The Historic Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu 4 days and 3 nights

After breakfast, we set off on foot through the vibrant Amazonian foothills. The day begins with a 45-minute warm-up walk, gradually turning into an uphill journey along jungle trails rich with flora, fauna, and cultural heritage.

We’ll visit a local family home, where you’ll learn about traditional farming techniques, taste seasonal fruits, and sip homegrown coffee. Then, we merge onto a restored Inca Trail segment, once used to connect Machu Picchu with the hidden city of Vilcabamba. This ancient path reveals panoramic views of Salkantay Mountain and the deep Huancarccasa Canyon—perfect for photography and reflection.

After descending to Huacayupana, we enjoy a traditional Andean lunch prepared by locals before heading by vehicle to Santa Teresa.

Adventurous travelers can choose to zipline across forest canopies and rivers—an unforgettable way to experience the wild terrain from above.

Later in the day, we unwind at Cocalmayo Hot Springs, a series of natural thermal pools surrounded by jungle. The warm waters and peaceful setting are the perfect antidote to sore muscles. As the sun sets, we continue to Lucmabamba, where we’ll check into our eco-friendly Jungle Domes, enjoy dinner, and fall asleep to the soothing sounds of the rainforest.

Wake up to a warm coca tea delivered to your dome and fuel up with a fresh breakfast. Today’s trail is one of the most scenic on the Inca Jungle Machu Picchu 4-day tour. We begin hiking along a preserved section of the Inca Trail, surrounded by coffee plantations and fruit orchards.

Along the way, we stop at a local organic coffee farm to learn about the roasting process and sample freshly brewed coffee—an unforgettable highlight for coffee lovers.

We then ascend for approximately 3 hours to reach Llactapata, a lesser-known but historically significant Inca archaeological site. From this sacred spot, you’ll enjoy your first panoramic view of Machu Picchu, as well as Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain across the valley.

After soaking in the views and history, we descend to the Aobamba Valley for lunch. From here, we continue to Hidroelectrica, where you can either:

Board a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes (USD $37 extra), or

Walk alongside the railway tracks for about 3 hours, a peaceful stretch filled with waterfalls, birdlife, and views of Intihuatana, a sacred Inca ceremonial site aligned with the one inside Machu Picchu.

Arrive in Aguas Calientes by late afternoon, check into your hotel, and enjoy a group dinner while preparing for the grand finale: your visit to Machu Picchu.

Today is the moment you’ve been waiting for! We rise early to catch one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu, arriving just in time for sunrise over the ancient citadel—a magical experience you’ll never forget.

Enjoy a 2-hour guided tour of this World Wonder, as your expert guide reveals the mysteries behind the Temple of the Sun, Royal Quarters, sacred sundials, agricultural terraces, and more. Learn about Inca engineering, spiritual traditions, and daily life in this mountaintop marvel.

After the tour, you’ll have free time to explore on your own or choose an optional hike up Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (tickets must be booked in advance).

subsequently, board the train back to Ollantaytambo, where our private transportation will take you back to Cusco, capping off an incredible Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu.

Your spectacular adventure through the Inca Jungle to Machu Picchu concludes here, but the memories will endure a lifetime!

All briefings are done at our office at 7:00 PM one or two nights before your trek. If you are unable to make this time, you need to coordinate another time with a member of the Xtreme Tourbulencia office team. Briefings are approximately 40 minutes long.

Xtreme Tourbulencia is one of the only companies to pick you up directly from your hotel. As long as your hotel is in the center of Cusco city, we will coordinate this pickup based on a time that your guide will discuss at the briefing. Pick up times may vary 30 – 45 minutes based on traffic conditions and previous pickups.

Cusco is an old city with cobblestoned streets and very narrow passageways. Smaller hotels and Airbnbs are often located on streets that cars can´t pass through.

They also are frequently on hillsides with long steep climbs, making it difficult to carry luggage. We highly recommend that you book accommodations with better access. We have a list of hotels that are all comfortable with easy access to pick up and drop off.

Machu Picchu is most beautiful when seen from above, which is why hiking one of the mountains next to the ruins is very popular to do after your tour.

Huaynapicchu is the most popular and must be booked in advance since it sells out very quickly. This hike takes approximately 1 hour to the top, and another 45 minutes back down. Tickets are sold in time sessions stating when you can start this hike. The first session is from 7-8 AM, and the 2nd session is from 10-11 AM.

Again, this refers to the timeframe when you can start your hike. We usually book the second session so you can enjoy your tour with your guide first. You will do this hike on your own, but your guide will show you where to begin.

