The Classic Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu is the perfect excursion if you love activities and thrills. You’ll hike, bike, raft, and even zipline. We’re sure you’ll agree it’s a complete adventure.
Through stunning landscapes and lush jungle, you’ll pass by Inca archaeological sites until you reach the quaint town of Aguas Calientes, at the base of Machu Picchu. On the last day, you’ll enter the astonishing Inca citadel, one of the World’s New Seven Wonders. Let yourself be captivated by the magic of the Incas and their mystical history as you explore and uncover their secrets. Are you ready for the challenge?
Classic Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu
Adventure lovers, this tour awaits you with an impressive and thrilling journey that combines sports and incredible trails through the Peruvian jungle.
Along the way, you’ll stop at important Inca archaeological sites and learn all about the unique flora and fauna of the beautiful Andean tropical forest. Feel the wind in your ears as you descend by bike from the highest point of the trail into the jungle. Enjoy the refreshing water on your face as you navigate the river rapids.
For more adrenaline, experience the thrill of ziplining through dense foliage and listen to the sounds of nature encouraging you. Be amazed by the stunning surroundings as you hike along the trail. This excursion has it all.
To conclude your exciting adventure, you’ll spend a day exploring the incredible Machu Picchu and learning all about the fascinating history of the Incas. Contemplate how they built such an impressive structure on a mountain and feel transported back in time, imagining what life was like in that era.
Day-by-Day Itinerary with Salkantay Trekking
Learn more about what awaits you on this unforgettable adventure with our team of experts. I’ll detail the experiences you’ll have in the jungle daily on the way to the Inca citadel.
Day 1
Cusco | Abra Malaga – Huamanmarca – Santa Maria (Cycling and Rafting)+
Begin your adventure by heading to Abra Malaga and descending by bike for three hours. In the afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy rafting on the river before spending the night at a lodge in Santa Maria.
| Day details | |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner |
| Lodging | Lodge |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate |
| Distance by bike | 55 km / 34.18 miles |
| Cycling time | 3 hours |
| Rafting Distance | 9 km / 5.59 miles |
| Rafting Time | 1 approximately one hour |
| Rafting Category | III y III + |
| Starting altitude | 4,350 m / 14,272 ft |
| Minimum Height | 1,200 m / 3,937 ft |
| Maximum Altitude | 4,350 m / 14,272 ft |
| Lodging Altitude | 1,200 m / 3,937 ft |
You will depart from Cusco at 5:30 a.m. to begin your adventure. Enjoy a delicious breakfast in the Sacred Valley before heading towards Abra Malaga, where your exciting downhill biking will commence. You’ll feel the wind in your hair and witness the landscape transform from misty mountains to lush jungles. You’ll also notice how the climate becomes warmer as you descend.
You’ll pedal until you reach Huamanmarca, and from there, we’ll board a private transport to Santa Maria for lunch.
In the afternoon, an exhilarating rafting experience awaits you on the Vilcanota River rapids (available from April to December). We’ll provide all the necessary safety equipment for you to enjoy this adventure with peace of mind.
You’ll return to Santa Maria for a delightful dinner before heading to our lodge, where you’ll rest and recharge for tomorrow’s adventures.
Day 2
Santa Maria Santa Teresa – Cocalmayo Hot Springs – Lucmabamba Camp (Jungle Domes)
Today, visit a local family and learn all about the flora and fauna. Cross a section of the original Inca Trail and head to Santa Teresa for optional ziplining and relaxation at Cocalmayo Hot Springs. Spend the night at our camp in Lucmabamba.
| Day details | |
| Comidas | Desayuno, almuerzo y cena |
| Alojamiento | Jungle Domes |
| Dificultad | Moderado |
| Distancia de caminata | 7 km / 4.35 millas |
| Duración de la caminata | 4 horas |
| Altitud minima | 1,200 m / 3,937 pies |
| Altitud máxima | 2,000 m / 6,562 pies |
| Altitud del campamento | 2,000 m / 6,562 pies |
This morning, you will enjoy the beautiful jungle and learn all about the flora and fauna surrounding you. You will also spend time in the home of a local family, where you’ll discover their customs and traditions. Next, you will cross a section of the Inca Trail and learn more about the history of this ancient culture. Additionally, you’ll take in breathtaking views before heading to our lunch spot.
