The Classic Inca Jungle Trek

Your adventure begins with pick-up from your hotel in Cusco at approximately 7:30 a.m. We will drive for around one hour to Cruzpata, where you will meet the biking team, receive your helmet and gloves, and complete a safety briefing and equipment check before starting the ride.

Once everyone is comfortable with the equipment, begin the downhill ride along quiet rural roads surrounded by potato and wheat fields, traditional farming areas, and expansive Andean scenery. The route passes through the town of Maras and continues toward the impressive Maras Salt Mines, where thousands of salt pools have been used by local families for generations.

After visiting the salt mines, continue descending toward the Sacred Valley. The complete biking section takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on the group’s pace, road conditions, and time spent at viewpoints.

Our transportation will then take you through changing landscapes toward the warmer town of Santa Maria, where lunch will be served. In the afternoon, specialist river guides will provide a separate safety briefing before beginning the white-water rafting experience on the Urubamba River. The activity normally lasts approximately 1.5 hours and may include Class III–IV sections depending on river levels and the safety assessment.

After rafting, change into dry clothes and take a short walk to your rustic lodge in Pispitayoc. Enjoy dinner and relax in the tropical surroundings before your first night.

Wake up surrounded by tropical scenery and enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast with local coffee. Before starting the hike, you will have time to learn about nearby plantations and see crops such as coffee, cacao, coca leaves, bananas, pineapples, avocados, oranges, and other tropical fruits.

The trail begins with a gradual climb through the warm jungle valley before joining a historic Inca path that once connected communities in the Vilcabamba region. This route is different from the regulated Classic Inca Trail, but it provides an opportunity to experience part of the region’s historic road network and learn about its local history.

As you hike, your guide will share information about traditional farming, medicinal plants, local products, and daily life in this part of the cloud forest. Along the way, enjoy views across the Urubamba Valley, green hills, farms, and distant mountains.

After approximately four hours of walking, arrive at Quellomayo for a warm lunch at a selected local restaurant. After resting, continue along the river and through tropical scenery until reaching Cocalmayo Hot Springs.

After a full hiking day, enjoy time to relax in the warm natural pools surrounded by mountains. Bring a swimsuit, towel, sandals, and a change of clothes for the visit.

After the hot springs, a short transfer will take you to Santa Teresa. Check in at your local hotel, enjoy dinner, and rest before the longest hiking day of the tour.

After breakfast, travel for approximately one hour to Lucmabamba, located at around 2,000 m / 6,562 ft. From here, begin one of the most rewarding hiking sections of the Inca Jungle Trek.

The trail climbs steadily for approximately three hours through coffee plantations, cloud forest, shaded paths, and mountain farms. Your guide will help maintain a comfortable pace while sharing information about the history of the old route connecting the surrounding valleys.

At the top, arrive at Llactapata, an Inca archaeological site located across the valley from Machu Picchu. When the weather is clear, this viewpoint can provide your first distant view of Machu Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, Huayna Picchu, and the surrounding ridges.

After exploring Llactapata and taking time for photos, descend for approximately two hours toward the Hydroelectric station. Lunch will be served upon arrival, allowing you to rest before beginning the final section of the day.

In the afternoon, follow the railway for approximately three hours through lush vegetation alongside the Urubamba River and beneath the steep mountains surrounding Machu Picchu. Although this section is mostly flat, the total distance makes it a long trekking day.

Arrive in Aguas Calientes at approximately 5:00 p.m., depending on the group’s pace and trail conditions. Check in at your comfortable 3-star hotel, enjoy dinner with the group, and receive the final briefing for your Machu Picchu visit.

After an early breakfast at the hotel, walk to the bus station and travel up to Machu Picchu. Your visit will be organized according to the official entrance time and circuit indicated on your ticket.

Your guide will lead an approximately two-to-three-hour visit through the areas included in your assigned circuit, explaining the history and significance of the temples, terraces, water channels, plazas, royal areas, and sacred spaces along the route.

We prioritize Circuit 2 when available. If Circuit 2 is unavailable, the tour will use the available alternative arranged for your reservation within Circuit 1 or Circuit 3.

Travelers who reserve Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain in advance may complete the optional hike according to the entrance time and route indicated on the additional ticket. These permits are limited and are not included in the standard tour.

After visiting Machu Picchu, return by bus to Aguas Calientes, where lunch will be on your own. Later, board the Vistadome panoramic train to Ollantaytambo. Our private transportation will meet you at the station and take you back to your hotel in Cusco, usually arriving at approximately 7:30 p.m.