- 4 Days & 3 Nigths
- Up to 12
From:
View Itinerary
INCA JUNGLE IMPERIAL 4 DAYS
The Imperial Jungle Adventure to Machu Picchu The Imperial Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu is the perfect trip for the adventure-lovers and thrill-seekers. This trail is like no other and includes lots of exciting activities to get your he…
Duration
4 Days & 3 Nigths
Group Size
Up to 12
Distance
21.7 mi / 35 km
Difficulty
Moderate
Departures
Daily departures
Ideal For
For Everyone
THE EXPERIENCE
INCA JUNGLE IMPERIAL 4 DAYS
ALTERNATIVE PERU TREKS · Cusco, Peru
The Imperial Jungle Adventure to Machu Picchu
The Imperial Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu is the perfect trip for the adventure-lovers and thrill-seekers. This trail is like no other and includes lots of exciting activities to get your heart pumping. Not only will you hike, but you will bike, enjoy rafting and even have the chance to ziplining, all through the most amazing landscapes for a real adventure.
Through the beautiful Andes and gorgeous green jungle, you’ll pass through farmer’s fields, see the Maras Salt Mines, observe unique flora and fauna, and visit Inca archaeological sites until you get to the small town of Aguas Calientes, which sits at the base of Machu Picchu. On the final day, you’ll enter the UNESCO World Heritage Site and explore this astounding Inca citadel. Let yourself be swept away into the historical magical land and unravel the mystical secrets of the Incas. Can you defeat the challenge?
Itinerary
Day-by-day information for this experience.
Day 01: Cusco | Cruzpata (Biking) - Maras Salt Mines - Santa Maria (Rafting)
Feel the Wind Rush Through Your Hair
We’ll begin your exciting adventure bright and early when we collect you from your accommodation at 6:00 am. We’ll drive for 45 minutes to Cruzpata, where you’ll start mountain biking through the stunning Andes. You’ll pass potato, quinoa, and wheat fields while you take in your surroundings. You’ll also stop in the small village of Maras and explore the Salt Mines that’s a truly unique sight
You’ll head further down into the Sacred Valley and enjoy spectacular views of the land that was once so important to the Inca civilization. You can spot glaciers in the distance that watch over the towns and villages below. From the valley, you’ll take our private transport for three and half hours to Santa Maria (3,937 ft / 1,200 m), where you’ll enjoy lunch. This is also where you’ll spend the night.
This afternoon, you’ll be heading to the Vilcanota River for some exciting rafting on category III and III+ rapids. You’ll be kept very safe by our experienced team and receive all the necessary equipment, including helmets, windbreakers, and category V lifejackets. You should note that this thrilling adventure is only available between April and December because heavy rains cause the river to rise the rest of the year. Peruvian law also states that you must be able to swim to participate.
In the evening, we’ll head back to Santa Maria to enjoy a well-deserved dinner and rest in our comfortable rooms in the warm climate.
DAY FACTS
- MEALS: Lunch, and Dinner
- ACCOMMODATION: Lodge
- DIFFICULTY: Moderate
- BIKING DISTANCE: 6.96 mi / 11.2km
- BIKING TIME: 40 min
- RAFTING DISTANCE: 5.59 mi / 9 km
- RAFTING TIME: 1 hour approx.
- RAFTING LEVEL: III & III+
- STARTING ELEVATION: 11,680 ft / 3,560 m
- MINIMUM ELEVATION: 3,937 ft / 1,200 m
- HIGHEST ELEVATION: 11,680 ft / 3,560 m
- ACCOMMODATION ELEVATION: 3,937 ft / 1,200 m
Day 02: Santa Maria | Santa Teresa (Zip-line) - Cocalmayo Hot Springs - Lucmabamba (Super Jungle Domes)
Things Warm-Up as You Enter the Jungle
After a nutritious breakfast, we will ascend for 45 minutes on the trail. Along the way, we will appreciate the wildlife and plants before visiting the home of a local family. There, you will learn about the typical customs and traditions of the region. Later, we will hike part of the original Inca Trail that connected Machu Picchu to Vilcabamba, the last refuge of the Incas. During this stretch, your guide will explain the history and you will understand how their communication system worked on the trails
Then, we will descend to Huacayupana, before boarding private transportation to Santa Teresa for lunch at a local house. There, we will have another exciting activity waiting for you, as you zip-line through the lush jungle valley (optional). You will feel as if you are a bird flying through the thick canopy.
