Inca Trail Jungle To Machu Picchu 3D/2N
Dificulty
Easy
Duration
3 Days / 2 Nigths
Group Size
02 - 15 People
Max Altitude
4,300 msnm
Description
The Inca Jungle 3D/2N is the perfect option for those who want to enjoy adventure, culture and history in a shorter time. If you don’t have enough days to do the 4-day version, this 3-day trek is an excellent alternative.
This incredible tour includes cycling, rafting, ziplining and a hike to Machu Picchu, allowing you to live a unique experience in the middle of the Cusco jungle. Along the way, you will enjoy:
Inca archaeological sites, Coffee and coca plantations. Delicious jungle fruits. The refreshing hot springs of Cocalmayo
At BESTREKS, our priority is the safety and satisfaction of our clients. We have expert guides with extensive knowledge of the area, guaranteeing professional service and an unforgettable experience on your trip to Machu Picchu.
Cycling: It does not represent a great challenge, since the route is mainly downhill. We provide: High visibility vests, Reliable mountain bikes. Protective equipment (full-coverage helmets and, if necessary, additional protective clothing)
Backup vehicle: If you get tired or decide not to continue cycling, you can get into the support car at any time.
Inca Jungle 3D/2N Itinerary This itinerary skips the hike between Santa Maria and Santa Teresa, unlike the 4-day version.
Day 1: The tour is identical to the first day of the Inca Jungle 4D/3N. The entire group goes biking and rafting. Day 1 (continuation for 3D/2N): After rafting, participants on this itinerary will travel by transport to Santa Teresa (approximately 45 minutes). Arrival in Santa Teresa: Check-in at the accommodation and have dinner as a group together with the hikers who started the hike the day before.
BESTREKS offers you the best to make your adventure to Machu Picchu unforgettable.
Day 1: Cusco | Abra Malaga - Huamanmarca - Santa Maria - Santa Teresa (Biking - Rafting)
The Inca Jungle tour begins with a pickup from your hotel at 6:30 a.m. for an exciting 3-hour journey through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, heading towards Abra Málaga (4,350 m / 14,271 ft). Along the way, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the town of Anta, Huarocondo, and your first glimpse of the Vilcanota Mountain Range. Before continuing to our starting point, we’ll make a short stop in Ollantaytambo (2,792 m / 9,160 ft) for last-minute shopping and bathroom breaks.
Once in Abra Málaga, we’ll equip ourselves with high-quality mountain bikes and safety gear, including full-face helmets, jackets, and knee pads. Our experienced guide will give a 20-minute briefing, ensuring everyone is ready for the adventure.
The bike descent lasts about 3 hours, covering 55 km (34.18 miles), crossing small streams and enjoying an incredible climate change, from cold Andean to more tropical environments. For comfort and safety, a support vehicle will accompany the group at all times.
Our final bike destination is Huamanmarca, from where we’ll take transportation to Santa Maria (1,200 m / 3,937 ft). Upon arrival, we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant to recharge our energy.
In the afternoon, the more adventurous can opt for rafting on the Vilcanota River, with class III and IV rapids. To ensure safety, we provide helmets, category V life jackets, and windbreakers. (Note: This activity is only available from April to December as the river’s flow increases significantly during the rainy season). According to Peruvian law, swimming ability is required to participate in this activity.
After this amazing experience, we’ll take a 45-minute transport to the village of Santa Teresa, where we’ll spend the night in a comfortable hostel and enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.
For those who wish to relax, there’s an option to visit the natural hot springs of Cocalmayo, located just 15 minutes by car from Santa Teresa. A perfect end to a day full of adrenaline and adventure.
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
🛏 Accommodation: Hostel
🚴♂️ Bike time: Approx. 3 hours (55 km / 34.18 miles)
🌊 Rafting: 1.5 hours (9 km / 5.59 miles, Vilcanota River class II–III–IV rapids)
🥾 Difficulty level: Easy
📉 Minimum altitude: 1,200 m / 3,937 ft
📈 Maximum altitude: 4,350 m / 14,271 ft
📍 Accommodation elevation: 1,500 m / 4,921 ft
Day 2: Santa Teresa | Zip Line - Hidroeléctrica - Aguas Calientes Village
Today is the day of extreme adrenaline! For adventure and thrill lovers, the day starts with an unforgettable zip-lining experience, a gravity-defying activity that offers stunning views of the Cusco jungle.