Machu Picchu Mountain is a bit longer and a bit less popular. It takes 2 hours to the top and another 1 hours to the bottom. Again there are two time windows – from 7-8 AM and 9-10 AM and we usually purchase the second time window. 4 Day treks, the Trekkers CAN NOT do this hike and enjoy a tour of the ruins. Time will not allow for this.

Hiking either mountain will allow you to have some extra time at the ruins once you complete, as listed above.

You must be honest with your guide about any health conditions or concerns you might have. While our guides are not medical professionals, they do have first aid training. We also work with a clinic in Cusco that can help assist our team.

You are responsible for assessing whether a Tour is suitable for you. You should consult your physician to confirm your fitness for travel and participation in any planned activities. You should seek your physician’s advice on vaccinations and medical precautions.

Xtreme TourBulencia will not provide medical advice. It is your responsibility to assess the risks and requirements of each aspect of the Tour based on your unique circumstances, limitations, fitness level, and medical requirements.

If you develop extreme altitude sickness or any other illness that prevents you from hiking, and you still wish to visit Machu Picchu by train, we will work with you to coordinate this trip. Since this will be a new trip, it may require additional fees. We will use as much of the original itinerary to keep costs low.

If you experience issues while hiking and can not continue, a porter will accompany you to the closest road and wait while a car comes to pick you up and bring you to the nearest health clinic.

Group tours are made up of all different types of people, with various hiking skills and ages. By agreeing to a group tour, you agree that some people might be slower or faster than you are.

Everyone can go at their own pace for the trek, and the guide will work with the group to spend time with everyone. Groups might request some modifications to the tour, and the guide will work with everyone to make the best decision for the group.

Unfortunately, strikes are frequent in Peru and can disrupt our tours. Roads are often blocked, and trains stopped. We will make sure your trek continues as planned, even if that means leaving the night before your start date.

Under these circumstances, tours might need to be canceled. But our operations department will coordinate with you in this situation. Your safety is always our top concern and will dictate how we decide.

You are responsible for your items throughout the Tour. Please be diligent about where you leave your things and remember to remove all items from our vans, your tents, restaurant, etc.

Do not leave anything unintended during your hike. Other trekkers or teams might pick it up not knowing whos it is.

Tipping is part of the tradition of any trek to Machu Picchu. While we pay good wages to our entire team, anything extra is always appreciated. Please know that this is not obligatory and that you should never feel pressured into this.

Typically the participants in a group pool their tipping money together for the porters and chef. The amount recommended is different per trek and listed below.

For the guide, this is more personal and needs to be decided based on your relationship with them and done separately from the group. Porters and Chefs prefer soles if possible. Guides are happy with U.S. dollars, Peruvian Soles, or even your credit card.

Travel insurance is inexpensive and strongly recommended. With trips being planned months ahead of time, you never can predict what could happen. Adventure travel includes more risk than the average trip.

Insurance is a way to protect the investment you have made on this journey. We can help recommend an agent to walk you through this type of insurance if needed.

Of course, the weather is unpredictable. Typically the dry season in Cusco is from April through October, but this does not stop rain from falling in June or the sun from coming out in December so just be prepared.

No matter what month you are doing the trek, make sure that you have rain gear that includes a waterproof jacket, pants, poncho, and waterproof gloves. Many people forget about gloves, but being cold and wet makes hiking very unpleasant.

Also, prepare for four seasons. Several of the treks through the Andes involve various microclimates and you will need to be prepared. Layers are always key since they are easy to adjust to different temperature changes. Be prepared with a warm packable down jacket since the evening will be cold.

It’s also important to note that the weather can change a listed itinerary. There are times that routes become impassable, and our guides will be forced for your safety to rework your tour.

As soon as people book their trip to Peru, specifically Cusco, they start wondering about altitude sickness. The air at high altitudes contains less oxygen than at sea level and forces your body to work harder to get the oxygen it needs.

Over several days at high altitude, your body adjusts to the lower amount of oxygen in the air. For this reason, we always recommend spending at least two days in Cusco before beginning any trek in the Andes. Cusco is a marvelous city with lots to do, so if you have more time to acclimate you won´t be bored.

With altitude sickness, you may first feel like you have the flu or a hangover. You may have a headache, tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, trouble sleeping, trouble breathing during exercise. If any of these effects become severe, please contact our office, and we will help you get to a doctor.

Most of the time, these symptoms will be mild. We always recommend easing into activity slowly, allowing your body to adjust. Drink plenty of fluids such as water or coca tea.

