INCA JUNGLE TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 4D/3N
Duration:
4D/3N
Difficulty:
Moderate
Availability:
All year round
Departures:
Daily
Service Type:
Private
Max Altitude:
14,108 ft
The 4D/3N Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu is an exciting adventure that combines biking, trekking, ziplining, and rafting as you journey through the landscapes of the Andes and the lush high jungle. Along the way, you will enjoy impressive views, nature, small local communities, and different ecosystems before reaching Machu Picchu.
ITINERARY
DAY 1: CUSCO – ABRA MÁLAGA – BIKING DESCENT – SANTA MARÍA
We will begin our adventure at 6:00 a.m. with pickup from your hotel in Cusco. We will travel for approximately 4 hours by vehicle to the Carrizales or San Luis area, where we will begin our biking descent. Along the way, we will pass through the impressive Abra Málaga, located at 4,300 m / 14,108 ft, where we will make a brief stop to enjoy the views and take some photos before continuing to the starting point of our biking activity.
Once we arrive at the starting point of the biking activity, our guide will provide a safety briefing and the necessary equipment before we begin the descent. We will begin a biking descent of approximately 3 hours until we reach Santa María, located at 1,200 m / 3,937 ft. During the journey, we will pass through different landscapes and ecological zones, transitioning from the Andean highlands to the lush vegetation of the high jungle. Upon arriving in Santa María, we will enjoy a delicious lunch prepared with local products.
In the afternoon, you will have the option to participate in a rafting activity on the Vilcanota River, included in the program, which lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes and involves Class III and IV rapids, depending on the river level and weather conditions. Before starting, your guide will provide a safety briefing and the necessary equipment, including a helmet, life jacket, and paddle. The activity will be led by professional guides and is not recommended for people with heart conditions, significant injuries, physical limitations, or limited confidence in the water. After the activity, we will return to Santa María to enjoy dinner and spend the night.
Accommodation: Hostel in Santa María.
Biking time: approximately 3 hours.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Meals included: Lunch and dinner.
DAY 2: SANTA MARÍA – HIKE – SANTA TERESA
After breakfast, we will begin our hike at 6:30 a.m. toward the town of Santa Teresa. We will hike for approximately 4 hours until reaching Quellomayo, passing through high-jungle trails and a section of the Inca Trail. Along the way, we will see coffee, cacao, coca leaf, banana, yucca, and different tropical fruit plantations. We will also make a brief stop at a local family home to learn more about the lifestyle of the people in the region.
Around midday, we will arrive in Quellomayo, located at 1,657 m / 5,436 ft, where we will enjoy lunch prepared with local products. After lunch, we will continue our hike for approximately 3 hours until reaching Santa Teresa, located at 1,500 m / 4,921 ft, where we will spend the night.
Optionally, in the afternoon, you can visit the Cocalmayo hot springs, located just a few minutes from Santa Teresa. It is an excellent option to relax after the hike. Entrance and transportation have an additional cost.
Accommodation: Hostel in Santa Teresa.
Hiking time: approximately 7 hours.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
DAY 3: SANTA TERESA – HIDROELÉCTRICA – AGUAS CALIENTES
At 7:00 a.m., after breakfast, you will have the option to participate in a zipline activity, included in the program. Before starting, your guide will provide a safety briefing and the necessary equipment. The activity will be supervised by professional staff throughout the experience. If you do not wish to participate, you can rest at the accommodation while the activity takes place. The zipline is not recommended for people with heart conditions, significant injuries, physical limitations, or a strong fear of heights.
Then, we will travel for approximately 40 minutes in our vehicle from Santa Teresa to the area known as Santa Teresa La Vieja. From this point, we will begin our approximately 2-hour-and-30-minute hike toward Hidroeléctrica. During the hike, we will pass through trails surrounded by tropical vegetation and agricultural areas, where we can observe coffee and coca leaf plantations and different fruits such as bananas, oranges, avocados, and mangoes. We will also be able to see small waterfalls, streams, and cloud-forest landscapes and, depending on weather conditions, we may catch our first distant views of Machu Picchu Mountain.
