Inca Jungle Trail 3 days to Machu Picchu

8 per group

Group Size

Moderate

Difficulty level

Combined Activities

Trip styles

Accommodation

Inca Jungle Trek 3 day to Machu Picchu is a Thrilling 3 day adventure where you will do activities such as mountain biking, hiking on ancient Inca trails and optional rafting. You will pass by Inca ruins, coffee and coca plantations, fruit orchards. You will also enjoy the resurgent hot springs of Colcamayo. All this will lead you to the magical citadel of Machu Picchu.

The Inca Jungle Trail is the ultimate 3-day adventure for those seeking a unique and action- packed journey to Machu Picchu. This thrilling tour combines various activities such as mountain biking, hiking along ancient Inca trails, and optional rafting.

Full Itinerary Inca Jungle 3 days

Day 1: Cusco - Santa Teresa

The first day on Inca jungle trail

Departure from Cusco: We leave early in the morning (around 6:00 am) and travel in a private vehicle through the stunning Sacred Valley of the Incas until we reach Abra Málaga, located at 4,350 meters above sea level.
Mountain Biking: After a brief briefing and bike adjustments, we start an exciting descent of approximately 55 km. Along the way, we pass through changing landscapes, from high and cold areas to warm jungle. Lunch is included.
Rafting in the Urubamba River: Upon arrival in Santa María, you will have the option to go rafting in the Urubamba River (optional activity and subject to availability and water level).

The first day on Inca Jungle Trail, most Details

Embark on a thrilling Cusco adventure as we whisk you away from your hotel around 6 am and drive through the stunning Sacred Valley of the Incas. Marvel at the picturesque towns, Vilcabamba and Vilcanota mountain ranges, and the native town of Chinchero. After a 2-hour drive, stretch your legs and take a break in the ancient Inca town of Ollantaytambo.

Continue the journey to Abra Malaga Pass (4350m / 14,271ft), where you’ll gear up and receive a biking tutorial. Kick off your exhilarating 60km downhill ride with a breathtaking view of the snow-capped Veronica peak. Cycle through the Andes, making a pitstop at the Huamanmarca Inca site for lunch and exploration.

After immersing yourself in the rich history, hop back in the car and head to Santa Maria for an adrenaline-pumping 1.5-hour white river rafting adventure. Take in the captivating landscape as you navigate the rapids. Once rafting is complete, return to town and catch a local car for a 1-hour ride to Santa Teresa.

Upon arrival in Santa Teresa, check into your hotel and unwind. If you’re up for it, head to the nearby hot springs to rejuvenate and relax for a couple of hours, surrounded by the soothing warmth and natural beauty. Later, return to Santa Teresa town to savor a delicious dinner and rest up for the night at your hotel.
Tour Details:

Biking distance: 65 km, approximately 3 to 4 hours of downhill biking
River Rafting Adventure: 1 to 1.5 Hours of Exhilarating Fun
Difficulty: Moderate day (full of Adventure)
Weather: Warm and windy during the day, with very warn nights
Accommodations: Hotel nigh in Santa teresa
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 2: Santa Teresa - Aguas Calientes: Zipline Thrills

Rise and shine at 6:30 am, fuel up with breakfast, and get ready for an action-packed day. Around 8:00 am, the zipline company will pick you up and transport you to the zipline base. After a brief orientation, embark on a thrilling 2-hour adventure across four different ziplines and a suspension bridge.

Once you’ve had your fill of ziplining excitement, take a 1-hour car ride to Hidroelectrica for a well-deserved lunch. Post-lunch, embark on a scenic 3-hour hike along the train tracks to Aguas Calientes town. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and recharge.

At 7:00 pm, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant before heading back to the hotel for a good night’s sleep. Wake up early the following day, eager to explore the magnificent Machu Picchu.

