Day 1 – Cusco – Málaga Pass – Santa María
(Biking – Rafting)

We will pick up at your hotel at 6:00 a.m. We will depart from Cusco and head toward the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Here we will have our buffet-style breakfast.

We will continue our journey to the Málaga Pass (4,350 meters above sea level/14,160 feet), the starting point of our bike tour. After a brief briefing to help you get oriented, your guide will provide you with the necessary equipment for the activity. We will begin our 3-hour bike descent, covering approximately 50 km/31.06 miles, until we reach the town of Huamanmarca (1,575 meters above sea level/5,167 feet). End of the bike tour.

We will continue our journey on wheels for another 30 minutes to the town of Santa María, at an altitude of 1,200 meters above sea level/3,937 feet, where we will have lunch and spend our first night at the Santa María Ecolodge.

In the afternoon, we have the option of rafting on the Vilcanota River. This river offers category II, III, and III+ rapids. No experience is required to enjoy this activity. We will provide you with helmets, windbreakers, and category V life jackets. This activity is available from April to December, and you must be able to swim to participate, in accordance with Peruvian law.

During the trip, we will experience the beauty of the snow-capped mountains and the tropical forest. It is here in the rainforest that our Peruvian Amazon adventure begins. We will cross small streams and enjoy the change from the cold climate of Cusco to the tropical climate, the warm climate characteristic of the Peruvian Amazon.

• Difficulty level: Easy.
• Total distance: Approx. 50 km/31 miles (biking).
• Total distance: Approx. 10 km/6.21 miles (canoeing).
• Tour time: Full day.
• Málaga Pass elevation: 4,350 meters above sea level/14,160 ft.
• Huamanmarca elevation: 1,575 meters above sea level/5,167 ft.
• Santa María elevation: 1,200 meters above sea level/3,937 ft.
• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack.
• Accommodation: Ecolodge – Santa María.

Day 2 – Santa María-Santa Teresa
(Trekking – Hot Springs)

After a delicious breakfast, we’ll be ready for the first day of hiking to Santa Teresa. A traditional town, we’ll appreciate the warmth of its people.

What’s unique about this section is that along the route we’ll have the opportunity to see a wide variety of wildlife, such as eagles, torrential ducks, parrots, hummingbirds, and others. In addition, throughout most of the trek we’ll have the opportunity to taste fruits such as cacao (chocolate), coffee, and other jungle fruits, fresh from the earth to your palates. An exciting day is undoubtedly awaiting you.

The first two hours of our trek will be spent ascending the terrain. Along the way, we’ll make several stops to learn a little more about the rich flora and fauna of the area we’re in. We’ll also stop at the home of a local family, where we’ll learn about their customs and traditions. An important stop for a thorough explanation of the area’s main economy: coca leaves, cocoa, and coffee.

Afterwards, we will have the pleasure of walking a section of the original Inca Trail, which once connected the Sacred City of Machu Picchu with the last Inca refuge, Vilcabamba. Here, our guide will share details about the area. At this point, we will have the opportunity to take some photos with the impressive Huancarccasa Canyon and the majestic Salkantay Mountains.

We will then descend to the town of Quellomayo, at an altitude of 1,431 meters above sea level (4,694 feet), where we will enjoy a delicious lunch and a relaxing break in the restaurant’s hammocks.

We will continue the last two hours of our hike to reach the Cocalmayo hot springs, at an altitude of 1,500 meters above sea level (4,921 feet), where we will spend some time enjoying this charming place. When the entire group is ready, our private transportation will take you to the town of Santa Teresa (1,550 meters above sea level/5,085 feet), where we will meet for dinner and then spend our second night.

• Difficulty level: Moderate.
• Total hike distance: Approx. 20 km/12.42 miles.
• Hiking time: Approx. 7 hours.
• Altitude of Quellomayo: 1,431 meters above sea level/4,694 feet.
• Altitude of Cocalmayo hot springs: 1,500 meters above sea level/4,921 feet.
• Altitude of Cocalmayo: 1,500 meters above sea level/4,921 feet.
• Altitude of Santa Teresa: 1,550 meters above sea level/5,085 feet.
• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a snack.
• Accommodation: Hostel.

Day 3 – Santa Teresa – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes

On the third day, we will have the opportunity to go ziplining with one of the most trusted operators in the area. After breakfast, our specialized guides will pick us up.

The zipline activity consists of gliding through the mountains on cables attached to specific points on the mountain. The appropriate equipment is required; the agency will provide harnesses, pulleys, helmets, and other equipment for a fun and safe experience. This activity is optional and lasts approximately 2 hours.

We will then continue our journey on rough terrain in our transportation to the Hidroeléctrica (train station) station at an altitude of 1,890 meters/6,200 feet, where the government checkpoint and the entrance to Machu Picchu National Park (Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary) are located.

At this point, in addition to providing some information for the entrance, we will have lunch at a rustic-tourist restaurant with hammocks for a rest before continuing our trek to the town of Aguas Calientes. This section will be along the train tracks, passing by archaeological remains and farms.

