Inca Jungle Tour 4 Days / 3 Nights
The Inca Jungle Tour 4 Days 3 Nights is one of the most popular alternative routes to Machu Picchu for travelers looking for a combination of trekking and outdoor activities in Peru. This multi-adventure tour includes mountain biking, hiking, rafting, and optional ziplining through the Andes and cloud forest.
Along the route, you will pass coffee and coca plantations, small villages, rivers, waterfalls, and natural hot springs before arriving at Aguas Calientes. You will also experience different climates and landscapes as the route connects the high mountains with the jungle area near Machu Picchu.
The final day includes a guided visit to Machu Picchu, making the Inca Jungle Tour 4 Days 3 Nights a great option for travelers who want an active and different way to reach Machu Picchu while exploring more of the Peruvian Andes and local culture.
Overview
The Inca Jungle Tour 4 Days 3 Nights is an adventure route to Machu Picchu that combines outdoor activities with changing landscapes across the Andes and cloud forest. During the tour, travelers experience mountain biking, hiking, rafting, and optional ziplining while passing rivers, plantations, waterfalls, and small local villages. The route finishes with a guided visit to Machu Picchu after arriving in Aguas Calientes.
Highlight
- Mountain biking from Abra Malaga Pass
- Hiking through the Andes and cloud forest
- Rafting adventure in Santa Maria
- Optional ziplining surrounded by jungle landscapes
- Visit coffee, coca, and fruit plantations
- Relax in the Colcamayo hot springs
- Guided tour in Machu Picchu
- Experience adventure, nature, and local culture in one route
The Inca Jungle Tour 4 Days 3 Nights combines outdoor activities, changing landscapes, and cultural experiences, making it one of the most popular alternative routes to Machu Picchu.
Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1: Cusco – Abra Malaga – Huamanmarca – Santa Maria
Travel through the Sacred Valley toward Abra Malaga Pass before beginning an exciting downhill mountain biking adventure through the Andes and cloud forest. Along the route, enjoy impressive mountain scenery, rivers, waterfalls, and the transition from the high Andes to the tropical jungle. In the afternoon, continue to Santa Maria, where you can also enjoy an optional rafting activity on the Urubamba River.
Day 2: Santa Maria – Qellomayo – Hot Springs – Santa Teresa
Hike along original Inca paths surrounded by coffee plantations, tropical landscapes, and panoramic views of the Vilcanota Valley. During the day, pass small local communities and learn more about the culture and traditions of the region. In the afternoon, relax in the Colcamayo hot springs before continuing to Santa Teresa for the night.
Day 3: Santa Teresa – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes
Start the day with an optional zipline activity surrounded by cloud forest landscapes and mountain scenery. Later, travel to Hidroelectrica and hike along the railway route toward Aguas Calientes while enjoying rivers, waterfalls, and dense jungle vegetation. Overnight stay in Aguas Calientes, located at the base of Machu Picchu.
Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
Visit the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu and enjoy a guided tour through its most important sectors, including terraces, temples, ceremonial areas, and panoramic viewpoints. Learn about Inca history and architecture before returning by train to Ollantaytambo and continuing by transportation to Cusco.
- The assigned circuit in Machu Picchu depends on availability at the time of booking. If tickets for the Machu Picchu Circuit 2 are sold out, we will secure tickets for Circuit 1 or 3. We strongly recommend booking as early as possible. Entrance tickets are first‑come, first‑served, and the best circuits and schedules sell out first.
Why Choose the Inca Jungle Tour 4 Days 3 Nights
The Inca Jungle Tour 4 Days 3 Nights combines adventure activities, nature, and local culture on the way to Machu Picchu, making it one of the most popular alternative routes in Peru.
- Mountain biking, hiking, rafting, and optional ziplining
- Route through the Andes and cloud forest
- Visit coffee and coca plantations
- Relax at the Colcamayo hot springs
- Guided visit to Machu Picchu included
- Small groups and professional local guides
- Alternative route with fewer crowds
- Comfortable accommodation during the tour
✅Included
✔ Pre-trek briefing before the Inca Jungle adventure
✔Hotel pick-up before trek departure
✔ Professional English-speaking tour guide
✔Assistant guide for groups of 9+ travelers
✔Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
✔ Round-trip bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
✔Tourist transportation to Abra Malaga Pass
✔Mountain biking equipment and safety gear
✔Rafting and zipline adventure activities
✔2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 2 dinners
✔Vegetarian, vegan, and special diet options available
✔1 night hostel accommodation in Santa Teresa
✔1 night hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes
✔Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo or Poroy
✔ Private transfer from Ollantaytambo to Cusco
✔First aid kit and emergency oxygen bottle
✔All local taxes included
❌Not Included
❌Breakfast on the first day
❌Lunch and dinner on the final day
❌Snacks and personal expenses
❌Entrance to Colcamayo hot springs (S/20.00)
❌Mineral water during the trek
❌Oroya crossing fee (S/5.00)
❌Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain ticket (USD 65.00)
❌Travel insurance
❌Tips for guides, drivers, and staff
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Abra Malaga – Huamanmarca – Santa Maria
Highlight of the day: Mountain biking from the Andes into the cloud forest.