Tour Details:

Zipline Adventure: Experience 4 Unique Ziplines and 1 Thrilling Suspension Bridge
Hiking distance: 11 km takes 3 to 3.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate day (full of Adventure)
Weather: Warm and Tropical very warn nights
Accommodations: Hotel nigh in Aguas Calientes
Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3: Machu Picchu - Cusco

MACHU PICCHU DAY:

Arriving at Machu Picchu’s Main Gate from Aguas Calientes: To reach Machu Picchu’s main gate from Aguas Calientes, you have two options. You can either embark on a scenic 1.5-hour hike or take a convenient bus ride that costs $12. The choice is yours, and you can even decide on the same day you plan to visit Machu Picchu. Regardless of the option you choose, your day will begin bright and early at 4 am with a delicious breakfast at your hotel in Aguas Calientes.
If you choose to WALK from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, your journey will begin at around 4:30 am. You’ll start by walking from your hotel in Aguas Calientes to Puente Ruins, which takes approximately 30 minutes. Puente Ruins serves as the first checkpoint, where you’ll need to present your Machu Picchu tickets and original passports to gain entry. Once you’ve passed the Puente Ruins checkpoint, you’ll embark on an uphill hike to Machu Picchu, climbing approximately 1,700 steps. This ascent typically takes between one hour to one hour and 20 minutes. Upon reaching the main gate of Machu Picchu, you’ll meet up with your group and guide to enter the site and begin your unforgettable exploration of this ancient Inca citadel.

If you opt to take the BUS from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, you’ll need to purchase a bus ticket in town, either the night before or on the same morning. Each one-way bus ticket costs $12. Once you have your ticket, join the queue to board the first buses, which depart from Aguas Calientes at 5:30 am. The bus ride takes approximately 30 minutes to reach Machu Picchu. Upon arrival at Machu Picchu, you’ll meet up with your group and guide around 6 am to enter the site and begin exploring the remarkable ancient Inca city together.

MACHU PICCHU GUIDED TOUR:

Our program includes a Machu Picchu ticket, with the primary circuit options being either circuit 01 or 02.
CHECK DETAILS:If there is no availability for the first choice, we will include circuit 03 or 04. Ticket availability depends on the time of booking, so if you prefer the primary circuit options, we recommend booking well in advance. For more information about the different circuits and ticket details, please visit our website or contact us directly. Upon arrival at Machu Picchu, our experienced tour guide will lead you on a 2.5-hour guided exploration of the Inca city, following the circuit outlined in your ticket. The guide will share insights about the history and significance of Machu Picchu while allowing time for photographs and taking in the breathtaking views. You’ll visit the most iconic locations within the site during the tour.
At the conclusion of the guided tour, you will have some leisure time to explore and relax on your own. If you have arranged to hike Huayna Picchu (which must be booked ahead of time, as it is a popular option that sells out quickly and costs $60 per person), your guide will direct you to the starting point. The hike will take no more than 2 hours to complete, with a round-trip time.
Alternatively, you may choose to hike Machu Picchu Mountain instead of Huayna Picchu. This hike is more challenging and takes a minimum of three hours for the round-trip (at an additional cost of $60 per person).
For those considering either of the mountain climbs, we recommend opting for the train return to Cusco to allow more time to explore the mountains. If you prefer to return by car, we suggest spending an additional night in Aguas Calientes and departing by car on the sixth day from the Hydroelectric station. This will give you ample time to fully experience the beauty of the mountains and make the most of your journey.

After immersing yourself in the wonders of Machu Picchu and exploring its surroundings, it’s time to make your way back to Cusco. We offer two convenient options for your return journey: by car or by train. Both options ensure a smooth and comfortable trip to Cusco.

