The Exhilarating Jungle Adventure to Machu Picchu
The Classic Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu is the ultimate adventure for those with a passion for exciting activities and thrills. What sets this trek apart from the rest is what’s included. Not only will you be hiking, but you’ll also be biking, rafting, and ziplining! We think you’ll agree it’s quite an adventure.
Through stunning landscapes and luscious jungle, you’ll pass by Inca archaeological sites until you reach the small town of Aguas Calientes at the base of Machu Picchu. On your last day, you’ll enter the astounding Inca fortress, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Let the magic of the Incas envelop you and wrap you up in its mystical history as you explore and unravel secrets. Are you up for the challenge?
If you’re an adventure-lover and looking for something a little different, our Classic Inca Jungle Trail is just what you’re looking for. A breathtaking and exciting journey awaits you with a combination of sports and incredible hiking trails through the Peruvian jungle.
Along the way, you’ll stop at important Inca archaeological sites and learn all about the unique flora and fauna in the gorgeous Andean rainforest. Feel the wind rush past your ears as you bike from the highest point of the trail into the jungle. Enjoy the water splashing on your face as you fight the river rapids. Experience the thrill of ziplining through the thick foliage and listen to nature’s sounds cheer you on. Be in awe of the impressive surroundings as you hike along the trail. This trek has it all.
To end your exhilarating adventure, you’ll spend a day exploring the amazing Machu Picchu and learning all about the fascinating history of the Incas. Contemplate how they were able to build such an impressive construction on a mountain and feel yourself transported back in time to imagine how life was back then.
DAY 1: Cusco | Malaga Pass – Huamanmarca – Santa Maria (Biking, Rafting)
Begin your adventure as you head to the Malaga Pass to ride downhill on bikes for 3 hours. In the afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy some river rafting before spending the night in a lodge in Santa Maria.
DAY 2: Santa Maria | Santa Teresa – Cocalmayo Hot Springs – Lucmabamba Camp (Jungle Domes)
Today, learn all about the local flora and fauna and visit a local family. Cross a part of the original Inca trail and head to Santa Teresa for ziplining and to relax in the Cocalmayo hot springs. Spend the night at our Lucmabamba campsite.
DAY 3: Lucmabamba | Llactapata – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes
Visit a local coffee farm before making your way up to Llactapata, from where you’ll catch your first glimpse of Machu Picchu. Afterward, you’ll make your way to Aguas Calientes from Hidroelectrica alongside the train tracks to spend the night in a hotel.
DAY 4: Aguas Calientes | Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
Wake up early to explore Machu Picchu before the big crowds arrive and enjoy a 2-hour guided tour. Spend more time by yourself before heading back to Aguas Calientes to catch a train to Ollantaytambo and private transportation back to Cusco.
Highlight of the day: The exhilarating feeling of biking from the mountain tops to the warm and gorgeous jungle.
Feel the Wind Rush Through Your Hair.
Your jungle adventure begins today when we collect you at 5:30 am from your accommodation. We’ll leave the imperial city of Cusco and head toward the Sacred Valley of the Incas, where we’ll enjoy a spot of breakfast.
Afterward, we’ll continue onto the Malaga Pass (4,350 m / 14,271 ft), the highest point of our trek, and from where we’ll begin our mountain biking. You’ll listen to a brief orientation before getting all your riding equipment. We’ll begin the 3-hour descent on our bikes over 55 km / 34.18 mi.
You’ll feel the wind rush past and watch as the landscape changes from the misty mountains to the beginning of the lush jungle. You’ll pass through small streams and enjoy the change in climate as it gets warmer the further down you get. Along the way, we’ll stop a few times to check the bikes and equipment until we reach Huamanmarca.</p>
From there, we’ll take transport to the town of Santa Maria at 1,200 m / 3,937 ft. We’ll have our lunch here and check into our lodge where we’ll spend the night.
In the afternoon, you’ll have the option to go rafting on the Vilcanota River on category III and III+ rapids. You’ll be safe as we’ll provide you with helmets, windbreakers, and category V lifejackets. Please note that this exciting activity is only available from April to December as the river rises during the wet season. You must be able to swim to participate under Peruvian law.
In the evening, we’ll return to the warm town of Santa Maria to enjoy a tasty dinner, rest in our comfortable rooms, and recover our energies for the next day on our adventure.
Highlight of the day: Relaxing after a long day of hiking and ziplining in the Cocalmayo hot springs in the most amazing setting.
Experience the Heat of the Jungle.
After a filling and tasty breakfast, we’ll walk for 45 minutes before heading uphill. On this part of the route, we’ll make several stops to learn a little more about the abundant flora and fauna in the area. We’ll also stop off at the home of a local family to understand their customs and traditions in this region of Cusco.