The Inca Jungle 4 Days 3 Nights begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Cusco around 7:00 am. During the drive, you will pass through the Sacred Valley towns of Chinchero, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo before reaching Abra Malaga Pass at 4,316 m / 14,160 ft.
After receiving the biking equipment and safety instructions, the adventure starts with an exciting downhill bike ride through different ecological zones, from the cold Andes to the warm cloud forest. Along the route, you will enjoy mountain scenery, waterfalls, rivers, and changing landscapes full of native flora and fauna.
After approximately 3 hours of biking, you will arrive near the archaeological site of Huamanmarca before continuing by transportation to Santa Maria, where you will spend the first night of the tour.
This first day is a great introduction to the variety of landscapes found along the Inca Jungle route. The transition from high mountains to tropical vegetation makes the experience very different from traditional trekking routes to Machu Picchu.
- Meals Included: Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Local hostel in Santa Maria
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Optional Activity: Rafting (additional cost)
Day 2: Santa Maria – Qellomayo – Hot Springs – Santa Teresa
Highlight of the day: Hiking part of the original Inca Trail through the jungle.
After breakfast, the hike begins along a section of the original Inca Trail that once connected Machu Picchu with Vilcabamba, the last refuge of the Incas. This part of the route offers a combination of mountain scenery, jungle vegetation, and local plantations.
During the hike, you will pass coffee, coca, banana, and avocado plantations while enjoying panoramic views of the Vilcanota Valley. Along the way, your guide will share information about local farming traditions, history, and daily life in the region.
After lunch in Qellomayo, the route continues toward the Colcamayo hot springs, where you can relax in the natural thermal pools surrounded by mountains and vegetation. Later in the afternoon, the journey continues to Santa Teresa for dinner and overnight accommodation.
This day is often considered one of the most scenic parts of the tour because of the combination of original Inca paths, tropical landscapes, and interactions with local communities. The warmer climate and jungle surroundings create a completely different atmosphere compared to the Andes.
- Hiking Distance: Approximately 22 km
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Hostel in Santa Teresa
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 3: Santa Teresa – Hidroelectrica – Aguas Calientes
Highlight of the day: Hiking through the jungle route to Aguas Calientes.
The day begins with breakfast before starting the optional zipline activity in Santa Teresa. After a short briefing, travelers cross several ziplines and suspension bridges surrounded by the cloud forest and mountain scenery.
Later, transportation takes the group to Hidroelectrica, where lunch is served before beginning the hike toward Aguas Calientes. This section follows the railway alongside the Urubamba River and offers views of the surrounding mountains and dense vegetation.
After approximately 3 hours of hiking, you will arrive in Aguas Calientes, the town located below Machu Picchu. After hotel check-in, dinner is served at a local restaurant while preparing for the visit to Machu Picchu the following morning.
The walk to Aguas Calientes is one of the most relaxing sections of the route and allows travelers to enjoy the natural scenery at a slower pace. As you get closer to Machu Picchu, the anticipation and excitement for the final day become part of the experience.
- Hiking Distance: Approximately 11 km
- Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
- Optional Activity: Zipline (additional cost)
Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
Highlight of the day: Guided tour of Machu Picchu.
Wake up early for the final and most important day of the Inca Jungle Tour 4 Days 3 Nights. After taking the bus from Aguas Calientes, you will enter the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu and enjoy a guided tour through the main sectors of the Inca citadel.
During the approximately 3-hour guided tour, you will explore agricultural terraces, ceremonial areas, temples, and panoramic viewpoints while learning about the history, architecture, and engineering of the Inca civilization. Your guide will also explain the importance of Machu Picchu and the different sectors included in your circuit.
After completing the guided visit, you will return with your guide to Aguas Calientes before boarding the train to Ollantaytambo. From there, transportation will take you back to Cusco, where the tour officially ends.
