Fantastic holiday, a real adventure. We saw sights I had only dreamed about. Every day there was something new to wonder at, from…
Anonymous | Traveled in MayThe Inca Jungle Trail 3 Days to Machu Picchu is one of the most exciting alternative ways to reach the legendary Inca citadel. Instead of following a traditional trekking-only itinerary, this adventure combines downhill mountain biking, white-water rafting, ziplining and hiking through the changing landscapes between the high Andes and the tropical valleys surrounding Machu Picchu.
Your adventure begins high in the mountains at Abra Málaga, where you will descend by mountain bike through spectacular Andean scenery. The journey then continues toward the warmer jungle region, where you will experience white-water rafting on the Urubamba River, relax at the Cocalmayo Hot Springs and spend the night surrounded by nature in our distinctive Sky Star Domes in Lucmabamba.
The following day brings another dose of adrenaline with a complete zipline experience before continuing toward Hidroeléctrica. From there, you will hike approximately three hours along the route toward Machu Picchu Pueblo, also known as Aguas Calientes, where you will spend the night before visiting Machu Picchu.
Your final morning is dedicated to exploring the famous Inca citadel with a professional guide. After your visit, you can return to Cusco according to the package selected when booking: by car via Hidroeléctrica or by train via Ollantaytambo.
This three-day itinerary is ideal for travelers with limited time who still want an active and varied journey to Machu Picchu rather than simply traveling there by train.
Your Inca Jungle adventure begins early in the morning with pickup from your accommodation in Cusco between approximately 5:30 AM and 6:00 AM.
If you are staying in Ollantaytambo, pickup can also be coordinated there at approximately 7:30 AM, as the tour vehicle passes through the town on its way toward Abra Málaga.
From Cusco, we travel for approximately two hours through the Sacred Valley toward Ollantaytambo.
Upon arrival, we stop for breakfast, giving you the energy needed for the first major adventure of the trip.
After breakfast, we continue by vehicle for approximately another 45 minutes toward Abra Málaga, located at approximately 4,300 m / 14,108 ft above sea level.
This high mountain pass is the starting point of the downhill biking route.
Before beginning, your guide will provide the bicycle and corresponding safety equipment.
You will also receive instructions explaining:
Once everyone is ready, the biking adventure begins.
The descent lasts approximately 3 to 4 hours.
The route is primarily downhill and follows a paved mountain road through dramatically changing scenery.
Beginning in the cold environment of Abra Málaga, you will gradually descend toward warmer vegetation as the altitude decreases.
The support vehicle remains close to the group throughout the biking section.
This provides an additional level of support and means that if any participant decides they do not want to continue cycling, they can stop the activity and continue in the vehicle.
Eventually, we arrive at Huamanmarca, where the cycling section concludes.
After returning your bicycle and safety equipment, you will visit the nearby Huamanmarca archaeological site.
Your guide will provide information about the site and its historical significance before we continue toward Santa María.
After visiting Huamanmarca, we continue by vehicle for approximately 30 minutes toward the town of Santa María.
Lunch is served at approximately 1:00 PM, giving you time to recover after the morning biking adventure.
After eating and taking a short break, we prepare for the second major activity of the day.
In the afternoon, we head toward the Urubamba River for an exciting white-water rafting experience.
The rafting activity lasts approximately 1.5 hours.
Before entering the river, specialized rafting staff provide all necessary safety equipment and instructions.
The section used for the activity includes approximately Class III rapids, providing an exciting experience while remaining organized under the supervision of trained rafting guides.
Safety equipment is provided for the activity.
After finishing the rafting experience, we return to the vehicle and continue toward Santa Teresa.
After a day filled with mountain biking and rafting, it is time to relax.
We travel approximately 45 minutes by vehicle toward the natural thermal baths of Cocalmayo, near Santa Teresa.
You will have approximately 1.5 hours to enjoy the thermal pools and relax after the day’s adventure activities.
The entrance fee to Cocalmayo is not included and must be paid directly at the entrance.
Entrance fee: S/10 per person.
After enjoying the hot springs, we continue toward our accommodation for the night.
From Cocalmayo, we travel approximately another 45 minutes to Lucmabamba.
