Inca Jungle Trail 4 Days – Trip Details
ITINERARY
DAY 1: CUSCO – OLLANTAYTAMBO – ABRA MALAGA – SANTA MARIA (Biking and rafting)
Our adventure starts at 6 am! Your guide will pick you up at your Cusco hotel in our private van for the drive to Ollantaytambo where you have time for breakfast. Then we drive by uphill to reach Malaga pass, (4,350m/14,357ft), where we have a few minutes to prepare our biking equipment and ourselves before we start our 3-hour journey, cycling downhill towards Santa Maria (1,500m/4,950ft). You will enjoy the different microclimates such as the highland, cloud forest, rainforest and the two stunning archaeological sites of Incatambo and Wamanmarca. In the afternoon, we will be able to raft in the Urubamba River for two hours, then back to our countryside lodge for tea, appetizers and dinner.
- Meals included: Lunch – Dinner
- Accommodation: countryside lodge
- Minimum Altitude: 1500m/4,950ft
- Maximum Altitude: 4,350m/14,357ft
- Difficulty: Moderate/Challenging
DAY 2: SANTA MARIA – COCALMAYO – SANTA TERESA (Trekking)
Today after an early breakfast, we walk for seven hours through the rainforest, enjoying a myriad of fruit plantations such as avocados, maniocs, oranges, mangoes, cacao, coffee and coca shrubs. We arrive at Quellomayu for lunch. Then we walk up a moderate hill through a portion of the original Inca trail towards the hot springs of Cocalmayu. Once we arrive, we will enjoy the medicinal hot springs and relaxing after our long walk. Afterwards we drive to Santa Teresa where we spend the night at our country lodge.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Country lodge
- Minimum Altitude 1500m/4950ft
- Maximum Altitude: 1,900m/6,270ft
- Distance: 14kms approximately
- Difficulty: Moderate
DAY 3: SANTA TERESA – LLACTAPATA – HYDROELECTRIC – AGUAS CALIENTES (Trekking)
Today is the toughest and most beautiful day of our trek. After breakfast, we drive for 30 minutes to Lucmabamba (2,000m/6,600ft), where we start walking up a moderate hill for 3 hours through portions of the original Inca Trail and the cloud forest towards the Puncuyoc Pass. We then walk downhill for about 20 minutes to Llactapata 2,700m/8,907ft, an Inca site located straight in front of the Citadel of Machu Picchu! The panoramic views from this place are breathtaking. You can see different angles of the Citadel of Machu Picchu, the mountains of Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu and the Aobamba canyon where another section of the Inca Trail is visible. For the next couple of hours we walk downhill, arriving at the hydroelectric plant for lunch. Afterwards we hike for couple of hours through the National Park of Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, or take the train, enjoying the amazing location of the Citadel of Machu Picchu!
At Aguas Calientes, after we check into our hotel, there will be time for sightseeing or shopping in this picturesque little town. We enjoy dinner together in a restaurant before we turn in for the night.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- 3* Accommodation: Hotel Ferre´ Machu Picchu
- Minimum Altitude: 2,000m/6,600ft.
- Maximum Altitude:2,850m/9,407ft
- Distance: 16kms approximately
- Difficulty: Moderate
DAY 4: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
This is the day you’ve been waiting for! After an early breakfast at your hotel, you’ll take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu, so that you can be there to witness the sunrise. It is a truly extraordinary site and not something you’ll want to miss! Your guide will give you a tour, which takes about two hours. You will see most of the important parts of Machu Picchu Citadel. You will also learn about how Machu Picchu is divided into three sectors: agricultural, residential and religious.
After your tour, those who have booked in advance for an extra hike up Huayna Picchu will have time to enjoy those views on their own. When you have had your fill of the exceptional views of Machu Picchu, you will take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). Depending on your train departure time, you may also have time for some shopping, sightseeing or a visit to the museum or hot springs.
