4-Day Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu: Biking, Rafting & Zipline

Ziua 1 · CUSCO - SANTA MARIA (BIKING & RAFTING) - LA CASA DELO MONO/CHOZA

1. 1

   Cusco

   3 ore

   On the first day of our tour, we kick off with a pick-up at 6:20 AM, followed by a trip to Ollantaytambo.

   This is where you’ll start the bike tour down the mountain. Your guide will give a quick, informational briefing and provide all riders with the appropriate safety gear, before the 3-hour mountain descent (about 34 miles or 55 km) to the town of Huamanmarca. From there, you’ll continue the journey by bus for approximately 30 minutes, until reaching the town of Santa Maria. Here, you can enjoy lunch, and spend the first night in a basic hostel.

   During this part of the journey, you’ll experience the beauty of the snow-capped mountains and their fast-changing climate, from a dry cold to a humid heat. Upon arrival to Santa Maria, you’ll have the option to go rafting* (level III and IV, during April to November) in the Urubamba River, which crosses through part of the jungle. The rafting price (100 Soles) is not included in the tour.

2. 2

   Ollantaytambo

   30 min

   Here, we'll take a short 25-minute break, giving everyone time to use the restrooms, grab water, snacks, or any necessary gear like rain jackets.

3. 3

   Oprirea 3

   2 ore

   Upon arrival at Abra Malaga, we head to the starting point for the mountain biking experience. Based on weather conditions and the guide's assessment, safety gear including helmets, gloves, vests, and knee pads will be provided. After receiving instructions, we'll embark on an exhilarating 2-hour descent, stopping along the way to admire the breathtaking landscapes. As we descend, we'll notice a distinct climate shift as we enter the lush Cuzco jungle.

   It's essential to have some biking experience for this segment of the tour. Those who prefer not to ride can travel in the accompanying vehicle with the rest of the group.

4. 4

   Oprirea 4

   2 ore

   Once the descent is complete, we reach Humanmarka, where we'll hop into a car for a 40-minute drive to Santa María. Here, we take a well-earned break and savor a delicious lunch. Around 2:30 PM, we dive into the next adventure—canoeing on the majestic Vilcanota River. The rafting session lasts approximately 1.5 hours, with a comprehensive safety briefing led by our experienced guides beforehand. The river's difficulty level varies with the season, ranging from level 2–3 in the dry season to levels 4–5 in the rainy season. Our guides will carefully assess the conditions before we set off.

5. 5

   Oprirea 5

   2 ore

   Following the canoeing adventure, we drive for about 30 minutes before beginning a scenic 1-hour 15-minute hike uphill to La Casa del Mono/La Choza, a local family's home. This walk offers stunning views of the Inca jungle.

   Once we arrive, we'll settle into our rooms and enjoy a traditional dinner. Afterward, our guide will provide an overview of the exciting experiences awaiting us on the next day of our journey.

Overnight in Santa Rosa (La Choza/La Casa del Mono)

Ziua 2 · CASA DEL MONO/CHOZA(COFFEE TOUR/INKA TRAIL/COCALMAYO HOT SPRING)

1. 1

   Oprirea 1

   o oră

   we begin with an enriching experience: the Coffee Tour. Before breakfast, our guide will introduce us to the history and process of coffee production. The group will take part in preparing coffee using traditional local methods, fully immersing ourselves in this cultural practice. After brewing, we'll have the opportunity to taste the freshly made coffee, accompanied by a breakfast crafted from locally sourced ingredients.

2. 2

   Oprirea 2

   5 ore

   Following breakfast, our guide will offer insights into the region’s customs and local products, deepening our understanding of the culture before we embark on the day's hike.

   Our journey continues with a 9-hour, 13-kilometer trek—a captivating exploration of history. As we walk, we'll encounter the original Inca Trail, an ancient network of paths that once connected key cities. These trails, still used by locals, retain their authenticity, offering a glimpse into centuries of tradition. Throughout the hike, our guide will share fascinating details about the Inca civilization and the significance of these historic routes.