Next, we will travel for 20 minutes to the hot springs of Cocalmayo, located in the middle of a picturesque landscape. Here, you can take a bath and relax your muscles. Later, we will take our transportation to Lucmabamba, where our campsite is located. In the evening, we will enjoy a tasty dinner before resting surrounded by the wonderful sounds of nature in our Super Jungle Domes.
DAY FACTS
- MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner » ACCOMMODATION: Super Jungle Domes » DIFFICULTY: Moderate » WALKING DISTANCE: 4.35 mi / 7 km » WALKING TIME: 4 hours » MINIMUM ELEVATION: 4,626 ft / 1,410 m » HIGHEST ELEVATION: 6,562 ft / 2,000 m » CAMPSITE ELEVATION: 6,562 ft / 2,000 m
Day 03: Lucmabamba | Llactapata - Hidroelectrica - Aguas Calientes
The Trail to Aguas Calientes
Get up early today so we can head out to explore the jungle and tour a local coffee farm. There, you’ll learn all about the process and taste some fresh coffee made by the farmers. Then, we’ll make our way to the fascinating archaeological site of Llactapata, where you’ll learn all about the site from your guide and get your first view of Machu Picchu. You’ll have lots of time to walk around and capture some great photos. After, we’ll go to Aobamba for lunch.
In the afternoon, we’ll go to Hidroelectirca before we hike to Aguas Calientes. If you’re very tired by this point, you can opt to take a train at an extra cost (US$ 37.00). The walk takes around 3 hours beside the railway and the Urubamba River through the jungle. Along the way, you’ll stop at the Intihuatana and learn about its importance to the Incas. Once in Aguas Calientes, you can put your feet up in your hotel or explore the small town before enjoying a tasty dinner in a local restaurant. Make sure you go to bed early to be up before the sun.
DAY FACTS
- MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- ACCOMMODATION: Hotel
- DIFFICULTY: Challenging
- WALKING DISTANCE: 15.53 mi / 25 km
- WALKING TIME: 9 hours
- MINIMUM ELEVATION: 5,906 ft / 1,800 m
- HIGHEST ELEVATION: 9,186 ft / 2,800 m
- ACCOMMODATION ELEVATION: 6,693 ft / 2,040 m
Day 04: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco
Explore the Incredible Inca Town: Machu Picchu
The long-awaited day is finally here as you’ll finally be visiting one of the New Seven Wonders and World Heritage Site, Machu Picchu. We’ll need to wake up before sunrise after a good night’s rest to reach the archaeological site before the big crowds and enjoy the peacefulness of this ancient site as the rising sun shines its early morning light on the huge rocks.
The entrance to Machu Picchu opens at 6:00 a.m., and we want to make sure we are the first to enter. From Aguas Calientes, we´ll take the bus to the lost city. Once inside, your guide will give you a two-hour tour of the most important parts of Machu Picchu. Afterwards, you´ll have time to climb Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu, if you booked your tickets in advance.
Then, it’ll be time to make your way back down to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have time to grab a bite to eat before you catch your train to Ollantaytambo. We try to book tickets between 1:37 pm and 6:20 pm, depending on availability. Once in Ollantaytambo, you’ll be transported back to your accommodation in Cusco by our private transport.
Now it’s time to kick back and relax in your hotel. We’re sure your heart will be soaring in the Andes for a long time to come yet!
