DAY 1: CUSCO – ABRA MÁLAGA – SANTA MARÍA
DOWNHILL BIKING AND OPTIONAL RAFTING
We will begin our adventure at 6:00 a.m. with pick-up from your hotel in Cusco. We will board our private transportation and travel for approximately four hours to the Carrizales or San Luis area, where the Inca Jungle route to Machu Picchu will begin.
During the journey, we will travel through impressive Andean landscapes and cross Abra Málaga Pass, located at approximately 4,300 meters above sea level (14,108 ft). From this point, we will admire mountains, snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, and the remarkable changes in vegetation that characterize this region.
Before beginning the descent, our guide will provide a safety briefing and explain the correct use of the bicycles and protective equipment. We will then begin an exciting downhill bike ride lasting approximately three hours toward the town of Santa María.
During the descent, we will pass through different ecological zones, moving from the cold landscapes of the Andean highlands to the warm and humid climate of the cloud forest. Along the way, we will observe lush vegetation, small waterfalls, rivers, and plantations of coffee, cacao, tropical fruits, and coca leaves.
We will make several stops to rest, take photographs, and enjoy the scenery. Finally, we will arrive in the town of Santa María, where we will enjoy lunch before heading to our accommodation.
OPTIONAL RAFTING ON THE VILCANOTA RIVER
In the afternoon, passengers will have the option to participate in an exciting rafting activity on the Vilcanota River. The experience will last approximately one hour and 30 minutes and will take place on Class III and IV rapids, depending on the river level and weather conditions.
Before beginning, specialized instructors will provide a safety briefing and supply the necessary equipment, including a helmet, life jacket, and paddle. The activity will be led by professional rafting guides.
After the rafting experience, we will return to the town of Santa María, where we will enjoy dinner and rest.
Transfer duration: Approximately 4 hours.
Downhill biking duration: Approximately 3 hours.
Maximum altitude: 4,300 m.a.s.l. (14,108 ft).
Optional activity: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes of rafting.
Meals included: Lunch and dinner.
Accommodation: Lodge or guesthouse in Santa María.
DAY 2: SANTA TERESA – OPTIONAL ZIPLINE – HIDROELÉCTRICA – AGUAS CALIENTES
After breakfast, we will board our transportation and travel to the area known as Santa Teresa La Vieja. The journey will take approximately 40 minutes.
In the morning, passengers will have the option to participate in a zipline activity, also known locally as the “Monkey Tail.” Before beginning, specialized instructors will provide a safety briefing and supply all the necessary equipment, including a helmet, harness, gloves, and other protective gear.
Passengers who prefer not to participate in this activity may continue directly to the meeting point previously arranged with the guide.
Afterward, we will begin a hike of approximately two hours toward Hidroeléctrica. Along the route, we will walk through trails surrounded by abundant tropical vegetation and observe plantations of coffee and coca leaves, as well as fruits such as bananas, oranges, avocados, and mangoes.
We will also see small waterfalls, streams, and landscapes typical of the cloud forest. As we continue, we will enjoy our first views of the mountains surrounding the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu.
Upon arrival in the Hidroeléctrica area, we will enjoy lunch and have time to rest before continuing with the final part of the day’s journey.
After lunch, we will begin another hike of approximately two hours, following the trail that runs parallel to the railway tracks. This section is mostly flat and is surrounded by mountains, rivers, and lush vegetation.
During the hike, it will be important to remain with the group and follow the guide’s instructions, especially when trains are approaching or passing.
Finally, we will arrive in Aguas Calientes, also known as Machu Picchu Pueblo. Upon arrival, we will transfer to the hotel, check in, and rest.
In the evening, we will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Our guide will also provide all the necessary information for the following day’s visit to Machu Picchu.
Transfer duration: Approximately 40 minutes.
Optional activity: Zipline.
Approximate hiking duration: 4 hours in total.
Difficulty level: Moderate.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
DAY 3: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – OLLANTAYTAMBO – CUSCO
We will begin this important day very early. After breakfast, at approximately 5:00 a.m., we will start the uphill hike from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.
The ascent follows a stairway trail surrounded by lush vegetation and takes approximately one hour to one hour and 30 minutes, depending on each passenger’s pace. There is also the option of taking the bus, depending on the services included in the package.
Upon arrival at the entrance to Machu Picchu, passengers must present their entrance ticket and the original identification document used to make the reservation, whether a passport, national identity card, or foreign resident card.
We will enter the citadel during the early hours of the morning. Depending on the assigned entrance time and weather conditions, we may see the morning light gradually illuminating the surrounding mountains and Inca structures.
We will then enjoy a guided tour lasting approximately two hours through the areas permitted according to the circuit indicated on the entrance ticket. During the tour, we will visit important enclosures, temples, plazas, agricultural terraces, and ceremonial areas. Our guide will explain the history, architecture, and cultural significance of this extraordinary legacy of the Inca civilization.
We will also have time to take photographs from the authorized viewpoints and admire the impressive mountain scenery surrounding Machu Picchu.
OPTIONAL HIKE TO HUAYNA PICCHU OR MACHU PICCHU MOUNTAIN
Passengers who have booked in advance may enhance their visit with a hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
This activity has an additional cost of approximately USD 75 per person and is subject to availability. As entrance tickets are limited, it must be requested well in advance. Each mountain has a specific entrance time, difficulty level, and separate admission ticket.
At the end of the visit, we will descend to Aguas Calientes, either on foot or by bus, depending on the services included. Once in town, passengers will have free time to enjoy lunch at their own expense, collect their luggage from the hotel, and make some purchases before heading to the train station.
In the afternoon, we will board the return train to Ollantaytambo. Passengers must arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before the departure time indicated on their tickets.
Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, a representative of our company will be waiting to transfer us by tourist transportation to Cusco. The journey takes approximately one hour and 30 minutes.
Arrival in Cusco is expected at approximately 8:00 p.m., depending on the train schedule, road conditions, and traffic. Finally, passengers will be transferred to their respective hotels, bringing this unforgettable Inca Jungle adventure to Machu Picchu to an end.
Approximate starting time: 5:00 a.m.
Duration of the uphill hike: Between 1 hour and 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Duration of the guided tour: Approximately 2 hours.
Optional activity: Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain.
Meal included: Breakfast.
Lunch: Not included.
Approximate arrival time in Cusco: 8:00 p.m.
Final transfer: Ollantaytambo train station – hotel in Cusco.
End of our services.
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9 Days - 8 Nights