Later on, we’ll cross a section of the original Inca Trail that used to connect the sacred city of Machu Picchu to the last refuge of the Incas, Vilcabamba. Here, your guide will take the opportunity to teach you about the Inca’s history and their communication system, the Inca trails. You’ll also have the pleasure of taking in some of the most astounding views of the Huancarccasa canyon and see the majestic Salkantay Mountain in the distance.
Afterward, we’ll descend to Huacayupana to have a tasty lunch in a local house before we catch our transport to Santa Teresa. Here, you’ll enjoy another exciting activity as you zipline through the mountainous valley and thick forest. You’ll feel as though you’re flying over the river in a dreamland.
You’re in for another treat after unwinding in the Cocalmayo hot springs, just a 20-minute ride away. You’ll spend a while relaxing in the medicinal hot waters in the most enchanting setting you can imagine. When everyone’s ready, our private transport will take you another hour to our camp at Lucmabamba to spend the night in our Jungle Domes. You’ll enjoy some dinner and drift off to the sound of nature all around.
Highlight of the day: Visiting Llactapata and seeing Machu Picchu for the first time.
The Road to Aguas Calientes.
Just like every morning, you’ll be woken up with a tasty hot cup of coca tea served to you in your Jungle Dome. You’ll get ready for the day before enjoying your last delicious breakfast prepared by our excellent chef. We’ll begin our hike early today, and you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a small section of the original Inca trail, a highly acclaimed trek across the globe.
You’ll be able to explore the tropical forest for some time before we take a walk through an organic farm. This is an excellent place for the coffee-lovers, as the delicious aromas fill the air and you get the chance to try some freshly made coffee prepared by the locals. Coffee is the main form of farming in the area, and many farmers are passionate about their produce and the process that goes into making it. You’ll be able to learn how it’s made from start to finish.
Later, we’ll climb for 3 hours, accompanied by amazing views of the gorgeous Santa Teresa valley below. You’ll soon reach the great Inca site of Llactapata, which sits right across from Machu Picchu. This will be the first time you get a glimpse of the Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu. It’s a wonderful place to enjoy and spend time to learn a bit more about the land’s roots and history. You’ll also be able to spot Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain.
You’ll enjoy this site with your guide who’ll tell you all about the history of the Incas who used and worshipped this wonderful ancient land. There’ll be plenty of time to capture some excellent photos to capture and share your memories with friends and family back home.
After Llactapata, we’ll continue our hike for 1.5 hours downhill where we’ll see Machu Picchu with us all the way until we get to our lunch spot, Aobamba. Once we’ve eaten, we’ll continue to Hidroelectrica. From there, you can catch a train to Aguas Calientes if you’re very tired (additional cost of US$ 55.00); otherwise, we’ll continue walking for 3 hours beside the train tracks.
Along this part of the trail, we’ll visit Intihuatana, a famous rock that was used for ceremonial purposes in Inca times and, according to experts, worked together with the larger Intihuatana at Machu Picchu. All the way, we’ll be accompanied by the Urubamba River, rich forest, and chirping of a large variety of birds. If you’ve got a good eye, you’ll likely spot parrots, toucans, and the national bird of Peru, the cock of the rocks.
Once we arrive in Aguas Calientes, you’ll head to your hotel for a shower and relax. You’ll have some time to explore the town if you wish before dinner at a local restaurant. We’ll talk about the big day that lies ahead before you go to bed early to be up before the crack of dawn.
Note: During the rainy season, the hike up the Llactapata Trail isn’t 100% guaranteed due to safety concerns. When there are a lot of heavy rains, this trail becomes very dangerous.
Highlight of the day: Without a doubt, exploring the amazing Machu Picchu.
Tour the Incredible Inca Town: Machu Picchu.
Today is the biggest day of all and the grand finale of our trek. You’re finally going to visit one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Machu Picchu. We’ll be up bright and early after a refreshing night at the hotel to beat the large crowds at Machu Picchu and enjoy the serenity of the soft morning light as the sun rises and shines on the huge rocks.
The Machu Picchu entrance is open from 6:00 am onwards, and we like to be one of the first groups inside. We’ll board the bus from Aguas Calientes and enter the Lost City of the Incas. Here, you’ll enjoy an informative 2-hour guided tour of all the important sites and see temples, terraces, palaces, priest’s houses, the Intihuatana, the industrial sector, and the farming fields.
You’ll have around 5 hours in total before you need to head back down to Aguas Calientes. You’ll have a little time to grab some lunch in a restaurant of your choice before catching a train between 1:37 pm and 6:20 pm, depending on availability. When you get to Ollantaytambo, our private transport will be waiting to take you back to your accommodation in Cusco.
It’s time to put your feet up and rest for now, but we can assure you that your heart will be flying high in the Andes for weeks, months, and even years to come!