Here you will discover one of the distinctive accommodation experiences included in this tour: the Sky Star Domes.
These crystal-style domes provide panoramic views of the surrounding natural environment and allow you to spend the night immersed in the jungle landscape.
The domes are equipped with:
After arriving, you will settle into your dome and have time to relax.
Dinner is served at approximately 7:30 PM at the Lucmabamba lodge.
After dinner, your guide will provide a short explanation of the activities planned for Day 2.
You can then rest and prepare for another adventurous day.
During the activities on the first day, a support vehicle remains available to the group.
You can leave your belongings safely inside the vehicle while participating in biking, rafting and the other scheduled activities.
During the mountain biking section, the vehicle travels behind the group as an additional safety measure.
If you become tired or simply prefer not to continue cycling, you may stop the biking activity and continue in the support vehicle instead.
Hotel pickup: 5:30–6:00 AM
Ollantaytambo pickup: Around 7:30 AM
Highest point: Abra Málaga – 4,300 m / 14,108 ft
Biking: Approximately 3–4 hours
Rafting: Approximately 1.5 hours
Rapids: Class III
Cocalmayo: Approximately 1.5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Sky Star Domes in Lucmabamba
Activities: Biking, Rafting and Cocalmayo Hot Springs
After spending the night surrounded by the tropical mountain landscape of Lucmabamba, you will begin the second day with breakfast.
Today combines another major adventure activity with the walking section that ultimately takes you to Machu Picchu Pueblo.
One of the main activities included on Day 2 is the zipline experience.
The activity is operated with specialized guides and the corresponding safety equipment.
The complete adventure includes:
The different cables provide an exciting way to experience the mountainous jungle environment while enjoying views from a completely different perspective.
Your specialized guides will explain the equipment, safety procedures and correct body positions before beginning.
After completing the adventure activities, we continue toward Hidroeléctrica, one of the principal access points used by travelers walking toward Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Transportation required according to the scheduled tour activities is organized as part of the itinerary.
Lunch is included during Day 2, providing an opportunity to eat and rest before beginning the final walking section.
From Hidroeléctrica, we begin the approximately 3-hour hike toward Machu Picchu Pueblo, also widely known as Aguas Calientes.
This walking section follows the valley toward Machu Picchu through a much warmer, subtropical environment than the high-altitude landscapes experienced at the beginning of the trip.
The route is relatively gradual compared with a traditional mountain trek, but comfortable walking shoes are important because you will be walking for several hours.
During the hike, you will travel through lush vegetation and impressive mountain scenery as you gradually approach Machu Picchu.
One of the most exciting aspects of this section is knowing that the famous Inca citadel is now hidden among the mountains directly around you.
Eventually, we arrive in Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Upon arrival, you will check into the hotel included with the tour.
The standard accommodation is a simple and comfortable hotel offering:
After completing the day’s activities and hike, you will have time to shower and rest.
Dinner is also included on the second night.
Your guide will provide the necessary information about the following morning’s Machu Picchu visit, including the meeting time and arrangements according to your confirmed entrance ticket.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Activities: Zipline and Trekking
Zipline: 5 cables + Tibetan bridge
Main hike: Hidroeléctrica to Machu Picchu Pueblo
Hiking time: Approximately 3 hours
Accommodation: Hotel in Machu Picchu Pueblo
The final day of the adventure is dedicated to the destination you have been working toward throughout the journey: Machu Picchu.
Your day begins with breakfast at your hotel.
The exact time of your Machu Picchu visit depends on the entrance ticket confirmed for your reservation.
The tour normally attempts to obtain an early entrance, frequently around 6:00 AM, but both the entrance time and circuit are always subject to official availability.
The bus between Machu Picchu Pueblo and the entrance to Machu Picchu is not included in the tour price.
Travelers who choose to use this service can purchase the corresponding bus ticket separately.
Your guide will coordinate the meeting arrangements according to your confirmed Machu Picchu ticket and itinerary.
Once inside the archaeological site, you will enjoy a professionally guided visit lasting approximately 1 to 2 hours, depending on the circuit assigned to your reservation.
