Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu – 3 Days / 2 Nights

3 Days |

2 Nigths

General description

Dive into the Inca Jungle Tour to Machu Picchu and experience the breathtaking landscapes of the Andes, from lush tropical rainforests to high snowy peaks. This journey offers a unique chance to witness diverse ecosystems and local wildlife, as well as savor local products like freshly harvested coffee, a variety of fruits, and coca leaves.

Relish an unforgettable adventure through the Cusco jungle as you prepare to explore the ancient Machu Picchu Citadel. The Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu promises joy and fulfillment from start to finish!

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Cusco - Abra Malaga - Santa Teresa

To start our Inca Jungle tour to Machu Picchu 03 days, we will first pick you up and continue in a VAN heading to the Sacred Valley, exactly to Ollantaytambo town (2,792 meters / 9,160 feet) for a break and last-minute shopping for any need. After the short stop, our bus will climb up to the Abra Malaga high pass (4,316 meters / 14,160 feet) to start our bike descent. That is why at this point you will be provided with the safety equipment to perform the activity; also, you will receive a brief introduction to our guide to start with the activity.

Then we will start with our bike descent from the high peaks near the glacier to reach the jungle, after about 3 hours we will arrive in Santa Maria. Here we’ll have lunch.

After lunch and a short break, we will start our adventure by the river with rafting for the next 2 hours. In this activity meeting class III and IV rapids. During the whole tour, you will be accompanied by a professional kayak to take care of the group until you leave the river.

Finally, we will continue another short bus ride that will take us to Santa Teresa (1,550 meters / 5,085 feet), to spend the afternoon in the hot springs and rest during the night.

ROUTE DETAILS:

Min. Elevation:1,250 m. / 4,101 ft.
Highest Elevation:4,359 m / 14,271 ft
Campsite Elevation:1,500 m / 4,921 ft
Walking Distance:31km / 19,26 mi
Walking time:8 hours
Difficulty:Easy
Weather:Cold and Warm
Meals:Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation:Santa Teresa – Hotel

Day 02: Santa Teresa - Aguas Calientes

On this second day of the Inca Jungle Tour, we will start our tour to the village of Aguas Calientes (2,040 meters / 6,692 feet) early after a delicious breakfast. Moreover, on the way, we will make small stops to visit the local fruit fields mostly native and have lots of wild vegetation. And if it is not enough during this day we will have the opportunity to experience the zip line or the canopy tour.

After the zipline, we will continue our journey to the hydroelectric station (2,070 meters / 6,791 feet), where we will enjoy a delicious lunch followed by a short rest. Finally, we will continue for about 3 hours on foot until we reach the town of Aguas Calientes for dinner and rest.

ROUTE DETAILS:

Min. Elevation:1,500 m / 4,921 ft
Highest Elevation:2,050m / 6,561 ft
Campsite Elevation:2,050m / 6,561 ft
Walking Distance:10km / 6,21 mi
Walking time:8 hours
Difficulty:Moderate
Weather:Warm and very humid
Meals:Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation:Golden Sunrise Machu Picchu Hotel *** o similares.

Day 03: Machu Picchu - Cusco

Finally, the most important day of the Inca Jungle Tour arrives, the day we will visit one of the world’s wonders, the majestic Inca citadel of Machu Picchu. We will get up early for breakfast and board the bus to Machu Picchu, and if we are lucky, we will receive the first rays of the sun at dawn and light this magical mountain. The guided tour of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu will last approximately 2 hours exploring this wonderful place from another world. Later we will begin our return to Aguas Calientes for lunch and rest before our afternoon train to Ollantaytambo. After our train trip, our ground transportation will wait for our transfer to your hotel in Cusco.

ROUTE DETAILS:

Min. Elevation:2,050m / 6,561 ft
Highest Elevation:2,400 m / 7873 ft
Campsite Elevation:2,050m / 6,561 ft
Walking Distance:2km
Walking time:2 hours
Difficulty:Easy
Weather:Warm and very humid
Meals:Breakfast

Included

Briefing: Meet your guide 1-2 days before the trek for important details about the 3-day tour.
Professional Guides: Bilingual guide with an assistant for groups larger than 9.
Equipment: Full-suspension mountain bikes, helmets, gloves, and all equipment for rafting and zipline activities.
Emergency Kit: Includes a first aid kit and oxygen bottles.
Permits and Entrance: Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu (Circuit 2).
Accommodation: 1 night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes and 1 night homestay at the Santa Teresa hot springs.
Meals: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 2 dinners.
Transport: Pickup from your hotel/Airbnb in Cusco, one-way Consettur Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, round-trip train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, and return transport to Cusco.

