Dubbed "The Great Adventure to Machu Picchu" the Inca Jungle Trek caters to outdoor enthusiasts, featuring thrilling activities like biking, rafting, zip-lining, and trekking, culminating at the awe-inspiring Machu Picchu and its sacred sites, Huayna Picchu or Machupicchu. With ITEP Travel's seasoned guides leading the way, boasting years of expertise, travelers are assured a remarkable journey with what's fondly dubbed "The Super Team" by many of our visitors.
The journey traverses the Malaga Pass at an elevation of 4350m before descending into the misty cloud forest. Beginning in Santa Teresa, a four-and-a-half-hour journey from Cuzco, and concluding in Aguas Calientes town, this trek offers an alternative to the bustling Inca Trail, yet is equally captivating to many. Referred to as the Inka Jungle at times, it appeals to adventurers seeking a path less traveled, guiding them through rustic communities and jungle escapades.
We'll pick you up from your hotel at 5:30 a.m.
Departing from the historic city of Cusco, our journey takes us towards the revered Sacred Valley of the Incas. If you haven't had breakfast in Cusco, this is where you'll get the chance to enjoy it. Our route continues to the lofty heights of Málaga Pass, standing at 4,350 meters (14,160 ft.), marking the starting point of our exhilarating biking adventure. Following a brief orientation by your guide, you'll be equipped with all the necessary gear for the activity.
Embarking on a thrilling 3-hour descent covering 55km (34.18 miles), we'll pedal our way down to the quaint town of Huamanmarca. En route, we'll be treated to breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks juxtaposed against lush tropical forests. As we delve into the tropical foliage, our Peruvian Amazon adventure unfolds, crossing babbling streams and experiencing the transition from chilly altitudes to a balmy tropical climate. We'll make periodic stops along the way for equipment checks and to admire the scenery.
We will arrive at the town of Santa María (1 200 masl) (3,937.01 ft.), where we will have our lunch and stay for our first night in a hotel. In the afternoon we have the option of rafting on the Vilcanota River. This river offers category III and V + rapids. For this activity we will give you helmets, windbreaks and category V life jackets. This activity is available between the months of April to December, and you must be able to swim to participate in accordance with Peruvian law.
Biking time: 3.5 hour approximately. Meals: Lunch, and Dinner. Difficulty: Moderste
Following a delightful breakfast, we'll embark on the first leg of our trek towards Santa Teresa. The initial two hours of our journey will be uphill, allowing for intermittent stops to delve into the region's diverse flora and fauna.
A highlight of our trek includes a visit to a local family's home, where we'll immerse ourselves in their customs and traditions. We'll also traverse a section of the ancient Inca Trail, once a vital link between the Sacred City of Machu Picchu and the final Inca refuge, Vilcabamba. Here, our guide will illuminate the history of the Incas and expound upon the intricacies of their communication system, known as the route of the Incas.
This juncture offers panoramic vistas of the awe-inspiring Huancarccasa canyon and the majestic Salkantay mountain.
Descending towards the village of Quellomayo, we'll relish a delectable lunch and unwind in the restaurant's hammocks. The final two hours of our hike lead us to the rejuvenating thermal baths of Cocalmayo, where we'll luxuriate for a while in this enchanting locale.
Trekking Time: Approximately 9 hours (including picnic lunch in the route), and 2 hours for the lunch time. Walk and Terrain:Walk, on mostly steep trails, and some open slopes. Distance:12 km Difficulty: Difficult
We'll spend the night in Aguas Calientes at an elevation of 1,900 m/6,232 ft.
Following a satisfying breakfast, day three presents the opportunity to partake in the exhilarating zip line activity, soaring "through the Andean Mountains." This thrilling adventure spans approximately two hours.
Subsequently, we embark on a 2-3 hour ascent towards Llactapata Pass (2,736 m/8,974 ft), where a distant yet breathtaking panorama of Machu Picchu Sanctuary unfolds from the southeast—a sight rarely witnessed by travelers. Pausing briefly, we explore the recently restored Llactapata Ruins.
