Inca Jungle Classic To Machu Picchu 4D/3N
Dificulty
Easy
Duration
4 Days / 3 Nights
Group Size
02 - 15 People
Max Altitude
4,200 msnm
Description
If you are a lover of adrenaline and unique experiences, the Classic Inca Jungle Trail is the perfect journey for you. It is not just a hike; it is an extreme adventure that combines hiking, mountain biking, rafting and ziplining in a single tour. Are you ready for the challenge?
Along the way, you will witness breathtaking landscapes and lush jungles, as you follow in the ancient footsteps of the Incas. You will explore archaeological sites hidden among the vegetation before reaching Aguas Calientes, the gateway to the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu.
On your last day, you will enter one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Let the mystical Inca energy envelop you as you walk along its stone walls, decipher its enigmas and relive its glorious past.
But the adventure does not end there…
Feel the speed as you descend by bike from the heights of the Andes to the jungle.
Take on the rapids and let the water splash over you as you conquer the river on an exciting rafting tour.
Zipline through the jungle foliage, feeling absolute freedom with every jump.
Embark on an unforgettable hike, surrounded by unspoiled nature and the sounds of the Andean jungle.
To top it off, you’ll spend a full day exploring Machu Picchu, marveling at its incredible architecture and discovering the secrets of this mythical civilization. Imagine what life was like centuries ago in this sacred enclave and let history come to life before your eyes.
The Classic Inca Jungle Trail is not just a journey, it’s an experience that will remain etched in your memory forever. Do you dare to live it?
Day 1: Cusco | Ollantaytambo - Abra Malaga - Huamanmarca - Santa Maria (Cycling - Rafting)
Your Inca Jungle adventure starts early in the morning, with pickup from your hotel at 6:30 a.m. From there, we will depart in a comfortable minibus for a three-hour journey through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, enjoying panoramic views of the towns of Anta and Huarocondo, where you will get your first glimpse of the imposing Vilcanota Mountain Range.
Along the way, we will cross the Urubamba River and stop at Ollantaytambo (2,792 m / 9,160 ft). Here you can do some last-minute shopping, stretch your legs, and use the restrooms before continuing our journey.
We will continue ascending until we reach Abra Malaga (4,350 m / 14,271 ft), the highest point of the route and the starting point of our mountain biking adventure. From this stunning pass, we will descend by bike for three hours over 55 km (34.18 miles), crossing small streams and feeling the transition from the cold Andean climate to the warm tropical atmosphere of the jungle.
Before starting, our expert guide will provide a 20-minute briefing to ensure everyone is ready. Then, you will receive your safety gear, including a full-face helmet, protective jacket, and knee pads, to ensure a safe and exciting experience.
If at any time you need a break, a support vehicle will be available to take you to the next point. We will finish the bike ride in the town of Huamanmarca, where we will take transportation to Santa María (1,200 m / 3,937 ft).
Rafting on the Vilcanota River
In the afternoon, if you’re looking for even more adrenaline, you can take part in a rafting adventure on the Vilcanota River, challenging rapids of class III and II+. To ensure your safety, we will provide helmets, windbreakers, and class V life jackets.
Availability: This activity is only available from April to December, as the river’s flow increases significantly during the rainy season.
Requirement: You must know how to swim, according to Peruvian regulations.
After a day full of thrills, we will return to the cozy town of Santa María, where we will enjoy a delicious dinner before resting in our comfortable hostel. Recharge your energy, because the adventure continues the next day!
🍽 Food: breakfast, lunch, dinner
🛏 Accommodation: hostel
🚴♂️ Time on bike: approx. 3 hours (55 km / 34.18 miles)
🌊 Rafting: 1.5 hours (9 km / 5.59 miles. Vilcanota River rapids II-III-IV)
🥾 Difficulty level: easy
📉 Minimum altitude: 1,200 m / 3,937 ft
📈 Maximum altitude: 4,350 m / 14,271 ft
📍 Accommodation elevation: 1,200 m / 3,937 ft
Day 2: Santa María | Inca Trail - Quellomayo - Cocalmayo Hot Springs - Santa Teresa
After a hearty breakfast, we will prepare for an exciting 6-hour hike through the tropical rainforest.