Not Included

Meals Not Included: Any meals not specified in the itinerary.
Return Bus from Machu Picchu: Additional cost of US$ 12.
Huayna Picchu Entrance Fee: Extra cost of US$ 65.
Santa Teresa Hot Springs Entrance: Additional cost of US$ 5.
Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended for the duration of your trip.
Excluded Meals: First breakfast and last lunch in Aguas Calientes.
Tips: Not included in the package.

Recommendations

Essentials: Original passport, valid student card (if applicable), water storage (bottles or Camelbak), cash (for souvenirs, drinks, tips), sunscreen, bug spray, hand sanitizer, sun hat, and snacks.
Clothes: 2 moisture-wicking t-shirts, 2 hiking pants, 3 sets of undergarments and socks, warm down jacket (for cold nights), wool hat, fleece, waterproof gloves, comfortable camp shoes, hiking boots, waterproof jacket or poncho, and quick-dry towel.
Equipment: A good daypack (preferably small).
Recommended: Face moisturizer, wet wipes, toothbrush and toothpaste, toilet paper, personal medication, small first aid kit, camera, earplugs, rain gear, and flashlight.

Prices

Price:
$ 479 USD per person

Frequently Asked Questions:

FREQUENT ASKED QUESTION

How to book the Inca Jungle 3D/2N tours with Cach Life Peru

To reserve your Inca Jungle 3D/2N service, please find the “book now” button on our website. once you click the button, you will be redirected to a booking platform where you can choose your desired departure date and provide essential personal information about each participant. the payment process can be completed using either a credit card or a debit card.

If you are interested in additional options like the Huayna Picchu mountain hike, we recommend booking them simultaneously with your Inca Jungle reservation. this approach ensures that you don’t miss out on any possible opportunities due to the rapid-selling permits. You can rent walking sticks in Cusco 1 day before your trip.

We will send you a confirmation email once the permit has been secured to ensure a meticulously organized and successful trip. we guarantee that it will proceed as planned once the start date is confirmed.

Can I store my luggage at your office?

Certainly! During the Inca Jungle 3D/2N to Machu Picchu, we provide a luggage storage facility at our office. we kindly request that you only bring the essentials necessary for the duration of your hike to Machu Picchu.

What about the outstanding balance?

We would like to inform you that settling your outstanding balance can be done efficiently and securely with our various payment options. you may choose to pay in cash, either in USD or soles, one day prior to your trip. for your convenience, credit card payments can also be made with a 5% service fee. please let us know your preferred payment method in advance.

Please note that cash payments must be made one day prior to your trip without exception. we appreciate your prompt attention in settling your outstanding balance and look forward to providing you with the best service possible.

How about the student discount?

Please note that individuals who are 18 years or older must present a valid student card in order to be eligible for discounts on the tour. for students aged 11-17 years, a discount of $30 USD applies, while children aged 2-11 years can avail of a discount of $40 USD. in order to obtain the student discount, please ensure that a copy of your passport and student card are sent to our team at the time of booking via email to info@cachilifeperu.com

May I change the departure date after the permits have been bought?

We regret to inform you that the permits for the Inca Jungle 3D/2N are non-transferable and non-refundable, according to the regulations set forth by the government. we would like to clarify that the only information allowed to be modified is the passport numbers. please let us know if there are any other questions we can help answer or concerns we can address. thank you for your understanding.

Do I need to bring my original passport on the Inca Jungle 3D/2N to Machu Picchu?

We kindly remind you that it is imperative to bring your original passport for your upcoming Inca Jungle 3D/2N permits. it is highly important that the passport you bring is the same one you provided to us during the reservation process. we just want to ensure that you have a seamless and enjoyable experience throughout your journey. please take note that your passport will be checked at multiple checkpoints, as well as at Machu Picchu, and when boarding the train.

Updating passport numbers

If you are in the process of renewing your passport and planning to book Inca Jungle 3D/2N permits, we kindly request that you email us a copy of your old passport for verification purposes. in case you do not possess your old passport anymore, any valid government-issued identity card can be presented as long as it bears the same name.

Furthermore, once you receive your new passport, we sincerely ask that you immediately email us a copy of it to modify the information on your permit. it is essential to ensure that all details on your permit match those on your passport exactly to avoid any inconvenience during your trip.