After a tasty breakfast, we’ll head to the zip line base, operated by one of the area’s most reliable providers, with European high-safety equipment and expert guides ensuring a thrilling yet safe experience.
The activity lasts approximately 2 hours, including 5 cables of varying lengths, one of which is 900 meters long. Additionally, we’ll cross a stunning 500-meter hanging bridge, testing your balance and delivering pure adrenaline.
After this exciting experience, we’ll take transport to Hidroeléctrica, where the government checkpoint for entering the Machu Picchu National Park is located. From here, we will get our first view of the imposing Machu Picchu mountain silhouette and the mystical Huayna Picchu.
After a delicious lunch at Hidroeléctrica, we’ll prepare for a 3-hour walk along the train tracks, surrounded by lush vegetation and the relaxing sound of the Urubamba River.
By 5:00 p.m., we’ll arrive at Aguas Calientes, where we’ll check into our hostel. You’ll have time to enjoy a hot shower and relax after the long day.
If you still have energy, feel free to explore the town on your own before our dinner at a tourist restaurant, where we’ll share our expectations for the big day ahead: a visit to Machu Picchu!
🍽 Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
🛏 Accommodation: Hotel
🚶♂️ Total Walking Distance: 11 km / 5.90 miles
⏱ Total Walking Time: 3 hours
🥾 Difficulty Level: Easy
📉 Minimum Altitude: 1,800 m / 5,905 ft
📈 Maximum Altitude: 2,040 m / 6,693 ft
📍 Accommodation Elevation: 2,040 m / 6,693 ft
Day 3: Aguas Calientes | Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco
Today will be the most important day of your excursion, so make sure to make the most of it. It is recommended to have an early breakfast as there are a couple of options to visit the Machu Picchu archaeological park.
If you’re very tired after several days of walking or have muscle aches or blisters, you can opt to take one of the first buses to Machu Picchu (starting at 5:30 a.m.). The bus ride from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu takes approximately 25 minutes (additional $12 USD).
The other option is to walk early in the morning, leaving the hotel at 4:40 a.m. The walk takes about 1.20 hours; the first 20 minutes are flat and easy, while the remaining 50 minutes involve climbing stairs uphill.
The hotel will store your luggage while you’re at Machu Picchu, and you’ll only need to bring a backpack with essentials. Once at Machu Picchu, your guide will take you to a strategic point where you can admire the Inca architecture of Machu Picchu and take the best postcard photos. Then, you’ll start a 2-hour guided tour of the main sectors of the citadel. Throughout this tour, you’ll learn more about the history and culture of the Inca Empire.
At the end of the tour, you’ll have some free time to take more photos and explore the remaining areas. If you’re planning to hike Huayna Picchu, your guide will show you where to start this hike, which takes no more than 2 hours round-trip (must be reserved in advance, as spots fill up and it costs $60 USD per person).
Alternatively, you can hike Machu Picchu Mountain, a more challenging route that takes at least 3 hours round-trip (also $60 USD per person).
Once you’re satisfied with the breathtaking views of Machu Picchu, you can take the bus back to Aguas Calientes (additional $12 USD). Or, you can walk back to the town and have lunch (not included). Depending on your train departure time, you may also have time to shop, do some sightseeing, or visit the museum or hot springs.
The Expedition Train will take you back to Ollantaytambo at 2:55 p.m. or 3:20 p.m., following the spectacular Urubamba River. Close to Aguas Calientes, the canyon narrows, and the river has many beautiful sections with rapids. Once in Ollantaytambo, your driver will meet you at the train station to take you back to Cusco in our car. Expect to arrive at your hotel by 7:30 p.m.
