The 4-day, 3-night Inka Jungle Premium is Cusco’s exclusive multi-adventure loop to Machu Picchu 🏛️ (2,430 m / 7,972 ft). Engineered for those seeking comfort and adrenaline, it combines 55 km / 34 miles of downhill mountain biking 🚴♂️ from Abra Malaga pass (4,316 m / 14,160 ft), white-water rafting on the Vilcanota River, extreme ziplining in Santa Teresa, and guaranteed stays in curated 3-star hotels. 🏔️🦙
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 | Guaranteed 3-star selected hotels with private bathroom & Wi-Fi | Rustic shared/group adventure hostels |
| Group Size | Small group (average 8 travelers) for superior safety | Standard group (14 to 18 travelers) |
| Included Sports | White-water rafting and Ziplining 100% included in the price | Optional (paid on the route for an extra +$60 USD) |
| Meals | Premium quality breakfasts, lunches, and gourmet dinners | Standard basic tourist set menus |
| Traveler Profile | Couples, families, and comfort-seeking active hikers | Backpackers and young active social crowd |
🚴♂️ Distance: 21 km / 13 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 to be an experienced cyclist. Around 90% of the 3 to 4-hour descent from Abra Málaga (4,316 m / 14,160 ft) to the high jungle is along a fully paved highway in excellent condition. Our private support vehicle accompanies the group at all times; if you feel cold, tired, or prefer to stop, you can hop into the van immediately at no extra cost. We provide premium mountain bikes with front suspension and Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, as well as full protective gear.
It is completely safe. Unlike the Backpacker version, our Premium tour includes this adventure activity led by professional river guides certified by the Peruvian Navy. We navigate a Class III section (moderate and safe). High-buoyancy life jackets (Class V), helmets, and standardized paddles are mandatory, and a dedicated safety kayaker accompanies every boat for support.
You will walk and ride weight-free. Since almost all travelers stay in Cusco before the tour, we suggest leaving your large luggage (hard suitcases or large travel bags) under the free and secure storage of your own hotel. We highly recommend booking the same hotel for the night of your return. As a free option, you can store your bags securely in the warehouse of our main office in Cusco. During the active route, our private support vehicle accompanies you only on Day 1. During the following trekking days, you will carry your light overnight backpack. If you prefer not to carry any weight, you can hire local luggage transport directly on the route.
In the Premium version, we guarantee a superior rest experience. You will stay exclusively in selected 3-star hotels in Santa María, Santa Teresa, and Aguas Calientes. All accommodations feature a private room with private bathroom, 24/7 hot water, and stable Wi-Fi. This is a massive upgrade from the shared hostels of the Backpacker option.
We guarantee a comfortable and safe return. We include your ticket on the Classic Train (Expedition by PeruRail or Voyager by Inca Rail) in the afternoon from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, strictly avoiding risky informal minivans via Hidroeléctrica. Upon arrival at Ollantaytambo, our driver will wait for you with a sign showing your name to transfer you in a comfortable private minivan directly 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.