The Expedition train will take you back to Ollantaytambo at 2:55pm or 3:20pm, following the spectacular Urubamba River. Close to Aguas Calientes, the canyon is narrow and the river has many beautiful sections of whitewater. You can also see Wiñay Wayna from the train, if you look up high on the steep canyon wall! Back at Ollantaytambo, your driver will meet you at the exit from the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private vehicle. You can expect to arrive at your hotel by 7:00pm.
- Meal included: Breakfast
- Minimum Altitude: 2,040m/6,727ft
- Maximum Altitude: 2,440m/8,052ft
- Difficulty: Easy
***IMPORTANT:
- You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for the same times, 2:55 or 3:20, 4:22, or 4:43pm. The cost is $67 USD.
- Early trains can be organized by request and it has to be done by booking time.
What is Included Inca Jungle Trail?
Included
- Entrance fee to Machu Picchu and the other Inca sites
- Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
- Train from hydroelectric plant to Aguas Calientes
- Private guided tour of Machu Picchu
- 2 Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and return to Aguas Calientes
- River rafting on the scenic Urubamba River
- Professional English speaking guide with experience in mountain biking and trekking
- Expeditions Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo with private van connection to Cusco
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Two overnights in a countryside lodge.
- Private hotel room in Aguas Calientes
- Bikes with front suspension and all safety equipment
- All private transport
- First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
Not Included
- Huayna Picchu Mountain – $75 USD
- Hot springs in Cocalmayo (optional 10 soles)
- OPTIONAL UPGRADES (hotel, train and others)
- Walking Poles – $15
- Last dinner
- Tips for the crew, guide, cook and porters of SAM TRAVEL PERU
**Huayna Picchu is an optional trek within Machu Picchu Citadel which does not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.
Prices
- $547 USD PER PERSON
***This tour requires a minimum of 3 person for booking.
***This tour can only be done at certain time of year due to weather conditions (it cannot be done January and February). Any other month check with Sam Travel Peru if there are any conditions of weather that might prevent the tour from being done.
DISCOUNTS
- 18 to 25 years old: $30 USD. Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card is required at booking for government approval for discount.
- Under 18 years old: $30 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
- Under 11 years old: $40 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
- Group of 5 or more: $30 USD. – All you need is to book the trek together at the same time.
EXTRAS
- Walking poles: $15 USD per pair per trek (professional poles that can be extended)
- Additional night in Aguas Calientes – From:$60 USD (depending on availability)
- Vistadome Train upgrade: $67 USD per person (For the return to Cusco (Poroy) at 14:55 or 15:20)
- Huayna Picchu Mountain : $75 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
- Single supplement : $40 USD 3* for solo travelers
**Huayna Picchu is an optional trek within Machu Picchu Citadel which does not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR INCA JUNGLE TREK
Please read carefully the following information. It will help with your questions about our services and the trek to Machu Picchu.
WELCOME TO CUSCO
You will be greeted at Cusco airport and taken to your hotel, please ensure that you inform us of your full flight details at least 14 days prior to arrival. Look for our representative holding an orange SAM Travel Peru board at the exit from the arrival terminal.
THE BRIEFING
The briefing will take place the night before the trek at 6pm in our office, which is located at Calle Garcilaso 210, office 213 (second floor) in the La CASA DEL ABUELO shopping center.
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?
Of course! During the trek your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you!
HOW TO BOOK THE INCA JUNGLE TRAIL MACHU PICCHU
FIRST, to book your Inca Jungle Trail Machu Picchu, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here the link BOOK NOW.
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase an Inca Jungle Trail Machu Picchu entrances without the following information:
- Personal information (your full name, exactly as on your passport):
- Gender
- Passport number
- D.OB. (dd / mm / yyyy)
- Nationality
SECOND, we require a deposit of US$200.00 per person in order to purchase a permit for the Inca Jungle Trail Machu Picchu. You can make you deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page or click here on the payment of your choice, either VISA or PAYPAL.
WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?
