Inca Jungle to Machu Picchu 4 Days
From US$ 420 / per person
Expert guide · High jungle
Inca Jungle
multi-sport adventure
Inca Jungle tours
Adrenaline on the way
to Machu Picchu
Downhill biking, rafting, zipline, hot springs and hiking on Inca paths to Machu Picchu. The most fun and budget-friendly route.
Inca Jungle to Machu Picchu 3 Days
From US$ 360 / per person
MAX ALTITUDE4,316 m (by bike)
BIKING≈ 50 km
DURATION3 or 4 days
BEST SEASONApr — Nov
ACTIVITIESBike · rafting · zipline
Expert guide
What is the Inca Jungle Trek?
The Inca Jungle is a multi-sport adventure route reaching Machu Picchu through the high jungle. It combines a downhill bike ride from Abra Málaga (4,316 m), optional rafting on the Vilcanota/Urubamba river, a hike along an Inca path, a zipline in Santa Teresa, the Cocalmayo hot springs and a guided tour of the citadel.
It is ideal for young travelers, groups of friends and anyone looking for adrenaline on a budget. The highest altitude is reached by bike, so the physical effort is lower than on a high-mountain trek.
Typical 4-day itinerary
Day 1: transfer to Abra Málaga, about 50 km of mountain biking down to Huamanmarca or Santa María, and rafting in the afternoon. Day 2: hike among coffee, cacao and fruit farms on Inca paths to Santa Teresa; soak in Cocalmayo. Day 3: zipline and walk from Hidroeléctrica along the railway to Aguas Calientes (about 3 hours). Day 4: Machu Picchu and return to Cusco.
Who is it for?
Moderate level. You must ride a bike confidently; we provide helmet, gloves, knee pads and vest. Rafting and zipline are optional depending on season and river conditions. From December to March rafting may be suspended due to water levels.
Safety first
We use full-suspension bikes checked before every departure, guides trained in first aid and certified zipline and rafting operators. The descent is on a paved road with a support vehicle behind the group.
Highlights
Downhill ride from Abra MálagaRafting on the Urubamba river (optional)Zipline over the Santa Teresa valleyCocalmayo hot springsHike through coffee and cacao farmsGuided tour of Machu Picchu
Routes and variants
Compare the options
| Route | Duration | Distance | Max. altitude | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
01Inca Jungle 4 daysThe complete version with every activity. | 4D / 3N | 50 km bike + 30 km hike | 4,316 m | Moderate |
02Inca Jungle 3 daysFaster version without the day-2 hike. | 3D / 2N | 50 km bike + 12 km hike | 4,316 m | Moderate |
Preparation
Your adventure
packing list
Clothing
Quick-dry clothes, long-sleeve shirt, sandals for rafting and swimwear for the hot springs.
Repellent
Essential in the high jungle: sandflies are common around Santa Teresa.
Weather
Cold at the pass (0–5 °C) and hot in the jungle (25–30 °C). Bring a windbreaker.
Tips from our guides
- Pack a dry change of clothes in a waterproof bag for after rafting.
- Leave your big luggage in Cusco: travel with a 30–40 L backpack.
- The zipline has a weight limit; let us know if you are over 100 kg.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to travel with peace of mind.
01Do I need biking experience?
You should ride confidently. The descent is on a paved road and the guide controls the pace; you can also ride in the support vehicle.
02Is rafting included?
It depends on the package and season. It is optional, and from December to March it may be suspended because of river levels.
03Is it easier than Salkantay?
Yes. The highest point is done by bike and the hikes are at medium altitude. It is more about adventure than endurance.
Stories and tips
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