Visiting Machu Picchu after several days of hiking and adventure activities creates a more complete experience and allows travelers to appreciate the journey through the Andes and cloud forest before arriving at one of the most important archaeological sites in the world.
Important Note
Huayna Picchu Mountain and Machu Picchu Mountain require separate entrance tickets and advance reservations. Please contact us in advance if you would like to include one of these optional hikes in your experience.
- Guided Tour of Machu Picchu Included
- Approximate Guided Tour: 3 Hours
- Meals Included: Breakfast
💰 Prices
We offer flexible departure dates and operate the Inca Jungle Tour 4 Days 3 Nights trek daily, subject to availability.
Price: USD $409 per person
✔ Small-group experience for greater comfort and personalized service
✔ Professional guides and full trekking logistics included
⚠️ Limited availability due to Machu Picchu Fee. Early booking is highly recommended.
Booking and Payment
To confirm your reservation for the Inca Jungle, a deposit is required in advance.
- Deposit: USD $200 per person (to secure your spot)
- Balance: The remaining amount can be paid online or in Cusco before the trek
We accept credit cards, PayPal, and bank transfers. If you prefer another payment method, feel free to contact us for assistance.
Discounts:
- 18 to 25 years old: $25 USD Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc.
- Under 18 years old: $25 USD Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
- Under 11 years old: $30 USD Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
Optional Extras (Need to Book in Advance):
- Machu Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 65.00 (Need to book in advance).
- Huayna Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 65.00 (Need to book in advance).
Upgrades:
Hotel Upgrades:
- Inkaterra (5★): US$195 per person per night
- Hotel el Mapi (4★): US$105 per person per night
- Santuario Hotel: US$55 per person per night
Train Upgrades:
- Vistadome train -US $65 for trip from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
- Hiram Bingham train (deluxe) -US $585 for trip from Aguas Calientes to Poroy.
Rentals:
- Hiking poles – US$20.00.
🎒What Do You Need to Bring
It is recommended to bring only the necessary items for the trek. Large suitcases or unnecessary luggage should be left in Cusco at your hotel or at our main office before starting the adventure.
- Original passport
- Travel insurance
- Comfortable daypack for personal belongings
- Lightweight trekking boots or hiking shoes
- Swimwear for the hot springs in Aguas Calientes
- Trekking pants (avoid jeans)
- Warm layers for changing temperatures
- Waterproof rain jacket or rain poncho
- Warm jacket for cold mornings and evenings
- Thermal clothing, gloves, scarf, and wool hat
- T-shirts and long-sleeve hiking shirts
- Underwear and extra trekking socks
- Lightweight sleeping bag liner
- Sunscreen (SPF 35+ recommended)
- Insect repellent
- Reusable water bottle or hydration pack
- Water for the first day of the trek
- Personal toiletries and wet wipes
- Personal medications and altitude sickness pills
- Camera and extra batteries
- Headlamp or flashlight with spare batteries
- Sandals or flip-flops for the evenings
- Plastic bags for wet or dirty clothes
- Extra money for snacks, drinks, souvenirs, and tips
Travel Information
At Info Machu Picchu, we want you to be fully prepared for your adventure to Machu Picchu. This section provides important travel information about acclimatization, trek logistics, Machu Picchu entry circuits, luggage, transportation, and helpful recommendations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience in Peru.
Pre-Trek Briefing
All briefings are held at your hotel in Cusco around 5:00 PM, one or two days before your tour. The session lasts approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
During the briefing, your guide will explain the itinerary in detail, review safety recommendations, provide your duffel bag, and answer any questions before the trek begins.
Acclimatization in Cusco
Proper acclimatization is highly recommended before starting the trek. Cusco is located at 3,400 m (11,150 ft) above sea level, and adjusting to the altitude helps reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
We recommend arriving in Cusco at least 2 to 3 days before your tour to allow your body enough time to adapt to the elevation.
Recommended Tours Before Your Trek
During your acclimatization days, we recommend enjoying light tours around Cusco and the Sacred Valley:
- Cusco City Tour
- Sacred Valley of the Incas Tour
- Moray and Maras Salt Mines Tour
- Q’eswachaka Inca Bridge Tour
- Rainbow Mountain Tour
These excursions are ideal for adjusting to the altitude while exploring the rich culture, history, and landscapes of the region.
Visiting these attractions before your trek also provides a better understanding of Inca history, traditional Andean culture, and the incredible natural beauty surrounding Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
Balance Payment in Cusco
Any remaining balance must be paid at least 1 or 2 days before the start of your tour.
