The Inca Jungle Trek is the most action-packed way to reach Machu Picchu from Cusco. Over 4 days, you combine mountain biking, white-water rafting, zip-lining, and trekking – all in one unforgettable adventure. Furthermore, the route takes you through dramatically different landscapes, from the high Andean pass at 4,300 m (14,108 ft) down to the warm, lush jungle near Santa Teresa. In addition, no government permit is required. Therefore, this trek is available on daily departures throughout the year and is offered exclusively as a private service – so your group travels at its own pace from start to finish.
WHAT IS THE INCA JUNGLE TREK?
The Inca Jungle Trek is a 4-day, 3-night adventure that follows a route from the Andean highlands to the high jungle before arriving at Machu Picchu. It is not a single-activity tour. Instead, it packs four different experiences into one journey – biking, rafting, zip-lining, and trekking. Furthermore, along the way you pass through small communities, coffee and cacao plantations, and tropical cloud forest. In addition, you walk a section of the original Inca Trail. Therefore, the Inca Jungle Trek combines adrenaline and culture in a way no other route to Machu Picchu does.
WHO IS THIS TREK SUITABLE FOR?
This trek is rated moderate in difficulty. It suits active travelers who enjoy outdoor adventure and are comfortable with activities such as biking and rafting. However, the rafting activity – Class III and IV rapids – is not recommended for people with heart conditions, significant injuries, or limited confidence in the water. Furthermore, the zip-line is not recommended for people with a strong fear of heights. In addition, a basic level of physical fitness is required for the hiking sections on Days 2 and 3. Therefore, if you enjoy adventure but want to avoid extreme altitude, this is the ideal Machu Picchu route – the maximum altitude is only 4,300 m (14,108 ft) at Abra Málaga on Day 1.
INCA JUNGLE TREK: BRIEF DAY-BY-DAY OVERVIEW
Below is a brief summary of each day. For the complete itinerary with all distances, times, and details, visit our full Inca Jungle Trek tour page.
DAY 1: CUSCO TO SANTA MARÍA - BIKING AND RAFTING
Pickup from your hotel in Cusco at 6:00 a.m. to start your Inca Jungle Trek. After a 4-hour drive, you pass through Abra Málaga at 4,300 m (14,108 ft) for a photo stop. Then you begin a spectacular 3-hour mountain bike descent toward Santa María at 1,200 m (3,937 ft). The descent takes you through multiple ecological zones – from bare Andean highland to lush jungle vegetation. Furthermore, in the afternoon you have the option to join a rafting session on the Vilcanota River – approximately 1.5 hours of Class III and IV rapids led by professional guides.
Meals included: Lunch and dinner.
Accommodation: Hostel in Santa María.
DAY 2: SANTA MARÍA TO SANTA TERESA - JUNGLE HIKING
After breakfast, you hike for approximately 7 hours from Santa María to Santa Teresa at 1,500 m (4,921 ft). The trail passes through high-jungle vegetation and a section of the original Inca Trail. Along the way, you see coffee, cacao, coca leaf, banana, and yucca plantations. Furthermore, you stop at a local family home to learn about life in the Andean jungle. In addition, optionally, in the afternoon you can visit the Cocalmayo Hot Springs near Santa Teresa – a perfect way to relax after the hike.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Accommodation: Hostel in Santa Teresa.
DAY 3: SANTA TERESA TO AGUAS CALIENTES - ZIP-LINE AND RAILWAY HIKE
After breakfast, the optional zip-line activity takes place – supervised by professional staff and included in the tour price. Then you travel by vehicle to Santa Teresa La Vieja, where a 2.5-hour hike through tropical trails and agricultural areas leads to Hidroeléctrica at 1,800 m (5,906 ft). Weather permitting, you may catch your first distant view of Machu Picchu Mountain from the trail. After lunch at Hidroeléctrica, you walk 3 hours along the railway line to Aguas Calientes at 2,040 m (6,693 ft).
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
DAY 4: MACHU PICCHU AND RETURN TO CUSCO
Early breakfast at your hotel, then a 2-hour uphill hike to Machu Picchu at 2,430 m (7,972 ft). Your guide leads a 2-hour tour of the citadel. Free time follows for independent exploration or optional Huayna Picchu Mountain access at US$75 per person. In the afternoon, you board the Expedition Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, then private transport takes you back to your hotel in Cusco – arriving at approximately 7:30 p.m.
Meals included: Breakfast at your hotel.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE INCA JUNGLE TREK PACKAGE
All prices are private service only. The package includes hotel pickup in Cusco, tourist transport, biking equipment, rafting equipment, zip-line equipment, Machu Picchu entrance ticket, Expedition Train to Ollantaytambo, English-speaking guide, 2 nights in hostels, 1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes, 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, transfer back to Cusco, first-aid kit, emergency oxygen, and all applicable taxes. For the complete included and not-included list, see our full tour page.
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Trekking poles rent for US$20 per pair for the full trek. Huayna Picchu Mountain access costs US$75 per person and must be requested at booking. Furthermore, the train from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes on Day 3 is available as an optional upgrade for US$40 per person – saving approximately 3 hours of walking. In addition, the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu on Day 4 costs US$24 round trip.
INCA JUNGLE TREK PRICES 2026 - PRIVATE SERVICE
This tour is offered exclusively as a private service. Prices are in USD per person and vary by group size.
PRIVATE GROUP PRICING
Two to three people pay US$820 per person. Four to five people pay US$686 per person. Groups of six or more pay US$645 per person. Furthermore, a 40% deposit confirms your reservation. In addition, the remaining balance can be paid in cash in US dollars during your briefing in Cusco the evening before the trek begins. Therefore, contact us today to confirm availability for your preferred dates.
Machu Picchu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
PRACTICAL TIPS BEFORE YOU GO
ALTITUDE AND ACCLIMATIZATION
The highest point of this trek is Abra Málaga at 4,300 m (14,108 ft) on Day 1. We recommend spending at least 2 to 3 nights in Cusco at 3,350 m (11,000 ft) before starting. Furthermore, drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol on arrival helps your body adapt. Therefore, do not underestimate acclimatization – it makes Day 1 significantly more comfortable, especially during the early morning drive through the pass. “altitude sickness”.
WHAT TO PACK
Bring warm clothing for Abra Málaga and light clothing for the jungle sections. Both environments are very different. Furthermore, a rain jacket or poncho is essential – rain can fall at any time of year. In addition, insect repellent and sunscreen are both important from Day 2 onward in the jungle. Each traveler carries their own backpack throughout the trek – there is no porter service on this route. Therefore, pack light and bring only the essentials for 4 days.
READY TO BOOK THE INCA JUNGLE TREK?
The Inca Jungle Trek is the most adventure-packed route to Machu Picchu. No permit is required, departures are daily, and the entire experience is private – just your group, your guide, and four extraordinary days in Peru. Furthermore, a briefing at your hotel in Cusco the evening before departure ensures you arrive fully prepared. Send us a message today. Our team responds within 24 hours.
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