3. 3

   Banos Termales de Cocalmayo

   2 ore Intrarea nu este inclusă

   After around 5 hours of trekking, navigating both ascents and descents, we’ll arrive at Quellomayu, a tranquil spot by the river. Here, we will take a well-deserved break, enjoying a hearty lunch and resting for about 45 minutes.

   Refreshed, we continue toward the Cocalmayu Hot Springs, following the banks of the Vilcanota River. Along the way, we’ll cross the river twice—once via a bridge and once by cable car, adding a unique and thrilling element to the journey. Our expected arrival at the hot springs is around 4:30 PM, where we'll indulge in a rejuvenating 1.5-hour soak in the natural thermal waters, the perfect remedy for tired muscles after a long day of hiking.

4. 4

   Oprirea 4

   Trecere fără oprire

   After our relaxing time in the hot springs, we take a short drive to Santa Teresa, where we’ll settle into our accommodations for the evening. To wrap up the day, we'll enjoy a satisfying dinner at a local restaurant, reflecting on the adventures, cultural insights, and unforgettable experiences of the day. After dinner, we'll rest and recharge for the next chapter of our journey.

Overnight in Santa Rosa (La Choza/La Casa del Mono)

Ziua 3 · SANTA TERESA(ZIP LINE) - HIDROELECTRICA(TREKKING) - AGUAS CALIENTES

1. 1

   Oprirea 1

   3 ore

   We start the day with breakfast at 7:00 AM before embarking on our next exhilarating adventure: the Zip Line. As one of the longest zip lines in South America, it features four cables that offer both an adrenaline rush and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape

2. 2

   Oprirea 2

   3 ore

   Following this high-flying experience, we take a car ride to Hidroeléctrica, where we pause for lunch and a brief rest. Once refreshed, we begin our hike toward the town of Aguas Calientes. The trek covers 10 kilometers and takes about 3 hours, following the picturesque train tracks. Along the way, we'll enjoy the lush vegetation, the songs of local birds, and stunning scenery, even catching glimpses of our final destination—Machu Picchu.

3. 3

   Aguas Calientes

   Trecere fără oprire

   Upon arriving in Aguas Calientes, we’ll settle into our accommodations for the night. After getting comfortable, we’ll have dinner and receive important instructions from our guide as we prepare for the grand visit to Machu Picchu the following day.

Overnight in Aguas Calientes

Ziua 4 · AGUAS CALIENTES - MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO

1. 1

   Aguas Calientes

   2 ore

   The Machu Picchu tour from Aguas Calientes offers an unforgettable journey to one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites. The day starts early, with two options for reaching the entrance of Machu Picchu:

   • By bus: A 30-minute scenic drive to the entrance, with buses departing regularly.

   • By foot: A rewarding hike that takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, starting with 30 minutes of flat terrain followed by an hour-long climb through lush landscapes.
2. 2

   Machu Picchu

   2 ore

   Upon arrival, visitors pass through security checkpoints before entering Machu Picchu Archaeological Park, where a guided tour provides fascinating insights into its history, architecture, and cultural significance. The tour typically lasts 2.5 hours, covering major landmarks such as the Temple of the Sun, Intihuatana (Sun Dial), and the Sacred Plaza. Along the way, you’ll have time to admire breathtaking views and take photos of the stunning ruins.

3. 3

   Cusco

   6 ore

   If you choose to return by car after visiting Machu Picchu, you will retrace the same path back to Hidroeléctrica that you walked the previous day. This journey will take approximately 2.5 hours. Upon arrival at Hidroeléctrica, you must be at the bus station by 1:00 PM, where a transfer will be waiting to guide you to your assigned bus for the trip back to Cusco. The bus ride from Hidroeléctrica to Cusco lasts about 6 hours, with an expected arrival in Cusco around 9:00 PM, marking the end of the tour. Upon arrival in Cusco, passengers will be dropped off at San Francisco Square, where the tour officially concludes.