Inca Jungle Trek, Inca Jungle Trail 4 Days to Machu Picchu

Day 1: CUSCO- Abra Málaga- SANTA MARIA (BIKING / RAFTING)

We'll pick you up from your hotel at 5:30 a.m.

Departing from the historic city of Cusco, our journey takes us towards the revered Sacred Valley of the Incas. If you haven't had breakfast in Cusco, this is where you'll get the chance to enjoy it. Our route continues to the lofty heights of Málaga Pass, standing at 4,350 meters (14,160 ft.), marking the starting point of our exhilarating biking adventure. Following a brief orientation by your guide, you'll be equipped with all the necessary gear for the activity.

Embarking on a thrilling 3-hour descent covering 55km (34.18 miles), we'll pedal our way down to the quaint town of Huamanmarca. En route, we'll be treated to breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks juxtaposed against lush tropical forests. As we delve into the tropical foliage, our Peruvian Amazon adventure unfolds, crossing babbling streams and experiencing the transition from chilly altitudes to a balmy tropical climate. We'll make periodic stops along the way for equipment checks and to admire the scenery.

We will arrive at the town of Santa María (1 200 masl) (3,937.01 ft.), where we will have our lunch and stay for our first night in a hotel. In the afternoon we have the option of rafting on the Vilcanota River. This river offers category III and V + rapids. For this activity we will give you helmets, windbreaks and category V life jackets. This activity is available between the months of April to December, and you must be able to swim to participate in accordance with Peruvian law.

Biking time: 3.5 hour approximately.
Meals: Lunch, and Dinner.
Difficulty: Moderste

Day 2: Santa Maria - Inca Trail – Cocalmayo

Following a delightful breakfast, we'll embark on the first leg of our trek towards Santa Teresa. The initial two hours of our journey will be uphill, allowing for intermittent stops to delve into the region's diverse flora and fauna.

A highlight of our trek includes a visit to a local family's home, where we'll immerse ourselves in their customs and traditions. We'll also traverse a section of the ancient Inca Trail, once a vital link between the Sacred City of Machu Picchu and the final Inca refuge, Vilcabamba. Here, our guide will illuminate the history of the Incas and expound upon the intricacies of their communication system, known as the route of the Incas.

This juncture offers panoramic vistas of the awe-inspiring Huancarccasa canyon and the majestic Salkantay mountain.

Descending towards the village of Quellomayo, we'll relish a delectable lunch and unwind in the restaurant's hammocks. The final two hours of our hike lead us to the rejuvenating thermal baths of Cocalmayo, where we'll luxuriate for a while in this enchanting locale.

Trekking Time: Approximately 9 hours (including picnic lunch in the route), and 2 hours for the lunch time.
Walk and Terrain:Walk, on mostly steep trails, and some open slopes.
Distance:12 km Difficulty: Difficult

Day 3: SANTA TERESA - LUCMABAMBA - ARCHAEOLOGICALSITE LLACTAPATA. HYDROELECTRICA - MACHUPICCHU PUEBLO

We'll spend the night in Aguas Calientes at an elevation of 1,900 m/6,232 ft.

Following a satisfying breakfast, day three presents the opportunity to partake in the exhilarating zip line activity, soaring "through the Andean Mountains." This thrilling adventure spans approximately two hours.

Subsequently, we embark on a 2-3 hour ascent towards Llactapata Pass (2,736 m/8,974 ft), where a distant yet breathtaking panorama of Machu Picchu Sanctuary unfolds from the southeast—a sight rarely witnessed by travelers. Pausing briefly, we explore the recently restored Llactapata Ruins.

Our journey continues to the Hydroelectric Village, also known as "Train station Village." From here, we trek alongside the railway for approximately three hours, ultimately reaching Aguas Calientes, also known as Machupicchu Village—the gateway to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, we settle into our hotel for a celebratory dinner, accompanied by our guide who provides a final briefing for the upcoming day's adventure.

Please note: Those who opt not to hike from Hydroelectric Village to Aguas Calientes have the option to take a 40-minute train ride (price not included). They will rendezvous with the rest of the group at the train station in Aguas Calientes. (Your preferences will be confirmed by the guide the night before.)

A LITTLE OF HISTORY Bingham first discovered Llactapata in 1912. "We found evidence that some Inca chieftain had built his home here and had included in the plan ten or a dozen buildings. Bingham locates the site "on top of a ridge between the valleys of the Aobamba and the Salcantay, about 5,000 feet above the estate of Huaquina." "Here we discovered a number of ruins and two or three modern huts. The Indians said that the place was called Llactapata." Bingham did not investigate the ruins thoroughly, however, and they were not studied again for another 70 years.

Day 4: Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu /Return to Cusco:

Today, you'll utilize bus services to reach the archaeological marvel of Machu Picchu.

For those intending to ascend Mt. Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu, advance reservations are necessary, with a fee of US $35. This day marks the pinnacle of the tour—an opportunity to explore one of the world's seven wonders. We'll commence our day bright and early, aiming to witness the sunrise over the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, with activities starting at 5:00 a.m.

Upon entering the archaeological site, you'll embark on a two-hour guided tour through the mesmerizing Inca city of Machu Picchu, visiting its prominent temples such as the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Three Windows. Following this guided exploration, you'll have the freedom to wander and discover Machu Picchu at your own pace. For those who have pre-booked, the chance to hike Mt. Huayna Picchu (height: 2,800 meters/9,186.35 ft.) or Machu Picchu mountain (height: 3,082 meters/10,111.55 ft.) awaits after the guided tour. Reservations for either hike should be made three months in advance, incurring an additional cost of US $35.

Please note that only 400 people are permitted to ascend Mt. Huayna Picchu each day, so availability is limited.

We also encourage taking time to unwind, meditate, and soak in the mystical and spiritual energies of this awe-inspiring wonder. Upon concluding your Machu Picchu experience, you'll return to Aguas Calientes to catch the train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by a bus journey back to Cusco.

Meals: Breakfast Distance:4kms/3.7mls Difficulty: Easy