We will begin with a 45-minute stretch on a vehicular road, before entering an original Inca trail, an ancient path that connected Machu Picchu with Vilcabamba, the last Inca capital. This is one of the few Inca trails that is still well-preserved.
Along the way, we will immerse ourselves in the richness of the high jungle ecosystem, full of life and biodiversity. On the path, we will see fruit trees like pineapples, pacay, and avocados, in addition to coffee plantations and coca leaves. We will also be able to observe a variety of exotic birds, orchids, and other native species.
From the top of the trail, we will enjoy a spectacular view of the Urubamba River valley, a landscape that will remind us of the grandeur of the Andean nature. After a 2-hour descent, we will reach the town of Qellomayo, where we will enjoy a delicious lunch at a local house. Then, you will have some free time to relax in a hammock, rest your legs, and recharge energy for the next part of the adventure.
After the break, we will continue the hike for 3 more hours, passing through farms, waterfalls, and rivers. At one point on the trail, we will cross a river on an oroya, an exciting experience that adds a bit of adrenaline to the journey.
Around 4:00 p.m., we will arrive at the famous Cocalmayo hot springs, also known as the Santa Teresa hot springs. These crystal-clear thermal waters, with pools of varying temperatures, are the perfect place to relax your muscles after a long hike. Enjoy the sound of the river, the tranquility of the surroundings, and, if the sky is clear, an impressive starry sky.
After our break in Cocalmayo, we will walk 40 more minutes to the town of Santa Teresa. If you feel tired, you will have the option to take a bus. Upon arrival, we will check into a comfortable and cozy hostel, where you can rest and prepare for the next day of adventure.
🍽 Food: breakfast, lunch, dinner
🛏 Accommodation: hostel
🚶♂️ Total distance on foot: 15 km / 9.3 miles
⏱ Total hiking time: 6 hours
🥾 Difficulty level: moderate
📉 Minimum altitude: 1,200 m / 3,937 ft
📈 Maximum altitude: 1,657 m / 5,436 ft
📍 Accommodation elevation: 1,500 m / 4,921 ft
Day 3: Santa Teresa | Zip Line - Hidroelectric Plant - Aguas Calientes Town
Today is the day of extreme adrenaline! For adventure lovers and thrill-seekers, the day begins with an unforgettable zip line experience, an activity that defies gravity and offers impressive views of the Cusco jungle.
After a tasty breakfast, we will head to the zip line base, operated by one of the most reliable providers in the area, with European safety equipment and expert guides who will ensure an exciting and safe experience.
The activity lasts about 2 hours and includes 5 cables of different lengths, one of which is 900 meters long. Additionally, we will cross an impressive 500-meter-long suspension bridge, testing your balance and pure adrenaline.
After this exciting experience, we will take transportation to Hidroelectric, where the government control point for entering the Machu Picchu National Park is located. From here, we will be able to admire for the first time the imposing silhouette of Machu Picchu mountain and the mystical Huayna Picchu.
After a delicious lunch at Hidroelectric, we will prepare for a 3-hour walk along the train tracks, a stretch surrounded by lush vegetation and the relaxing sound of the Urubamba River.
At 5:00 p.m., we will arrive in the town of Aguas Calientes, where we will check into our hostel. Here, you will have time to enjoy a hot shower and relax after the long day.
If you still have energy, you can explore the town on your own before our dinner at a tourist restaurant, where we will share expectations for the big day ahead: the visit to Machu Picchu!
🍽 Food: breakfast, lunch, dinner
🛏 Accommodation: hotel
🚶♂️ Total distance on foot: 11 km / 5.90 miles
⏱ Total hiking time: 3 hours
🥾 Difficulty level: easy
Day 4: Aguas Calientes | Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco
Today will be the most important day of your trip, so make the most of it. It is recommended to have breakfast very early, as the last day offers a couple of options to visit the Machu Picchu archaeological park.
If you’re very tired after so many days of hiking or have some muscle pain or blisters, you can choose 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 about 25 minutes (extra $12 USD).
