OVERVIEW
INCA JUNGLE A MACHUPICCHU HIKE
DAY 1: CUSCO – ABRA MALAGA – SANTA MARIA
Inca Jungle a Machupicchu Hike, between 6 and 7 am, we pick you up from your hotel. Afterwards, we head towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas where we can appreciate beautiful and natural scenic attractions all the way up to Abra Malaga (4,350 m/14,272 ft). This pass is the highest point of the Inca Jungle – a Machupicchu Hike. From there, we get ready for biking downhill for approximately 3 hours accompanied by an emergency car in case somebody gets tired. We observe a change of ecosystems on the trail. Then, we get over a suspension bridge and continue to the archaeological remains of Inca Tambo. We pass through a habitat of the cocks of the rock and orchids in a stunning residential area complemented by an exciting adventure activity – biking.
Upon arrival to Huamanmarca (1,575 m/5,167 ft), our Guide explains to us details about this “last Inca refuge”. We are served lunch there. Later on, we bike through tea crops, orchards and diverse landscapes in the beautiful valley formed by the Lucumayo River. At 4-5 pm, we arrive at Santa Maria and accommodate ourselves in a local hostel. At the end of the day, we enjoy a campfire and then dinner before we go to sleep.
Maximum altitude: 4,350 metres/ 14,272 feet
Minimum altitude: 1,200 metres/ 3,937 feet
Duration of the bike: 3 hours
Biking distance: 100 km
Difficulty: Easy
Weather: Cold to warm
DAY 2: SANTA MARIA – SANTA TERESA
After a delicious breakfast of local origin, we start walking along the banks of the river. There, we can witness regional animals and plants. For example, birds (parrots, hummingbirds, eagles), wild cats, centipedes, lizards, medicinal plants. This area is also so fertile that it provides the soil for large plantations of bananas, mangoes, oranges, mandarins, cocoa, pacay fruits, coca leaves and coffee. We visit some of the local farms in order to observe their crops. On the way, we pass over an Inca bridge (a stretch of the Inca Trail) before we get to Quellomayo. We are served lunch in this small village.
After a short rest, we keep hiking to the small town of Santa Teresa. Upon arrival, we accommodate ourselves in a hostel. Later on, we head for one of the highlights of the hike: the thermal baths of Cocalmayo. The baths (hot springs) are one of the best on a national level. For that reason, we enjoy its medicinal waters, swimming and relaxation there. In the end, we return to Teresa for dinner and overnight.
Maximum altitude: 1,550 metres / 5,085 feet
Minimum altitude: 1,200 metres / 3,937 feet
Duration of the trek: 7 hours
Trekking distance: 10 km
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Weather: Humid-warm
DAY 3: SANTA TERESA – AGUAS CALIENTES – PUTUCUSI MOUNTAIN
In the hostel, we are served a tropical breakfast to later get on a private vehicle bringing us to the Hidroelectrica railway station (1,890 m/6,200 ft). There, we start trekking along the tracks appreciating diverse flora and fauna on the way to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, we accommodate ourselves in a hotel and have lunch.
To complement our adventure, we climb up to the imposing mountain of Putucusi. At this point, we can admire the famous Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. Finally, we climb back to Aguas Calientes to have dinner and sleep.
Maximum altitude: 2,040 metres / 6,693 feet
Minimum altitude: 1,550 metres / 5,085 feet
Duration of the trek: 3 hours
Trekking distance: 9 km
Difficulty: Easy
Weather: Humid-warm
DAY 4: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
At 7 am, we have breakfast at the hotel. Later, the tour guide picks us up to take us to a bus stop where we get on a shuttle bus. It takes us uphill following a zigzag path until we reach the door of the Machu Picchu Sanctuary (2,430 m / 7,972 ft). First, we must go through a checkpoint. Second, we are offered a 4-hour private guided tour while the Guide explains every known detail of its history.
Third, he shows us the most interesting architectural ensembles found in the so-called “Royal Tomb”. It is very close to the front door. In addition, we explore the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Three Windows, the Central Temple, the Priests’ Mansion, the sunken place. We can see its many springs formed in water channels and many stairs. All made entirely of stone.
In addition, there are rocks that are used for high ritual purposes. The most important of which is “Inti Watana” or the Solar Clock. After the guided part, we are given free time to explore the citadel on our own. We can also visit the Inca Bridge or the Temple of the Moon if we climb the Wayna Picchu or take some panoramic photos of the Machu Picchu mountain (see the Optional). When we decide, we use a bus ticket to descend back to Aguas Calientes and have lunch (not included). Later, we board a train back to Ollantaytambo and then we continue by private vehicle back to Cusco. Finally, we take you back to your hotel.
Maximum altitude: 2,430 metres / 7,972 feet
Minimum altitude: 2,040 metres / 6,693 feet
Duration of the trek: N/A
Trekking distance: N/A
Difficulty: Easy
Weather: Humid-warm
ITINERARY
INCA JUNGLE A MACHUPICCHU HIKE
DAY 1: CUSCO – ABRA MALAGA – SANTA MARIA
- 6-7 am – a hotel pick-up.
- Transfer by bus to the Abra Malaga (4,350 m/14,272 ft).
- Downhill biking from Abra Malaga (Malaga Pass) to Huamanmarca (3 hours).
- Visit the archaeological remains of Inca Tambo on the way.
- Stop at Huamanmarca – an Inca site, and a guided tour around.
