There are numerous options for trekking to Machu Picchu, and one of the most thrilling routes is the Machu Picchu Inca Jungle Trek. This particular trek has gained popularity among backpackers for its affordable cost and the opportunity to engage in various enjoyable activities alongside trekking. Here, we provide you with a day-by-day itinerary to give you an idea of what the Inca Jungle Trek entails.
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Experience: |
Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu. |
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Duration (days): |
03 Days of hiking through the Inca jungle to Machu Picchu. |
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Duration (nights): |
01 night in local accommodation along the route included in the price ("3rd night in a hotel in the town of Machu Picchu is not included, hotel prices will vary according to your expectations"). |
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Language: |
English and Spanish. "Other languages upon request." |
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The Highlights: |
Multi-sport activities to Machu Picchu, Inca Trail Llactapata, and the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu. |
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Travel Style: |
Unique Experience, Cycling to Machu Picchu, River Rafting to Machu Picchu, Zipline and trekking adventure to Machu Picchu, made for outdoor people. |
| Travel Class: | Small Groups. Small group experiences, max. 12 participants. "Please note that small groups mean an authentic experience." Age Requirement: 12+. All travelers under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult. |
| Fitness Level: | Some hikes at high altitude or more strenuous activities, but accessible to most healthy travelers. |
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Effort: |
Full-day hikes (2 to 4 hours), mountainous and rugged terrain (ascending and descending over 3,500 meters) in some parts of the route. |
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The Distance: |
The Inca Jungle hike covers a total of 89 km (55.30 miles) and lasts for 3 days and 2 nights. On the third day, a guided visit to the archaeological site of Machu Picchu is included. The hike is divided into two parts:
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Pick-up time is at 5:30 a.m. from your hotel.
We will depart from the Imperial City of Cusco and head towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas. This is where we will have the opportunity to have breakfast if you haven't already done so in Cusco. We will continue towards Abra Malaga (4,350 meters), the starting point of our biking excursion. After a brief explanation to help you get oriented, your guide will provide you with the necessary equipment for the activity.
We will begin our 3-hour downhill bike ride covering 55km until we reach the town of Huamanmarca. During the journey, we will experience the beauty of snow-capped mountains and the tropical forest. It is here, in the tropical jungle, that our adventure in the Peruvian Amazon begins. We will cross small streams and enjoy the change from cold to tropical climate. Along the way, we will make several stops to check the bikes and equipment.
We will arrive at the town of Santa Maria (1,200 meters above sea level) where we will have lunch and spend the first night in a hotel. In the afternoon, we have the option to go rafting on the Vilcanota River. This river offers class III and V+ rapids. For this activity, we will provide you with helmets, windbreakers, and category V life jackets. This activity is available from April to December, and according to Peruvian law, you must be able to swim to participate.
This is our first day of trekking in the Inca jungle towards Machu Picchu.
Biking time: Approximately 3.5 hours.
Meals: Lunch and dinner.
Difficulty: Moderate.
Overnight in Aguas Calientes at 1,900 m/6,232 ft.
After a good breakfast, during the day we will have the opportunity to participate in the zipline activity, "We soar through the Andean mountains in the air." This activity lasts approximately two hours.
Later on, we hike uphill for 2-3 hours towards Llactapata Pass (2,736 m/8,974 ft), where we encounter a distant yet spectacular view of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary from the southeast, a view that few travelers have the chance to admire. We take a short break to explore the recently restored ruins of Llactapata. We reach the Hidroeléctrica Village "Train Station Town" and continue walking alongside the railway to Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Town (approximately 3 hours). Upon arrival, we check into a hotel for a celebratory dinner with our guide and a final briefing for our next day's experience!
Note - Those who prefer not to walk from Hidroeléctrica Village to Aguas Calientes can take the train and experience the 40-minute journey (price not included). They will meet the rest of the group at the Aguas Calientes train station together. (The guide confirms your preferences the night before.)
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Hiking Level: Moderate to challenging.
Regarding our night in Machu Picchu Town: The hotel in Aguas Calientes will vary according to your request and expectations.
A BIT OF HISTORY:
Bingham first discovered Llactapata in 1912. "We found evidence that some Inca chieftain had built his house here and had included in his plan ten or a dozen buildings. Bingham located the site 'on the crest of a ridge between the valleys of Aobamba and Salcantay, about 5,000 feet above the Huaquina farm.' 'Here we found a number of ruins and two or three modern huts. The Indians said the place was called Llactapata.'" However, Bingham did not extensively investigate the ruins and did not study them further for another 70 years.
Hiking Time: Approximately 9 hours (including picnic lunch on the way) and 2 hours for lunch.
Hiking and Terrain: Mostly steep trails and some open slopes.
Distance: 18 km.
Meals: Lunch, Breakfast, and Dinner.
Difficulty: Moderate.
This will be the most important day of our trip, so we will wake up very early around 4:30 am. After receiving instructions from our guide, we will embark on a scenic hike that lasts approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. Along the way, we will be treated to breathtaking views that will lead us to the Inca citadel. Upon reaching the archaeological center of Machu Picchu, our guide will provide a 3-hour explanation of the site. After the guided tour, we will also have free time to explore individually and take photos.
In the evening, we will board the train to Ollantaytambo, where our Machu Picchu Peru bus will be waiting to take us back to Cusco. We expect to arrive around 10:30 pm. Once in Cusco, we will be transferred to our hostel, marking the end of our Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu.
INCA JUNGLE TREK 3 DAYS
INCA JUNGLE TREK TO MACHUPICCHU CLASSIC STYLE
Not Included:
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STUDENT DISCOUNT: $20 off per person
Student discounts apply to anyone who has a valid UNIVERSITY STUDENT CARD at the time of the trek or who is 17-years-old or younger. For those using a university student card to receive the discount, we need to see a copy of the card at booking. For those booking children 17-years-old or younger, we need a copy of their passport at booking time. Please send us a copy of your student card
There are several optional upgrades you can include in this trip. Below is a quick list of it , but check our Overview section for more details.
PERU LUXURY INCA JUNGLE TRAIL TO MACHUPICCHU TREK:
Luxury Inca Jungle Trail to Machupicchu “Exclusive lodge”: Price just on request, only on private service.
Perú Luxury Inca Jungle trail to Machupicchu is where stunning and amazing nature meets modern luxury camping. Some call it luxury camping. Some call it glamorous camping. Either way, this camping style is dedicated to inspiring and guiding those who are seeking a different kind o luxury trekking trip in Perú, the kind that encourages cultural immersion, and a deeper engagement with one’s surroundings with enjoying this upscale approach to sleeping under the stars.