🍽 Meals: Breakfast
⏱ Total Walking Time: 1.20 hours
🏛 Machu Picchu Visit Duration: 2–3 hours
🥾 Difficulty Level: Easy
📍 Machu Picchu Site Elevation: 2,400 m / 7,874 ft
⛰ Huayna Picchu Mountain Elevation: 2,700 m / 8,858 ft
⛰ Machu Picchu Mountain Elevation: 3,000 m / 9,842 ft
Incluye
✓ HIGH-QUALITY AND SAFETY SERVICE.
✓ PRIOR INFORMATION MEETING BEFORE DEPARTURE.
- You will meet with your guide a day before the hike at your hotel for an orientation before your trek. The meeting will be at 6:00 p.m.
✓ TICKETS FOR THE RAFTING AND ZIP-LINING ACTIVITY.
✓ ENTRY TICKET TO THE MACHU PICCHU
✓ ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE:
The entry ticket to Machu Picchu. There are several circuits to explore the citadel, and we will ensure the best available option at the time of your reservation.
- Our first option, if available, is Circuit 2:
Llaqta Machu Picchu / Classic Route 2-A, which takes you to the iconic panoramic viewpoint and allows you to explore around 70% of the citadel.
- If this circuit is not available, we will reserve Circuit 2-B:Lower Terrace, which also offers the classic viewpoint and access to 60% of Machu Picchu.
To ensure you get one of these circuits, we recommend booking your tour 3 to 4 months in advance. If neither of these options is available, we will select an alternative circuit that provides access to specific areas of Machu Picchu. You can find more details about the circuits at the following link tuboleto.cultura.pe.
✓ FIELD STAFF.
- Professional guides – protocols for professional guides:
Specialized in trekking and selected from accredited universities. Our guides are fluent in English and have three to ten years of experience in various hikes in the region. They are experts in managing groups under pressure and are skilled in first aid and rescue techniques. Most of them come from different Andean communities and bring with them their cultural heritage. Along with the rest of the field team, our guides will make your trip a unique experience.
✓ ACCOMMODATION.
- 1 night in a standard hotel (Santa Teresa).
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes:
- You will spend the last night in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes, with luggage storage, while you visit Machu Picchu.
- Accommodation is in double, twin, and triple rooms.
✓ MEALS.
- 3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners.
✓ TRANSPORTATION:
- Day 1: You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning and travel by private transport with the group to the excursion point.
- Day 2: Transport after the zip-lining activity to Hydroelectric.
- Day 3: Transport from Ollantaytambo train station to Cusco.
✓ Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo:
- The train ticket usually departs at 14:30, 14:55, or 15:20, depending on availability. You will have time to explore the charming village of Aguas Calientes, have lunch, and relax. Make sure to arrive at the train station at least 30 minutes before departure. The train ride to Ollantaytambo takes about 1.5 hours. Once you arrive, a Bestreks agency transfer will be waiting for you with your name. Then, you will travel by car back to Cusco, which takes another 2 hours, with a return to Plaza Regocijo. You can expect to return to Cusco around 7:00 p.m.
✓ EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT AND REMOTE MEDICAL ASSISTANCE.
- Radios:
They have a range of 10 km and 8 frequencies for our guides, cooks, and porters to communicate with each other. Additionally, the radios can be used to communicate with park rangers in case of emergency. - First aid kit:
We carry alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, iodine tincture, germicidal soap, cotton, gauze, bandages, medical tape, surgical gloves, pain relievers for muscle and stomach pain, antipyretics. If you take prescribed medications, you may bring your own medications.
• Portable oxygen tank.
✓ IMPORTANT:
- Please note that only a medical professional can write a prescription. Our guides DO NOT have the authority to prescribe treatment for clients during the entire hike, and all medications will be administered with your consent and at your own risk. If you have a prescription, it is recommended that you bring your own medication(s).
No Incluye
× ENTRY TO SANTA TERESA COCALNAYO HOT SPRINGS (10 SOLES).
