Experience the thrill of adventure with Viajes Puma on the Inca Jungle Trail 4D/3N – Inca Jungle Cusco, a dynamic journey that combines adrenaline, culture, and nature. From heart-pounding mountain biking down steep Andean slopes to optional rafting on the roaring Urubamba River, this tour promises excitement at every turn. Trek through lush cloud forests, explore hidden Inca ruins, and unwind in natural hot springs, all while surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and vibrant local communities.
This trail offers a unique path to the iconic Machu Picchu, blending exhilarating activities with scenic hikes. Each day presents new challenges and stunning sights — from ziplining over dense jungle canopies to hiking along ancient paths with views of towering peaks. As the adventure culminates with a sunrise visit to the majestic Machu Picchu citadel, you will feel rewarded for every step of this unforgettable journey.
Cusco Hotel
Moderate
With Viajes Puma, we will start the Inka Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu tour early in the morning from Cusco. We will drive to the Sacred Valley and then reach Abra Málaga at 4,350 meters altitude. Our mountain biking adventure will take us down through diverse landscapes until we arrive at Huamanmarca. In the afternoon, we will enjoy an optional rafting session on the Urubamba River.
Afterwards we’ll spend the night in Santa María before continuing the trail to Machu Picchu. The next day, we’ll hike toward Santa Teresa with scenic views of the Salkantay peak and Huancarccasa canyon. Along the way, we’ll rest in hammocks at Quellomayo and visit Cocalmayo’s thermal baths. This part of the Inca Jungle to Machu Picchu Trail will offer both cultural visits and natural wonders.
On the third day, we’ll offer an optional zipline adventure in Santa Teresa before hiking to Aguas Calientes. We’ll walk beside railway tracks, passing the small Intihuatana and admiring Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu’s towering peaks. This Inka jungle trail to Machu will end with an overnight stay in a hotel at Aguas Calientes. The day blends adrenaline and scenic beauty, making it highly recommended.
Our final day will begin early with a hike to the citadel of Machu Picchu. We plan to enter Machu Picchu with our tour guide and enjoy a two-hour guided tour. Afterward, we’ll explore Machu Picchu on our own or hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain. We will board a train and bus back to Cusco, arriving at the city in the night.
Today we’ll pick you up from your accommodation at 5:30 AM. Then, we’ll transfer to the Sacred Valley for a buffet breakfast. Afterward, we’ll drive to Abra Málaga at 4,350 meters of altitude.
Our mountain biking adventure starts with a detailed safety briefing. We will cycle downhill for about 3 hours, covering 55 kilometers. We’ll pass through spectacular landscapes from snowy peaks down to lush jungle vegetation.
At Huamanmarca, we’ll enjoy lunch and rest. In the afternoon, we offer an optional rafting adventure on the Urubamba River (extra cost US$35). Overnight stay will be in a local lodge in Santa María.
After an early breakfast at 7:00 AM we’ll begin hiking toward Santa Teresa. The trail initially climbs for approximately 2 hours. Along the way, we will make stops to learn about local flora, including orchids, coca, and cacao.
Later we’ll visit a local family home to gain insights into local traditions. Part of today’s trek follows the original Inca Trail, offering impressive views of the Huancarccasa canyon and Salkantay peak. Lunch and relaxation await us in hammocks at Quellomayo.
Afterward, we’ll hike for another 2 hours before arriving at the relaxing thermal baths of Cocalmayo. In the evening, we will transfer to Santa Teresa, staying overnight in a comfortable lodge.
The third day we’ll have an early breakfast, followed by an optional zipline adventure available at an additional cost (US$30). Those opting out of the zipline will transfer directly to the hydroelectric station. Here, we officially enter the Machu Picchu National Sanctuary.
After lunch, we’ll trek alongside the railway tracks toward Aguas Calientes. During this scenic walk, we plan to stop at the small Intihuatana ruins and enjoy spectacular views of the towering Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu mountains.
Our overnight stay will be in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes. After a long hike and difficult roads and changeable weather.
Our final day begins early at 4:00 AM. We’ll hike for about 1 hour and 45 minutes up to Machu Picchu or choose the optional bus ride (US$12). Entering Machu Picchu early allows us to witness an unforgettable sunrise.
Our knowledgeable guide will lead a detailed 2-hour guided tour of the majestic citadel. Later there will be some free time to explore Machu Picchu independently or hike up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (optional hikes require advanced booking, US$25).
In the afternoon, we will relax or explore Aguas Calientes before boarding the return train at 6:20 PM. We’ll travel to Ollantaytambo, then transfer by bus back to Cusco, arriving around 10:30 PM.
The trail is moderately challenging. It combines biking, trekking, and optional adventure sports. A basic fitness level is required.
Yes, but it must be reserved in advance. Spots are limited and have an extra cost of US$25.
No, both are optional. Rafting costs around US$35 and ziplining around US$30, payable locally.
Yes, the original passport is required to enter Machu Picchu and for the train and checkpoint verifications.
Common symptoms include headache, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Symptoms usually reduce with rest and hydration.
Only take altitude medications that have been prescribed by a licensed physician. Do not self-medicate.
Travel insurance is highly recommended, especially if you plan to do rafting or ziplining.
Yes. The bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu costs around US$12 one way and takes about 25 minutes.
We take the Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, then continue by bus to Cusco, arriving around 10:30 PM.
Filtered or boiled water is available at meal times. We recommend carrying a refillable bottle and water purification tablets if needed.
Perfect Mix of Nature, Culture, and Thrill!
We loved every day of this tour. The rafting and zipline added excitement, while the hike to Machu Picchu made it all worth it. Cocalmayo hot springs were a great way to relax. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience.
Best Way to Reach Machu Picchu!
Much more than just a hike—this was a journey through jungle, rivers, and Inca history. The food was delicious, and the lodges were clean and cozy. Watching the sunrise over Machu Picchu was the perfect ending.
From biking down mountain roads to hiking through the jungle and relaxing in hot springs — every day brought a new adventure. The combination of nature, culture, and adrenaline was perfect. Our guide was amazing, always making sure we were safe and having fun. Reaching Machu Picchu at the end of the journey was truly magical. I’d recommend this tour to anyone who loves adventure and wants a unique way to experience Peru.