At Pacha Peru Explorers, we specify the included and non-included services under all the tour itineraries listed on our website. We take care of all the logistics, but please pay attention to the details to avoid missing anything. Some items may be different for specific programs, so please read carefully before booking with us.
Lodge in Santa Maria: The first night of this trek is spent in a lodge in Santa Maria with a double or triple room.
Acommodation in Private Campsites: Like our ancestors, we’re very considerate of the Pachamama (Mother Earth). For this reason, our campsites and lodges are adapted to the environment to avoid generating negative impacts. We’ll spend the second night in our private Campsite.
Confortable Hotel in Aguas Calientes: The last night of this trek is spent in a hotel in Aguas Calientes with a double or triple room, private bathroom, hot shower, wifi, breakfast, and luggage storage while you visit Machu Picchu.
3 Breakfast, 3 Lunches and 3 Dinners: Our chef prepares the best dishes in the middle of the mountain. Our passengers love our food! We respect all diets (vegetarian, vegan, or special menus are available at no extra cost), so let us know if you have any particular allergies or restrictions on your reservation form and remind your guide during the briefing. You’ll enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner, in addition to hot drinks and snacks.
Zipline / Canopy Ticket in Santa Teresa (Day 2).
Walking Sticks: Walking Sticks (with rubber tips) can be very useful on rough terrain and for ascending and descending. You can rent a set from our company if you’d like (US$ 20.00 per person).
Huayna Picchu Mountain: You can climb the famous mountain you always see in the photos behind the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. It’s 45 minutes uphill, and coming back down can be scary if you fear heights. You can take this excursion once your guided tour to Machu Picchu ends. The permit must be issued at least two to three months in advance due to high demand. Consider that there could be changes to protect your integrity, mainly due to weather conditions (US$80.00 per person).
Machu Picchu Mountain: Machu Picchu Mountain is another of the mountains that surround the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. It offers less steep, wider, and visually less frightening trails than Huayna Picchu, and it takes 1.5 hours to reach the top. This walk requires an entrance ticket which we can secure for you if we have time in advance (US$80.00 per person).
Breakfast (Day 1), Lunch (Day 4) and Dinner (Day 4).
Train from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes (Day 3): In case you feel exhausted or in bad condition after the trek from Chaullay to La Playa, you can take the train from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes (US$55.00 per person).
Personal Hiking Clothes and Gear.
Travel Insurance.
Tips for our staff: Tipping is the norm on any excursion to Machu Picchu. Although we pay good salaries to our entire team, something extra is always welcome, especially considering the hard work they do.
Additional Cost or Delays beyong our Control: Landslides, bad weather conditions, itinerary modifications due to a safety concern, illness, pandemia, government policy changes, political instability, strikes, act of God, etc.
Most people automatically assume that the weather is hot in South America, but because of the higher altitude in the Andes, the temperature can feel quite cold, especially at night. We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack, whichever is easiest for you to carry. A good size daypack is also essential.
List of things you must bring:
“The Classic Inca jungle Trail to Machu Picchu” can leave any day of the week, from January through December.
2025 Land Cost
Group Price: US$ 560.00 per person
Required Pre-payment: US$ 300.00 per person
Balance (Cusco): US$ 260.00 (Commonly paid in Cusco after the briefing).
This small-group journey is guaranteed to operate with just two guests.
Notice that PayPal, credit cards charge a 6% fee for the use of their secure payment gateway. This tax is just for online and card payments. You can also pay the remaining balance in cash (the briefing day) without charges.
Extras & Upgrades
There are complementary services and upgrades you can include in this trip.
Price Guarantee
Once your booking has been confirmed, we guarantee the Price won’t increase, whatever the circunstances. So please, before booking, ensure you’ve read all our important tour information.
Student Discount
US$20.00
Student discounts apply to anyone 17 years old or younger. To receive the discount, we require a copy or clear photo of the passport at the time of booking. It must be valid and not expire within the travel dates. Please send it to [email protected]
We want to make your trip to Peru as memorable and as carefree as possible. In this section, you’ll find the answers to all the questions you have about traveling with Pacha Peru Explorers in one place. Please read the following information carefully – it will help you with any questions about our services.
How Many Days do I need to Acclimate in Cusco Before the Trek?
It’s very important to be well acclimated to the altitude before exerting yourself on a trek. We recommend that you arrive in Cusco at least 2 or 3 days before the trek starts to help you adjust and avoid possible problems with altitude sickness while on the trek.
You might have already been in another area of Peru at a high altitude before arriving in Cusco. In that case, we still recommend you have a whole day in Cusco to rest, recover from your travel, and enjoy the sights and sounds of Cusco before departing for the trek.