We recommend payment in cash (USD or Peruvian Soles) during your briefing. Credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal are also accepted with a 5% service fee. Bank checks and traveler’s checks are not accepted.
ATMs and exchange offices are available along Avenida Sol in Cusco.
Please make sure to confirm your final payment in advance to avoid delays before the start of your adventure. Our team will gladly assist you with any payment questions during your stay in Cusco.
Luggage Storage
You may store your main luggage at your hotel or coordinate luggage storage with our team before the trek begins.
We recommend keeping valuables, passports, and important documents in your hotel safe whenever possible.
Most hotels in Cusco offer complimentary luggage storage for travelers participating in multi-day treks and tours to Machu Picchu. Please confirm this service directly with your hotel before departure.
Machu Picchu Entry Circuits
Machu Picchu operates with timed entrance tickets and designated visitor circuits to help preserve the archaeological site.
- Circuit 1: Panoramic viewpoints
- Circuit 2: Classic route through the main citadel
- Circuit 3: Lower sector and temple areas
Entry circuits are subject to availability at the time of booking. Re-entry to Machu Picchu is not allowed after exiting the archaeological site.
We strongly recommend booking your tour several months in advance, especially during the high season, since Machu Picchu entrance tickets and circuits can sell out quickly.
Pick-Up Information
All pick-ups are arranged from hotels located in Cusco’s historic center. Pick-up times are confirmed the day before your tour and may vary slightly depending on traffic and logistics.
If your hotel is located on a narrow street or in an area inaccessible by vehicle, we will coordinate a nearby meeting point.
Please be ready in your hotel lobby at least 10 minutes before the scheduled pick-up time to help maintain the tour schedule and transportation logistics.
Return from Machu Picchu
After your guided visit to Machu Picchu, you will return by bus to Aguas Calientes, followed by a scenic train journey to Ollantaytambo through the Sacred Valley.
Upon arrival, our transportation team will transfer you back to Cusco and drop you off near your hotel.
We recommend arriving at the train station at least 30 minutes before departure.
Train schedules may vary depending on availability and operational logistics. Your guide will provide all return details and transportation instructions during the tour.
Strikes and Demonstrations
Occasionally, strikes or local demonstrations may affect transportation schedules in Peru. In these situations, Info Machu Picchu will make the necessary operational adjustments while always prioritizing traveler safety and tour continuity whenever possible.
Although these events are uncommon, flexibility and patience are sometimes necessary when traveling in remote regions of the Andes. Our operations team constantly monitors local conditions to provide the best possible service.
Personal Belongings
Travelers are responsible for their personal belongings throughout the trek and tour operations.
We recommend checking your belongings carefully after every stop and avoiding leaving valuables unattended during transportation, hikes, or train rides.
To help protect your personal items, we also recommend using waterproof bags or backpack covers during the trek, especially during the rainy season in the cloud forest region.
The Inca Jungle Tour 4 Days 3 Nights is considered a moderate adventure tour. Some days include several hours of hiking, but the route is suitable for travelers with a reasonable fitness level. The combination of biking, trekking, and transportation makes it less demanding than the Classic Inca Trail.
No previous experience is required. Before each activity, professional guides provide safety instructions and equipment. The biking route is mostly downhill, and rafting or zipline activities are optional.
The tour usually includes transportation, mountain biking equipment, accommodation, meals during the tour, train tickets, entrance to Machu Picchu, and a professional guide. Optional activities like rafting and zipline may have an additional cost depending on the package selected.
Yes, the entrance ticket to Machu Picchu is included in the tour. The assigned circuit depends on availability at the time of booking, so we recommend reserving in advance, especially during high season.
Yes, both mountains can be added to your experience depending on availability. These hikes require separate entrance tickets and should be booked several weeks or months in advance due to limited spaces.
Yes, the Inca Jungle Tour 4 Days 3 Nights operates most of the year. The dry season from April to October is usually the most popular time because of clearer weather conditions for hiking and outdoor activities.
The tour ends in Cusco after returning by train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, followed by transportation back to the city.
Yes, vegetarian and some dietary options can be arranged with advance notice. It is important to inform us about any dietary restrictions before the tour begins.
We strongly recommend booking the Inca Jungle Tour 4 Days 3 Nights as early as possible, especially during the high season between May and September. Machu Picchu entrance tickets and train availability can sell out quickly.
Starting From: USD per person
Trip details:
Recommended Tour