× HUAYNA PICCHU MOUNTAIN:
- The Huayna Picchu mountain, located behind the citadel and commonly seen in images as the backdrop in every classic Machu Picchu picture. Each day, only 400 spaces are available in 2 time slots: from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. (200 slots) and from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. (200 slots). Tickets are required and sell out a few months in advance. It will take you only 45 minutes to reach the top, and a round trip takes about 2 hours. Perhaps the most stunning aspect of this hike is the 360-degree view from the summit, which overlooks the Inca ruins, the winding Wilkamayu (Urubamba) river, and the lush mountainous landscape.
Huayna Picchu Mountain: $60 USD.
× MACCHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN:
- The Machu Picchu mountain is located on the opposite side of Huayna Picchu mountain. It offers a panoramic view of the Machu Picchu archaeological site, Huayna Picchu mountain, Putucusi mountain, the winding Wilkamayu (Urubamba) river, the lush mountainous landscape, and the last section of the Classic Inca Trail. The hike is not really dangerous or difficult, but it will require all your strength. The amount of time to hike to the top of Machu Picchu mountain depends on the person’s physical condition and can vary from 1 to 1.5 hours to climb or 2 to 3 hours (round trip).
Machu Picchu Mountain: $60 USD.
× BOTTLED WATER:
- We do not include the refilling of water bottles, but we provide cold and hot drinks at every meal. For bottled water, you have two options: buy mineral water in small shops along the Salkantay Trail, with prices ranging from 5 to 12 soles per 2.5-liter bottle, or bring a filter or purifying tablets for mountain water.
× LUNCH IN AGUAS CALIENTES AND DINNER IN CUSCO ON DAY 3.
× CLOTHING AND PERSONAL HIKING EQUIPMENT.
× TRAVEL INSURANCE:
- This is not a requirement, but we always recommend our clients acquire it in case there are problems with flights or unexpected health issues arise. Please check if your travel insurance policy has altitude restrictions: some policies are void above 4,000 meters (13,123 feet).
× ADDITIONAL COSTS:
- Delays beyond the control of the administration (landscape, bad weather, itinerary modification due to safety issues, illness, government policy change, political instability/strike, etc.).
✓ TIPS FOR YOUR CREW:
- Tipping is the norm in tourism or any excursion to Machu Picchu. Although we pay good wages to all our team members, something extra is always appreciated, especially considering the hard work they do. Usually, group participants collect their tips to share with the porters and chefs together, and with the guide and assistant after the Machu Picchu visit.
✓ Original Passport:
- If you have booked the service with your old passport and later renewed it, obtaining a new one, you may have changed the passport number. Please inform us so we can update this information. This modification should be made before your trip to Peru (at least 10 days prior to your trip). As soon as you have your new passport, please notify Bestreks of this change. Otherwise, this update or modification will incur an additional cost and be a significant inconvenience if done last minute. Confirm that it is valid throughout your trip.
✓ Student ID:
- Passengers who booked their trip using the discounted price for ISIC student cardholders must carry their original and valid CIIU student card (not a copy, not expired). This document must be shown at control points along the route. Unfortunately, if you do not bring your card, you will not be allowed to enter Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu.
✓ Backpack:
- Choose a small, ergonomic backpack for comfort during hikes. For Machu Picchu, bags larger than 25 liters are not allowed. Larger bags must be stored outside.
✓ Water Storage:
- Carry between 1.5 and 2 liters of water; consider a Camelbak or a similar system. You will be able to buy water along the way.
✓ Hiking Boots:
- Select lightweight boots with good traction.
✓ Headlamp:
Essential for visibility early or late in the day.
- 1-2 moisture-wicking t-shirts.
- 1-2 pairs of hiking pants.
- 3 sets of underwear.
- 3 pairs of hiking socks.
- 1 fleece jacket and 1 warm down jacket for cold nights.
- 1 sun hat and 1 wool hat for varying temperatures.
- Waterproof gloves (ski gloves are fine).
- Rainproof jacket/poncho for heavy rains.
- Small bottle of soap for personal hygiene.
- Battery charger (power sources are limited along the trail).
- Sunscreen and facial moisturizer to protect your skin.