Finally, we will arrive at Hidroeléctrica, located at 1,800 m / 5,906 ft, where we will enjoy our lunch. After lunch, we will walk for approximately 3 hours along the railway toward Aguas Calientes, located at 2,040 m / 6,693 ft. Upon arrival, we will check into the hotel, where we will spend the night. In the evening, we will enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Hiking time: approximately 5.5 hours.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
DAY 4: AGUAS CALIENTES - MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO
At 5:00 a.m., after breakfast at your hotel, we will begin our approximately 2-hour uphill hike to Machu Picchu, located at 2,430 m / 7,972 ft. Upon entering the citadel, you will enjoy a guided tour of approximately 2 hours. Then, you will have free time to explore on your own and, if you have booked an additional entrance such as Huayna Picchu, our guide will indicate the entrance and provide you with the necessary recommendations to climb on your own.
Then, we will walk back to Aguas Calientes along the same route. There, you will have free time to have lunch or explore the town on your own.
In the afternoon, you will board the Expedition train back to Ollantaytambo, with departures at 2:55 p.m. or 3:20 p.m. However, the departure time may vary depending on train availability at the time you book your trip with us. Upon arrival at the Ollantaytambo train station, our driver will be waiting for you at the exit. From there, we will continue to Cusco in our private vehicle, arriving at your hotel at approximately 7:30 p.m.
Hiking time: approximately 4 hours.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Meals included: Breakfast at your hotel.
***We always prioritize Circuit 2 when booking your entrance to Machu Picchu. However, availability depends on the date of your reservation. If Circuit 2 is not available at the time of booking, we will reserve another available circuit, such as Circuit 1 or Circuit 3. We recommend booking in advance.
***The return Expedition Train schedule is subject to availability and will depend on how far in advance you book the trip with us.
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
INCLUDED:
- Hotel pickup in Cusco.
- Tourist transportation.
- Biking Equipment.
- Vilcanota River rafting equipment.
- Zipline equipment.
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
- Expedition train to Ollantaytambo.
- English-and Spanish-speaking guide.
- 2 nights in hostels and 1 night in a hotel.
- 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners.
- Transfer back to Cusco.
- First-aid kit and emergency oxygen.
- All applicable taxes.
NOT INCLUDED:
- Walking poles: US$20 per pair, entire trek.
- Huayna Picchu entrance: US$75 (optional).
- Hidroeléctrica Train – Optional.
- Bus to Machu Picchu – Optional.
- Optional entrance to Cocalmayo Hot Springs.
- Day 1 breakfast.
- Lunch and dinner on Day 4.
- Extra expenses.
- Tips for staff (optional).
PRIVATE SERVICE
This tour is offered exclusively as a private service, allowing you to enjoy the journey with your group and have greater flexibility throughout the trip. You can enjoy the activities at your own pace and receive personalized attention from our team throughout the journey.
PRICES & AVAILABILITY
The tour is available every day of the year. Prices are listed in US dollars (USD) per person and vary depending on the number of travelers in your private group. Availability is subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
2 – 3 PEOPLE: US$820 PER PERSON
4 – 5 PEOPLE: US$686 PER PERSON
6 + PEOPLE: US$645 PER PERSON
WHY CHOOSE CALLANGA FAMILY EXPLORERS?
Because behind every journey is a family, a story, and a deep love for Peru. Callanga Family Explorers is a local, family-owned travel company from Cusco, Peru, born from a lifelong connection to the people, landscapes, culture, and communities of our region. Our roots go back to Callanga, a remote community in Cusco where our founder was born and raised, learn more about our story.
We believe traveling through Peru should be about more than visiting extraordinary places. It should be about meeting its people, discovering its culture, appreciating its landscapes, and creating memories that have meaning.
When you travel with us, you are not simply booking a tour. You are choosing to travel with a local family that is proud of its roots and committed to sharing the authentic spirit of Peru with you. We combine personalized service, professional experience, and carefully designed journeys with a genuine commitment to responsible tourism.
