The Inca Jungle Tour is an alternative way to visit the ancient Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, combining adventure activities such as mountain biking, trekking, and zip-lining with cultural experiences and a visit to the famous site.
The tour typically starts in Cusco, where participants are picked up from their hotels and driven to the starting point of the adventure in the nearby town of Abra Malaga. From there, they embark on a thrilling downhill bike ride through stunning mountain scenery, passing through small Andean communities and observing traditional farming methods along the way.
After the biking portion of the tour, participants trek through lush rainforests, crossing rivers and waterfalls, and enjoying the abundant flora and fauna of the region. Along the way, they stop in small villages to learn about the culture and traditions of the local people and enjoy traditional Peruvian food.
As the tour nears its end, participants arrive in the town of Aguas Calientes, where they stay overnight in a hotel before visiting Machu Picchu the following day. They can choose to hike or take a bus up to the ancient site, where they receive a guided tour and have free time to explore on their own.
Overall, the Inca Jungle Tour is a unique and exciting way to experience the beauty and culture of the Cusco region, culminating in a visit to one of the world’s most famous and awe-inspiring archaeological sites.
Cusco Hotel Transfer
06:00 AM.
The Inca Jungle Tour is an exciting and adventurous way to experience the beauty of the Cusco region and visit the ancient Inca ruins of Machu Picchu. The tour is designed to combine outdoor activities such as mountain biking, trekking, and zip-lining with cultural experiences and a visit to one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world.
Participants can expect a challenging but rewarding adventure that takes them from the high Andes to the lush jungle, passing through small Andean communities and observing traditional farming methods along the way. The tour includes a guided tour of Machu Picchu, as well as free time to explore the site on their own or hike to nearby attractions.
In addition to the adventure activities, participants can also learn about the culture and traditions of the local people, try traditional Peruvian food, and stay in local hostels or hotels. The tour is led by professional guides and support staff who provide assistance and guidance throughout the trip.
Overall, participants can expect an unforgettable experience that combines adventure, culture, and history, as they explore one of the most beautiful and fascinating regions of Peru.
Starting with an early morning pick-up from your hotel in Cusco, you’ll be driven to Abra Malaga, which is located at an impressive altitude of 4,350 meters (14,271 feet). During the 45-minute drive, you’ll have the chance to enjoy stunning views and capture memorable photos.
Once you arrive at Abra Malaga, you’ll begin the descent on mountain bikes, covering a thrilling 60 kilometers (37 miles) through the lush landscapes. This part of the trek will allow you to experience the diverse terrain and natural beauty of the region.
As you make your way down to the charming town of Santa Maria, located at an altitude of 1,200 meters (3,937 feet), you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking scenery and enjoy the varied terrain. The first day of the trek is considered moderately difficult, but the stunning Andean environment will make the journey even more rewarding.
Upon arrival in Santa Maria, you’ll have the opportunity to settle into your accommodations, rest, and recharge for the exciting days ahead. This will ensure that you’re ready to continue your journey towards Machu Picchu, exploring the wonders of the region along the way.
On day 2 of the Inca Jungle Tour, we wake up early in the morning and have breakfast at our hostel in Santa Maria. We then begin our trek through the rainforest, crossing rivers and waterfalls and enjoying the lush flora and fauna of the region. The trek takes us through remote Andean communities, where we can observe traditional farming practices and interact with the locals.
After hiking for several hours, we arrive at a local coffee plantation, where we learn about the coffee production process and sample some freshly roasted coffee. We then continue our trek to the town of Santa Teresa, where we can relax and enjoy some free time. We have the option to visit nearby hot springs for a soak or explore the town’s many shops and restaurants.
In the afternoon, we check into our hostel in Santa Teresa and prepare for another day of adventure. The day’s trek covers a distance of approximately 16 km (10 miles) and takes around 7-8 hours to complete, depending on our pace and any stops we make along the way. Overall, day 2 of the Inca Jungle Tour is a challenging and rewarding experience, filled with stunning scenery and cultural insights.
On day 3 of the Inca Jungle Tour, we continue our journey from Santa Teresa to Aguas Calientes. We start our day with a trek through the lush jungle, crossing several rivers and enjoying the stunning scenery along the way. We walk for around 2-3 hours, covering a distance of approximately 16 km (10 miles), before reaching the Hydroelectric station.
From the Hydroelectric station, we follow the train tracks to the town of Aguas Calientes. The walk takes around 3 hours and covers a distance of approximately 11 km (7 miles). Along the way, we pass through small communities and enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding mountains and river.
Once we arrive in Aguas Calientes, we check into our hotel and have some free time to explore the town and enjoy a hot meal. In the evening, we can relax and prepare for our early morning visit to Machu Picchu on the next day. Overall, day 3 of the Inca Jungle Tour is a day of adventure and scenic beauty, as we continue our journey through the jungle and towards the ancient Inca ruins of Machu Picchu.
On the fourth and final day of the Inca Jungle Tour, we wake up early in the morning to visit Machu Picchu. We take a bus or hike up to the site, arriving at around 6:00 am, to beat the crowds and enjoy the site in relative peace and quiet. Our guide provides us with a tour of the site, lasting approximately 2-3 hours, during which we learn about the history and significance of the ancient Inca ruins. We have plenty of opportunities to take photos and explore the different parts of the site.
After the guided tour, we have free time to explore Machu Picchu on our own or hike to nearby attractions such as the Sun Gate or the Inca Bridge. For those who have purchased additional tickets, we have the option to hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. We then take a bus back down to Aguas Calientes, where we have lunch and some free time to explore the town or visit the hot springs.
In the afternoon, we take the train back to Ollantaytambo and then a bus back to Cusco, where we arrive in the evening, ending our Inca Jungle Tour adventure. This final day is a perfect culmination to the tour, as we witness one of the most breathtaking archaeological sites in the world and reflect on the incredible journey we’ve had over the past four days.
I recently went on a guided tour of a city and it was an outstanding experience. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and provided a great historical and cultural context to the places we visited.