DAY FACTS
- MEALS: Breakfast
- DIFFICULTY: Easy
- BUS DISTANCE: 5.6 mi / 9 km
- ACTIVITY DURATION: 2-5 hours exploring
- MACHU PICCHU CITADEL ELEVATION: 7,972 ft / 2,430 m
- OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES: Moderate to Challenging (2-4 hours)
- MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN ELEVATION: 9,843 ft / 3,000 m
- HUAYNA PICCHU MOUNTAIN ELEVATION: 8,924 ft / 2,720 m
- MINIMUM ALTITUDE: 6,693 ft / 2,040 m
- MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: 9,160 ft / 2,792 m
Inclusions
Services included and excluded from the trip.
What Is Included?
Permits & Entrance Tickets
Rafting Ticket in Santa Maria (Day 1)
Zipline/Canopy in Santa Teresa (Day 2)
Entrance Ticket for Cocalmayo Hot Springs (Day 2)
Machu Picchu Circuit 2 offers the most complete and popular route through the citadel, making it the most requested. Although included in this experience, availability is limited, so we strongly recommend booking at least three months in advance.
If Circuit 2 is unavailable, we will arrange Circuit 3-B, which explores the lower area of the citadel, including the urban sector and key ceremonial sites. If this is also sold out, Circuit 1-B will be arranged, covering mainly the upper panoramic area with the iconic postcard viewpoint.
High Quality Service & Safety
Pre-departure Briefing
You’ll meet your trekking guide and group in our office for an orientation before your trek. There, we’ll provide you with the duffle bags, which our team will carry. The meeting will be at 5:00 pm the evening before the trip begins.
Experienced Tour Guide
English and spanish speaking official tour guide. All our guides are graduates of the professional career of Tourism of the National University San Antonio Abad of Cusco. We choose them for their professionalism, experience, responsibility, seriousness, unbridled passion for exploring, and sincere desire to proudly share in our culture and history. He or she will keep you safe, sound, and comfortable on your trek so that you can enjoy your time worry-free!
Professional Bicycles
Bike with front suspension, gloves, and helmet.
One Duffle Bag
On the trek, you can carry your personal belongings up to a maximum weight of 7 kg / 15.4 lb (this weight includes your sleeping bag).
Sleeping Bag
Security Transport during the Biking Activity
Medical Kit or First AID Kit
All Salkantay Trekking guides have received specialized training in first aid. We hold mandatory training sessions with our guides every February. Your guide will always carry a first aid kit to face basic emergencies (altitude sickness, travelers’ diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.) as well as oxygen. If necessary, we’ll evacuate you from the path as quickly as possible and ensure that you arrive at a clinic for treatment.
24/7 Customer Service
We have telephone service available 24 hours/day for ease of communication with Salkantay Trekking leading up to your trek.
Accommodation
Lodge in Santa Maria
The first night of this trek is spent in a lodge in Santa Maria with a double or triple room.
Accommodation in Private Campsites
1 night in our Private Super Jungle Domes Campsite.
3-star 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.
Meals
3 Breakfasts, 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.
Water on the trail
We’ll provide you boiled, filtered, and cooled water during your trip, from your first lunch to your last breakfast. For this, you need to bring a camel bag or an empty bottle (we recommend a capacity of 2 liters).
Tea Time or Happy Hour
Every afternoon before dinner, the cooks will provide you popcorn, biscuits/cookies, coffee, hot chocolate, teas, hot water, etc. After a long day of hiking, you won’t have to wait until dinner to relax, warm-up, and enjoy a bite to eat!
Snacks on the trail daily
Before starting the trip, your tour guide will provide you a cloth bag with local fruits, cookies, chocolate, caramels, etc. Every morning, we’ll refill it so that you can enjoy your snacks during the walk.
One cloth snack bag per person
To avoid the usage of plastic bags that contaminate our environment, we’ll give you a cloth bag for your snacks. » Transportation
Transport
Day 1: You will be picked up from your hotel in the morning and will travel by private transportation to Cruzpata, the starting point of the biking.
Day 1: Transport to Santa Maria.
