Looking for adventure but short on time? Our 2-day / 1-night Inka Jungle Express is the perfect option for travelers who want a taste of the Inka Jungle experience with a thrilling mix of mountain biking and hiking—all leading to the majestic Machu Picchu.
Cusco Hotel
Moderate
This express version begins with a scenic descent of nearly 55 km by mountain bike, dropping from snow-capped mountain passes into the lush jungle below. Along the way, you’ll witness dramatic ecological transitions and encounter vibrant flora and fauna, from hummingbirds and orchids to medicinal plants and tropical wildlife.
Day one concludes with a beautiful 10 km hike from the Hydroelectric Station to Aguas Calientes, passing cloud forests and riverside paths. On day two, explore Machu Picchu with a guided tour and plenty of free time to take in the wonder of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Perfect for those with limited days who still crave an active and immersive journey through Peru’s most iconic landscapes.
We will pick you up from your hotel between 5:00 am and 5:30 am and head to our restaurant to enjoy a delicious breakfast. Then, we’ll continue through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, admiring its cultural and natural attractions until we reach Ollantaytambo (2,792 m), where you’ll have 30 minutes of free time to purchase snacks, water, or use the restrooms.
From there, we drive up to Abra Málaga (4,350 m.a.s.l.), the starting point of our mountain biking adventure. We’ll descend approximately 55 km over 3 hours, passing small villages, orchards, rivers, and streams, finishing the route in Huamanmarca (1,200 m).
Afterwards, we take private transportation to Santa María, arriving around 1:00 pm for lunch. We then continue by vehicle for 1.5 hours to Hidroeléctrica, the checkpoint for Machu Picchu National Park. Here begins our 2.5-hour hike along the railway to Aguas Calientes, with views of the majestic Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu mountains.
Overnight stay in Aguas Calientes.
We’ll wake up early around 4:30 am for a 1 hour and 40-minute walk up to the entrance of Machu Picchu. Along the way, enjoy beautiful views and arrive in time to watch the sunrise over the citadel. The guided tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours, covering the main temples, terraces, and ceremonial sites.
After the tour, you’ll have free time to explore or, if reserved in advance, hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (optional, extra fee). You can also hike to the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) at no additional cost.
In the afternoon, we return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and board the train back to Ollantaytambo. From there, a private transport will take you back to Cusco, arriving around 8:00 pm.
was short but full of adventure! Even in just two days, we got to enjoy biking through the mountains and a bit of hiking in beautiful jungle scenery. It was a fast-paced trip, perfect if you’re short on time but still want some action before reaching Machu Picchu. The guide was friendly and made sure everything went smoothly. Ending the experience at the citadel was the perfect reward. Highly recommended for adventurous travelers on a tight schedule!
