From Cusco Classic Inca Jungle Trek 4 Days with Train Return

Our adventure begins early in the morning with a hotel pick-up around 6:00 a.m. from your accommodation in Cusco. Once the group is ready, we start a scenic journey through the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The first stretch takes approximately two hours until we reach the town of Ollantaytambo, a historic place that still preserves impressive Inca architecture and traditions. Here, we make a short stop so travelers can stretch their legs, use the restrooms, enjoy a coffee, or buy water and snacks for the trip ahead. This brief pause also allows you to take in the first views of the valley and get ready for the change in altitude as we continue climbing towards the Andes.

After about two hours of travel, we arrive in the town of Ollantaytambo, where we make a short stop. Here travelers have time to enjoy breakfast on their own, use the restrooms, buy water or snacks, and stretch their legs before continuing the trip. This pause is also a good opportunity to take in the beautiful views of the Sacred Valley before we continue our journey towards Abra Málaga, the starting point of our adventure.

After our brief stop in Ollantaytambo, we continue the journey by bus for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes until reaching Abra Málaga, located at an impressive 4,316 meters above sea level. This high mountain pass offers spectacular Andean views, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and dramatic landscapes. Once we cross Abra Málaga, we descend for about 20 more minutes until we reach a point known as “Aeropuerto”, a popular spot for travelers and adventurers. This place is also recognized as the starting point for mountain biking, where we will prepare for our first exciting outdoor activity.

Upon reaching this point, we will get off the vehicle and take a short break to stretch our legs while enjoying the fresh mountain air. Our professional guide will then provide a safety briefing and basic instructions on how to handle the bicycles during the descent. After the orientation, you will be equipped with all the necessary gear, including modern mountain bikes, helmets, gloves, reflective vests, and protective equipment to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride. We then begin an unforgettable downhill biking adventure of approximately 3 hours, covering an average of 55 km in total distance. The route consists of around 70% continuous descent and 30% flat sections, making it both thrilling and accessible for travelers with basic biking experience. Along the way, you will pass through stunning Andean landscapes, cloud forests, and small villages, experiencing the dramatic change in climate and scenery as we descend from the high mountains into the lush jungle.

After finishing our exciting biking adventure at Huamanmarca, we will meet our private transport, which will collect the equipment and take us on a short 30-minute ride to Santa María. At our lodge, you can settle in, take a shower if time allows, and enjoy a tasty lunch. In the afternoon, you may choose to: Join an optional rafting experience on the Vilcanota River (extra cost). Relax and rest at the lodge. Take a short walk to explore local coffee and coca plantations. Santa María is the perfect place to combine adventure, culture, and relaxation to close the first day of the Inca Jungle.

After the optional activities, you will enjoy a delicious dinner and rest in our cozy lodge surrounded by lush vegetation. Accommodation may vary depending on availability, but all options ensure a comfortable and peaceful night.

After waking up in our lodge, you will enjoy a comfortable breakfast before starting the day’s adventure. From Santa María, we begin with a 2-hour hike, although those who prefer may take a local transport option to shorten the trail and reach the starting point of the Inca Trail section. Here, surrounded by jungle vegetation, we will rest briefly before beginning our trek along the original Inca Trail (monky house). This section takes about 2 hours of walking through lush landscapes until reaching the next stop.

At this point, we will take a 40-minute rest, during which you can explore the coffee and coca plantations and enjoy the impressive views of the valley. After the break, we continue our hike along the ancient Inca Trail, a well-preserved path once used by the Incas to connect different regions. Walking here allows you to appreciate both the history and natural beauty of the jungle and mountains that surround the trail.

After the break, we continue walking along the Inca Trail of Huaka Yupana for about 1 hour. This section combines history and nature, as the path reveals impressive stone structures and terraces that once played an important role in the Inca agricultural and communication system. Surrounded by lush jungle, waterfalls, and diverse flora, travelers will feel immersed in the authentic atmosphere of the Andes. From there, the trail continues through the high jungle, offering a pleasant hike with a mix of gentle ascents and descents until reaching Quellomayo. Here, a delicious lunch awaits, providing the perfect opportunity to rest, recharge energy, and enjoy the tranquility of this natural setting before continuing the adventure.

At Quellomayo, travelers will enjoy a well-deserved lunch by the riverside, surrounded by the lush valley and peaceful jungle environment. This charming spot is ideal to relax and recover energy after the morning hike. After eating, we take a light rest of about 40 minutes, giving travelers time to stretch, refresh, or simply appreciate the natural surroundings. The hike from the previous resting point to Quellomayo covers approximately 7 km in 3 hours, following jungle trails with a mix of gentle ascents and descents. Along the way, hikers can observe waterfalls, tropical plantations of coffee and coca, and stunning views of the valley, making this stretch one of the most scenic parts of the journey.

