arrow_back

5 Day itinerary in Peru, South America

Classic Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu

Our handpicked jungle adventure is a thrilling journey en route to Machu Picchu. Dare to race down on a bike into the jungle, go white water rafting and fly down zip-lines. Trek through breathtaking ruins and villages, and experience unforgettable scenic nature along this alternative route of the In... Read More

1 / 6
All Photos
SandraLeslieIsaacEli

By Sandra, Leslie, Isaac and Eli

Overview

Physical Difficulty

Average
help_outline

Recommended Age

Everyone

Operated in

English, Spanish

GUIDANCE

On Some Day Trips

starting point

Cusco

trip type

Private

trip attributes

Cycling

Hiking

Indigenous culture

Outdoors & Nature

Start/End

Night

Highlights

1

Enjoy thrills with zip-lines and a downhill bike ride

2

Immerse yourself in the Andean jungle

3

Trek though Inca ruins on your way

4

Visit spectacular Machu Picchu with a guide

Itinerary

Per Person expand_more

Day 1

place Cuzco Arrival Day

Upon arrival, please find your own way to your accommodation! The rest of the day is free for you to explore Cuzco on your own.

Accommodation:

  • Per Person: Selina Cusco Saphi
Day 2

place Cuzco to Malaga High Pass, Mountain Biking to Santa Maria Village, Rafting Activity

Today we leave Cuzco between 6:40 - 7:00am to journey by road in a van, making our first stop after 1.5 hours in Ollantaytambo where we can have a quick breakfast and buy some snacks. Then we continue driving for another 1.5 hours up to the Malaga High Pass (4,350 meters) where our guide will provide us with a safety briefing before we begin our adventurous 2.5 hour bike ride down into the lush and humid jungle. We will see Huamanmarca Archaeological site along the way, cruise through fruit plantations and over rivers, before arriving to Santa Maria village (1,400 meters) at around 2:00-2:30pm. Here we will depart on a scenic 2.5 hour rafting adventure that takes us down class III & IV rapids on the Urubamba River (also known as Vilcanota River). Enjoy your night at a basic, rustic guesthouse in Santa Maria. (If you choose not to participate in the rafting adventure you can walk around the town on your own this afternoon.)

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Per Person: Guesthouse
Day 3

place Trek to Santa Teresa Village (1,680m)

After an early morning breakfast, we will begin our day of hiking through the jungle mountains to observe beautiful pristine landscapes, abundant flora and fauna and friendly local people. Have lunch halfway during the trek and relax breathing fresh mountain air. In the afternoon we will arrive to Santa Teresa village (1,680 meters) where we will stay overnight in a guesthouse. (Optional hot springs at an extra cost).

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Per Person: Guesthouose
Day 4

place Zip-line Activity and Trek to Aguas Calientes

Fly through the treetops on a 2-hour morning canopy excursion on South America's highest and Peru's first canopy zip-line. Traverse over 2,500 meters of cables, with the longest ride covering 400 meters and the highest at 150 meters. Take an easy 3-hour hike along the train tracks from Santa Teresa to Hydroelectric Station, where you will stop for lunch. Continue 3 more hours on foot to reach Aguas Calientes town (most people hike this portion of the trek, but there is an optional train ride from Hydroelectric Station to Aguas Calientes if you're feeling tired). There are internet cafés, cafés with board games and cards, plenty of shops and places to relax there. Overnight in a hotel tonight for a well-deserved shower and good night's sleep.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation:

  • Per Person: 3* Hotel
Day 5

place Explore Machu Picchu & Return to Cuzco

We will catch one of the first buses (05:30 am) to Machu Picchu (25-minute ride) in order to appreciate the magnificent city in the early morning light as the mist dissipates. A walking tour (approximately 2 hours) is given by your guide, and after this you can explore the mysterious city on your own. If you still have energy, you can also climb the Huayna Picchu Peak (to be booked in advance at an extra cost). Return to Aguas Calientes by bus. If time allows, visit the local marketplace next to the train station and shop until the train whistle blows, signaling your return to Ollantaytambo. From Ollantaytambo, you will take a bus back to Cuzco, arriving around 08:00pm. You will be dropped off at the Plaza San Francisco. Please make your own way to the accommodation of your choice.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast

What’s Included

Accommodation expand_less

  • Selina Cusco Saphi
  • 3* Hotel
  • Guesthouse
  • Guesthouose

Meals expand_less

  • Lunch (3)
  • Dinner (3)
  • Breakfast (3)

Transport expand_less

  • Cuzco accommodation pick-up
  • Van Cuzco - Malaga High Pass
  • Round trip tourist bus Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu
  • Tourist train Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo
  • Bus Ollantaytambo - Cuzco

Activities expand_less

  • Biking Adventure
  • Rafting Adventure
  • Canopy zip-line adventure

Extras expand_less

  • Bilingual guide on trek & Machu Picchu tour
  • Extra equipment and fees
  • Machu Picchu entrance fee
  • Mountain biking equipment (bicycles, helmet and gloves)
  • Rafting equipment
  • First aid kit & emergency oxygen bottle

Not Included expand_less

  • Other meals / drink
  • Bottled water
  • Guide for bus and train transfers (these portions are on your own)
  • Hot springs Santa Teresa (20 soles)
  • Optional train transfer from Hydroelectric Station to Aguas Calientes (32 USD)
  • Optional Huayna Picchu Trek (50 soles) must be booked at least 2 weeks in advance
  • Optional Machu Picchu Mountain Hike (50 soles) must be booked at least 1 week in advance
  • Tips

About Sandra

TEAM LEAD

+3 Local experts

verified Baboo Certified

star_outline 4.83 (12 reviews)

Expertise: 

Historic & cultural landmarks

Hiking

Snorkeling/Diving

Visit markets

Outdoors & Nature

Beach & Sea

Food & Drink

I have been working in tourism for several years and I have traveled on my own to through Mexico.

Travel that Makes a Difference

By choosing to travel with us, you support local communities, wildlife, and the environment. We are dedicated to positively impacting the world through every journey we offer.

Let’s regenerate the planet together

We overcompensate your entire journey’s carbon footprint including flights - for free.

Learn more
FROM PRICE PER TRAVELER

$574.00 USD