What is the schedule of my train ticket?

Typically, return train tickets are reserved for departure at 14:55 pm or 15:20 on the final day, allowing arrivals in Cusco at around 07:00 pm. This itinerary allows for sufficient rest and the opportunity to participate in tours such as Rainbow Mountain on the subsequent day.

Can I stay in the Sacred Valley for my Inca Jungle 3D/2N?

We recommend that you consider staying in either Urubamba or Ollantaytambo during your visit to the sacred valley. by opting for accommodation in this area, your pick-up time will be scheduled an hour and a half after the usual pick-up time in Cusco, which will allow you some more time to rest.

If I cancel my Inca Jungle 3D/2N. do I get any refund?

If you are unable to join us for any reason such as illness, missing your flight, or a natural disaster, we regret to inform you that we will lose $150 USD automatically. please note that once the permit is purchased, it becomes non-refundable and non-transferable. this is because the Ministry of Culture of Peru and Peru Rail are in charge of issuing permits and train tickets, and do not provide refunds.

We understand that unexpected changes can occur, and we want to assure you that we will always do our best to be reasonable and only charge you for any expenses that have already been incurred.

What time will we get to Machu Picchu?

our group’s usual arrival time at Machu Picchu varies depending on the day’s activities, but it is generally early in the morning. afterward, you will have time to explore the archaeological site with your guide.

Will water be provided?

We recommend that you purchase 2 liters of water for the first day of your trek for adequate hydration. From the second day onwards, we will supply you with boiled water three times a day — after breakfast, during lunchtime, and at dinner. this measure has been implemented for your health and safety, ensuring that you have access to safe drinking water throughout your trekking journey.

What kinds of reusable water bottles should we bring to the Inca Jungle 3D/2N?

From march 2022, the use of single-use plastic water bottles and other plastic waste will be strictly prohibited while trekking. to comply with this policy, we kindly ask that all guests bring their own personal reusable water bottles to be filled with the water we provide. we suggest opting for a bladder, hard shell bottle, or pouch that is most convenient for your needs. this measure is part of our ongoing commitment to minimize our environmental impact and preserve the natural beauty of this iconic landmark. thank you for your cooperation in this endeavor.

Is there an age limit for the Inca Jungle 3D/2N?

It is important to note that there is no age limit for the Inca Jungle 3D/2N. however, for safety purposes, ab expeditions recommend a minimum age of 6 years old. this is due to the presence of steep sections that may prove challenging for younger individuals. our team prioritizes the safety and well-being of our customers, and we believe that this recommendation will help ensure an enjoyable, memorable, and safe experience for all who embark on this journey with us. we appreciate your understanding and look forward to providing you with an exceptional experience.

How many kilos is it allowed to carry on the route?

As per our porter policy, our porters carry no more than 20 kilograms for safety and well-being. however, we understand that as a guest, you may wish to carry your own personal belongings, there is no weight limit for guests. so you can carry the weight that you want. we saw some people carrying up to 30 kg.

Is there any location where I can plug and charge my electronic devices during the Inca Jungle 3D/2N?

Please note that there is currently no electricity available at any of the campsites. to ensure a comfortable stay, we highly recommend that all visitors bring along extra portable battery packs or power banks to keep their devices charged.

What is the temperature rating of Cachi life Peru sleeping bags?

We offer top-quality mummy-style sleeping bags that are designed for use in temperatures as low as -15°c / 5°f.

Which campsites do you usually book for your groups?

During the booking process, you will be presented with several options depending on availability. we typically recommend selecting those that allow an early arrival to Machu Picchu, ensuring you have ample time to explore and fully enjoy the site.

On the other hand, some options farther away may result in a longer trekking time on the final day, and you might arrive at Machu Picchu later in the day, potentially limiting the time you have to explore the site.

Starting from

US$479 USD

Duration

3 Days

Destination

Cusco

Type of activity

Alternative Treks to Machupicchu, Trekking in Cusco

Our team is ready to help. Send us a message on WhatsApp or contact us online — we’ll get back to you right away.

