Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu 4 days (Premium)

On the first day of the Inca Jungle Trail, adventurers depart early from Cusco to Cruzpata, where they gear up for a thrilling bike ride to the Maras Salt Flats. This leg of the journey, starting at 6:00 AM, offers breathtaking views of the Andes as travelers cycle through diverse landscapes.

By 10:00 AM, participants explore the ancient salt extraction pools at Maras before continuing their ride to Abra Malaga, enjoying the transition from mountainous terrain to lush cloud forests. Post-lunch, the adventure takes to the waters with an exhilarating rafting session on the Urubamba River starting around 2:30 PM, culminating in Santa Maria. After drying off, the group checks into their local accommodations around 5:00 PM.

The evening concludes with a traditional Peruvian dinner at 7:00 PM and a brief outlining the next day’s activities, including more trekking and a visit to thermal baths. The night winds down with some free time for relaxation or exploration in the quaint town of Santa Maria, preparing for another day of adventure.

We will wake up in the middle of the Peruvian jungle with the beautiful sound of tropical birds. After breakfast and a cup of freshly brewed homemade coffee, you will spend some time exploring the local coffee, coca leaf, banana and pineapple plantations. Afterwards. We will start walking along an impressive and lost original Inca Trail (different from the Classic Inca Trail) that connected Machu Picchu to Vilcabamba (the Last refuge of the Incas).

Along the way, we spot avocados, cassava, oranges, mangoes, cocoa, coffee and coca bushes. After approximately 4 hours of hiking, you will arrive at Quellomayu, where lunch will be served in a local restaurant. Then it is another 2 hour hike upstream along the Urubamba River to the hot springs of Cocalmayo (Natural Medicinal Waters).

The water here is believed to be medicinal and is good for your bones and muscles, and relieves stress and headaches. After a relaxing swim in the hot water pools, you will take a bus to the town of Santa Teresa where we will go on our zip lining adventure. An adrenaline filled experience that you will enjoy to the fullest and then continue on a 45 minute ride to our Sky Lodge Dome in Loreta Playa Sahuayaco where you will enjoy a coffee tour experience with a tasting of one of the best coffees in the world! Here we will spend the night.

After breakfast at Loreta (Sky lodge Dome) we start a 20 minute hike to Lucmabamba (2,000 m / 6,600 ft), where we will join an original Inca trail, built in the 15th century and lost along with Machu Picchu rediscovered a few years ago. The hike takes about 3 hours to Llaqtapata, another great Inca site located right in front of the Inca city of Machu Picchu, where you will have the first view of Machu Picchu.

We will explore and enjoy the spectacular views of Machu Picchu and the Andes Mountains. Then, we will start descending 2 hours to the hydroelectric station, where we will enjoy a well-deserved lunch. After lunch, we will begin the final hike to Aguas Calientes along the train track. This part of the hike is full of history, as you will visit the Mandorpampa Gardens, seen by Hiram Bingham III on the 1911 expedition.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes around 5:00 pm, our guide will take you to your hotel, where you will have time to rest and refresh yourself with a well-deserved shower. In the evening, we will enjoy a final dinner together, and then our guide will brief you for our visit to Machu Picchu the following day. Night at the hotel and rest!

Early in the morning, you will have breakfast before starting the final day of your journey. The day begins with a climb to the entrance of the renowned Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu, also known as the Lost City of the Incas. By arriving early, you will be among the first visitors of the day, allowing you to avoid the crowds. Accompanied by a bilingual tour guide, you will explore the extensive ruins for approximately 2 hours, receiving a comprehensive explanation of their historical significance and their place within the Inca Empire. After the guided tour, you will have some free time to wander around and explore on your own.

Machu Picchu is the most famous of all Inca ruins, recognized worldwide, yet interestingly, it is not mentioned in any of the writings of the Spanish Conquistadors. It is believed to have been constructed around the mid-15th century and was rediscovered by American historian Hiram Bingham in 1911. The guided tour of this captivating site is an unforgettable experience.

During the tour, you will visit various significant areas within Machu Picchu, including the Main Square, the Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Circular Towers, the Sacred Sun Dial, and the Burial Grounds. After the excursion, you have the option to hike up the mountain behind Machu Picchu, called Huayna Picchu, where you can enjoy stunning views of the entire complex. However, please note that there is a daily limit of 400 people allowed to hike Huayna Picchu, so it is necessary to inform us in advance if you wish to do this.

After your free time at the site, you can descend to the town of Aguas Calientes for a late lunch or to enjoy a dip in the hot springs (not included). In the afternoon, you will take the train back. There is a frequent bus service available to take visitors from Machu Picchu back to Aguas Calientes, where you will catch the train to Ollantaytambo. From there, you will continue your journey back to Cusco by tourist bus. Please note that the train schedule may vary, and availability from Peru Rail should be confirmed, with possible departure times at either 2:30pm or 6:30pm