The other option is to walk very early, leaving the hotel at 4:40 a.m. The walk takes 1 hour and 20 minutes; the first 20 minutes are flat and easy, while the next 50 minutes are uphill stairs.
The hotel will hold your luggage while you’re at Machu Picchu, so you’ll only need to carry a backpack with the essentials. Once at Machu Picchu, your guide will lead you to a strategic point where you can observe the Inca architecture of Machu Picchu and take the best postcard photos of the site. Then, you will begin the guided tour of the main areas of the citadel, which will last around 2 hours. During this tour, you will learn more about the history and culture of the Inca Empire.
At the end of the tour, you will have some free time to take more photos and explore anything you missed. If you’re up for it, you can hike Huayna Picchu, and your guide will show you where to start this walk, which will take no more than 2 hours round trip (must be reserved in advance, as spots fill up and there is a cost of $60 USD per person).
The Machu Picchu Mountain is also another hike option, instead of Huayna Picchu. This hike is more difficult and takes at least 3 hours round trip (with an additional cost of $60 USD per person).
Once you’ve had your fill of the exceptional views of Machu Picchu, you can take the bus back to Aguas Calientes (extra $12 USD), or you can walk back. Depending on the departure time of your train, you may also have time to do some shopping, visit the museum, or go to the 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. Near Aguas Calientes, the canyon is narrow, and the river has many beautiful sections of white-water rapids. Once back in Ollantaytambo, your driver will pick you up at the train station to take you back to Cusco. You can expect to arrive at your hotel by 7:30 p.m.
🍽 Food: breakfast
⏱ Total hiking time: 1.20 hours
🕰 Machu Picchu visit duration: 2–3 hours
🥾 Difficulty level: easy
📍 Machu Picchu site altitude: 2,400 m / 7,874 ft
⛰ Huayna Picchu mountain altitude: 2,700 m / 8,858 ft
⛰ Machu Picchu Mountain altitude: 3,000 m / 9,842 ft
Incluye
✓ HIGH-QUALITY SERVICE AND SAFETY.
✓ PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION MEETING.
- You will meet with your guide the day before the hike at your hotel for an orientation before your trek. The meeting will be at 6:00 p.m.
✓ RAFTING AND ZIP LINE ACTIVITY TICKETS.
✓ TICKET TO MACHU PICCHU ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE.
This is the entrance ticket to Machu Picchu. There are several circuits to explore the citadel, and we 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 about 70% of the citadel.
- If this circuit is unavailable, we will reserve Circuit 2-B: Lower Terrace, which also offers access to the classic viewpoint and 60% of Machu Picchu.
To ensure you get one of these circuits, we recommend booking your tour 3 or 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 (professional guide protocols):
Specialized in trekking and selected from accredited universities. Our guides speak English and have 3 to 10 years of experience in various treks across the region. They are experts in group management under pressure and are trained in first aid and rescue techniques. Most of them come from different Andean communities and bring their cultural heritage with them. Along with the rest of the field team, our guides will ensure your trip is a unique experience.
✓ ACCOMMODATION.
- 02 nights in standard hotels (Santa María and Santa Teresa).
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes:
- You will spend your last night in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes, with luggage storage while you visit Machu Picchu.
- Accommodation will be in double, twin, or triple rooms.
✓ MEALS.
- 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners.
TRANSPORTATION:
- Day 1: You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning and travel in private transportation with the group to the excursion starting point.
- Day 3: Transportation after the zip line activity to Hidroelectric.
- Day 4: Transportation from Ollantaytambo train station to Cusco.
✓ Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo:
- Typically, the train ticket departs at 2:30 p.m., 2:55 p.m., or 3:20 p.m., depending on availability. You will have time to explore the charming town of Aguas Calientes, enjoy lunch, and relax. Be sure to arrive at the train station at least 30 minutes before departure. The train ride to Ollantaytambo lasts about 1.5 hours. Once you arrive, a Bestreks transfer will be waiting for you with your name. You will then travel by car back to Cusco, which takes another 2 hours, returning 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, allowing our guides, cooks, and porters to communicate with each other. Additionally, radios can be used to contact 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, painkillers for muscle and stomach pains, and antipyretics. If you take prescription medication, you may bring your own medication. - Portable oxygen tank.
