The Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu: complete guide
The Inca Jungle Trek is the adventure-lover’s route to Machu Picchu: instead of high passes, it mixes downhill mountain biking, rafting, zip-lining and hiking through warm cloud forest. It is the lowest-altitude and most varied way to reach the citadel. Here is how it works and who it suits.
What the Inca Jungle Trek is
The Inca Jungle is a multi-activity route to Machu Picchu, usually done in 3 or 4 days. It starts high in the Andes and drops into the green, humid valleys around Santa Teresa, so it is warmer and much less demanding on altitude than the Inca Trail or Salkantay. It ends with the walk along the railway from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes and a visit to Machu Picchu.
A typical itinerary
| Day | Typical highlights |
|---|---|
| 1 | Drive to Abra Málaga (over 4,300 m) and a long downhill bike ride into the valley; optional rafting in the afternoon |
| 2 | Hike through the jungle, past fruit and coffee farms, to Santa Teresa; evening at the Cocalmayo hot springs |
| 3 | Optional zip-line, then the walk along the railway from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes |
| 4 | Guided visit of Machu Picchu and return to Cusco |
The jungle road to Machu Picchu, without the rush
By car via Santa Teresa and Cocalmayo, with entrance, guide and hotel — from US $209.
How hard is it?
Physically, it is moderate: the biking is mostly downhill, and the hikes are at lower altitude than other treks. The challenges are the heat and humidity, mosquitoes, and long days. Rafting depends on river conditions and may not be possible in the rainy season.
Safety tips
- Choose an operator with good bikes, helmets and protective gear, and a guide on the ride.
- Only raft and zip-line with licensed companies and proper safety equipment.
- Check what is included: activities, meals, hotels, the Machu Picchu ticket and the return transport.
- Bring insect repellent, sunscreen and quick-dry clothes.
How it compares
| Route | Style | Highest point |
|---|---|---|
| Inca Jungle | Adventure: biking, rafting, zip-line, hiking | Abra Málaga by vehicle; walking at lower altitude |
| Classic Inca Trail | History and the Sun Gate | 4,215 m |
| Salkantay | Glaciers and high mountains | Over 4,600 m |
| By car via Hidroeléctrica | Budget, no trekking | Abra Málaga by vehicle |
Our alternative: by car with Cocalmayo
We do not run the Inca Jungle as a package, but our Machu Picchu by car tour (from US $209) follows the same road over Abra Málaga to Santa Teresa, with the Cocalmayo hot springs, the walk from Hidroeléctrica and a guided tour of the citadel — ideal if you want the jungle scenery without the extreme sports. Read Machu Picchu by car.
Frequently asked questions
A 3 or 4-day adventure route to Machu Picchu that combines downhill biking, optional rafting and zip-lining, and jungle hiking through the Santa Teresa area.
It is moderate. Most of the biking is downhill and the hikes are at lower altitude, but the days are long, hot and humid.
No special trekking permit is needed, but you still need a Machu Picchu entrance ticket.
No. It depends on the river level and is often not possible in the rainy season.
Inca Jungle is about adventure sports at lower altitude; Salkantay is a true high-mountain trek with glaciers and a pass of over 4,600 m.