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What Our Travelers Say

Authentic stories from travelers who explored Peru with us.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 135 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   lanahb304 
 
 
 
 Verified Machu Picchu and sacred valley
We had an absolutely wonderful experience with David from the very beginning of planning our trip. As three ladies traveling together we couldn’t have had any smoother and safer experience. He was there for us throughout the entire process, spending countless hours helping us plan full 5 days, answering all our questions, and responding to our WhatsApp messages within minutes. His communication was truly amazing, and we always felt that we were in great hands. We visited Pisac, Chinchero ruins, Maras and Moray, Ollantaytambo ruins, Machu Picchu, and Rainbow Mountain. When we arrived, David was waiting for us at the airport. He even arranged for someone to help us with our luggage at the Cusco airport, drove us around, and gave us invaluable tips on how to adjust to the high altitude. He was always attentive, alert to our needs, and making sure we were comfortable. David also took us to authentic local places where we could experience things like traditional alpaca weaving, which made the trip feel much more genuine and special. Everything went exactly as planned. He also brought a driver along, which made getting around much smoother and easier. Our Machu Picchu experience, including Circuits 3D and 1B, was unforgettable. There were three of us, and one of us was having difficulty with the mountain climbs. David stayed right behind her throughout the journey, making sure she was safe and supported every step of the way. His care and patience really stood out. And as if being our guide and driver wasn't enough, David also became our personal cameraman! 😊 He was constantly directing us and helping us get the best photos and memories from our trip. On our last day, he took us to Rainbow Mountain and was once again incredibly patient and accommodating to our needs. Throughout the entire trip, David went above and beyond to make sure we had a wonderful experience. We are so grateful for everything he did for us and would highly recommend David to anyone planning a trip to Peru. If you want someone who is knowledgeable, caring, responsive, organized, and genuinely invested in making your trip special, David is your person! Thank you, David, for helping make our trip so memorable!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Ashley W 
 
 
 
 Verified Incredible Time with Frank!
Frank was a fantastic guide, we are so happy we had him with us! He understood the pace that was best for our fitness level, and he would take breaks at good moments to teach us about local people, plants, animals, history, and culture, which we felt was all really interesting. We learned so much about Machu Picchu, the Incas, and each archaeological site, and we genuinely enjoyed listening to him. It felt like traveling with a friend, he was so nice and had a great attitude, we were always laughing together. He also had great English, we were able to laugh together at our joke that a sitting chinchilla we saw was "chinchilling." We were also really happy to support Cachi Life which is a Peruvian owned company. We did the 2-day trek, and we appreciated the amount of care put into each step. The hotel that was included in our tour package was very quiet, the bed comfortable, the shower hot, with good breakfast choices as well. Frank also took great photos of us, with good framing and angles, and he never rushed us. He was so knowledgeable and friendly that we would love to return someday and trek with him and Cachi Life again!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Charlene K 
 
 
 
 Verified An Exceptional Experience!
We had an absolutely wonderful experience with Cachi Life during our time in Peru, and we cannot recommend them highly enough! We had created our own bespoke itinerary for our trip but we wanted a knowledgeable guide to bring the history to life when visiting the incredible ruins around Cusco and during our two days in Machu Picchu. After reading so many wonderful reviews from other travellers, we decided to use Cachi Life and we are so glad we did. We also used them for transportation throughout the Sacred Valley including journeys from Cusco to Pisac and Ollantaytambo as well as visits to Maras and Moray. From the very beginning, everything was handled with such warmth, professionalism and care. David came to meet us at our Airbnb the day before our tour to personally brief us on the schedule for the coming days. This was such a thoughtful touch and gave us a great sense of confidence that everything was organised and that we were in very good hands. Over the following days, we had the pleasure of spending time with David exploring the remarkable archaeological sites around Cusco, including Sacsayhuamán, Q’enko, Tambomachay and Puka Pukara, as well as experiencing the incredible Machu Picchu. David was an exceptional guide. His knowledge of Peruvian and Inca history was impressive, but what really stood out was his passion and enthusiasm. It was very clear that this was far more than just a job for him. He genuinely loves the history, culture and heritage of Peru and that passion came through in every story and explanation. He had a wonderful ability to bring the ancient sites to life, helping us understand not just what we were looking at, but the people, culture and history behind them. We learnt so much from David and having him with us made the experience of visiting these extraordinary places even more meaningful and memorable. We also had the pleasure of having Frank (David’s brother) drive us from Cusco through the Sacred Valley to Pisac and Ollantaytambo. Although we had not booked a guide for this particular day, Frank was incredibly generous with his knowledge and shared lots of interesting information about the places we passed along the way. It was very much appreciated and added another wonderful dimension to our journey. Both David and Frank were friendly, reliable, thoughtful and genuinely lovely people to spend time with. Their warmth and hospitality really captured what we had hoped to experience in Peru. We never felt like just another tourist booking. They took a genuine interest in making sure we had a fantastic experience and were always happy to help. Thank you so much, David and Frank, for making our time in Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu so special. Your knowledge, enthusiasm, kindness and hospitality made a lasting impression on us, and we would wholeheartedly recommend Cachi Life to anyone planning a trip to Peru.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Trail19335405803 
 