✓ IMPORTANT:
- Please note that only a medical professional can write a prescription. Our guides CANNOT prescribe treatment for clients during the trek, and all medication will be administered under your consent and at your own risk. If you have a prescription, it is recommended that you bring your own medication.
No Incluye
× ENTRANCE TO SANTA TERESA HOT SPRINGS COCALNAYO (10 SOLES).
× TREKKING POLES:
- With extra rubber tips included in our service, these are very useful for rough terrain and for ascending and descending. You can rent a pair from the company.
(Rental available for $20 USD at the Bestreks agency).
× HUAYNA PICCHU MOUNTAIN:
- The Huayna Picchu Mountain is located behind the citadel and is commonly seen in images as the backdrop in every classic Machu Picchu photo. Every day, only 400 spaces are offered in 2 available shifts. From 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. (200 spots) and from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. (200 spots). Tickets are required and sell out months in advance. Reaching the summit will take only 45 minutes, and the round trip takes approximately 2 hours. Perhaps the most striking 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.
× MACHU 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 part of the Classic Inca Trail. The hike is not particularly dangerous nor difficult to do, but it will require all your strength. The amount of time it takes to walk up to Machu Picchu Mountain depends on the person’s physical condition and can range from 1 to 1.5 hours for ascent 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 beverages at each meal. For bottled water, you have two options: buy mineral water at small stores 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 4.
× CLOTHING AND PERSONAL HIKING GEAR.
× TRAVEL INSURANCE:
- This is not a requirement, but we always recommend that our clients obtain it in case any issues arise with flights or unexpected health problems. Please note that 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 changes due to safety issues, illness, government policy changes, political instability/strikes, etc.).
✓ TIPS FOR YOUR CREW:
- Tipping is a standard practice in tourism or any tour to Machu Picchu. Although we pay good salaries to our entire team, something extra is always appreciated, especially considering the hard work they do. Generally, group participants collect their tips to distribute to the porters and chefs together, for the guide and assistant after the visit to Machu Picchu.
✓ Original Passport:
- If you booked the service with your old passport and later renewed it and got a new one, it is most likely that the number has changed. Please inform us so we can update this information. This modification must be made before your trip to Peru (at least 10 days before your trip). As soon as you have your new passport, please inform Bestreks about this change. Otherwise, this update or modification will have an additional cost and will be a big inconvenience to update it last minute. Confirm that it is valid for your entire trip.
✓ Student ID Card:
- Passengers who booked their trip using the discounted student price for ISIC holders must carry the original and valid (not expired, not a copy) ISIC card. This document must be shown at the check-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 and ergonomic backpack for comfort during hikes. For Machu Picchu, backpacks 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 similar system. You can buy water along the way.
✓ Hiking Boots:
- Select lightweight boots with good traction.
✓ Headlamp:
Essential for visibility in the early morning or late evening.
- 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 different temperatures.
- Waterproof gloves (ski gloves are fine).
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho for heavy rains.
- Small bottle of soap for personal hygiene.
- Battery charger (power sources are scarce along the way).
- Sunscreen and facial moisturizer to protect your skin.
- Insect repellent and hand sanitizer for hygiene.
- Wet wipes for quick cleanups.
- Toothbrush and toothpaste for oral hygiene.
- Toilet paper for personal use.
- Camera or smartphone: Capture the memories.
- Music: An iPhone or similar for entertainment.
- Swimsuit and towel (if you want to enjoy the hot springs).
- Sandals: It’s 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, well-fitted footwear to avoid blisters.
Organization: Use compartments to keep essential items handy. Following this complete list will help ensure a memorable and comfortable experience during your Inca Jungle Trek.
✓ Price per person:
- $380 USD – Adults.
- $360 USD – Children and students.
To reserve the Inca Jungle, an initial payment of $190 USD 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 receive 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 like a passport cannot be replaced by any other type of identification in international procedures, the student ID cannot be replaced 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 an ID that meets these criteria to qualify for student-priced tickets, as you will be asked to show your physical student ID when entering Machu Picchu. If you do not meet these requirements when you arrive at Machu Picchu, there is a significant risk that you will be denied entry and may have to pay the full ticket price, depending on availability. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that your student ID complies with Peruvian regulations before booking your Machu Picchu trip as a student.