During the journey, we will enjoy and contemplate the majesty of the Machu Picchu Mountains, Huayna Picchu, and other archaeological sites high in the mountains. We will walk along the banks of the Vilcanota River. We will cover 10 km in 2 hours.

We will finish the hike in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town) at an altitude of 2,060 meters/6,758 feet, where we will spend the third night of the tour in a pre-booked ***-star hotel. In the evening, we will all meet at a local restaurant for a well-deserved dinner and a briefing about our excursion to Machu Picchu.

• Difficulty level: Moderate.
• Total hike distance: Approx. 10 km/6.21 miles.
• Hiking time: Approx. 2 hours.
• Hydroelectric power station elevation: 1,890 meters above sea level/6,200 feet.
• Aguas Calientes elevation (Machu Picchu town): 2,060 meters above sea level/6,758 feet.
• Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack.
• Accommodation: *** Hotel

Day 4 – Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco

This is the most important day of our adventure. Today you will visit one of the seven wonders of the world, Machu Picchu. We will take it easy to enjoy this beautiful place.

The tour will begin at approximately 6 am. After breakfast at your hotel, we will board the buses to Machu Picchu. Once inside the citadel, we will have a two-hour guided tour with plenty of free time to explore and take photos. You have the option to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain (2,693 meters above sea level/8,835 feet) or Machu Picchu Mountain (3,082 meters above sea level/10,111 feet) (reservation required, as space is limited per day). During your private tour, your guide will give you a detailed tour with stories and reviews of this impressive Machu Picchu Archaeological Complex.

Points to Visit

• The Temple of the Sun.
• The Intihuatana.
• The Quarry.
• The House of the Incas.
• Urban Areas.
• The Temple of the Three Windows.
• The Temple of the Condor.
• The Hall of Mirrors.
• The Staircase of the Fountains.
• Huayna Picchu Mountain.The Temple of the Moon.
• The Main Plaza.
• The Royal Tomb.
• The Sacred Rock. (Please correct the order provided).

Starting at 2:30 PM, we will meet at a restaurant in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu village), at an altitude of 2,060 meters/6,758 feet, for our last lunch together. After lunch, you will receive your exclusive panoramic train tickets for your return trip to Cusco.

All of this makes Machu Picchu the main tourist destination in Peru, receiving nearly 2 million visitors a year, all of whom marvel at its majesty. Let us be your host, serving and guiding you to this Wonder of the World, and you too will be one of those privileged visitors.

SAMIN EXPEDITIONS will ensure your return to your hotel.

• Difficulty: Pleasant.
• Duration: 3 hours.
• Altitude of Machu Picchu: 2,430 masl/7,972 ft.
• Altitude of Huayna Picchu: 2,693 masl/8,835 ft.
• Altitude of Machu Picchu Mountain: 3,082 masl/10,111 ft.
• Meals: Breakfast (hotel), Lunch (not included).
• Accommodation: Hotel in Cusco.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• Experienced, professional, bilingual guide.
• Orientation meeting with your guide at your hotel 1 or 2 days before the start of the trek.
• Permits: Since our tour includes the hike to Machu Picchu, which is a protected area, government permits are required. As soon as we receive your information and a deposit, we will purchase your permits (pending availability; see our Inca Trail Availability link). These permits are for a specific date and in your name. They cannot be changed once confirmed. Only updating your passport number is allowed.
  
  
  1. 1. Cocalmayo Hot Springs.
     2. Entrance fees for the entire tour.
     3. Admission to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
        
        
• Cycling – a descent on bicycles suitable for this type of requirement. The section is plowed on paved road, passing through small streams and surrounded by a wide variety of flora and fauna that characterizes the Cusco jungle.
• Rafting – This tour is plowed on rafts and with appropriate equipment on the Vilcanota River, with rapids that can be enjoyed with friends and family. This section is characterized by a warm climate due to its location in the jungle.
• Zipline – An activity that will push your adventure expectations to the limit. With all the necessary safety equipment, you will glide from mountain to mountain on safe, monitored cables at all times.
  Guided tour of Machu Picchu.
  
  
• All Private Transportation:
  
  
  • • Transfer from the airport to your hotel.
    • Pickup at your hotel.
    • Transfer from the hotel to the town of Ollantaytambo – Abra Málaga – Santa María.
    • Transfer from Santa Teresa – station (Day 3).
    • Bus to and from Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu.
    • Expedition class train ticket from Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo.
    • Private transportation from Ollantaytambo – Cusco.
    • Transfer from the hotel to the airport.
      
      
      • • • Meals as indicated in the itinerary (vegetarian meals optional upon request).
          • First aid kit, including emergency oxygen tank.
            