OUR PROFESSIONAL TOUR GUIDES
Our professional tour guides have extensive experience and knowledge. They will accompany you throughout your journey, sharing valuable insights into history, culture, nature, and local traditions while ensuring you enjoy a safe, comfortable, and memorable experience.
OUR COMMUNITY & ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS
We believe tourism can leave something positive behind. That is why part of the revenue from our tours supports community and environmental initiatives, including education support for children, environmental clean-up campaigns, reforestation, and projects that help care for the communities and landscapes of Cusco.
For us, responsible tourism is not simply something we talk about. It is something we put into action, year after year. Discover our social and environmental projects.
Every time you choose to travel with Callanga Family Explorers, you become part of that story. Your journey supports a local family business while also contributing to initiatives that give back to communities and help protect the natural and cultural heritage of Peru.
Travel with us, discover Peru, and be part of something meaningful.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please take a moment to review the information below, as it provides helpful details about our services and answers many common questions.
BRIEFING IN CUSCO
One day before starting the Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu, you will have a short briefing at your hotel in Cusco at 6:00 p.m. During this meeting, your guide will explain the itinerary, schedules, and all the important details about the trek. You will also have the opportunity to ask any questions and receive recommendations to help you enjoy the experience. If you have any outstanding balance for your reservation, you may also take this opportunity to make the payment.
PAYMENT METHODS
To confirm your reservation, we offer two secure payment methods. A 40% deposit of the total trek cost is required to secure your reservation.
Credit & Debit Card: You can pay with any credit or debit card. We will send you a secure, personalized Izipay payment link for the applicable amount, where you can enter your card details and complete your payment quickly and securely.
PayPal: You can make your payment through PayPal using our account info@callangafamilyexplorers.com. If you prefer, we can also send a PayPal payment request to your email address. Your reservation will be confirmed once the required deposit has been received.
Payment Processing Fee: Payment providers apply a 6% processing fee to the payment amount, which is deducted from the amount received. For the initial 40% deposit, this fee will be fully covered by Callanga Family Explorers, so you will not be charged any additional amount for this fee.
***Before confirming your reservation, please also send us a clear copy of each participant’s passport at the time of booking.
WHAT ABOUT THE REMAINING BALANCE?
To avoid credit card processing fees, you may pay the remaining balance in cash (US dollars only) during your briefing in Cusco. If you prefer to pay in cash, you can bring US dollars with you or withdraw cash in Cusco. Please note that ATM withdrawals may be subject to fees depending on your bank and the ATM used.
If you prefer, you may also pay the remaining balance by credit or debit card. In this case, a 6% processing fee will apply to the amount paid to cover the fees charged by the payment providers.
CAN I CHANGE MY TRAVEL DATE?
Yes, you can request to change your travel date. Date changes are subject to the applicable conditions and penalties, depending on how far in advance the request is made.
For full details, please see our Terms & Conditions.
DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT?
Yes. You must carry your original passport throughout the entire trip, as it will be required to board the train, enter Machu Picchu, check in at your hotel, and for other services included in your reservation. It is important that your passport details match the information provided when making your reservation.
If you made your reservation with one passport and later renewed it, you must bring both passports: your previous passport and your new passport, so the reservation information can be verified against your identity.
HUAYNA PICCHU - OPTIONAL
The hike to Huayna Picchu Mountain is optional and takes place after the guided visit to Machu Picchu. Huayna Picchu is located at 2,720 m / 8,923 ft, and the hike up and down takes approximately 2 to 3 hours, depending on each person’s pace.
Entrance to Huayna Picchu costs an additional US$75 per person and is subject to availability, so please let us know at the time of booking if you would like to include this activity. If you would like a guide during the hike to Huayna Picchu, we can also arrange one for an additional fee.
TRAIN FROM HIDROELÉCTRICA TO AGUAS CALIENTES - OPTIONAL
On Day 3 of the trek, we will walk from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes, a journey of approximately 3 hours. If you prefer to take the train for this section, you can request this additional option. The train journey takes approximately 30 minutes and costs an additional USD 40 per person. Train tickets are subject to availability at the time of booking or when you request this option.