✓ Add-ons and upgrades:
Complementary 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.
✓ Additional Equipment:
- Trekking poles (pair): $20.00 USD.
✓ Price Guarantee:
- Once your reservation is confirmed, we guarantee that the price will not increase, regardless of circumstances. Therefore, before booking, please make sure to read all the important information about the tour.
✓ How to book:
- Booking the Inca Jungle Trail 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 Trail Reservation:
To reserve your spot on the Inca Jungle Trail, we require a non-refundable deposit of $190 USD. This deposit secures your spot on the trek and allows us to purchase your Machu Picchu tickets and train tickets, which must be bought well in advance.
- 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 total amount of the tour in advance. If you decide to pay only the deposit, the remaining balance can be paid upon your arrival in Cusco, one day before the tour departure.
- 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 start of the tour. The balance can be paid in soles or dollars in cash or by card (with an additional 5% fee). You also have the option to pay online on our website with a 5% fee.
- Full payment option: You can choose to pay the full cost of the tour online when making the reservation.
✓ CANCELLATION OF YOUR RESERVATION:
Bestreks agency has the following cancellation policies:
Due to the strict rules set by the Machu Picchu National Park, once the reservation is made, the space and permit purchased cannot be canceled. It is also not possible to transfer the permit to another person with a different name. The date of your permit cannot be modified. Therefore, if you are unable to arrive on the scheduled date, no refunds will be made. The permits are non-refundable as Bestreks will purchase them as soon as your reservation is confirmed. If you cancel 30 or more days in advance, you will lose your first deposit but will still be entitled to the tickets we have purchased for you.
- 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 still be entitled to the tickets we have purchased for you, a guided tour of Machu Picchu on the day originally scheduled in your itinerary, train ticket, and bus ticket.
- If you decide to stop for personal reasons once the hike has started, you will automatically lose all included services. Any costs incurred during your return, such as food, transportation, or accommodation, will be at your own expense. However, you can meet up with the group in Machu Picchu for the visit, where you can use your entry ticket, participate in the guided tour, take the bus back to Aguas Calientes, and the train back to Ollantaytambo.
- Events beyond our control that make any part of the trip impossible, such as strikes, protests, flight cancellations, weather conditions, or overbooked 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 booking and cancellation policies before making your payment to ensure that your investment is protected and that you have a smooth booking experience for your Inca Jungle hike adventure.
✓ Informative meeting or briefing:
- All informational meetings and briefings take place the evening before your trip 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 must arrange another time via email or phone call.
✓ Payment of the trek balance (in Cusco):
- If you still have a pending balance, it must be paid one day before your trek/tour. Otherwise, your trip reservation will not be confirmed. If possible, it would be appreciated if you pay the balance of the trek/tour in cash, either in U.S. dollars or local currency, at our office in Cusco or during the briefing. You can withdraw money from various ATMs along Avenida Sol (either in U.S. dollars or Peruvian soles). You can also pay by credit/debit card or through IZIPAY, online or in person, but you will incur a 5% service charge issued by our payment gateway (Niubiz) and IZIPAY.
✓ Customer pickup:
Please keep in mind:
- All pickups are 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 the pickup time the 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 with no transportation access or on long, steep inclines, making it difficult to transport your luggage. We strongly recommend booking accommodation with easy access.
✓ Lost items:
- Please pay attention to where you leave your belongings and remember to collect everything once you leave our transport, campsites, or restaurants. You are solely 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, no matter which month you are trekking. Be sure to have rain gear, including a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho, and waterproof gloves. Many people forget gloves, but the cold and humidity make walking very uncomfortable.
Additionally, be prepared for four seasons. Trekking in the Andes involves several microclimates, and you need to be ready. Layers are always essential as they are easy to adjust to temperature changes. Be prepared with a warm jacket, as the nights will be cold.
✓ Altitude sickness (soroche) and stomach pain:
For hikers coming to Cusco directly from sea level, we recommend arriving 2 days before your trek. Two of the most common health problems among tourists in Cusco are: altitude sickness (soroche) and stomach pain due to slow digestion.
