Inca Jungle Tour 4D/3N
Inca Jungle Tour: Biking, Rafting, Zip Line and Trekking to Machu Picchu
The Inca Jungle Tour starts with a mountain bike ride from the Andes into the cloud forest. Then you raft the Urubamba River, hike a section of Inca trail and relax in hot springs. Finally, you fly on a zip line before reaching Machu Picchu.
The most fun way to reach Machu Picchu
Summary
Trip overview
The Inca Jungle Tour is a multi-sport adventure designed for active travelers looking for more than a hike. Over four days, you combine mountain biking, rafting, trekking and zip lining on the way to Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
First of all, you begin with a bike descent from the Abra Málaga pass, at over 4,300 meters, down to the cloud forest. Then you hike among coca, coffee and tropical fruit plantations along a section of Inca trail, relax in the Cocalmayo hot springs and fly on a zip line over the Santa Teresa valley.
Afterwards, you walk into Aguas Calientes alongside the railway and, finally, on the last day you visit Machu Picchu with a professional guide. Nights are spent in guesthouses, so no camping is required. If you prefer a pure trek, the Salkantay Trek or the Inca Trail are also great options.
The best of this journey
Itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1
Abra Málaga, bike descent and rafting
Biking from the Andes to the cloud forest, then rafting on the Urubamba.
We pick you up early at your hotel and drive through the Sacred Valley to the Abra Málaga pass (4,316 m a.s.l.). There, you receive your bike and protective gear to begin a descent on a paved road, surrounded first by snow-capped peaks and then by tropical vegetation. Later, in the afternoon, you go rafting on the Urubamba River, on a section suitable for beginners, accompanied by instructors. Finally, we spend the night in a guesthouse in Santa María.
Day 2
Inca trail trekking and Cocalmayo hot springs
Hike through the cloud forest until you reach Santa Teresa.
We start hiking among coca, coffee and tropical fruit plantations. Then we walk a section of Inca trail with views of the Urubamba River canyon and visit a local home, where we learn about the area’s products. Later, in the afternoon, we reach the Cocalmayo hot springs to relax and then continue to Santa Teresa, where we spend the night in a guesthouse.
Day 3
Zip line, Hidroeléctrica and Aguas Calientes
Zip line over the valley, then a walk alongside the railway.
In the morning, you experience the zip line over the Santa Teresa valley, with several cables and spectacular views. Then we transfer to Hidroeléctrica. After lunch, we walk for about three hours alongside the railway to Aguas Calientes, where you spend the night in a hotel.
Day 4
Machu Picchu and return to Cusco
Guided tour of the Inca citadel and, finally, return to Cusco.
Early in the morning, you take the bus to Machu Picchu for a guided tour of the main sectors of the citadel. Afterwards, you go down to Aguas Calientes. Finally, in the afternoon you take the return train to Ollantaytambo, where our transportation takes you to your hotel in Cusco.
Include
Included and not included
The trip includes
- Hotel pickup and transportation to Abra Málaga
- Mountain bike, helmet, gloves and protective gear
- Rafting with instructors and safety equipment
- Zip line with equipment and instructors
- Professional guide in English or Spanish
- 2 nights in guesthouses in Santa María and Santa Teresa
- 1 night in a tourist hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Meals as per itinerary
- Entrance to Machu Picchu and round-trip bus
- Return train to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco
What's not included?
- Breakfast on the first day and lunch on the last day
- Entrance to the Cocalmayo hot springs
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain
- Drinks and snacks
- Tips for guides and instructors
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
Important information
What to bring
- Small daypack
- Hiking shoes and sandals
- Light clothing and a warm jacket for Abra Málaga
- Rain jacket or waterproof poncho
- Swimsuit and quick-dry towel
- Insect repellent and sunscreen
- Headlamp
- Original passport
Weather
At Abra Málaga it is cold and it may rain or snow, while in the cloud forest the climate is warm and humid. Therefore, bring clothing for both extremes.
Best season
The tour operates all year. From April to October the weather is drier; however, in the rainy season rafting may be suspended if the river flow is not safe.
Acclimatization
Although the tour quickly descends to lower altitudes, we recommend spending at least one day in Cusco before starting the adventure.
Recommendations
Adventure activities are carried out with instructors and safety equipment. Also, tell your guide before rafting if you have any medical condition or cannot swim.
Accommodations
Accommodations and services
Guesthouses and hotel
Two nights in simple guesthouses in Santa María and Santa Teresa, and then one night in a tourist hotel in Aguas Calientes.
Transportation
Transfer to Abra Málaga, then to Hidroeléctrica and, finally, the return from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco.
Return train
Tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo when the visit to Machu Picchu ends.
Meals
Meals at local restaurants and guesthouses as per itinerary.
Assistance
Guide and specialized instructors for each adventure activity, including certified safety equipment.
Gallery
Photo gallery
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Do I need previous biking or rafting experience?
No. On the Inca Jungle Tour, the bike descent is on a paved road and the rafting is on a section suitable for beginners, always with instructors.
How demanding is the tour?
It is moderate. The second day’s trek and the walk to Aguas Calientes require good physical condition, but there are no high mountain passes to hike.
Where do we sleep during the tour?
In simple guesthouses in Santa María and Santa Teresa, and in a tourist hotel in Aguas Calientes. There is no camping.
What if I don't want to do an activity?
All adventure activities are optional. Therefore, if you prefer to skip one, your guide arranges an alternative or a transfer.
Does rafting operate all year?
It depends on the river flow. During months of heavy rain, it may be suspended for safety and replaced by another activity.
Can I customize this itinerary?
Yes. We can operate the Inca Jungle Tour as a private service, upgrade the accommodation or include Huayna Picchu, although this is subject to availability.
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