If you choose to return BY CAR, you will need to begin your walk from Machu Picchu to Hidroelectrica around 10:30 am. This trek typically takes 3 to 3.5 hours to complete. It is essential to reach Hidroelectrica by 2:00 pm in order to board the car, which is scheduled to depart at 2:30 pm. The car journey from Hidroelectrica to Cusco takes approximately 6 hours, and you can expect to arrive in Cusco around 9:30 pm. Upon arrival, you will be dropped off in the city center of Cusco.
If you opt to return BY TRAIN to Cusco after visiting Machu Picchu, you have two options for getting to the town of Aguas Calientes. You can either walk down for 1.5 hours, or take a bus that takes just 30 minutes but costs 12 dollars. Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes, you’ll have time to explore the town and have lunch before returning to your hotel to gather your belongings and head to the train station. The train to Ollantaytambo is available at either 2:30 pm or 2:55 pm, depending on availability, and the journey takes 1.5 hours, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, a transfer arranged by Machu Picchu Reservations or with your name on it will be waiting to take you back to Cusco, a 2-hour journey, arriving around 6:30 pm and dropping you off in the city center.

Included in your Machu Picchu Adventure:

Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu
Pre-departure Inca Jungle Trail briefing with tour guides at the office at 6:00 pm the day before
Professional English/Spanish-speaking guide
Guided tour of Machu Picchu
Transportation to the start of the Inca Jungle Trail
2 nights in a hostel
3 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 2 dinners
Return transportation: by train at 14:55 or by car at 14:00 from Hidroelectrica
Biking, rafting, and zipline activities
Vegetarian food available upon request at no extra charge
First aid equipment and emergency oxygen bottle

Please note that the exhilarating zipline, rafting, and biking adventures offer a perfect combination of adrenaline-pumping activities and breathtaking scenery, making for an unforgettable experience throughout your journey.

Not Included

Optional Activities: Rafting and zip-lining (these can be added at an additional cost).
Final Dinner: Dinner in Aguas Calientes on the final day is not included.
Tips and Personal Expenses: Tips for the guide and support staff are not included.

Prices of the Inca Jungle trail to Machu Picchu

Permits are needed for your chosen start date. Tour prices are based on the number of people in a group. Prices are valid from March 2025 through January 2026. All prices quoted are $USD

group service: $330 per person

Important: Price includes up to 7 kilos of your personal belongings to be carried by the mules (NO need of extra Porter hire!).

Discounts:

Student Discount 20$ dollars
Those under 15 years will pay as a student: US$20.00
Under 7 years Discount: US$35.00

Packing List

Clothing: Layers of clothing for various weather conditions (light day clothes, waterproof jacket).
Footwear: Comfortable hiking boots and extra sneakers.
Bathing: Bathing suit and towel for the hot springs.
Protection: Insect repellent, sunscreen, hat/cap.
Hydration: Reusable water bottle (preferably 2 liter capacity).
Others: Camera, flashlight with spare batteries, personal hygiene items, personal medications.

FAQs Inca Trail Jungle

Is it necessary to have previous cycling or rafting experience? No, the activities are designed for beginners. The guides provide instructions and safety equipment.

What happens if the weather changes? The tour runs in almost all weather conditions. Activities can be adjusted in case of extreme conditions for the safety of the group.

Can I extend my stay in Machu Picchu?: Yes, special arrangements can be made to extend the stay or include other tours in the region.

What is the best time of the year to do the tour?: May to September is the dry season and the most recommended for this type of adventure. The rainy season is from November to March, where the trail can be more challenging.

Tour Price

Tour Classic

Day(s)

Price USD

$330.00

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USD $ 330.00
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Why Choose Go Treks Peru

How to Book with Go treks Peru

TO BOOK INCA JUNGLE TRAIL 3 DAYS TO MACHU PICCHU, FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE STEPS:

Choose a reputable, government-authorized tour operator.
Click the “Book Online” button, select the date, and complete the booking form. Have one person fill it out for the entire group to ensure you’re booked together. Keep your passport handy for accurate information.
Make a payment online using any debit or credit card. There’s a 2.9% fee for online payments, which customers must cover.
To secure your INCA JUNGLE TRAIL 3 DAYS TO MACHU PICCHU, provide a $180 deposit per person. This helps obtain necessary permits and tickets from the Peruvian government.
Optionally, you can pay the full tour amount upfront to avoid any future payment concerns.
If you choose to pay only the deposit, the remaining balance is due 24 hours before the tour begins. You can pay in cash (soles or dollars) at the office in Cusco or by card (3.9% fee). You can also pay the balance online with any card (2.9% fee).