BUS FROM AGUAS CALIENTES TO MACHU PICCHU - OPTIONAL
The bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu on Day 4 is optional. If you prefer not to hike for approximately 2 hours uphill and 2 hours downhill, you can choose to take the bus.
The cost is US$12 per person per way, or US$24 per person round trip. You can purchase only the uphill ticket, only the downhill ticket, or a round-trip ticket, according to your preference.
You can purchase the ticket directly in Aguas Calientes one day before or on the same day as your visit to Machu Picchu. You can also ask us to include the round-trip bus tickets in your reservation. There is no requirement to purchase them in advance.
WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS?
Most travelers adapt well to high altitudes when they allow enough time to acclimatize before starting the trek. Since this trek reaches 4,300 m / 14,108 ft at Abra Málaga on the first day, proper acclimatization is important, especially if you are not accustomed to high elevations.
We recommend spending at least 2–3 days acclimatizing in Cusco before starting the trek. Staying hydrated, walking at a comfortable pace, and allowing your body time to adjust can help you better adapt to the altitude.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE DURING THE TREK?
Weather conditions along the Inca Jungle route can vary considerably as you descend from the highlands to the warmer and more humid areas of the high jungle. You may experience sunny or cloudy skies, cool temperatures, strong winds, and occasional rainfall, especially during the first day at higher elevations.
At Abra Málaga, located at 4,300 m / 14,108 ft, temperatures can be cold, particularly in the early morning, with strong winds and possible rain. As you descend toward Santa María, Santa Teresa, Hidroeléctrica, and Aguas Calientes, the weather becomes progressively warmer and more humid.
From November to April, rainfall is generally more frequent, although rain can occur at any time of the year. From May to October, the weather is generally drier, with sunny days and cooler mornings and evenings, especially at higher elevations.
MEALS INCLUDED
During the trek, we include 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners per person. Meals will be prepared with local ingredients and provided according to the itinerary for each day. Vegetarian meals are also available upon request. If you would like a vegetarian option, please let us know at the time of booking so we can make the necessary arrangements in advance.
DO I NEED TO CARRY MY OWN BACKPACK DURING THE TREK?
Yes. Each traveler is responsible for carrying their own belongings during the Inca Jungle Trek. We recommend bringing a small backpack and only the essentials for the 4-day journey, as you will carry it with you during the hikes. Packing light and avoiding unnecessary items will help you enjoy the trek more comfortably.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
We recommend purchasing travel insurance before starting your trip to Peru. It is important to have a policy that provides coverage for medical expenses, accidents, and other unexpected situations that may arise during your trip. For this trek, we also recommend checking that your insurance covers the activities included in the program and provides emergency assistance if needed.
ARE TREKKING POLES RECOMMENDED?
Yes. Trekking poles are recommended for this trek, especially during the hiking sections, as they can provide additional stability and support along the way. Their use is optional, so you can bring your own poles or arrange them on your own. We also offer trekking pole rental for US$20 per pair for the entire trek.
ARE TIPS MANDATORY?
No. At Callanga Family Explorers, we believe in rewarding our staff through fair wages and responsible working conditions. Our staff are paid fairly for their professionalism, dedication, and hard work.
If you feel that our team has exceeded your expectations and would like to show your appreciation, tips are always welcome but are never expected or mandatory. Any gratuity is entirely at your discretion and is greatly appreciated as a gesture of thanks for exceptional service.
PACKING LIST
-Passport.
-Student card or ISIC card, if applicable.
-Small backpack.
-Hiking boots and sandals.
-Change of clothes.
-Light clothing for the warm jungle climate.
-Warm clothing for Abra Málaga.
-Fleece or warm jacket.
-Rain jacket or poncho.
-Water bottle.
-Basic toiletries.
-Sunscreen.
-Insect repellent.
-Sun hat or cap.
-Sunglasses.
-Personal medications, if needed.
-Camera and spare batteries.
-Headlamp (very important).
-Small towel.
-Toilet paper.
-Extra cash in Peruvian soles.
-Trekking poles (optional).
-Swimwear (optional).