After lunch in Quellomayo, the trek continues along jungle paths and small suspension bridges until reaching the Cocalmayo hot springs. This stretch covers approximately 8 km in about 3 hours of walking at a moderate pace. Upon arrival, travelers can relax in the natural thermal pools, surrounded by impressive mountains and a peaceful atmosphere — the perfect reward after a long day of hiking.

After a soothing experience at the Cocalmayo hot springs, you will continue with a 40-minute walk to Santa Teresa. For those who prefer a quicker option, local transport is available for approximately 5 soles. Upon arrival, you’ll settle into your lodge, where a delicious dinner and comfortable overnight stay await, surrounded by the peaceful atmosphere of this charming Andean town.

This morning, travelers will wake up very early, around 4:00 am, and board private transport for approximately 1 hour to reach Lucmabamba. Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast in a local restaurant. For those who wish to add extra adventure, the zipline activity is available in Santa Teresa. Participants will have a bit more time to rest before breakfast and then proceed to the thrilling zipline experience. After completing this activity, they will be transferred to the Hidroeléctrica area. Meanwhile, travelers who prefer not to do the zipline will continue directly from Lucmabamba by local transport toward Hidroeléctrica, where the group will reunite to continue the journey together.

For travelers who choose the zipline option, the day begins a little later, with time to rest until around 6:00 am. Afterward, enjoy breakfast at the lodge, available until 8:00 am. From there, you will be picked up from the restaurant and transferred by transport (20 minutes) to the zipline park, where you’ll experience this exciting adventure. The activity lasts approximately 2 hours and includes 6 different zip lines, offering a thrilling ride with incredible views of the valley. Once the activity is completed, you will be transferred directly to Hidroeléctrica, where you’ll meet the rest of the group to continue the journey together.

For travelers who prefer not to do the zipline, there is the option of hiking to the stunning Llactapata viewpoint. The day starts early, departing from Santa Teresa at 5:00 am by transport to Lucmabamba, where a comfortable breakfast will be waiting. After breakfast, you will begin a 2-hour hike uphill through lush vegetation until reaching Llactapata, an incredible Inca archaeological site that offers spectacular panoramic views of the valley and Machu Picchu in the distance. This is a unique opportunity to see the citadel from another perspective before your official visit. From Llactapata, you’ll descend for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours until you reach Hidroeléctrica, where the group reunites to continue the journey together toward Aguas Calientes.

At this point, both groups reunite at Hidroeléctrica: those who experienced the zipline adventure (accompanied by a specialized professional guide) and those who hiked to Llactapata with the main guide. Once together again, you will enjoy a well-deserved lunch in a local restaurant. After lunch, the journey continues with a 3-hour hike of approximately 11 km along the railway tracks toward Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town). This scenic route is surrounded by lush vegetation, rivers, and breathtaking landscapes. With some luck, you might even spot the Andean cock-of-the-rock (Peru’s national bird) or the elusive spectacled bear along the way.

Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, you will have time to rest before dinner at a local restaurant. During dinner, the guide will provide a detailed briefing to coordinate the schedule for the next day’s visit to Machu Picchu. At this moment, your Machu Picchu and train tickets will also be delivered. Afterward, you will return to your basic hostel to rest and prepare for the highlight of the journey.

This day begins early, depending on your scheduled entrance time to Machu Picchu. The tour includes access to Circuit 2, subject to availability. If this circuit is not available, we will provide Circuit 1 or 3, according to what is available at the time of booking. The ascent to Machu Picchu can be done on foot in approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, or by bus (additional cost). Once inside, you will enjoy a 3-hour guided tour of the citadel with our professional guide, exploring the assigned circuit at the designated time. After the guided visit, you may descend back to Aguas Calientes either by a 40-minute walk or by bus. Finally, you will board the train to Ollantaytambo, where private transportation will be waiting to return you to Cusco.

From this point, you will take your train to Ollantaytambo, with departure times varying depending on availability.

At the Ollantaytambo station, our transfer will be waiting at the scheduled time with the company name for your journey back to Cusco. The train ride lasts approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes and is included in Expedition or Voyager service. If you wish to upgrade to a higher train category, you can request this after making your reservation.

he tour ends in Cusco, with drop-off at your hotel or as close as possible depending on vehicle access.