Our Inka Jungle tour begins with the pick-up of participants around 6:30 am. We immediately go towards the town of Ollantaytambo (Sacred Valley) where we will make a brief stop to buy water, snacks, sunscreen, repellent, or anything else that is required for this first day of the tour. We will continue ascending for about two hours, passing through the highest point of the route, the pass or “abra Málaga” at 4,330 meters above sea level, until reaching the chosen starting point. (according to climatic or other conditions) We put on our safety gear (helmets, knee pads, vests) and begin the downhill biking to the jungle. During this winding tour we will pass colorful landscapes and natural attractions as well as some ghost towns, fruit fields and beautiful waterfalls. The participant a certain level of experience handling the bicycle, as it can be quite draining. Otherwise the participant will have to go on the bus that accompanies the group that first leg of the day.
After approximately 2 and a half hours of descent by bicycle at approximately 1:30 p.m. we will board our bus to continue towards the town of Santa María where a succulent lunch awaits us at a local restaurant. Around 3 p.m. we start a new adventure: rafting, for those who previously booked (+ $ 30 USD). We will be transported to the base of operations (Vilcanota river) where after a short instruction on the use of safety gear (helmets and life jackets) we will enter the river in a raft with the guide, accompanied by a catamaran that will supervise. The river has a degree of difficulty between II – III + (medium risk) with exciting rapids and some turbulence but all controlled and supervised by experienced guides (certified in extreme sports) knowledgeable about the geography, climate and local environment.
During the rainy season (January-March) due to the flooding of the river, the degree of difficulty changes. (level IV or more) For the safety of the passengers, we do not offer or recommend reserving this activity (canoeing).
At the end of the rafting adventure, the whole group will meet to enjoy a warm dinner and then settle into our lodging to spend the first night with a beautifully panoramic view of the high forest of Cusco.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Local accommodation
Maximum altitude: 4,316 m.s.n.m.
Minimum altitude: 1,200 m.s.
Distance covered: 21 km approx.
Our second day begins with a traditional breakfast around 6:00 a.m. Then we start on a trek for approximately 3 hours, covering the section of the Inca Trail that crosses Cusco. This part of the tour is fantastic as we can appreciate the old paths, amazingly well preserved, that the inhabitants of this region still use for their daily activities.
At noon we will make a break in the small village of Kellomayo, where we will have lunch and then continue on the route. Trekking, we cross waterfalls, riachuelos, fruit, avocado, coffee plantations and tubers typical of the area. We can also witness the diverse flora and fauna of the place, different types of exotic birds, some species of monkeys, as well as a wide range of orchids and flowers native to this region. We will be in the eye of the Amazon, an area which has one of the richest biological diversity on the planet.
In the afternoon we will arrive at the thermal pools of Cocalmayo where we will be able to enjoy the natural hot springs. After relaxing for a while, we will be transported to our lodging located in the town of Santa Teresa where we will spend the second night. Often, this night is used to enjoy a ‘pisco sour’ in one of the small but cozy pubs of the town.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Local accommodation
Maximum altitude: 1,700 m.s.n.m.
Minimum altitude: 1,280 m.s.
Distance covered: 12 km walk approx.
The third day you will step into the past, history described by your guide on the trail, as we cross routes of the great explorers that discovered Machupicchu and other important archaeological remains. In the morning, those who booked ahead may do the zip line. (+ $ 30 USD) They separate from the group temporarily and then meet afterwards and continue the tour.
After resting and enjoying the landscape, we will descend to a control post called “Hidroeléctrica”, where a warm lunch awaits us. Then we continue to the last part of the tour walking for approximately 3 hours on a mostly flat trail. This part of the tour probably has the best views and landscapes, with splendid waterfalls straight from glaciers, and coca plantations of local people. We walk along the train tracks to reach Aguas Calientes, also called ‘Machupicchu Pueblo’. Once we arrive at our hostel, we take a second to recuperate and then meet in a tourist restaurant where we have a fantastic dinner and coordinate with the guide the next day’s visit to Machupicchu.
Here in Aguas Calientes we spend the last night in comfortable lodging, at the foot of the ancient citadel, Machu Picchu.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Hostel
Maximum altitude: 2,040 m.s.n.m.
Minimum altitude: 1,600 m.s.n.m.
Distance covered: 16 km walk approx.
Early in the morning, at 4 a.m. we get ready to ascend to Machu Picchu climbing approximately 1500 steps. The guide does not accompany the group this section, as they will be coordinating final details at the entrance of Machu Picchu. As this is a little bit of a climb, the guide does not join to prevent physical wear and tear (knees injuries) from repeated journeys. We enter the archaeological complex around 6:00 a.m. If luck is on our side, we can catch the sunrise over Machu Picchu.
Once in Machu Picchu our guide will give us a tour, sharing their knowledge with us for about 2 hours. After this the guide leaves the group so that each participant has time to explore the citadel, taking pictures and enjoying the wonder of Machu Picchu. Travelers who made advance reservation and bought a ticket for the additional mountains, either Huayna Picchu or the Old Mountain (+ $ 10 USD), can begin their hike. Machu Picchu is best witnessed from the mountain and the panoramic view is indescribable. This tour takes 3 hours (round trip) approximately but it is well worth the effort.
In the afternoon (between 2 to 4 pm) we begin descending back to the town of Aguas Calientes. We have one last walk through the town, buying crafts and getting ready for the return by Train to Ollantaytambo.(according to chosen package) There we group up and take our final transportation to Cusco, the ending destination. If you prefer you can choose a return to Cusco earlier, modifying the train schedule with the following schedules and price increases: 14:55 (+ $ 20 USD), 16:22 (+ $ 25 USD), 18:35 (+ $ 15 USD).
Food: Breakfast and lunch
Maximum altitude: 2,490 m.s.
Minimum altitude: 2,040 m.s.n.m.
Distance covered: 1.5 km approx.