Day 2: Transport to Santa Teresa and Lucmabamba.
Day 4: Transport from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco.
Vistadome Train Ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Day 4)
Round-trip Bus Transport Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu (Day 4)
Personal Belongings Transportation
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
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 one month in advance due to high demand. Consider that there could be changes to protect your integrity, mainly due to weather conditions.
- The ticket for Huayna Picchu Mountain has an extra cost of US$ 60.00 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.
- The ticket for Machu Picchu Mountain has an extra cost of US$ 60.00 per person.
Lunch in Aguas Calientes and Dinner in Cusco (Day 4)
Breakfast (Day 1)
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$ 41.00 per person
Personal Hiking Clothing 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 costs or delays beyond 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.
Before You Go
Practical information to help you prepare for the journey.
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 Salkantay Trekking in one place. Please read the following information carefully – it will help you with any questions about our services. Have another question that we haven’t answered here? Drop us a line and we will get back to you asap!
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.
Here some suggestions for activities to do in the Cusco vicinity before starting your adventure trek:
- City Tour
- Sacred Valley
- Maras Moray
Briefing or Informative Meeting
All information meetings and briefings are held in our main office in Cusco (or your hotel) 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 Salkantay Trekking 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 5% 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.
Duffel Bag or Canvas Case
You’ll receive a canvas case or duffel bag during your briefing. Our staff will carry and hand them to you when you get to each camp. They measure 60 x 24 x 22 cm (23.6 x 9.45 x 8.66 in).
A maximum of 7 kg / 15.4 lb is allowed for each duffel bag, including the weight of your sleeping bag, sleeping mat, clothes, and other personal items.
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 guests
Salkantay Trekking can pick you up from your hotel, as long as it’s in the Historical Center of Cusco. Your guide will coordinate the pickup time in the briefing session, but please keep in mind that the time may vary between 30 and 45 minutes due to traffic.
Cusco is an old city, meaning it has many narrow cobbled streets. Some hotels and Airbnbs may be located on streets without access to cars or on long, steep slopes, making it difficult to transport luggage. We strongly recommend that you book accommodation with good access.
Return to Cusco
Returning from Machu Picchu requires quite a bit of logistics, but don’t worry. Everything is included in your tour!
- In Machu Picchu, you’ll board a bus that’ll take you for 25 minutes to the small city of Aguas Calientes. The buses are boarded according to arrival.
- In Aguas Calientes, you’ll board a train to Ollantaytambo. Your guide will give you the train tickets where the boarding time will be shown. Make sure you’re on the platform 30 minutes early. The train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo takes 1:45 hours.
- Once you arrive at the station, our representative, identified with the Salkantay Trekking clothing, will be waiting to transfer you to Cusco or directly to your hotel. The trip from Ollantaytambo to Cusco takes 1:30 hours.
- In Cusco, depending on your hotel’s location, we’ll take you to a smaller car from our company (Hyundai H1) to transfer you faster to your hotel.
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$ 12.00.
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 demonstrations
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.
Lost objects
Please pay attention to where you leave your things and remember to take everything once you leave our transport, tents or restaurants. You’re the only one responsible for your objects during the tour.
Packing List
Recommended items for a comfortable and well-prepared trip.
- Valid Passport
- Extra money (recommended soles)
- Personal medication
- Water bottle or CamelBak – (optional water purifying pills)aa
- Sunblock: factor 70 or more
- Insect repellent
- Personal Care Products
- Hiking boots or shoes (preferably waterproof)
- Light footwear or sandals
- Trekking pants (*)
- Trekking socks
- Shorts
- Long sleeve t-shirts
- Warm jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- Raincoat or rain poncho
- Sun hat to protect neck and face
- Neck gaiter or buff
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Trekking poles
- Medium trekking backpack (15 - 25 liter)
- Camera and charger
- Power bank
- Snacks: Energy bars, chocolate, candies, dried fruits, etc.
