Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu: Biking, Rafting & Hiking (4 Days)

1. 1

   Day 1 •Cusco – Abra Málaga Downhill Biking – Santa María (Optional River Rafting)

   4,316 m(14,160 ft)

   Depart Cusco at 06:00 AM traveling through the Sacred Valley and ascending to Abra Málaga pass (4,316m / 14,160 ft). Equip with full protective gear (full-face helmet, chest protector, knee and elbow pads) and mountain bikes with Shimano hydraulic disc brakes. Embark on a thrilling 3 to 4-hour, 55km asphalt descent through mist and mountain valleys down to Huamanmarca, followed by a short bus ride to Santa María (1,200m) for a freshly prepared local lunch. In the afternoon, embark on the optional Class II-III whitewater rafting adventure on the Vilcanota River (+$30 USD) with professional river guides and a dedicated safety kayak. Overnight in Santa María in a private room with private bathroom and hot water.

   Key highlights

   55km assisted downhill mountain bikingDedicated escort van behind the cycling groupShimano hydraulic disc brake bikes & full body armorOptional Class II-III Vilcanota river rafting ($30)

   Meals: Lunch, Dinner

   Lodging: Hotel in Santa María (Private room, private bathroom, hot water)
2. 2

   Day 2 •Santa María – Authentic Qhapaq Ñan Inca Trail – Cocalmayo Hot Springs – Santa Teresa

   1,700 m(5,577 ft)

   After an energizing breakfast, begin a 15 km active hike along an authentic, well-preserved stone section of the Qhapaq Ñan Inca Trail traversing the high jungle. Hike along ancient stone pathways through organic coffee, cacao, coca leaf, and tropical fruit plantations with views of the Vilcanota River canyon and native Andean flora. In the afternoon, arrive at the renowned volcanic thermal pools of Cocalmayo, relaxing in open-air natural hot springs (38°C–44°C) surrounded by forested mountains to rejuvenate muscles after the hike. Transfer to your comfortable hotel in Santa Teresa (1,550m) for group dinner and a restful night in a private room.

   Key highlights

   Original paved Qhapaq Ñan Inca Trail stone pathCoffee, cacao, and coca plantation trail walkCocalmayo volcanic thermal hot springs relaxation (38°C–44°C)Comfortable private room in Santa Teresa

   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   Lodging: Hotel in Santa Teresa (Private room, private bathroom, hot water)
3. 3

   Day 3 •Santa Teresa – Optional Extreme Zipline – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes

   2,040 m(6,692 ft)

   Morning option to experience South America's premier adventure canopy zip-line circuit in Santa Teresa (+$30 USD optional), gliding across canyon cables above the river. Afterward, transfer by local transport to the Hidroeléctrica railway station for a traditional lunch in the lush tropical valley. From Hidroeléctrica, embark on a memorable flat 3-hour, 10km scenic hike along the railway tracks bordering the Urubamba River, walking directly beneath the soaring granite peaks of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu amid native orchids and birdlife. Arrive in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo, 2,040m) and settle into your hotel before dinner and the comprehensive briefing for tomorrow's visit.

   Key highlights

   Optional extreme canopy zip-line circuit in Santa Teresa ($30)Traditional riverside lunch at HidroeléctricaScenic 3-hour railway walk beneath Machu Picchu & Huayna PicchuAguas Calientes comfortable hotel with private bathroom & Wi-Fi

   Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

   Lodging: Hotel in Aguas Calientes (Private room, private bathroom, hot shower, Wi-Fi)
4. 4

   Day 4 •Machu Picchu Guided Citadel Tour – Afternoon Train to Ollantaytambo & Cusco

   2,430 m(7,972 ft)

   Ascend early to the sacred Machu Picchu Citadel (2,430m / 7,972 ft) via the 25-minute Consettur bus. Enter for a comprehensive 2.5-hour official guided tour covering the main temples, sacred plaza, and iconic agricultural terraces. Travelers holding advance climb permits can summit Huayna Picchu (+$70 USD) or Montaña Machu Picchu (+$70 USD) for spectacular panoramic views. After the tour, descend by bus to Aguas Calientes to board the scenic afternoon passenger train (PeruRail Expedition or Inca Rail Voyager) to Ollantaytambo. At the station, our private driver meets you to transfer you comfortably back to your hotel in Cusco.

   Key highlights

   Official Circuit 1 or Circuit 2 entry ticket to Machu Picchu2.5-hour certified collegiate guide tour through citadel templesRoundtrip Consettur bus tickets (Aguas Calientes – Citadel)Scenic return passenger train to OllantaytamboPrivate door-to-door transfer from Ollantaytambo to your Cusco hotel

   Meals: Breakfast

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