            
• Accommodations:
  
  
  • • 1 night at an Ecolodge in Santa María.
    • 1 night at a hostel in Santa Teresa (Wi-Fi and hot water).
    • *** Hotel in Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu (subject to availability)

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

• Huayna Picchu Mountain $75 USD: You must book well in advance if you wish to add an additional hike. Please let us know at the time of booking.
• Machu Picchu Mountain $75 USD: You must book well in advance if you wish to add an additional hike. Please let us know at the time of booking.
• Vistadome Class Train for $75 USD: per person.
• Lunch and dinner on the last day.
  
  
• Travel Insurance:
  
  
  • • • To protect your travel investment, we recommend purchasing travel insurance. Obtaining travel insurance before leaving home is highly recommended and easy.
      • ***Tipping****.
      • At SAMINEXPEDITIONS – CUSCO – TRAVEL: Our staff are provided a fair salary indicated as medium-high. Tips are optional but greatly appreciated.

Essentials:

• Passport.
• Valid STUDENT ID (if booked as a student).
• Immigration card (issued at the airport upon entering Peru).
• Backpack (the smaller the better).
• Water storage: A water reservoir like a Camelback or at least 2-liter bottles is recommended.
• Comfortable hiking boots (lightweight with good soles).

For your Duffel:

This route allows us to easily carry up to 7 kg/16 lb of your personal items on the trip.

• 2-3 T-shirts.
• 2-3 hiking pants.
• 1 comfortable outfit for the day of Machu Picchu.
• 5 sets of underwear.
• 4 sets of hiking socks.
• Sturdy hiking shoes or tennis shoes.
• 1 thick, soft scarf.
• 1 rain jacket and pants.
• 1 sun hat.
• Waterproof jacket / rain poncho.
• Sandals (for showers and hot springs).
• Swimsuit (for the hot springs in Santa Teresa – Colcalmayo).
• Quick-dry towel. You can rent one if you prefer.
• Battery charger: there’s no place to plug it in during the trek!.
• Large plastic bags: to help organize and keep the route clean.

Toiletry Items:

• Sunscreen.
• Moisturizing face cream.
• Insect repellent.
• Hand sanitizer.
• Wet wipes.
• Toothbrush and toothpaste.
• Toilet paper.

Inside your backpack:

Backpacks can be any size comfortable for the trek, but we always recommend the smaller the better. Inside Machu Picchu, bags larger than 25 liters will not be allowed. Larger bags must be stored outside the citadel gates.

• Water: We provide clean water at every meal. You are responsible for your first morning’s water supply, as we won’t have time to filter the water until your first lunch.
• Personal medication.
• Some snacks such as chocolate bars and nuts.
• Sun hat.
• Sunglasses.
• Rain gear.
• Rain poncho.
• Camera.
• Music.
• Hand sanitizer.
• Toilet paper and a small plastic bag for waste.
• Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, and tips.
• Earplugs.

What is the Inca Jungle?

The Inca Jungle Trek is another Inca Trail that leads to Machu Picchu and also to other wonders such as Choquequirao and Vilcabamba, discovered approximately 20 years ago.

What’s in the Inca Jungle?

On the Inca Jungle Trek, we find adventure activities, local people dedicated to agriculture, growing coffee, coca, and other local products. We also find medicinal and exotic plants and birds.

Why is the Inca Jungle Trail an alternative Inca Trail?

It’s called the alternative trail because it’s another way to reach Machu Picchu besides the already famous Inca Trail, which is very popular and requires reservations eight months in advance.

The Inca Jungle is the only alternative trail specializing in adventures for various activities such as biking, rafting, ziplining, hiking, and trekking.

What is Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu is an archaeological site that preserves the remains of an Inca city, built in a verdant setting of mountains and rivers, a mystical and mysterious place. It is also a World Heritage Site and one of the most sought-after destinations in the world.

It is located at 2,400 meters above sea level in a cloud forest between the Andes Mountains and the Peruvian Amazon rainforest.

How to get to Machu Picchu from Lima?

To get from Lima to Machu Picchu, you must travel to the city of Cusco by plane or bus.

When to go to Machu Picchu?

You can go year-round; minimum temperatures range between 8°C and maximum temperatures around 20°C.

There are two seasons in Machu Picchu: the dry season and the rainy season. The first occurs between April and October and is characterized by little rain and sunny weather. The rainy season runs from November to March and is characterized by constant rainfall.

Can Machu Picchu be visited by people of any age?

Yes, it can be visited by people of all ages. However, to ascend Huayna Picchu, only people over 12 years old are allowed to visit.

What time can I enter Machu Picchu?

Public access is from 6 am to 5 pm.

What to see in Machu Picchu?

Machu Picchu is home to nearly 150 amazing structures. These are some of the highlights:

• The Temple of the Sun.
• The Intihuatana.
• The Temple of the Three Windows.
• The Temple of the Condor.
• The Hall of Mirrors.
• The Staircase of the Fountains.
• Huayna Picchu.
• The Temple of the Moon.
• The Gate of the Sun (Intipunku).
• The Main Plaza.
• The Royal Tomb.
• The Sacred Rock.