inca jungle trek 4 days

Day 1: From Cusco to Abra Malaga – Biking Adventure Begins

Your adventure begins with a pick-up from your hotel in Cusco, early in the morning. The journey starts with a scenic drive through the Sacred Valley, passing through traditional Andean villages and stunning landscapes. After a few hours, you’ll reach the Malaga Pass (Abra Malaga), which sits at an altitude of 4,350 meters (14,270 feet).

At this starting point, you’ll switch from the van to mountain bikes for a thrilling downhill ride. The biking part of the trek lasts for about 3 hours, as you descend through various ecological zones, from chilly mountains to the warm jungle. Along the way, you’ll get to experience the lush green scenery and stunning views.

What to Expect:

• A thrilling bike ride through changing landscapes.
• Descend from high mountains into the jungle.
• Lunch in the jungle.
• Optional zip-lining adventure for an extra adrenaline rush.

You’ll spend the night in a local lodge in the jungle town of Santa Maria, where you’ll get to relax and enjoy your surroundings.

Day 2: Trekking Through the Jungle to Santa Teresa

After a hearty breakfast, the adventure continues with a full day of trekking through the jungle. On this day, you’ll follow ancient Inca paths and learn about local plants, wildlife, and culture from your tour guide. The trek offers incredible views and a chance to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Peruvian jungle.

The trail leads through lush forests, crossing rivers and valleys, and offers a stunning perspective of the surrounding mountains. Keep an eye out for exotic birds and beautiful waterfalls along the way.

Highlights:

• Trek through the jungle, experiencing the rich biodiversity.
• Visit local coffee plantations and learn about traditional farming methods.
• Relax in the Cocalmayo Hot Springs, where you can soak in the warm waters and recharge your energy.

You’ll end the day in the town of Santa Teresa, where you can enjoy a well-deserved rest at a cozy accommodation.

Day 3: Zip-Lining and Trek to Aguas Calientes

Day 3 starts with an optional zip-lining activity over the lush jungle. It’s a cool experience for those seeking a bit of extra excitement. After zip-lining, the trek continues along the Vilcanota River toward the town of Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu.

For those who opt out of zip-lining, the trek continues through beautiful jungle landscapes. The path follows the train tracks toward Aguas Calientes, a route known for its incredible mountain views and unique flora and fauna.

What You’ll See:

• Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain as the backdrop to your trek.
• Experience walking through the jungle and into the mountains.
• Enjoy the company of your group, sharing stories and bonding over the experience.

Once you arrive at Aguas Calientes, you’ll check into your accommodation and have the evening free to explore the town or relax before your big day at Machu Picchu.

Day 4: Visit Machu Picchu – The Grand Finale

The highlight of the entire trek is your visit to Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. After an early breakfast, you’ll take a short bus ride or hike up to the citadel. Once you enter, your guided tour begins, as your guide takes you through the most important and breathtaking parts of the ancient city.

You’ll visit iconic places like the Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana, and the Temple of the Condor. If you’ve pre-booked the additional hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you’ll also get the chance to climb these steep mountains for incredible panoramic views of the entire site.

Key Experiences:

• Walk through the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
• Take stunning photos of the ruins and surrounding landscapes.
• Learn about the history and significance of Machu Picchu from your tour guide.

After your visit, you’ll return to Aguas Calientes, and from there, take the Vistadome train back to Cusco, where your adventure comes to an end.