- Insect repellent and hand sanitizer for hygiene.
- Moist towelettes for quick cleaning.
- Toothbrush and toothpaste for oral hygiene.
- Toilet paper for personal use.
- Camera or smartphone: Capture the memories.
- Music: An iPhone or similar for entertainment.
- Swimwear and towel (if you want to enjoy the hot springs).
- Sandals: It is recommended to bring sandals for the shower.
- Personal medications and a basic first aid kit.
- Extra money: For additional purchases and tips.
✓ NOTES:
- Waterproofing: Protect your items from rain and humidity.
- Comfort: Wear comfortable and well-fitting footwear to avoid blisters.
- Organization: Use compartments to keep essential items handy. Following this full list will help ensure a memorable and comfortable experience during your Inca Jungle Trail hike.
✓ Price per person:
- $360 USD – Adults
- $340 USD – Children and students
To reserve the Inca Jungle, a $180 USD deposit per person is required. The remaining balance can be paid online or at our office located in Cusco.
✓ Student discount:
- All travelers under 17 years old receive a $20 USD discount. If you are 25 years old or younger at the time of travel, you can get the discount with your student ID. Please email us for a discount code.
✓ Valid student ID for Machu Picchu:
- To get the student discount, travelers must have a valid ID with the following:
✓ Note about the ISIC Card:
- Although the International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is recognized in many countries, it is not accepted by the Peruvian government for student discounts at Machu Picchu. Just as a passport cannot be replaced by any other form of identification in international procedures, the student card cannot be substituted by an ISIC or any other document for discounts in Peru.
The Peruvian government’s policy is strict regarding student accreditation. It is essential to present a card that meets these criteria in order to qualify for student-price tickets. When entering Machu Picchu, you will be asked to show the physical student ID. If you do not meet these requirements when you arrive at Machu Picchu, there is a significant risk of being denied entry and having to pay the full ticket price, depending on availability. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure your student ID complies with Peruvian regulations before booking your trip to Machu Picchu as a student.
✓ Add-ons and upgrades:
Additional services and upgrades you can include in this trip:
- Huayna Picchu Mountain: $60.00 USD
- Machu Picchu Mountain: $60.00 USD
- Single Hotel (Hotel in Aguas Calientes): $30.00 USD
- Extra Night in Aguas Calientes: $50.00 USD
- Vistadome Train (Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo): $70.00 USD
✓ Price Guarantee:
- Once your reservation is confirmed, we guarantee that the price will not increase under any circumstances. Therefore, please make sure to read all the important tour information before booking.
✓ How to book:
- Booking the Inca Jungle is easy. You can reserve your spot online through our website, where our booking platform will guide you step by step. Payment for the tour can be made with any credit or debit card, and you can also pay in the currency of your home country for convenience.
✓ Inca Jungle Reservation:
To reserve your spot on the Inca Jungle, we require a non-refundable deposit of $180 USD. This deposit secures your spot on the trek and allows us to purchase your Machu Picchu tickets and train tickets, which need to be bought well in advance.
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Our booking platform gives you the option to pay only the deposit along with any additional options you select, or you can choose to pay the full amount upfront. If you choose to pay only the deposit, the remaining balance can be paid upon arrival in Cusco, one day before the tour departure.
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Remaining Balance Payment: If you choose to pay only the deposit, the remaining balance must be paid upon arrival in Cusco, one day before the tour starts. The balance can be paid in soles or dollars in cash or by card (with an additional 5% charge). You can also pay online through our website with a 5% fee.
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Full Payment Option: You can choose to pay the full cost of the tour online at the time of booking.
✓ CANCELING YOUR RESERVATION:
Bestreks has the following cancellation policies: Due to the strict regulations set by the Machu Picchu National Park, once the reservation is made, the space and permits acquired cannot be canceled. It is also not possible to transfer the permit to someone else with a different name. The date of your permit cannot be changed either. Therefore, if you cannot arrive on the scheduled date, no refunds will be given. Permits are non-refundable, and Bestreks will purchase the permits as soon as your reservation confirmation is sent. If you cancel 30 or more days in advance, you will lose your initial deposit but will be entitled to the tickets we have purchased for you.