- Altitude sickness: Some of the symptoms include headaches and nausea. There are some over-the-counter medications (pills) that help minimize the symptoms of this problem, such as Aspirin, Diamox, Soroichi Pill, Alti Vital, and others. If symptoms persist, the next step is using oxygen. In these situations, we have the equipment and staff ready to help our hikers.
- Stomach pain: It is recommended to drink 3-4 liters of water per day. Your body will need it to stay hydrated. Hot drinks, especially coca leaf tea, are highly recommended. Soups, vegetables, and carbohydrates (not fried or heavy) are also good options. Sweets, chocolates, cookies, and fruits are also a good choice. In general, all foods that are easy to digest. Avoid alcohol and smoking.
Try to sleep at least 8 hours and avoid overexertion. Keep your body at an adequate temperature by wearing warm clothes to protect against the cold. During the altitude adjustment period, there is a general rule to follow: eat what is necessary and drink plenty of liquids.
The Inca Jungle Trek is an alternative route to the Classic Inca Trail, designed for those seeking an adventure full of adrenaline and spectacular landscapes. This four-day, three-night journey combines various activities such as 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 trails, exploring the region’s biodiversity and visiting impressive archaeological sites. The adventure culminates in the arrival at the legendary Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
This trek is ideal for those looking for a connection with nature, culture, and excitement all in one trip. An unforgettable experience in the heart of the Peruvian Andes!
The Inca Jungle Trek crosses various ecosystems, which involves significant altitude changes along the route. Here are the main landmarks with their respective heights:
- Cusco – 3,400 m (11,155 ft) → Starting point
- Abra Málaga – 4,350 m (14,271 ft) → Highest point of the trek, where the bike descent begins
- Santa María – 1,200 m (3,937 ft) → First overnight stop
- Santa Teresa – 1,550 m (5,085 ft) → Second overnight stop
- Aguas Calientes – 2,040 m (6,692 ft) → Last night before Machu Picchu
- Machu Picchu – 2,430 m (7,972 ft) → Final point and main destination
No prior experience is required for activities such as rafting and zip-lining, as our expert guides will provide detailed instructions and ensure proper safety equipment for a safe and exciting experience.
Regarding mountain biking, basic experience in bike handling is recommended, as the route includes rough terrain and sharp turns. This is important to ensure your safety and comfort during the activity.
If it rains during the tour, the impact on activities depends on the intensity of the precipitation:
- Light drizzle or moderate rain: All adventure activities (mountain biking, rafting, and zip-lining) will proceed as scheduled. We recommend wearing waterproof clothing and appropriate gear for added comfort.
- Heavy rain: The mountain biking and rafting could be postponed or canceled if the conditions pose a safety risk to hikers and guides. Zip-lining and hiking usually continue unless the 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 coming 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. Four airlines fly between Lima and Cusco: LATAM Airlines, AVIANCA Airlines, Star Peru. All these airlines offer similar flight schedules and services, but we generally recommend LATAM Airlines.
You also have the option to travel to Cusco by land. Please note that the journey from Lima to Cusco takes approximately 24 hours.
While no specific training is required for the hikes in Cusco, we suggest that the best way to prepare physically is to exercise on a treadmill, selecting a steep incline setting, as well as going up and down stairs or using a stair climber. Please note that you will need 2 days in Cusco before the start date of your trek for acclimatization.
We always recommend wearing the lightest trekking shoes possible. Those that provide ankle support are particularly helpful, especially for inexperienced hikers, as you will be climbing and descending many stairs made by our ancestors, the Incas.
Any luggage not needed for the trek should be left in Cusco. All hotels in Cusco are accustomed and prepared to store luggage. If you don’t have a place to store your luggage, you can leave it at our office until the end of your adventure. We’ll ensure your luggage is safely stored, so don’t worry!
We offer a variety of local superfoods and traditional Peruvian dishes, such as rice, chicken, beef, salads, potatoes, vegetables, and delicious fruits, freshly prepared by our local chef. We also have excellent vegetarian options and cater to specific dietary requests with proper preparation and good communication.
Send Us a Message