Can you imagine arriving at Machu Picchu while doing various sports along the way? Leave behind the classic trekking experience, but without abandoning it entirely. The Inca Jungle offers activities such as rafting, cycling, ziplining, and much more, all while avoiding the excess of travelers and providing a new way to reach the Wonder of the World.
The Inca Jungle starts in the city of Cusco and ends at Machu Picchu. Over the course of 4 days and 3 nights, you will cross the Sacred Valley of the Incas, then venture into the jungle of Cusco before reaching the breathtaking Machu Picchu.
NOTE: To receive detailed information about your trip, including pick-up times and locations on the first day, please visit the “Palotoa Amazon Travel” office (located at Calle Plateros 358-B) one day before embarking on your adventure.
The adventure begins at 6 a.m. with a 3-hour drive in our private car to Paso de Málaga, located 4,316 meters above sea level (14,160 feet). Here, we start our mountain biking journey. After a short briefing and safety gear check, we begin a thrilling 2-hour descent (34 miles or 55 km) down to the city of Huamanmarca.
From there, we will take a bus for 40 minutes to Santa María, where we’ll enjoy lunch. After lunch, those interested can take part in rafting (level III and IV, available April-November) on the stunning Urubamba River, which crosses part of the Cusco jungle.
After rafting, we’ll have some time to pack, then board a mini bus to Santa Tereza, a journey that takes approximately one hour, with breathtaking views of plantations and fruit trees along the way.
Upon arrival in Santa Tereza, we’ll check into our hotel and settle into our rooms. Afterward, we’ll visit the Cocalmayo thermal baths, one of the most relaxing parts of the tour, where you can unwind in the crystal-clear thermomedicinal waters.
At 8:00 pm, we will enjoy an exquisite dinner to conclude Day 1.
After breakfast, we’ll head to the zip line activity, where you can enjoy the thrill of flying over the landscape (with all necessary safety equipment). Then, our car will take us to the town of Hydroelectric for lunch in a countryside house.
After lunch, we’ll begin the 3-hour trek to Aguas Calientes. Along the way, you’ll walk through the Aobamba Valley, passing waterfalls and marveling at the mountains that surround Machu Picchu and Haynapicchu. You will also encounter an astronomical sundial used by the Incas, as well as other ancient Inca structures.
After 3 hours of trekking, we’ll arrive in Aguas Calientes, walking along the train tracks that lead into this small town.
Optional Canopy Zipline: 100 soles
Day 3 is the highlight of the tour—the visit to Machu Picchu, one of the seven wonders of the world. We’ll begin very early, departing from Aguas Calientes after breakfast. At 4:30 a.m., we’ll begin the ascent to Machu Picchu. For those who prefer, there’s the option of walking the 1,500 Inca steps to witness the sunrise (optional). The rest of the group will take the bus to the entrance, which takes about 40 minutes.
Once inside, your guide will give a 2-hour tour of the citadel, focusing on the most important temples of the ancient Inca city. Please note, for those interested in climbing Machu Picchu Mountain or Haynapicchu, advance reservations are required, as only 400 tickets are available per day at an additional cost of $15.
After the tour, you will have free time to explore on your own before returning to Aguas Calientes. You can either walk back down or take the bus. From Aguas Calientes, we’ll catch the train to Ollantaytambo, followed by a bus ride back to Cusco.
On day 1, we will arrive at noon at the Málaga pass (4,316 meters above sea level), after a relaxing trip through the beautiful Sacred Valley. There, the mountain bike adventure will begin, descending quickly in the middle of the immense, massive Andean geography to the archaeological site of Huamanmarca, where you can choose between continuing the biking to Santa María or doing this stretch in our support car (which will be present at all times). We will provide an excellent BMX bike and accessories such as a helmet, visor, gloves, elbow and knee protectors.
The Inka Jungle tour is also characterized by being ideal for those who like long walks. From day 2 to 4, it is what is most done. The hike begins in the heights near the snowy mountains, advancing through the unique, relaxing, and energetic Andean geography. As the days advance, the tour approaches the jungle region, with a very pleasant climate and exuberant vegetation.
A very good question. Another element that distinguishes this tour is that there are no nights in camp. You will have dinner, rest, and a very comfortable, revitalizing sleep in hotels.
A minimum of 10 years is recommended for any type of adventure, as long as the children have the necessary endurance, patience, and discipline.
If you do not regularly practice hiking or some endurance sport, it would be advisable to evaluate your physical condition before taking the tour.
The medical community recommends the following vaccines to be safe in Peru:
The thrill of biking down the Andes and trekking through the jungle was unforgettable, and the guide provided great insights into Inca history along the way. The accommodations were basic but comfortable, and the food was delicious. The tour felt a bit fast-paced, but it was a perfect way to see a lot in a short time.
L’excitation de la descente des Andes à vélo et du trekking dans la jungle était inoubliable, et le guide nous a fourni de précieux renseignements sur l’histoire inca tout au long du parcours. L’hébergement était simple mais confortable, et la nourriture délicieuse. L’excursion m’a semblé un peu rapide, mais c’était un moyen idéal de voir beaucoup de choses en peu de temps.