 
 
 Verified Rainbow Mountain private two days trip
We had an amazing experience with Cachi Life travel agency in Peru! 🇵🇪 From the very beginning, David, our guide helped us create a fantastic and personalised plan for Rainbow Mountain. They took the time to understand what we wanted and made sure everything was well organised and suited to our needs. The communication was excellent throughout the whole process. They were always helpful, responsive and happy to answer our questions or make adjustments whenever needed. We really appreciated the personal approach and attention to detail. The whole experience was very well organised, and thanks to their support, we could simply enjoy the incredible views and the experience without having to worry about the logistics. 🌈⛰️ I would definitely recommend this agency to anyone planning a trip to Peru. They genuinely care about their customers and go the extra mile to make the experience special. Thank you for helping us create such an unforgettable experience! ❤️🇵🇪
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Cesco_Food 
 
 
 
 Verified Unforgettable
Spending two days in the Sacred Valley with David of Cachi Life has incredibly turned into positive our vacation in Peru. In this country you are pretty much jumping from one operator to another and we didn’t have good experience until we find Cachi. David has a natural passion and a great knowledge of the story of this country and his people, plus is also very friendly and curious by nature. If we ever come back to Peru I would avoid passing through internet and I will get in touch directly with Cachi to organize all my trip. Thank you David for guiding us and sharing your passion and Thank you Oscar for demonstrating that driving is an important part of the trip. Unforgettable.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Suman Maharjan 
 
 
 
 Verified Awesome Experience
We did full day tour to Pallay Punchu with David from Cachi Life. David was professional, knowledgeable, and caring. My wife has fear of heights, and he made sure we felt safe the whole time. Highly recommended this tour for anyone looking for a less crowded hike with stunning views and also Cachi Life. We would definitely lgo with them again.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Rich C 
 
 
 
 Verified Fantastic experience!
We had an excellent experience with Cachi Life. David was Extremely helpful and professional. We did the 5 day Salkantay Trek and it was fantastic, Taking us from the high Andes to the cloud forest and coffee growing region and on to Machu Picchu, it was amazing. The food prepared by Juan, our guide was exceptional. I highly recommend Cachi Life when trekking to any of the Cusco treks.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Mich 
 
 
 
 Verified Awesome Experience
David is such a great tour guide and owner. He was always very communicative, accommodating, helpful, and a pleasure to work with. He treated my family and me with the utmost respect and kindness. His knowledge of Machu Picchu is excellent and we learned so much from him. He took care of us the minute we set foot in the Cusco region, including having a driver pick us up and take us to and from the train station in Ollantaytambo. He met us with us at our vacation rental the evening prior to go over everything with us. He even stopped at the store to buy us tea and sugar. He took care of everything for us and all we had to do was pay and show up. You will not find better service to see Machu Picchu than Cachi Life Perú.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Sara M 
 
 
 
 Verified Exceptional experience
I thank David Aragon Villagra for organizing a fantastic three-day tour for us in the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. We were accompanied by the guide Frank, who skillfully and enthusiastically immersed us in the Inca world. Thanks to the super driver Oscar, who was cautious and attentive. Unbeatable value for money. I highly recommend Cachi Life Peru — with Cachi Life Peru.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Liz K 
 
 
 
 Verified Incredible trip, outstanding on every level
David (Cachi Life) was recommended by friends when I decided to take a solo trip to Peru. I'm a woman in my mid-60's, fairly physically fit, who wanted to experience Peru's scenery, history, culture, and people. David helped to customize my 11-day trip to include exactly what I wanted (Manu/Amazon rainforest, Inca Trail hike to Machu Piccu, various day tours out of Cusco, etc.) Lodging and transportation arrangements everywhere were clearly arranged and communicated efficiently. Upon arrival he met me at the airport and drove me back at the end of the trip. The entire time David was always quickly responsive and communication was outstanding. This trip was utterly incredible (also exhausting!) in every way. Truly stellar. I will carry the experience with me always. I highly recommend David/Cachi Life to anyone considering a trip to this magnificent country. You will be in very good hands.