Briefing or Informative Meeting
All information meetings and briefings are held in your Hotel in Cusco at 5:00 pm, one night before the tour begins. These meetings last approximately 30 to 45 minutes. If you’re unable to attend, you must coordinate another time by email, by phone or at the Pacha Peru Explorers office.
Trek Balance Payment (in Cusco)
If you still have a pending balance, you must pay it 2 days before your hike/tour. Otherwise, your trip reservation will not be confirmed.
If possible, it would be greatly appreciated if you could settle the remaining balance for the trek/tour in cash, either in US dollars or the local currency, at our office in Cusco. You can withdraw funds from various ATMs located along Avenida Sol, offering both US dollars and Peruvian Soles. Alternatively, you have the option to pay using a credit/debit card or PAYPAL, either online or in person, but please note that a 6% service charge will be applied by our payment gateway (Niubiz) and PAYPAL. We regret to inform you that we are unable to accept bank checks or traveler’s checks as forms of payment for the balance.
Can I Store my Luggage at your Office?
Of course! During the trip, your main luggage can be stored at our office (you can organize it with us on the briefing day or by email) or at your hotel, both free of charge.
Any equipment that you won’t need on the trek can be stored safely in your hotel. Nearly every hotel will provide this service. Don’t leave items of value with your bags; put them in the hotel safe and obtain an itemized receipt (in the unlikely case of theft, many insurance companies require that you have a copy of the receipt itemizing everything). It’s best to put items such as credit cards inside a sealed, signed envelope for extra peace of mind.
Pick up of Guest
Please Note:
Return to Cusco
Returning from Machu Picchu requires quite a bit of logistics, but don’t worry. Everything is included in your tour!<
Note: Your tour includes a One-Way Consettur Bus Ticket Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu, so you can choose to use it from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu or from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes. If you want a round-trip bus ticket, you’ll need to pay an extra of US$ 15.00.
Group Tours
Group tours are made up of different types of people, then physical conditions and ages can vary. By agreeing to be part of a group tour, you also accept that some people may be faster or slower than you. Therefore, each person can go at their own pace on the route.
It may be the case that a group wishes to modify the tour; however, the guide will be the one who decides, after consulting with all the participants, if such modifications are possible.
Strikes and Demontrations
Strikes and demonstrations are common in Peru, and this may interrupt some of our tours. Roads can be blocked, and train tracks can be taken over. However, we will try to keep your trip as originally planned, even if it means leaving the night before the scheduled date.
Under these circumstances, tours may also be canceled. In case of changes or cancellations, everything will be coordinated with you by our operations department. Your safety is our highest priority, and our decisions will be made to protect it.
Thank you for your interest in having and adventure travel experience in Peru curated by Pacha Peru Explorers. Please take a moment to complete our short form, so one our friendly Adventure Consultants could provide you all the information for your trip of a lifetime in Peru.
Our Pledge | Your privacy is respected and protected. the Pacha Peru Explorers Company will never share, sell, or make public any of your personal contact information to third parties.
Remember | One of our Travel Experts will contact you soon to confirm the availability of the trip you chose, give you more information, and/or provide you alternative options. Once availlability is established, we will ask for a deposit and a completed online registration to confirm your spot on the trek. Please call us at (+51) 950 705034 with any questions or to confirm availability over the phone.
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Inca Trail ( Classic ) 4D/3N Group tour
Experience the famous Inca Trail for 4 amazing days, and pass through the Sun Gate for that first magical sighting of Machu Picchu …
Price, From
$ 795.00
per person
Inca Trail ( Classic ) 4D/3N Group tour
Experience the famous Inca Trail for 4 amazing days, and pass through the Sun Gate for that first magical sighting of Machu Picchu …
Price, From
$ 795.00
per person
Inca Trail ( Classic ) 4D/3N Group tour
Experience the famous Inca Trail for 4 amazing days, and pass through the Sun Gate for that first magical sighting of Machu Picchu …
Price, From
$ 795.00
per person
Inca Trail ( Classic ) 4D/3N Group tour
Experience the famous Inca Trail for 4 amazing days, and pass through the Sun Gate for that first magical sighting of Machu Picchu …
Price, From
$ 795.00
per person
Inca Trail ( Classic ) 4D/3N Group tour
Experience the famous Inca Trail for 4 amazing days, and pass through the Sun Gate for that first magical sighting of Machu Picchu …
Price, From
$ 795.00
per person
Pacha Peru Explorers is a 100% peruvian, separates ourselves by our dedication to both our customer and our team. We work very hard to make sure that all our clients needs are taken care of throughout the tour with us. At the same time, we never forget about our brothers and sisters working tirelessly for us to make all of this possible. Responsible and sustainable tourism that gives as much to our community as to our clients.
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Let us arrange everything for you properly. Contact us, and one of our travel specialists will provide you with everything you need to make this an unforgettable experience.