Coca tea has been used since ancient times to help prevent altitude sickness. Leaves from the Coca Plant contain alkaloids that help bring oxygen into your blood, helping your body avoid the effects of altitude sickness. Avoid drinking a lot of alcohol and coffee. They will cause you to urinate more often and become dehydrated. Avoid smoking. Smoking makes it more difficult for your body to get oxygen. Avoid sleeping pills. They may cause shallow breathing at night, making it more difficult for your body to absorb oxygen while you sleep.

Remember the trek to Machu Picchu is not a race. Even those in the best shape will suffer from altitude sickness if they race to the top of the mountain too quickly. Go slow, and it will give your body time to adjust to the elevation.

Your healthcare provider may prescribe medications, such as acetazolamide and dexamethasone, to help prevent altitude sickness. Start the medicine two days before you get to a high altitude. Continue to take it while you are at high altitude.

You must remember that this is your holiday and you do not want to stress out about the possibility of getting sick from the mountains. Do everything slowly and drink lots of water, and enjoy the coca tea.

If anything does happen and you, unfortunately, get sick, let your guide know right away. Xtreme Tourbulencia guides are trained to help you get through it.

The airport in Cusco currently is only for domestic flights, so all international travelers by plane must disembark in Lima and go through Customs. Even if your flight to Cusco is the same day by the same airline carrier, you must grab your bags in Lima and then check them back in.

The best way to get to Cusco is by air, and there are several options in airlines. LAN tends to be the most expensive but has the most options and flights. Expect delays or flight cancellations. Due to the high altitude of Cusco, it tends to be difficult to land, and any acclimate weather will stop air traffic.

Bus travel is always available, and while the trip can be long, especially from Lima, the buses in Peru are very well maintained and comfortable. This option is strongly encouraged if coming from a city closer to Cusco, like Puno. Lima buses will take about 20 hours to arrive.

To begin, we’d like to suggest some accommodation options throughout Cusco. Although it’s a small city, more and more streets are becoming traffic-free pedestrian zones.

Therefore, we’ve selected comfortable and well-located hotels that also allow us easy access to pick you up. These are just ideas; you’re free to choose your accommodation.

Check out our hotels

The Historic Inca Jungle Trail is an extraordinary 4-day, 3-night adventure that takes you through the heart of Peru’s most spectacular landscapes on your way to Machu Picchu. This immersive journey combines thrilling mountain biking, authentic jungle trekking, and cultural encounters with local communities along ancient Inca pathways.

You’ll traverse diverse ecosystems from high Andean peaks to lush cloud forests, experiencing the same routes once used by Inca messengers and traders centuries ago.

The extended 4-day format allows for a more relaxed pace and deeper cultural immersion compared to rushed alternatives. You’ll have additional time to explore hidden Inca ruins, visit authentic mountain villages, and truly absorb the mystical atmosphere of the cloud forest.

The extra day also provides opportunities for optional activities like zip-lining, hot springs visits, and coffee plantation tours, making your journey to Machu Picchu as memorable as the destination itself.

Day 1 begins with an scenic drive from Cusco to Abra Malaga Pass (4,316m), followed by an exhilarating 60km downhill mountain bike ride to Santa Maria.

Day 2 involves trekking through coca plantations and cloud forest to Santa Teresa, with optional afternoon zip-lining.

Day 3 features hiking to Aguas Calientes via the historic Inca Trail section, including visits to ancient ruins.

Day 4 culminates with sunrise at Machu Picchu, guided exploration of the citadel, and return to Cusco by train.

This adventure requires moderate to good fitness levels, as you’ll be active for 6-8 hours daily across varied terrain. The mountain biking portion demands basic cycling skills and confidence on winding mountain roads, while hiking days involve ascending and descending through jungle paths with some steep sections. Most participants find the 4-day version more manageable than shorter alternatives since the pace is less rushed and allows for better acclimatization.

Pack layers for dramatically changing climates, from cold mountain mornings to warm jungle afternoons. Essential items include waterproof hiking boots, quick-dry clothing, rain jacket, warm fleece, sun hat, and insect repellent.

Don’t forget your passport (required for Machu Picchu entry), camera, headlamp, personal medications, and a comfortable daypack. Many travelers also bring binoculars for wildlife spotting and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.

The optimal months are May through September during Peru’s dry season, when you’ll encounter clearer mountain views and more predictable weather patterns. June through August offers the driest conditions but attracts the most visitors.

April and October provide excellent weather with fewer crowds and spectacular scenery as the landscape transitions between seasons, making these shoulder months particularly appealing for photography enthusiasts.

You’ll stay three nights in carefully selected local accommodations that blend comfort with authentic cultural experiences. Expect rustic but clean hostels or eco-lodges in Santa Maria and Santa Teresa, featuring private or shared bathrooms and hot showers.

