preparing for your Tour

Physical Preparation: Be in good general health. Cardio fitness is beneficial for the trekking portions. While the biking is downhill, being comfortable on a bike is important. No technical skills are needed.
Acclimatization: This is very important. The tour starts with a drive to the Abra Málaga pass at $4, 316 m$ . Spending at least two days in Cusco ( $3, 400 m$ ) before the trip is essential to help your body adjust to the altitude and prevent sickness.

On the Trail

When to Visit: The dry season (April to October) offers the best conditions for all activities, with sunnier days and safer river levels for rafting. As of late July, conditions are typically excellent. The tour still runs in the wet season (November to March), but be prepared for rain.
Climate: You will experience a rapid change in climate. The start at Abra Málaga is cold and windy. As you descend, the climate becomes warmer and more humid. Expect warm days and mild nights in the jungle towns.
Local People: This route passes through several small towns like Santa Maria and Santa Teresa, where you will have the chance to interact with local families who farm coffee, coca leaves, and tropical fruits.
Recommended Age: This tour is popular with a younger demographic (18-35) but is suitable for any fit and adventurous traveler. The key factor is a good level of physical health and a willingness to participate in different activities.

What level of fitness is required for the Inca Jungle Trek?

A moderate level of fitness is recommended. You should be comfortable with long-distance biking (mostly downhill), full days of hiking, and be prepared for early starts. No prior technical experience is required, but a good sense of adventure is helpful.

Is the mountain biking portion safe?

Safety is a priority. The biking is mostly downhill on an asphalt road. You will be provided with a helmet, gloves, and pads. A support vehicle follows the group for assistance. Participants can choose to ride in the vehicle at any point if they do not feel comfortable.

What are the accommodations like?

The accommodations are basic. For the first two nights in Santa Maria and Santa Teresa, you will stay in simple family-run lodges or hostels. The third night in Aguas Calientes is in a standard tourist hostel with private rooms and hot water.

Do I need to book the optional activities in advance?

It is best to coordinate with the tour operator when booking, but most optional activities like rafting and zip-lining can be decided upon and paid for directly during the trip. The entrance to Huayna Picchu, however, must be booked far in advance as permits are limited.

How is this tour different from the Classic Inca Trail?

This tour is focused on adventure sports and travels through the lower-altitude jungle region. The Classic Inca Trail is a high-altitude trek focused purely on hiking along original stone paths and camping. The Inca Jungle Trek uses hostels instead of tents.

How much extra money should I bring?

You should bring cash (Peruvian Soles) for things not included: the first breakfast, last lunch, drinks, snacks, tips, and optional activities you wish to do. A budget of 200-300 Soles per person is a reasonable amount.

Is this trek suitable for the rainy season?

The tour runs year-round. However, during the rainy season (December to March), the risk of rain is higher, which can affect the biking and trekking conditions. The optional rafting activity may be suspended if river levels are too high. The dry season (April to October) is generally the best time.

How do we get up to Machu Picchu on the final day?

You have two options: a 90-minute to 2-hour uphill walk starting before sunrise, or a 30-minute bus ride. The bus ticket is not typically included and costs around $12 USD$ one-way.

Is drinking water provided?

Water is not included. You should bring your own water bottle and can buy more water in the towns of Santa Maria, Santa Teresa, and Aguas Calientes along the route.

What kind of bag should I carry?

A small to medium-sized backpack (25-40 liters) is sufficient. You will need to carry your own clothes and personal items for the four days, as there are no porters on this tour.

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