- Lunch at Huamanmarca.
- Transfer to Santa Maria.
- Accommodation at a hostel.
- Campfire at the hostel.
- Dinner and overnight.
DAY 2: SANTA MARIA – SANTA TERESA
- Tropical breakfast.
- Start of trekking passing a beautiful landscape.
- Visits to local farms.
- We go through a stretch of the Inca Trail – an Inca bridge.
- Lunch in a small village of Quellomayo.
- Continuation of the hike Santa Teresa, a small town.
- Accommodation at a hostel.
- Visit and relaxation in the medicinal waters of the thermal baths “Cocalmayo”.
- Dinner and overnight in Santa Teresa.
DAY 3: SANTA TERESA – AGUAS CALIENTES – PUTUCUSI MOUNTAIN
- Tropical breakfast.
- Transfer to the railway station Hidroelectrica (a hydroelectric plant).
- Walk along the railway amidst of cloud forest (2 and a half hours).
- Visit a few local farms.
- Arrival at Aguas Calientes (a small town below Machu Picchu).
- Accommodation at a hotel.
- Lunch at a local restaurant.
- Climb up to Putucusi Mountain to take panoramic photos of Machu Picchu.
- Visit the thermal baths of Aguas Calientes (optional).
- Dinner and overnight.
DAY 4 INCA JUNGLE A MACHUPICCHU HIKE: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
- Early breakfast.
- Transport to Machu Picchu.
- Passing through a checkpoint of Machu Picchu.
- Private guided tour of Machu Picchu (2 and a half hours).
- Time off enabling you to enjoy Machu Picchu on your own, visit the Inca Bridge and/or hike to Wayna Picchu/Machu Picchu Mountain to take some panoramic photos of this New Wonder of the World (please see the section Optional).
- When you feel ready, use a shuttle bus ticket to bring you back down to Aguas Calientes.
- Lunch (not included in the tour).
- The train ride back to Ollantaytambo (2 hours).
- Transport back to the city of Cusco (approx. an hour).
- Transfer to your hotel.
- End of service of the Inca Jungle – a Machu Picchu Hike.
OPTIONAL
OPTIONAL:
- Shuttle bus between Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes: USD 12 – one way.
- Climb to the Machu Picchu Mountain, a mountain situated above the Inca citadal accessible by a 1.5-hour climb. Here you are able to take those postcard-like photos of Machu Picchu. It costs USD 15 extra. Please note that the booking needs to be done at least 1 month in advance due to the limited number of tickets!
- Wayna Picchu – a mountain situated above the Inca citadal accessible by a 45-minute climb. It serves to take some panoramic photos of Machu Picchu. It is an extra USD 25. Please note that the booking needs to be done at least 3 months in advance due to a limited number of entrances!
INCLUDES
INCA JUNGLE A MACHUPICCHU HIKE INCLUDES:
- Pick-up from your hotel in Cusco.
- Private transport to the trailhead at Abra Malaga.
- A professional English-speaking Tour Guide.
- Guide Assistant (for groups of over 10 participants).
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu.
- 2 nights at local hostels (along the route).
- 1 night at a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- Front suspension bikes.
- Helmets and gloves.
- Duffel bags.
- First aid kit and a bottle of oxygen.
- Two-way radio.
- Meals: 3x breakfast, 3x lunch, 3x dinner, hot beverages during main meals – a vegetarian option available upon request.
- Private guided tour of Machu Picchu.
- Entrance ticket to the thermal baths “Cocalmayo”.
- Return train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
- Private transport between Ollantaytambo and Cusco.
- Drop-off at your hotel in Cusco.
NOT INCLUDE
INCA JUNGLE A MACHUPICCHU HIKE NOT INCLUDE:
- Shuttle bus between Machu Picchu and Aguas Calientes.
- Lunch on day 4 (in Aguas Calientes).
- Beverages (apart from the main meals).
- Climb to Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (see the Optional section please).
- Entrance fee to the thermal baths at Aguas Calientes (10 Soles).
- Tips to local staff.
- Pocket money.
- Accommodation in Cusco.
- Any flight.
- Travel insurance.
WHAT TO BRING
WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU TO THE INCA JUNGLE A MACHUPICCHU HIKE?
- Original passport!!! (Please note: It will be checked at the gateway! If you fail to bring it, you will not be allowed to enter!)
- Necessary stuff for a 4-day trek (We recommend you to take up to 7 kg of your belongings.);
- Personal medicines (if applicable);
- A backpack;
- Light clothes such as shorts and T-shirts;
- Sufficient number of socks and underwear;
- Raincoat or poncho (especially, from November to April);
- Trekking shoes and sandals;
- A cap/hat;
- Camera;
- Extra batteries and/or power bank;
- Flashlight;
- Sunglasses;
- Sun protection cream;
- Insect repellent (we recommend DEET 30);
- Toiletries;
- Towel;
- Toilet paper;
- Swimsuit (in case, you like to visit the thermal baths at Aguas Calientes);
- Bottled water;
- Canteen;
- Matches;
- Knife;
- Water purification tablets (optional);
- Pocket money (to buy some souvenirs or refreshment).
MAP
INCA JUNGLE A MACHUPICCHU HIKE MAP
PRICE
INCA JUNGLE A MACHUPICCHU HIKE
The price depends on the number of participants, travel dates and other preferences. Please inquire about a personalized price.