In the afternoon, you will head to Santa Teresa, where you’ll have the opportunity to experience thrilling ziplining. Afterward, you’ll relax and soothe your muscles in the picturesque surroundings of Cocalmayo Hot Springs. Then, we’ll take you to our camp at Lucmabamba, where you’ll spend the night surrounded by the sounds of nature.
Day 3
Lucmabamba | Llactapata – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes
Visit a local coffee farm before ascending to Llactapata, where you’ll get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu. Next, travel from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes along the train tracks to spend the night at a hotel.
| Day details | |
| Meals | Breakfast, lunch and dinner |
| Accommodation | Hotel |
| Difficulty | Challenging |
| Hiking distance | 25 km / 15.53 miles |
| Duration of the hike | 8 a 9 hours |
| Minimum altitude | 1,800 m / 5,906 ft |
| Maximum altitude | 2.800 m / 9,186 ft |
| Camp altitude | 2,040 m / 6,693 ft |
Wake up early to explore the jungle and visit a coffee farm. Here, you’ll learn all about the process and taste freshly brewed coffee prepared by the locals. Next, you’ll head to the impressive Inca archaeological site of Llactapata. Your guide will tell you about this historic place while you get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu in the distance. You’ll have plenty of time to explore and capture some breathtaking photos.
Afterward, you’ll transfer to Aobamba for lunch. Then, you’ll head to Hidroeléctrica before continuing to Aguas Calientes. You can take the train at an additional cost of US $37 or enjoy a beautiful 3-hour hike along the train tracks with the Urubamba River as your companion. Along the way, you’ll visit Intihuatana and learn all about the significance of this rock for the Incas.
Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you can rest at your hotel or explore the town before enjoying a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Make sure to go to bed early in the evening, as you’ll rise before dawn to continue your adventure.
Day 4
Aguas Calientes | Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
Wake up early to explore Machu Picchu before the crowds arrive and enjoy an approximately two-hour guided tour. Later, return to Aguas Calientes to take the train to Ollantaytambo and private transport back to Cusco.
| Detalles de día | |
| Meals | Breakfast |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Duration of the hike | 2 a 5 hours |
| Altitude of the Machu Picchu Citadel | 2,430 m / 7,972 ft |
| Optional Activities | Moderate to challenging (2-4 hours) |
| Maximum altitude of the mountain Machu Picchu | 3,000 m / 9,843 ft |
| Maximum altitude of Huayna Picchu mountain | 2,720 m / 8,924 ft |
| Minimum altitude | 1,800 m / 5,906 ft |
| Maximum altitude | 2.800 m / 9,186 ft |
Wake up before dawn to board a bus to the legendary Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. You’ll arrive at 6:00 a.m. as one of the first groups, enjoying the site as the sun rises and shines on the massive rocks. You’ll embark on an approximately two-hour guided tour around the archaeological site, exploring its most important areas.
If you’ve booked in advance, you can ascend one of the additional mountains for a spectacular view of Machu Picchu. Around noon, you’ll return to Aguas Calientes for lunch. Afterward, you’ll board the train to Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. From there, our private transport will take you back to your accommodation in Cusco, where you can finally put your feet up and relax.
What’s included?
Permits and Entries
- Rafting ticket in Santa Maria (Day 1)
- Entrance ticket to Cocalmayo Hot Springs (Day 2)
- Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu archaeological site.
High-Quality Service and Safety
- Pre-departure briefing: You will meet with your trekking guide and group at our office for orientation before the hike. We will provide the canvas bags, which our support team will carry there. The meeting will be at 5:00 p.m.