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If you cancel between 2 and 3 days before your trip, it will be considered a “no-show,” and you will have to pay 100% of the total cost. You will be entitled to the entry tickets we purchased for you, a guided tour of Machu Picchu on your original itinerary day, a train ticket, and a bus ticket.
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If you decide to stop for personal reasons once the hike has started, you will automatically lose all included services. Any costs you incur during your return, such as food, transportation, or accommodation, will be at your expense. However, you can meet up with the group at Machu Picchu for the visit, where you can use your entry ticket, join the guided tour, take the bus back to Aguas Calientes, and the train back to Ollantaytambo.
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Events beyond our control that make any part of the trip impossible, such as strikes, protests, flight cancellations, weather conditions, or overbooking of hotels or flights. In any of these cases, we will suggest alternative arrangements (if available) to make the trip possible. Any costs associated with these alternative arrangements will be the responsibility of the traveler.
✓ Recommendations:
- We strongly recommend that you fully understand all the booking and cancellation policies before making your payment to ensure that your investment is protected and that you have a seamless booking experience for your Inca Jungle adventure.
✓ Informative meeting or briefing:
- All informational meetings and briefings are held the afternoon before your trip begins at our main office in Cusco (or at your hotel) at 6:00 p.m. These meetings last approximately 30 to 45 minutes. If you are unable to attend, you will need to arrange another time via email or call.
✓ Balance payment for the trek (in Cusco):
- If you still have a balance pending, it must be paid 1 day before your trek/tour. Otherwise, your reservation will not be confirmed. If possible, we would greatly appreciate it if you could pay the remaining balance in cash (either in US dollars or local currency) at our office in Cusco or at the time of the briefing. There are several ATMs along Avenida Sol where you can withdraw money (in either US dollars or Peruvian soles). You can also pay with a credit/debit card or via IZIPAY, either online or in person, but there will be a 5% service charge from our payment gateway (Niubiz) and IZIPAY.
✓ Pickup of clients:
Please note:
- All pickups take place within the city of Cusco, but we recommend booking a hotel in the historic center with a good location. Our guide or staff will confirm your pickup time one day before the tour. Due to traffic conditions, the pickup time may vary by 30 to 45 minutes. Cusco is an ancient city with many narrow, cobblestone streets. Some hotels and Airbnbs are located on streets without transport access or on long, steep slopes, making it difficult to transport your luggage. We highly recommend booking accommodation with easy access.
✓ Lost items:
- Please pay attention to where you leave your belongings and remember to collect everything when you leave our transport, campsites, or restaurants. You are the sole responsible for your belongings during the tour.
✓ Weather:
- Of course, the weather is unpredictable. Generally, the dry season in Cusco is from April to October, but this does not prevent rain in June or sunshine in December, so be prepared. Regardless of the month you’re trekking, ensure you have rain gear, including a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho, and waterproof gloves. Many people forget gloves, but the cold and humidity can make walking very uncomfortable.
Additionally, be prepared for all four seasons. The trek in the Andes involves several microclimates, and you will need to be ready. Layers are always essential as they are easy to adjust to varying temperatures. Be prepared with a warm jacket for the cold nights.
✓ Altitude sickness (soroche) and stomach pain:
For trekkers arriving in Cusco directly from sea level, we recommend arriving 2 days before your trek. Two common health issues among tourists in Cusco are altitude sickness (soroche) and stomach pain caused by slow digestion.
- Altitude sickness: Some symptoms include headache and nausea. There are some over-the-counter medications (pills) that help minimize the symptoms of this issue, such as Aspirin, Diamox, Soroichi Pill, Alti Vital, and others. If the symptoms persist, the next step is the use of oxygen. In these circumstances, we have the equipment and staff ready to assist our trekkers.