The final night in Aguas Calientes offers more modern amenities. These accommodations provide genuine opportunities to interact with local families and experience traditional Andean hospitality.

The mountain biking segment covers approximately 60 kilometers of mostly downhill terrain from 4,316 meters to 1,200 meters elevation. While primarily downhill, the route includes winding mountain roads requiring basic cycling skills and confidence.

Safety equipment including helmets and gloves is provided, and experienced guides accompany you throughout. Most participants find this portion thrilling rather than technically difficult, though weather conditions can affect road surfaces.

Most tour operators welcome adventurous travelers aged 12 to 65, though individual fitness and experience matter more than age. Younger participants should be comfortable with extended daily activities and basic mountain biking, while older adults in good health regularly complete this journey successfully. The 4-day format is particularly suitable for families with active teenagers or multi-generational groups seeking adventure together.

Daily breakfast and lunch are typically included, featuring nutritious Peruvian cuisine designed to sustain your energy throughout each day’s activities. Expect hearty soups, fresh fruits, quinoa dishes, and local specialties prepared by skilled mountain cooks.

Dinners are usually at your own expense, giving you freedom to explore local restaurants and experience authentic regional cuisine in the charming towns where you’ll spend your evenings.

While independent travel is theoretically possible, joining a guided tour is strongly recommended for safety, logistics, and cultural enrichment. Professional guides possess intimate knowledge of weather patterns, terrain challenges, and emergency procedures.

They also provide fascinating insights into Inca history, local customs, and the significance of archaeological sites you’ll encounter, transforming your journey from simple adventure into profound cultural education.

The diverse ecosystems along the trail support incredible biodiversity including colorful birds like quetzals and tanagers, butterflies, and occasionally spectacled bears or mountain viscachas. The cloud forest sections are particularly rich in birdlife, making binoculars a valuable addition to your packing list. Your guides will help identify species and share knowledge about the delicate ecological balance of these protected environments.

The fourth day begins with an early morning hike from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, either via the steep Huayna Picchu trail or by taking the convenient bus service. Most groups choose the 30-minute bus ride to preserve energy for exploring the magnificent citadel. You’ll spend several hours with your guide discovering the mysteries of this UNESCO World Heritage site before taking the scenic train journey back to Cusco.

This route offers unparalleled diversity, combining adventure sports with cultural immersion and natural beauty. Unlike crowded tourist buses, you’ll approach Machu Picchu having earned your arrival through days of authentic adventure. The journey includes interactions with local communities, exploration of lesser-known Inca ruins, and passage through some of Peru’s most spectacular and varied landscapes, creating memories that extend far beyond the final destination.

Yes, the extended itinerary allows time for exciting optional activities including zip-lining through cloud forest canopy, relaxing in natural hot springs at Cocalmayo, visiting organic coffee plantations, and exploring additional Inca archaeological sites. These activities typically cost extra but provide unique experiences that enhance your understanding of local culture and natural environment. Some operators also offer coca leaf ceremonies and traditional textile demonstrations.

Reputable operators maintain strict safety protocols including professional-grade mountain biking equipment, comprehensive first aid supplies, and emergency communication devices. Guides are trained in wilderness first aid and familiar with evacuation procedures for various scenarios. The route follows established paths with local support networks, and groups maintain regular communication with base operations throughout the journey.

Prices typically range from $300-600 USD per person depending on group size, included activities, and accommodation standards. This investment usually covers transportation, professional guides, three nights’ accommodation, daily breakfast and lunch, all necessary equipment, and Machu Picchu entrance fees. Optional activities, dinners, tips, and personal expenses are additional costs to consider when budgeting for your adventure.

While this route doesn’t require permits like the classic Inca Trail, advance booking is essential, especially during peak season (June-August). Machu Picchu entrance tickets are limited and must be secured in advance. Booking 3-6 weeks ahead ensures availability and better accommodation options, particularly important if you’re traveling during Peruvian holidays or planning to include optional activities.

Many operators offer extension options including additional days for Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain climbs, Sacred Valley cultural tours, or Amazon jungle excursions. Some travelers combine this adventure with visits to Rainbow Mountain, Lake Titicaca, or the mysterious Nazca Lines for a comprehensive Peruvian experience. These extensions allow you to maximize your time in this incredible region.

You’ll need a valid passport (the same one used for booking) for Machu Picchu entrance, as security strictly verifies identification. Student discounts require valid international student ID cards. Travel insurance is highly recommended given the adventure nature of this journey. Ensure your passport has at least 6 months remaining validity and consider bringing copies of important documents stored separately from originals for added security.