Cusco Inca Jungle 4D or 3N with Car Return

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1Cusco – Ollantaytambo - Abra Málaga – Santa María⌄

   Travelers will be picked up from their hotel between 5:50 am and 6:00 am for a scenic 2-hour drive to Ollantaytambo in our comfortable tourist vehicle. Along the way, there will be a short 30-minute stop in Ollantaytambo to stretch your legs, use restroom facilities, or have a quick breakfast. Please note this stop is not intended for visiting the archaeological site but simply to rest and prepare for the adventure ahead.

   After a short stop in Ollantaytambo for breakfast (not included), to buy water, or to use the restroom, we continue the journey for about 1 hour and 30 minutes ascending to Abra Málaga at 4,350 meters above sea level. Here begins the first major adventure: a fully equipped downhill bike ride from the mountains to the cloud forest. Along the way, travelers will enjoy breathtaking views as the Andean landscape gradually transitions into lush jungle. The biking route ends in Huamanmarca, from where the group continues by transport to Santa María. After lunch, optional activities such as rafting on the Vilcanota River are available at an additional cost. The day concludes with dinner and an overnight stay at a basic lodge in Santa María.

   Upon arrival in Santa María after the morning biking adventure and transport from Huamanmarca, travelers will enjoy lunch surrounded by the lush Andean cloud forest. Optional activities include rafting on the Vilcanota River, short walks through nearby coffee and coca plantations, or exploring the town and local markets. Nature lovers can observe native birds, orchids, and diverse flora. The day ends with dinner at the lodge and an overnight stay in a basic but comfortable accommodation, providing a restful end to a full day of adventure.

2. 2Santa María – Inca Trail – Qellomayo – Hot Springs – Santa Teresa⌄

   After breakfast at the lodge, we start a hike along sections of the ancient Inca Trail, passing through lush vegetation, rivers, waterfalls, and coffee, coca, and fruit plantations. The first segment to Quellomayo is about 8 km and takes 3.5 to 4 hours. Here, travelers stop for lunch at a local restaurant . After lunch, we continue 4 km to the thermal baths of Cocalmayo, taking about 1.5 hours. Travelers can relax in the warm pools before the final 3 km stretch to Santa Teresa, which takes around 1.5 hours. The total walking distance is approximately 15 km, with 6.5 to 7 hours of hiking. Dinner and overnight accommodation are at a budget lodge in Santa Teresa.

3. 3Santa Teresa – Hidroeléctrica – Aguas Calientes⌄

   After breakfast, travelers may choose to experience the optional canopy or zipline activity (extra cost), an adrenaline-filled adventure in the mountains. We then continue to the Hidroeléctrica station for lunch before starting a scenic hike along the train tracks toward the town of Aguas Calientes. The trail passes through jungle landscapes, rivers, and stunning mountain views surrounding Machu Picchu. Upon arrival in Aguas Calientes, travelers have free time to explore the town, visit the artisan market, or rest. Dinner will be served at a local restaurant, and overnight stay will be in a budget accommodation.

4. 4Machu Picchu – Hidroelectrica or Ollantaytambo – Cusco⌄

   Travelers wake up early around 4:00 AM in Aguas Calientes to begin the walk to Machu Picchu, which takes approximately 1.5 hours. Alternatively, there is the option to take the bus for an additional cost. The included visit follows Circuit 2, subject to availability; if unavailable, an alternative circuit such as 1 or 3 will be arranged. After exploring Machu Picchu, travelers can choose their return: either by train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and onward to Cusco, or by walking to Hidroelectrica and then taking a bus to Cusco. Please select your preferred return option when booking.