Your guide will explain the history and significance of Machu Picchu while leading you through the areas permitted by your confirmed circuit.
The guided tour is included regardless of which circuit is ultimately assigned.
During your visit, you will have the opportunity to learn about:
The exact structures and viewpoints visited depend on your official entrance route.
After finishing your guided visit, the return arrangements depend on whether you selected the car-return package or the train-return package.
The car-return package is the more economical option.
Travelers using this service must continue toward Hidroeléctrica, where the return vehicle to Cusco departs at approximately:
3:00 PM
You can purchase lunch in the Hidroeléctrica area before boarding the vehicle.
Lunch on Day 3 is not included.
From Hidroeléctrica, you will travel by road back toward Cusco.
The tour concludes at the Machu Picchu Team office in Cusco, located close to the Plaza de Armas, unless a different authorized drop-off arrangement has been coordinated.
Travelers who selected the train-return package can spend additional time in Machu Picchu Pueblo before departing.
Lunch is not included, giving you the flexibility to choose your preferred restaurant in town.
Your train ticket from Machu Picchu Pueblo to Ollantaytambo is included.
Typical train departures are approximately:
2:30 PM or 2:55 PM
The exact departure depends on railway availability when your reservation is confirmed.
Upon arrival at Ollantaytambo train station, transportation will be waiting to continue the journey by road to Cusco.
The service concludes at the Machu Picchu Team office in Cusco, unless you have requested to finish the tour in Ollantaytambo.
Meal included: Breakfast
Main attraction: Machu Picchu
Guided visit: Approximately 1–2 hours
Machu Picchu bus: Not included
Lunch: Not included
Car return: Hidroeléctrica departure approximately 3:00 PM
Train return: Machu Picchu Pueblo–Ollantaytambo approximately 2:30 PM or 2:55 PM
Final destination: Cusco
A pre-tour briefing is included before departure.
The briefing takes place at approximately 6:00 PM on the day before the tour at the Machu Picchu Team office, located close to Cusco’s Plaza de Armas.
This meeting allows you to meet the guide, review the itinerary and clarify any final questions.
Your guide will explain:
If you cannot attend the briefing in person, the necessary information can be coordinated through the WhatsApp number provided with your reservation.
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This was our first trip with Bookmundi and we are extremely happy. From start to finish the experience was excellent. Read more.
We saw all the highlights, the guides were excellent and the trip flowed nicely. The pacing was just right. Read more.
The price depends primarily on your return option and passenger category.
Two packages are available:
| Passenger Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | USD 250 |
| Student | USD 230 |
| Child 8–17 years | USD 230 |
The car-return package is the more economical alternative and includes transportation from Hidroeléctrica back to Cusco.
| Passenger Category | Price |
| Adult | USD 320 |
| Student | USD 300 |
| Child 8–17 years | USD 300 |
The train-return package includes the train journey from Machu Picchu Pueblo to Ollantaytambo followed by transportation to Cusco.
The student price applies to eligible travelers who are 25 years old or younger and hold a valid original university student identification card.
To apply for the student rate, a clear photograph of both sides of the student card must be provided during the booking process.
The original student ID must also be carried during the trip.
The child rate applies to travelers between:
8 and 17 years old
Age verification may be required during the reservation process.
Groups usually consist of approximately:
8–12 travelers
The maximum group size is:
16 travelers
For larger groups between 13 and 16 participants, two guides are assigned:
This helps maintain better coordination and support throughout the adventure.
The Inca Jungle Trail 3 Days to Machu Picchu operates with daily departures.
Travelers can therefore select the departure date that works best for their itinerary, subject to the availability required for Machu Picchu and the corresponding services.
If you have already purchased your own Machu Picchu entrance ticket, additional booking possibilities may be available even closer to the departure date.
Both packages include the same principal adventure experience before the return journey.
The main difference is how you travel back toward Cusco after visiting Machu Picchu.
Whichever option you choose, the adventure portion of the 3-Day Inca Jungle Trail gives you an active and memorable way to reach Machu Picchu through biking, rafting, ziplining and trekking.
If you have a question about this or any other trip, our travel experts are ready to help with dates, availability and private options.
