This premium expedition is meticulously structured to link the Andes Mountains with the high jungle of Cusco, offering a safe transition across diverse ecological zones without sacrificing overnight comfort. The itinerary integrates guided extreme sports, cultural hikes through local coffee farms, and the thermal pools of Cocalmayo, concluding with superior lodging in Santa Teresa and Aguas Calientes. It stands as the ultimate choice for high-value independent travelers demanding a flawless balance between peak physical thrills and restorative rest in premium hotels before exploring the Citadel.
For a budget-friendly adventure with shared accommodation, the Inka Jungle Backpacker is the ideal option.
| FEATURE | INKA JUNGLE PREMIUM | INKA JUNGLE BACKPACKER |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | Private jungle lodges (Santa María/Santa Teresa) and 3★ hotel in Aguas Calientes (private bathroom, 24/7 hot water, Wi-Fi) | Clean local jungle guesthouses (shared dorm rooms) and basic hostel in Aguas Calientes |
| Group Size | Small group size (max 8-10 people per guide) for personalized attention | Standard group size (up to 12-15 people per guide) |
| Meals | Full balanced menu prepared with fresh local ingredients | Abundant traditional tourist menu on trek |
| Traveler Profile | Travelers seeking higher comfort, private rest and earlier return schedule | Backpackers & young travelers looking to maximize budget & meet social peers |
🚴♂️ Distance: 55 km / 34 miles biking
⏱️ Estimated Time: 3-4 hours descent
⛰️ Max / Min Altitude: 4,316 m (14,160 ft) / 1,200 m (3,937 ft)
🍽️ Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner
We start around 6:00 a.m., traveling to the spectacular Abra Malaga pass (4,316 m / 14,160 ft), the starting point for a thrilling downhill mountain biking tour down winding mountain roads into the lush high jungle, ending in Huamanmarca. From there, we take a local bus to Santa Maria to enjoy a high-quality local lunch.
In the afternoon, we embark on Level III river rafting on the Vilcanota River (+$30), a refreshing adventure available during the dry season. We close the day resting in our exclusive premium hotel surrounded by the high jungle canopy.
🚶♂️ Hiking distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles active trekking
⏱️ Estimated Time: 7-8 hours continuous walk
⛰️ Max / Min Altitude: 1,700 m (5,577 ft) / 1,550 m (5,085 ft)
🍽️ Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Following an energizing breakfast, we start an active hike along a well-preserved original section of the royal Inca Trail (Qhapaq Ñan), an ancient stone-paved path that connects local farming communities. The trail traverses the rich biodiversity of the Vilcanota canyon, leading us past waterfalls, hanging bridges, and plantations of organic coffee, cacao, and coca leaves.
In the afternoon, we arrive at the natural volcanic Cocalmayo Hot Springs, renowned as the finest thermal pools in Cusco, with temperatures ranging from 38°C to 44°C. Afterward, we transfer to our curated 3-star hotel in Santa Teresa (1,550 m / 5,085 ft) for a group dinner and high-quality rest.
🧗♂️ Optional Activity: Extreme Zipline / Canopy Adventure (+30 USD)
🚶♂️ Hiking distance: 16 km / 10 miles scenic flat walking
⏱️ Estimated Time: 5-6 hours total journey
⛰️ Max / Min Altitude: 1,550 m (5,085 ft) / 2,040 m (6,692 ft)
🍽️ Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
We begin the morning with the option to soar through the valleys on the Santa Teresa Zipline circuit, one of the highest and fastest multi-adventure canopy courses in South America. Afterward, we transfer to the Hidroelectrica station for a fresh outdoor lunch.
From there, we embark on a scenic 3-hour hike along the railway flanking the Urubamba River, walking under the towering peaks of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu. Surrounded by native orchids and wild fauna, we reach Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) to check into our selected 3-star premium hotel.
🏛️ Primary Activity: Guided visit to Machu Picchu Citadel
🚶♂️ Walking distance: 4-6 km / 2.5-3.7 miles walk inside
⛰️ Max / Min Altitude: 2,430 m (7,972 ft) / 3,400 m (11,154 ft)
🍽️ Meals Included: Breakfast (Box Lunch)
The big day is here! We take the Consettur eco-bus (25 min) to ascend to the sacred Machu Picchu Citadel (2,430 m / 7,972 ft) in the early morning. We enter during the first shift to witness the sunrise over the stone sanctuary.
For 2.5 hours, we enjoy an elite guided tour exploring the Main Temples, the Sacred Plaza, and the Intihuatana, learning about Inca astronomy and engineering. Those with permits for Huayna Picchu (2,720 m / 8,923 ft) or Machu Picchu Mountain (3,061 m / 10,042 ft) can climb for panoramic views. In the afternoon, we take the classic train back to Ollantaytambo, where our private transport waits to return you to your hotel in Cusco.
Here are the details and characteristics of our premium Inka Jungle tour:
Cusco
To coordinate
You do not need prior biking or trekking experience for the Inka Jungle Tour. The downhill biking section is accompanied by a safety support vehicle carrying your gear, while all hikes are paced comfortably by certified guides.
White-water rafting on the Inka Jungle Tour is a very safe Level II-III activity. It is suitable for beginners and families, providing full safety gear (helmets, life jackets), IRF/WAFA certified river guides, and a dedicated safety kayaker.
Inka Jungle Premium guarantees private jungle lodges and a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes. You sleep in private lodges in Santa María & Santa Teresa, and spend the final night in a selected 3-star hotel with private bathroom, 24/7 hot water, and Wi-Fi.
Return from Machu Picchu is arranged via passenger train (Expedition/Voyager) and private bus. You travel by train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, where our private driver transfers you directly back to your hotel in Cusco.
No nonsense, just adventure. The trek is beautiful. Be prepared to walk along the train tracks on the last day, it’s long but flat. Seeing Machu Picchu from below was cool. Good vibes only.
Heaps good. The scenery changes from snow to jungle in like 3 hours of biking. Madness. Accommodation is rustic but social. Good way to meet people. John was a great guide, spoke clear English.
fue una de las mejores cosas del viaje. La combinación de bici y trekking es mortal. Al principio nos dio cosa la altura, pero Willy nos tuvo re paciencia y nos bancó en todo momento. Hubo un pequeño quilombo con la reserva de la comida vegetariana la segunda noche, pero lo resolvieron al toque y le prepararon a Flor un plato riquísimo. Unos genios.
El tour estuvo bacanísimo. No es tan exigente físicamente, terminas cansado pero rico papa! y las termas de Cocalmayo te reviven. Enzo es un guía a todo dar, siempre con la mejor energía parceros. La comida estuvo deliciosa en todos los puntos.
A mistura de bike, caminhada e tirolesa é perfeita. Cansa bastante, mas vale a pena. O hostel em Santa Maria tinha o chuveiro meio frio, avisei o guia e ele conseguiu trocar a gente de quarto pra um com água quente na hora. Atendimento nota 10. Rodrigo representou muito, explicou tudo sobre o café e as plantas.