- Experienced Tour Guide: Our official tour guide with professional training speaks English and Spanish. He will explain the culture and surroundings throughout the route and even lead the group in ancient ceremonies! He’ll keep you safe, healthy, and comfortable on the hike so you can enjoy your time worry-free.
- Professional Bicycles
- Bike with front suspension, gloves, and helmet.
- Canvas Bag: For the hike, you will receive a canvas bag to carry your items up to a maximum of 7 kg / 15.4 lb (weight includes your sleeping bag).
- Safety Transport during Cycling Activity
- Medical or First Aid Kit: All Salkantay Trekking guides have received specialized first aid training. We conduct mandatory training sessions with our guides every February. The guide will always carry a first aid kit to handle basic traveler emergencies (altitude sickness, diarrhea, cuts, scrapes, etc.) and oxygen. If necessary, we will evacuate you from the trail as quickly as possible and ensure you receive treatment at a clinic.
- 24/7 Customer Service: We have a 24-hour telephone service to facilitate communication with Salkantay Trekking before the hike.
Accommodation
- Accommodation in Santa Maria The first night of this trek is spent in a lodge in Santa Maria in a double or triple room.
- Accommodation in Private Camps We will spend the second night in our private Jungle Domes camp.
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes The last night of this trek was spent in a hotel in Aguas Calientes, which had a double or triple room, private bathroom, hot shower, WiFi, breakfast, and luggage storage while visiting Machu Picchu.
Meals
- 4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, and 3 Dinners: Our chef prepares the best dishes amidst the mountains. Our passengers love our food! We respect all diets (vegetarian, vegan, or special menus are available at no additional cost). Let us know if you have any allergies or particular restrictions on the booking form, and remind your guide during the pre-departure briefing. You will enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as hot drinks and snacks.
- Water for the Hike: We will provide boiled, filtered, and chilled water during the hike, from your first lunch to your last breakfast. For this, it is necessary to carry an empty water bottle or camel bag (hydration pack) with a recommended capacity of 2 liters.
- Tea Time or Happy Hour: Every afternoon before dinner, the chefs will provide popcorn, cookies, coffee, hot chocolate, teas, hot water, etc. After a long day of hiking, you won’t have to wait until dinner to relax and warm up. Enjoy a snack!
- Snacks on the Trail Every Day: Before starting the hike, your tour guide will provide a cloth bag filled with local fruits, cookies, chocolates, candies, etc. We will refill it each morning so you can enjoy your snacks during the hike.
- Cloth Bag for Snacks (per person): We give you a cloth bag for your snacks to avoid using plastic bags that pollute our environment.
Transportation
- Day 1: In the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel and travel by private transport to Abra Málaga, the starting point for cycling.
- Day 2: Transportation from Huacayupana to Santa Teresa.
- Day 4: Transportation from Ollantaytambo train station to your hotel in Cusco.
- Train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo (Day 4)
- Consettur bus ticket one way from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (Day 4)
- Transport of personal belongings
What is not included?
- Zipline ticket in Santa Teresa (Day 2)
- Hiking poles: Hiking poles (with rubber tips) are handy on uneven terrain and for ascending and descending. You can rent a set from our company.
US$ 20.00 per person
- Huayna Picchu Mountain: You can climb the famous mountain you always see in photos behind the archaeological site of Machu Picchu. It’s a 45-minute climb and descending can be terrifying if you’re afraid of heights. You can do this hike once your guided tour of Machu Picchu is complete. Due to high demand, the permit must be issued at least one month in advance. Note that there may be changes to protect your safety, mainly due to weather conditions.
- The ticket to Huayna Picchu Mountain costs an additional US$ 60.00 per person.
- Machu Picchu Mountain: Machu Picchu Mountain is another of the mountains surrounding the Machu Picchu archaeological site. It offers less steep, more expansive trails that are visually less daunting than Huayna Picchu, and it takes about an hour and a half to reach the top. This hike requires an entrance ticket that we can reserve in advance.
- The ticket to Machu Picchu Mountain costs an extra US$ 60.00 per person.