If you would like to avoid the high credit card fees in Peru, you may pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco. There are many ATMS within the historical center to withdraw money. You can also pay by VISA or PAYPAL online but you will have to pay a 5.5% service fee, charged by VISA and PAYPAL. To pay your balance through PAYPAL, you need to log into your PAYPAL account and use our email address samtravelperu@gmail.com.
MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?
Unfortunately the answer is generally “No”. Once the tickets for Machu Picchu have been bought the government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any departure dates. Tickets are not transferable nor refundable. Please contact the office as soon as possible if you need to change your date.
*** If you cancel your Inca Jungle Trail Machu Picchu, the deposit is not refundable at all!
DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON INCA JUNGLE TRAIL MACHU PICCHU?
Yes for sure! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book your Inca Jungle Trail Machu Picchu, other entrances and reservations. The rangers will check your passport when you enter Machu Picchu. The train company will also check your passport before allowing you to board the train. In case you are renewing your passport or changing your name, go ahead and send us your old passport information to secure your permit, and we can change it when you get your new passport number or updated your name for a fee of $25 per person. We must have a copy of your old and new passport to make the change. Before you change your passport keep a copy of your old one.
If you do not wish to pay this fee you will need to bring both passports to Peru with you. You can enter Peru with your new passport but you will need to show both passports, old and new to be to enter the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu or the train. If you do not have both you will not be allowed to enter the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu or get on the train. They are very strict about this here!!
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE INCA JUNGLE TRAIL MACHU PICCHU?
The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. BUT you will have many different seasons as you pass through the numerous microclimates and will depend on the location. We highly recommend you bring some warm clothes, and good rain gear in your day backpack. You will be going from a warm jungle atmosphere to higher elevations. Dress in layers that you can take on and off.
ARE WE GOING TO BE DROPPED AT OUR HOTEL AFTER TREK?
Absolutely!! Included in the package and on the last day we will drop you at your hotel! If you have booked your hotel in the Sacred Valley like Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we will drop you there too! If you spend the night at Ollantaytambo before the trek, for sure we will pick you up there !
TIPPING
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the trek. It inspires them to give excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many SAM Travel Peru destinations. Of course you are free to tip as much as you feel appropriate, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
ARE WE SUSTAINABLE?
Yes, we are a local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator for that we incorporate the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our local staff to know and understand, respect the places and the local people.
WHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU
- Original passport (it has to be the same you have used for booking your trek)
- Valid student ID card (if you booked as a student)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: 2-3 litre reusable bottles (please do not bring disposable bottles)
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
- Toiletpaper
WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR DUFFEL BAG
As a Professional Direct Local Tour operator we provide you with a duffel bag at your briefing and INCLUDE an extra porter who will carry up to 7 kgs or 14 pounds including your 2.5kg sleeping bag, mattress and extra clothing. By Peruvian law, a duffel bag must not weigh more than 7 kilograms (15lbs). This limit is set to protect the health of the porters or horses. All bags will be weighed before being accepted. If you require more than 7 kilograms, it will then be your responsibility to carry the extra weight with your day pack. In this 7 kilos, please count 2 kilos for your sleeping bag and 1 kilo for your sleeping pad. This leaves you about 4 kilos for your personal gear.
- 2 t-shirts
- 2 hiking pants at least
- 4 sets of undergarments
- 3 sets of hiking socks
- Bathing suit for the thermal waters
- Fleece/ thermals
- Warm clothes, jacket
- Waterproof gloves
- Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, you might prefer something larger.
- Small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash.
- Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
- Large plastic bags will be provided at the office — Please ask for them.
TOILETRIES
- Face moisturizer
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and paste
- Personal medications
- First aid kit: band aids, moleskin, etc.
WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR BACKPACK
We highly recommend a small backpack 30 to 40Litres for hiking in the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.
- Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, then we will provide you with cold boiled water at every meal time. Please bring your canteens.
- Sun hat and sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Wool hat
- Rain gear
- Fleece
- Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars or any dry fruits
- Rain plastic poncho
- Gloves
- Camera
- Hand sanitiser
- Toilet paper and small plastic bag for waste
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
- Valuable Items