- Bathing suit
- Towel
- Flashlight
Pricing
Rates and important commercial information for this tour.
Starting From
US$ 695
per person
Frequently Asked Questions
General travel information for Inja Expeditions guests.
Booking with Inja Expeditions is simple. First, choose the tour or trekking experience you are interested in and send us your travel details, preferred date and number of passengers. Our team will confirm availability and provide the corresponding booking instructions. Once the required deposit or payment has been received, we will send you a confirmation with the details of your reservation. We recommend checking all passenger information carefully after receiving your confirmation.
For multi-day treks, the briefing allows you to meet your guide and review the most important details before departure. We will explain the itinerary, weather conditions, recommended equipment, pickup time, luggage arrangements and any specific considerations for your route. It is also a good opportunity to ask last-minute questions and make sure you are fully prepared for the experience.
For selected multi-day programs, luggage storage can be coordinated before departure. Travelers normally take only the items required for the trek and leave their main luggage securely stored until they return. Please confirm this service with our team before your departure, as arrangements may vary depending on the itinerary.
Water arrangements depend on the specific itinerary. For many multi-day treks, travelers should begin the first day with their own drinking water and additional safe water is provided or made available during the route. Your trip briefing will explain exactly how water is managed on your chosen trek. We strongly recommend carrying a reusable water bottle or hydration system.
Yes. We recommend carrying some Peruvian soles in cash, especially on trekking routes and in remote areas where cards may not be accepted. You may need cash for snacks, drinks, optional activities, local services, hot springs, tips or unexpected transportation. The amount you need will depend on the length and type of your trip.
Tips are completely optional and should reflect your satisfaction with the service you receive. If you feel your guide, cook, muleteers or support team provided excellent service, a gratuity is always appreciated. There is no mandatory amount, and our team can provide general guidance during the pre-trip briefing if you wish.
Group size depends on the tour, season and number of confirmed travelers. Inja Expeditions aims to keep groups comfortable so guides can provide personal attention and travelers can enjoy the experience without feeling part of an excessively large group. The expected group size can be confirmed before you book.
For trekking programs, you should carry a small daypack with the personal items you need during the day, such as water, sunscreen, rain protection, a warm layer, camera and snacks. Depending on the trek, Inja Expeditions may also provide or coordinate a duffel bag for additional belongings transported by the support team. Weight limits vary by route and will be explained before departure.
Electricity and internet access vary considerably between routes and campsites. Some accommodations or camps may offer charging points and limited Wi-Fi, sometimes for an additional fee, while remote sections may have no connectivity at all. We recommend bringing a fully charged power bank and downloading any important information before leaving Cusco.
A group tour allows you to share the experience with other travelers who have booked the same departure, making it a social and generally more economical option. A private tour is reserved exclusively for you and your companions, allowing greater flexibility with pace, attention from the guide and certain logistical details. Private tours are especially suitable for couples, families and groups of friends looking for a more personalized experience.
Bathroom and shower facilities depend on the route and the type of accommodation used each night. Some campsites provide basic bathroom facilities, while certain locations may offer hot showers for an additional local fee. On routes that include a hotel night, standard bathroom and shower facilities will normally be available. Please review your specific itinerary for exact details.
On certain trekking routes, especially Salkantay and Ausangate, horses may be available for assistance on specific sections of the trail. Availability depends on location, weather and local operators, so this service cannot always be guaranteed at every point of the trek. If you are concerned about your fitness or altitude, please let us know before departure so we can explain the available options.
Why you'll love it
Tour Highlights
Enjoy an array of exciting activities, including hiking, biking, rafting, and ziplining.
Witness the beauty of the rural Andes as you bike through the corn, quinoa, and potato fields.
Look out over the impressive Maras Salt Mines in the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Face the raging rapids of the Vilcanota River.
Fly through the jungle as you zipline among the canopy and beautiful wildlife.
Learn about the interesting history of the Incas and observe their impressive structures.
Explore the magical, mystical Machu Picchu.
KEEP EXPLORING
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