Summary
Important Details
- Frequency: Daily departures
- Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
- Start time: Day 1 – 06:00 h
- Return time: Day 4 – Around 20:30 h
- Mode: Shared Group
- Difficulty level: Medium – High (biking + trekking)
Why Travel with Peru Coyana?
The Inka Jungle is an exciting alternative to the traditional Inca Trail. This route combines mountain biking, hiking, jungle-edge scenery, and direct contact with rural Andean life. Over 4 days and 3 nights, you’ll cross tropical valleys, waterfalls, hot springs, and ancient Inca paths as you approach the majestic sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
This experience is perfect for those seeking a different kind of trek, with bike segments, exotic fruits, views of the snow-capped Salkantay, and plenty of adventure. Along the way, you’ll interact with local communities, enjoy regional cuisine, and observe typical flora and fauna of the Andean cloud forest.
Itinerary Summary
- Day 1: Cusco – Abra Málaga – Santa María (biking) – Overnight in basic lodge
- Day 2: Santa María – Cocalmayo Hot Springs – Santa Teresa (trekking) – Overnight in basic lodge
- Day 3: Santa Teresa – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes (trekking) – Hostel with private bathroom
- Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 – Cusco → Abra Málaga → Santa María (Biking)
We depart from Cusco in a tourist vehicle toward Abra Málaga (4,300 m.a.s.l.), where we begin our descent by bike for about 5 hours. Along the way, we’ll pass archaeological sites like Huamanmarca and experience various microclimates. The route takes us from the Andes into the jungle edge, through coffee, coca, mango, papaya, and pineapple plantations. We arrive in Santa María (1,200 m.a.s.l.) for dinner and overnight in a basic lodge.
Day 2 – Santa María → Hot Springs → Santa Teresa (Trekking)
After an early breakfast, we hike along the Urubamba River, observing medicinal plants, local agriculture, and wildlife. After two hours, we enter an original Inca Trail section with views of Salkantay Mountain. We have lunch in Q’ellomayo and continue to the thermal baths of Cocalmayo for a 1.5-hour soak. Then we walk (or take optional transport) to Santa Teresa, where we have dinner and stay overnight in a basic lodge.
Day 3 – Santa Teresa → Hydroelectric → Aguas Calientes (Trekking)
After breakfast, we cross the river in a cable cart and hike to the Colpani waterfall, where you can take a refreshing bath if you wish. We then follow flat trails for about 5 hours, passing the Mandor waterfalls and catching first glimpses of Machu Picchu from below. In the afternoon, we reach Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town), have dinner, and rest in a hostel with private bathroom and hot water.
Day 4 – Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu → Cusco
Early morning (04:30 a.m.), we begin a 1.5-hour hike to the entrance of Machu Picchu. We enter to witness the sunrise and enjoy a 2-hour guided tour through the main sectors: Intihuatana, Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Condor, Sacred Rock, and more. You’ll then have free time to explore on your own or climb Huayna Picchu (entry not included). In the afternoon, we take the train back to Ollantaytambo and transfer by bus to Cusco. Estimated arrival: 20:30 h.
Includes / Not Included
What’s Included in the Inka Jungle Tour?
- Transport from Cusco to Abra Málaga
- Bilingual professional guide
- Mountain bikes with suspension, helmet, and gloves
- 2 nights in basic accommodation (Santa María and Santa Teresa)
- 1 night in hostel with private bathroom in Aguas Calientes
- Entry ticket to Machu Picchu
- Meals during the tour (except first breakfast and last lunch)
- Train ticket from Machu Picchu to Ollantaytambo
- Transport from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
What’s Not Included?
- Entry to Cocalmayo hot springs (optional)
- First breakfast (Day 1) and last lunch (Day 4)
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu (optional – advance booking required)
- Personal expenses and snacks
- Tips
Tips
Recommendations for Your Inka Jungle Tour
- Bring athletic and extra clothing, including a rain poncho
- Use sunscreen, sunglasses, and insect repellent
- Carry a towel, sandals, and personal hygiene items
- Bring a flashlight, camera, and reusable water bottle
- Use a light backpack (recommended max weight: 6 kg)
- Carry your original passport and personal documents
- Bring cash in soles for additional expenses
- Note: No prior biking experience is required, but good general physical condition is necessary. Advance booking is mandatory, especially during high season.