By following these straightforward steps, you can easily book your INCA JUNGLE TRAIL 3 DAYS TO MACHU PICCHU experience and focus on preparing for your adventure.

Payment: You can pay for INCA JUNGLE TRAIL 3 DAYS TO MACHU PICCHU online using any debit or credit card. A 2.9% fee applies to online payments, which customers must cover.

To book INCA JUNGLE TRAIL 3 DAYS TO MACHU PICCHU, a $180 deposit per person is required to secure permits and tickets from the Peruvian government. You can choose to pay the full tour amount upfront to avoid future payment concerns. If you pay only the deposit, the remaining balance is due 24 hours before the tour starts. Pay the balance in cash (soles or dollars) at our office in Cusco, or by card with a 3.9% fee. You can also pay online using any card with a 2.9% fee.

Passport Requirements: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned entry date to Peru. If it’s set to expire within 6 months, renew it before traveling. If your passport expires within 6 months but you want to secure INCA JUNGLE TRAIL 3 DAYS TO MACHU PICCHU and Machu Picchu tickets, book the tour and update your passport details with us after renewal. Failure to do so may result in permit and ticket forfeiture.

Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment. Obtain insurance before departing and consider working with a reputable agency for affordable coverage.

Deposit: The $180 deposit per person for the INCA JUNGLE TRAIL 3 DAYS TO MACHU PICCHU tour is non-refundable and non-transferable.

Remaining Balance: If you only pay the deposit, the balance is due 24 hours before the tour starts. Pay in cash (soles or dollars) at our office in Cusco or by card with a 3.9% fee. You can also pay online with any card and a 2.9% fee.

Student Discount: If your student card meets Peruvian government requirements, reserve the tour with a deposit and pay the remaining balance upon arrival in Cusco. The student discount will be applied at that time.

What Our Adventurers Say: Real Reviews

Discover why adventurers love traveling with Go Treks Peru. Read client reviews and explore top adventure destinations in Peru. Check our reviews on Tripadvisor or Google.

    
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   William K 
 
 
 
 Verified Wonderful Sulkantay Experience
I went on the Sulkantay Trek, a wonderful experience . It comes with a guide, a chef and a horseman. The guide was very knowledgeable and answered all questions. The chef accommodated vegetarian/pescatarian eating habits and made different food for every lunch and dinner. The hike is medium difficulty, you will need to adapt to the altitude before you go on this hike so please, spend 5 days adapting before the start date. I paid roughly 550$ for a 5-day 4-night accommodation. And you should also bring soles for the bathrooms along the hike (2 soles each), if you want to buy any snacks, coffee at the farm. And bring some to tip the staff at the end of the trip. Very peaceful atmosphere. The hike is a great place to connect with people, and in the evening you can get some well needed rest.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Janet 
 
 
 
 Verified Machu Picchu 2026
I met up with my son in Aguas Calientes for a planned Machu Picchu visit. Go Trek Peru organized everything from the hotel accommodations to the roundtrip bus to Machu Picchu, to an excellent guided tour of circuit 2 (approximately 3 hours) by Nilo. He has been a tourism expert for years, which is evident as he shares his knowledge of Inca history. Go TREK Peru also organized the train tickets to Ollantaytambo with private transport to Cusco. I highly recommend Go Trek Peru! They are a newer tour company who provides an outstanding tour experience. Thank you to everyone at Go Trek Perú who made this experience memorable for my son and I. ¡Gracias por todo! ~ Janet
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Paulo P 
 
 
 
 Verified Salkantay Trek
It is 5 days of tracking. There has to be some experience because some parts are difficult. You may have to walk for 10 hours in one day. Everything was well organized. The Nile guide speaks fluent Spanish and English. It is 4 nights, with 3 of them sleeping in Domes, comfortable but sometimes there is no electricity and the bathroom is outside. It is recommended to have a portable charger and appropriate rain gear. The cook Santiago who made us food during the journey is very attentive and professional. The horseman who was in charge of carrying the bags was also very professional. I recommend
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Lian T 
 