- Lunch in Aguas Calientes and dinner in Cusco (Day 4)
- Train from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes (Day 3): If you feel exhausted or unwell after the hike from Lucmabamba to Hidroelectrica, you can take the train from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes.
- US$ 37.00 per person.
- Hiking clothes
- Travel Insurance
- Tips for the staff: Tipping is customary on any excursion in Peru. Although we pay good wages to our entire team, something extra is always appreciated, especially considering their hard work.
- Additional costs or delays out of our control: Landslides, lousy weather conditions, itinerary changes for safety reasons, illnesses, pandemics, changes in government policies, political instability, strikes, acts of God, etc.
Traveling in a Group
Traveling in a group during the Salkantay trek can be one of the most rewarding experiences. Travelers joining a group tour meet people of different ages, physical abilities, and cultural backgrounds, but all share the same passion for adventure and exploration.
Being part of a group tour means understanding that everyone will have their own pace on the trail. Some walk faster, while others prefer to take their time and enjoy the scenery. The beauty of this dynamic is that there is always someone nearby to talk to, share experiences and motivate each other.
At specific points in the journey, the group may express a desire to modify the route. For example, some may want to stop longer to enjoy the panoramic views, while others may suggest moving faster to reach the next destination before nightfall. In these situations, the guide is always there to listen to the group’s opinions and make informed decisions that benefit everyone.
Traveling in a group adds a unique dimension to the experience. It teaches flexibility, respect for different paces, and teamwork to achieve common goals. In the end, travelers not only gain incredible memories of the landscapes explored but also the satisfaction of having shared the adventure with amazing people worldwide.
Basic Packing List for the Classic Inca Jungle Trail
Here’s an essential list of items you should have to fully enjoy your adventure on the Classic Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu:
Clothing:
- Base layers: Pack breathable, quick-drying shirts and pants for base layers. Merino wool is an excellent option as it resists odor and keeps you warm even when wet.
- Mid-layers: A fleece sweatshirt or lightweight jacket will provide additional warmth on cold nights and at higher elevations.
- Waterproof jacket: It’s crucial to pack a waterproof and breathable jacket to protect yourself from rain and wind.
- Rain gear: Waterproof pants and a poncho will keep you dry during heavy rain.
- Sleepwear: Bring warm clothing, as temperatures can drop significantly at night.
- Hat and gloves: A sun hat and gloves protect you from the sun and the cold.
- Underwear and socks: Pack enough breathable underwear and socks for the hike.
- Swimwear
Footwear:
- Hiking boots: Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are essential to protect your feet on rough terrain. Make sure they fit well and are broken in before the hike.
- Sandals: Sandals are optional but valuable for wearing around the camp and river crossings.
Other Essentials:
- Daypack: A small backpack to carry with you on daily excursions and to store your valuables.
- Water bottle: It’s important to stay hydrated during the hike, so bring a reusable water bottle and refill it frequently.
- Headlamp: A headlamp will help walk at night or in low light conditions.
- Sunscreen and insect repellent: Protect yourself from the sun and insects with high-potency sunscreen and insect repellent.
- First aid kit: A basic first aid kit is essential for treating any minor injuries you may sustain during the hike.
- Medications: Bring any prescribed medications you need, such as pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medicine, and altitude sickness medicine.
- Wet wipes and toilet paper: Wet wipes and toilet paper are essential for maintaining personal hygiene.
- Trash bags: Leave no trace on the trail; bring trash bags to pack your garbage.
- Cash: Cash is necessary for tipping and buying snacks and drinks.
- Travel documents: Carry your passport, plane ticket, and other essential documents.
- Camera: Remember your camera to capture your hike’s incredible landscapes and memories.
Remember that this is just an essential equipment list, and your specific needs may vary depending on the time of year, the duration of your hike, and your personal preferences.
This information helps you know what to pack for your hike on the Classic Inca Jungle Trail! Learn more on our website: Inca Jungle.
Don’t wait any longer! Live and enjoy this unique experience.
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