- 4 Days & 3 Nigths
- Up to 12
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THE CLASSIC INCA JUNGLE 4 DAYS
The Exhilarating Jungle Adventure to Machu Picchu The Classic Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu is the perfect excursion for those passionate about exciting activities and thrills. Not only will you be hiking, but you’ll also be biking, raf…
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
THE CLASSIC INCA JUNGLE 4 DAYS
ALTERNATIVE PERU TREKS · Cusco, Peru
The Exhilarating Jungle Adventure to Machu Picchu
The Classic Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu is the perfect excursion for those passionate about exciting activities and thrills. Not only will you be hiking, but you’ll also be biking, rafting, and even ziplining! We think you’ll agree it’s quite an adventure.
You’ll pass by Inca archaeological sites through stunning landscapes and the luscious jungle until you reach the small town of Aguas Calientes at the base of Machu Picchu. On your last day, you’ll enter the great Inca citadel, one of the World’s New Seven Wonders. 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?
Itinerary
Day-by-day information for this experience.
Day 01: Cusco | Malaga Pass - Huamanmarca - Santa Maria (Biking, Rafting)
Feel the Wind Rush Through Your Hair
You will leave Cusco at 5:30 a.m. to begin your adventure. We will enjoy breakfast in the Sacred Valley before continuing on to the Malaga pass, where we will begin our downhill biking experience. You will love to feel the wind in your hair and see how everything changes from misty mountains to the lush jungle. You will also notice that the weather gets much warmer as you descend. We will cycle to Humanmarca, and from there, we will board private transportation to Santa Maria for lunch.
In the afternoon, you will raft the rapids of the Vilcanota River (only between April and December). You will receive all the necessary safety equipment that will allow you to enjoy this exciting adventure. In the evening, we will return to Santa Maria for a great dinner before heading to our lodge, where we will get some rest and recover our energy for tomorrow.
DAY FACTS
- MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- ACCOMMODATION: Lodge
- DIFFICULTY: Moderate
- BIKING DISTANCE: 55 km / 34.18 mi
- BIKING TIME: 3 hours approx.
- RAFTING DISTANCE: 9 km / 5.59 mi
- RAFTING TIME: 1 hour approx.
- RAFTING CATEGORY: III & III+
- STARTING ELEVATION: 4,350 m / 14,272 ft
- MINIMUM ELEVATION: 1,200 m / 3,937 ft
- HIGHEST ELEVATION: 4,350 m / 14,272 ft
- ACCOMMODATION ELEVATION: 1,200 m / 3,937 ft
Day 02: Santa Maria | Santa Teresa - Cocalmayo Hot Springs - Lucmabamba Camp (Super Jungle Domes)
Experience the Heat of the Jungle
This morning, you’ll wander through the jungle and learn about the flora and fauna of the region. You’ll also spend time in a local family’s house to learn their customs and traditions. Next, you’ll cross a part of the Inca trail and learn about this ancient culture and history. You’ll also enjoy stunning views before heading to our lunch spot.
In the afternoon, you’ll head to Santa Teresa, where you’ll have the option to enjoy some thrilling ziplining before heading to the Cocalmayo hot springs to relax and rest your muscles in the most beautiful setting. Afterward, we’ll take you to our Super Jungle Domes at Lucmabamba to spend the night with Mother Nature’s sounds.
DAY FACTS
- MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- ACCOMMODATION: Super Jungle Domes
- DIFFICULTY: Moderate
- WALKING DISTANCE: 7 km / 4.3 mi
- WALKING TIME: 4 hours
- MINIMUM ELEVATION: 1,200 m / 3,937 ft
- HIGHEST ELEVATION: 2,000 m / 6,562 ft
- CAMPSITE ELEVATION: 2,000 m / 6,562 ft
Day 03: Lucmabamba | Llactapata - Hidroelectrica - Aguas Calientes
The Road to Aguas Calientes
Wake up early to explore the jungle and visit a coffee farm. Here, you’ll learn all about the process and try some fresh coffee made by the locals. After, we’ll head up to the amazing Inca archaeological site of Llactapata, where your guide will tell you all about the place as you catch your first glimpse of Machu Picchu in the distance. You’ll have plenty of time to explore and take some stunning photos. Next, we’ll head down to our lunch spot in Aobamba.
After lunch, we’ll head to Hidroelectrica before making our way to Aguas Calientes. You can opt to take the train at an additional cost of US$ 37.00, or you can enjoy the pretty 3-hour walk beside the train tracks with the Urubamba River as a company. On route, you’ll visit the Intihuatana and learn all about what this important rock meant to the Incas. In Aguas Calientes, you’ll be able to rest in your hotel or explore the town before enjoying a delicious dinner in a local restaurant. Head to bed early as you’ll be up before sunrise.
DAY FACTS
- MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
- ACCOMMODATION: Hotel
- DIFFICULTY: Challenging
- WALKING DISTANCE: 25 km / 15.53 mi
- WALKING TIME: 8 - 9 hours
- MINIMUM ELEVATION: 1,800 m / 5,906 ft
- HIGHEST ELEVATION: 2,800 m / 9,186 ft
- ACCOMMODATION ELEVATION: 2,040 m / 6,693 ft
Day 04: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Ollantaytambo - Cusco
Tour the Incredible Inca Town: Machu Picchu
Wake up before dawn to go up by bus to the mythical Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. We´ll enter at 6:00 a.m. as one of the first groups to arrive to enjoy the site as the sun rises and shines on the enormous rocks. You´ll enjoy an approximately two-hour guided tour of the archaeological site and visit the most important areas before climbing one of the additional mountains (if you booked your tickets in advance) for a spectacular view of Machu Picchu.
Around midday, it’ll be time to make your way back to Aguas Calientes for a bit of lunch before catching your train to Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. From there, our private transport will take you back to your accommodation in Cusco, and you’ll finally be able to put your feet up and rest.
DAY FACTS
- MEALS: Breakfast
- DIFFICULTY: Easy
- ACTIVITY DURATION: 2-5 hours exploring
- MACHU PICCHU CITADEL ELEVATION: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
- OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES: Moderate to Challenging (2-4 hours)
- MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN ELEVATION: 3,000 m / 9,843 ft
- HUAYNA PICCHU MOUNTAIN ELEVATION: 2,720 m / 8,924 ft
- MINIMUM ALTITUDE: 2,040 m / 6,693 ft
- MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: 2,430 m / 7,972 ft
Inclusions
Services included and excluded from the trip.
What Is Included?
Permits & Entrance Tickets
Rafting Ticket in Santa Maria (Day 1)
Entrance Ticket for Cocalmayo Hot Springs
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).
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.
Exclusive Campsite
1 night in our Private Super Jungle Domes Campsite.
Comfortable 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
4 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.
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 Malaga Pass, the starting point of the biking.
- Day 2: Transport from Huacayupana to Santa Teresa.
- Day 4: Transport from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco.
One-Way Consettur Bus Ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (Day 4)
Train Ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Day 4)
Personal Belongings Transportation
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
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 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)
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$ 595
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 hiking plus biking, rafting, and ziplining on this complete adventure trek.
Cruise down the mountain on bikes and see the most amazing views all around.
Witness the drastic change from the cold mountain tops to the edge of the jungle.
Rush down the river on a raft.
Optionally, soar through the jungle on a zipline surrounded by luscious foliage.
Learn all about the fascinating history of the Incas.
Explore the incredible Machu Picchu.
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