 
 
 Verified 5 day Salkantay Trek
We did the 5 day Salkantay Trek with Nilo as our guide and it was amazing. He was very knowledgeable and considerate with how our energy levels were throughout the hike. We had a small group of 3 travelers (us and one solo traveler), Nilo, chef Santiago, and horseman William. I loved traveling with everyone and it felt like a little family by the end! This was the most beautiful hike I’ve been on and I cannot recommend it enough. Each night you will be briefed on the next days activities/itinerary and it was so nice to just show up and have Nilo lead the way. It ended up being a little pricier because 2 people dropped out and to operate the company needs 4 travelers - so the original $500 turned into $667 each. For a practically private hike I think it was still a great deal. I just wish we had known ahead of time that 4 people is a requirement and we would have to offset if people dropped out.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Dylan L 
 
 
 
 Verified Salkantay 5-day
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Best Trek of Our Lives – Salkantay 5-Day with Nilo! Choosing Go Treks Peru for the 5-Day Salkantay Trek was the absolute best decision we could have made—this was, without a doubt, the best trek of our lives! We basically had a private experience (one other person accompanied us on the hike.) We did have to pay a little more since a few people backed out, so if this happens to you just pay the extra bit- because it is 100% worth it!!! Our guide, Nilo, was incredible. He was so nice, deeply knowledgeable, and his passion for the trail and Andean history made every mile unforgettable. He took amazing care of our entire group, kept us motivated through the tough passes, and truly felt like a friend by the end of the journey. We were also blown away by the campsites. The accommodations were above and beyond what we ever expected for a high-altitude mountain trek. Falling asleep in such comfortable setups after a long day of hiking made the physical challenge so much more enjoyable. From the seamless organization to the hard-working crew, everything was handled flawlessly. If you are planning to do the Salkantay Trek, do yourself a favor and book with Go Treks Peru. We cannot recommend Nilo and the team highly enough!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Alejandra Garcia 
 
 
 
 Verified One of the most unforgettable hikes I've ever done
The Ausangate Trek exceeded all my expectations. The scenery is simply incredible, with beautiful glacial lakes, snow-capped mountains, and peaceful trails far from the crowds. The trek is challenging but completely worth it. Everything was well organized from start to finish, and the guide was knowledgeable, supportive, and made the whole experience even more enjoyable. The food, camping, and overall logistics were much better than I expected. If you're looking for an authentic trekking experience in Peru, I highly recommend this adventure. It was definitely one of the highlights of my trip.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   William Z 
 
 
 
 Verified Great value
The tour company took care of us well, especially in our group. The food and the guide were amazing. Had heaps of fun
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Ralph Marcus 
 
 
 
 Verified A unique experience
Everything very good, very good organization and coordination, everything was according to the plan, there were no unforeseen events. It is a physically very tough experience (due to the altitude above all) but rewarding and unique.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Weronika P 
 
 
 
 Verified Would highly recommend
We had an amazing experience with Go Treks! We went for a short Inca trail which was perfect as we were short on time. Everything was planned very well and we didn’t have to worry about absolutely anything during the tour. Our guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. We were lucky to be the only people on the tour so we got a very personalized experience. We also booked the extra circuit 2 for Machu Picchu which was definitely the right choice. I’d definitely recommend this tour to anyone!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Yamile Sanchez 
 
 
 
 Verified Totally worth doing the 2 Day Inca Trail
I had been wanting to visit Machu Picchu for a long time, but I wanted something more than just arriving by train, so I decided to try the 2 day Inca Trail and honestly, it was such a good experience. It’s demanding at moments, but very manageable and completely worth it. The landscapes along the route are amazing, and getting to Machu Picchu after walking part of the trail makes the experience feel much more special. The guide was friendly, organized, and explained a lot about the history during the trip. If you’re planning Machu Picchu and want something a bit different, I’d definitely recommend it.
  
 
  
  
 
 
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