- Stomach pain: It is recommended to drink 3-4 liters of water a day. Your body will need this to stay hydrated. Hot drinks, such as coca leaf tea, are especially recommended. Soups, vegetables, and carbohydrates (not fried or heavy foods) are also good options. Sweets, chocolates, cookies, and fruits are a good choice as well. In general, all foods that are easy to digest are recommended. Avoid alcohol and smoking.
Try to get at least 8 hours of sleep and avoid excessive exercise. Keep your body at a proper temperature by wearing warm clothing to protect from the cold. During the altitude adaptation period, there is a general rule to follow: eat what’s necessary and drink plenty of fluids.
The Inca Jungle Trek is an alternative route to the Classic Inca Trail, designed for those seeking an adventure filled with adrenaline and spectacular landscapes. This four-day, three-night journey combines different activities like hiking, mountain biking, rafting, and zip-lining, offering a unique experience in the high jungle of Cusco.
Along the way, travelers cross rivers, mountains, and ancient Inca roads, exploring the region’s biodiversity and visiting impressive archaeological sites. The adventure culminates with a visit to the legendary Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
This trek is ideal for those seeking a connection with nature, culture, and excitement all in one journey. It’s an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Peruvian Andes!
The Inca Jungle Trek passes through various ecosystems, resulting in significant altitude changes along the route. Here are the key points with their respective elevations:
- Cusco – 3,400 m (11,155 feet) → Starting point
- Abra Málaga – 4,350 m (14,271 feet) → Highest point of the trek and where the mountain biking descent begins
- Santa María – 1,200 m (3,937 feet) → First overnight stop
- Santa Teresa – 1,550 m (5,085 feet) → Second overnight stop
- Aguas Calientes – 2,040 m (6,692 feet) → Last night before Machu Picchu
- Machu Picchu – 2,430 m (7,972 feet) → Final destination
Previous experience is not required for activities like rafting and zip-lining, as our expert guides will provide detailed instructions and supply the necessary safety equipment to ensure a safe and exciting experience.
For the mountain biking descent, basic experience in handling bikes is recommended, as the route includes uneven terrain and sharp turns. This is important for your safety and comfort during the activity.
If it rains during the tour, the impact on activities will depend on the intensity of the rainfall:
- Light drizzle or moderate rain: All adventure activities (mountain biking, rafting, and zip-lining) will take place as scheduled. Waterproof clothing and proper gear are recommended for added comfort.
- Heavy rain: The mountain biking descent and rafting may be postponed or canceled if the conditions pose a safety risk to trekkers and guides.
Zip-lining and hiking typically continue, unless weather conditions are extreme.
Safety is our priority, so our guides will assess the weather at each moment and make necessary decisions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Most people travel to Cusco by air. Please note that Cusco’s airport only operates domestic flights. Therefore, if you’re arriving directly from abroad to Lima, you’ll need to collect your luggage at the airport and check it in again for your flight to Cusco. There are four airlines that fly round-trip between Lima and Cusco: LATAM Airlines, AVIANCA Airlines, and Star Peru. All these airlines offer similar flight schedules and services, but we generally recommend LATAM Airlines.
You also have the option of traveling to Cusco by land. Note that the journey from Lima to Cusco takes about 24 hours.
Although no specific training is required to do the hikes in Cusco, we suggest that the best way to prepare physically is to exercise on a treadmill, setting it to steep inclines, as well as climbing and descending stairs or using a stair climber. Please note that you’ll need to spend at least 2 days in Cusco before the start of your trek to acclimate.
We always recommend using the lightest possible trekking shoes that offer ankle support. This is especially helpful for inexperienced hikers as you will be climbing and descending many stairs built by our ancestors, the Incas.
All luggage that is not needed for the trek should be left in Cusco. All hotels in Cusco are used to and prepared for storing luggage. If you don’t have a place to store your luggage, you can leave it at our offices until the end of your adventure. We will ensure your luggage is safely stored—don’t worry!
We offer a variety of local superfoods and traditional Peruvian dishes, such as rice, chicken, beef, salads, potatoes, vegetables, delicious fruits, freshly prepared by our local chef. We also have excellent vegetarian options and can accommodate specific dietary requests with proper preparation and clear communication.
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