$350
Salkantay Trek 5 Days
Pure trekking alternative. NatGeo top-25.
Tour Overview
About This Tour
The Inca Jungle Trek is the ultimate multi-sport alternative to Machu Picchu — a four-day, three-night adrenaline-fueled adventure combining downhill mountain biking, white-water rafting, ziplining through the cloud forest, and a final trek along the Vilcanota River to the lost city of the Incas.
This is the most action-packed way to reach Machu Picchu. You'll experience four ecosystems in four days — high Andean grassland, cloud forest, subtropical jungle, and finally the iconic citadel itself. Each day brings a different sport, a different altitude, and a different landscape.
Like the Salkantay Trek, the Inca Jungle does not require the limited Inca Trail permit, which means it can typically be booked with much shorter notice. It's also our most popular choice for travelers in their 20s and 30s, adventure-sports lovers, and groups of friends looking for something unforgettable.
Note: All adventure sports are optional — if you'd rather skip rafting or zipline, no problem, you can still do the trek. Hotels (not camping) all 3 nights.
Day by Day
Detailed Itinerary
(B) = Breakfast · (L) = Lunch · (D) = Dinner
Day 1
Cusco → Abra Málaga → Downhill Mountain Biking → Santa María (L, D)
Early pickup from your Cusco hotel. We drive about 3 hours up over the Abra Málaga pass at 4,316 m, where we have a snack and a panoramic photo stop. Then comes the highlight: downhill mountain biking from Abra Málaga down to the village of Huamanmarca — a thrilling 60 km descent dropping over 2,500 m of altitude on a paved mountain road, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush valleys. (Top-quality mountain bikes, helmets, gloves, knee/elbow pads and a support van included.)
After lunch in Huamanmarca, optional afternoon white-water rafting on the Vilcanota River (Class II–III rapids, ~1.5 hours, equipment included). Hotel in Santa María for the night.
Bike descent: 60 km · Highest point: 4,316 m · Hotel altitude: 1,400 m
Day 2
Santa María → Inca Jungle Trail → Santa Teresa Hot Springs (B, L, D)
After breakfast we begin the trekking portion: about 6–7 hours of jungle hiking along an original Inca trail (different from the famous Camino Inca) through coffee, banana and avocado plantations, with the Vilcanota River roaring below. Stops at small Quechua villages where you'll learn about traditional coca production, the cocoa-to-chocolate process, and tropical fruits.
Late afternoon arrival at Santa Teresa, where we head to the natural hot springs of Cocalmayo — three open-air pools at varying temperatures, perfect after a long day on foot (entry included). Hotel and dinner in Santa Teresa.
Distance: 18–20 km · Walking time: 6–7 hours · Hotel altitude: 1,550 m
Day 3
Santa Teresa → Ziplining → Hidroeléctrica → Aguas Calientes (B, L, D)
Morning of ziplining: 6 zipline cables strung across a beautiful canyon, plus an optional Tarzan-jump and Tibetan bridge. Total time: about 1.5 hours. (Optional — if not interested, you can spend the morning relaxing at the hotel or by the river.)
After lunch, transfer to Hidroeléctrica train station and a beautiful 2.5-hour walk along the Vilcanota River to Aguas Calientes — flat, easy hiking with Machu Picchu mountain dramatically visible above. Hotel and dinner in Aguas Calientes.
Day 4
Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu → Cusco (B)
Early bus up to Machu Picchu for sunrise. Full 2-hour guided tour of the citadel followed by free time for photos. Around midday descend to Aguas Calientes, lunch on your own, train to Ollantaytambo and transfer back to Cusco. End of services around 9:00 p.m.
✓ The Tour Includes
- Hotel pickup in Cusco
- Private transportation Cusco → Abra Málaga
- Top-quality mountain bike, helmet, gloves, knee/elbow pads, support van
- All hotel accommodation (3 nights, 3-star, double/twin) in Santa María, Santa Teresa, Aguas Calientes
- Professional English-speaking guide all 4 days
- Meals: 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners
- Cocalmayo hot springs entrance
- Train Hidroeléctrica → Aguas Calientes (or trek option)
- Machu Picchu entrance ticket + bus up & down
- Train Aguas Calientes → Ollantaytambo (Expedition class)
- Private transfer Ollantaytambo → Cusco
- First aid kit
- All taxes
✗ Not Included
- First-day breakfast and last-day lunch
- Optional white-water rafting day 1: $35
- Optional ziplining day 3: $30
- Tips for guide and crew
- Vistadome train upgrade: +$60
- Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain entrance
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
Packing
What to Bring
- Original passport: REQUIRED for trail entry — no exceptions. Bring the same passport you used to book.
- Daypack (25–35 L): Sturdy, waterproof, with chest and waist straps. You'll carry water, snacks, jacket, camera.
- Hiking boots: Broken-in, ankle-supporting, waterproof. Do not bring brand-new boots — blisters at 4,200 m are no joke.
- Layered technical clothing: Quick-dry t-shirts, long sleeves, fleece, light down jacket. Avoid cotton.
- Waterproof jacket + pants: Andean weather is unpredictable. A good rain shell is essential year-round.
- Sun hat + warm hat: The sun at altitude is intense; nights drop to near-freezing.
- Sunglasses + sunscreen (SPF 50+): UV at 4,000 m is brutal — protect skin and eyes.
- Insect repellent (DEET 30%+): Especially for days 3–4 in cloud forest.
- Energy snacks: Dried fruit, nuts, energy bars, chocolate. Quick fuel between meals.
- Refillable water bottle (2 L) or hydration bladder: We provide boiled water at meals.
- Headlamp + spare batteries: Essential for camp use and the day-4 pre-dawn climb.
- Camera + extra battery / power bank: No outlets on the trail. Power bank is gold.
- Toiletries: Travel-size toothbrush, toilet paper, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, lip balm.
- Sandals or camp shoes: Lightweight footwear to wear at camp after a long day in boots.
- Cash in soles: Around S/300 for tips, snacks in Aguas Calientes, hot springs, and souvenirs.
⚠ Remember: Andean weather can change quickly — be prepared for both bright sun at altitude and sudden rain showers, even in the dry season.