Our journey continues to the Hydroelectric Village, also known as "Train station Village." From here, we trek alongside the railway for approximately three hours, ultimately reaching Aguas Calientes, also known as Machupicchu Village—the gateway to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, we settle into our hotel for a celebratory dinner, accompanied by our guide who provides a final briefing for the upcoming day's adventure.
Please note: Those who opt not to hike from Hydroelectric Village to Aguas Calientes have the option to take a 40-minute train ride (price not included). They will rendezvous with the rest of the group at the train station in Aguas Calientes. (Your preferences will be confirmed by the guide the night before.)
A LITTLE OF HISTORY Bingham first discovered Llactapata in 1912. "We found evidence that some Inca chieftain had built his home here and had included in the plan ten or a dozen buildings. Bingham locates the site "on top of a ridge between the valleys of the Aobamba and the Salcantay, about 5,000 feet above the estate of Huaquina." "Here we discovered a number of ruins and two or three modern huts. The Indians said that the place was called Llactapata." Bingham did not investigate the ruins thoroughly, however, and they were not studied again for another 70 years.
Today, you'll utilize bus services to reach the archaeological marvel of Machu Picchu.
For those intending to ascend Mt. Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu, advance reservations are necessary, with a fee of US $35. This day marks the pinnacle of the tour—an opportunity to explore one of the world's seven wonders. We'll commence our day bright and early, aiming to witness the sunrise over the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, with activities starting at 5:00 a.m.
Upon entering the archaeological site, you'll embark on a two-hour guided tour through the mesmerizing Inca city of Machu Picchu, visiting its prominent temples such as the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Three Windows. Following this guided exploration, you'll have the freedom to wander and discover Machu Picchu at your own pace. For those who have pre-booked, the chance to hike Mt. Huayna Picchu (height: 2,800 meters/9,186.35 ft.) or Machu Picchu mountain (height: 3,082 meters/10,111.55 ft.) awaits after the guided tour. Reservations for either hike should be made three months in advance, incurring an additional cost of US $35.
Please note that only 400 people are permitted to ascend Mt. Huayna Picchu each day, so availability is limited.
We also encourage taking time to unwind, meditate, and soak in the mystical and spiritual energies of this awe-inspiring wonder. Upon concluding your Machu Picchu experience, you'll return to Aguas Calientes to catch the train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by a bus journey back to Cusco.
Meals: Breakfast Distance:4kms/3.7mls Difficulty: Easy
In this video we show a brief description about the Inca Jungle 4 days, you will appreciate the highlights of this trek in this 2 minutes longer video. There is a short description about the attractions that you will see below.
Dead Woman's Pass: Dead-Womans-Pass is the highest point on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, located some 4,215 meters above sea level. Its name is attributed to the shape of the mountain, which some see as a reclining woman. It is a challenging stage but offers breathtaking views of the Andes.
Pakaymayu: Pakaymayu is a panoramic point on the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, at 3500 meters known as "Rio Bonito". It offers a beautiful natural environment and serves as a resting place for hikers.
Runkuraqay: Runkuraqay or Runku Raqay (Quechua runku basket, raqay shed / derelict house / ruin) is an archaeological site on a mountain of the same name in Peru located in the Cusco Region, Urubamba Province, Machupicchu District..
phuyupatamarka: Phuyupatamarka is an Inca archaeological site whose name, translated from Quechua, means 'city above the clouds'. It is located in the mountains of the Urubamba Valley, on the Vilcanota River.
Intipata: intipata is a checkpoint where different agricultural products such as potatoes, corn, oca, quinoa and even the famous coca leaf were cultivated on the terraces.
Intipunku: Intipunku is also called the 'Sun Gate' and leads to Machu Picchu. This is a great vantage point where you will get your first view of Machu Picchu. It was used by the Incas during their ceremonies for the summer solstice in December.