Inca Jungle: un tour de aventura Cusco – Machu Picchu

This tour is recommended for lovers of adventure sports. There are different activities that can be done with this tour, before arriving at Machu Picchu. It will be four days with a variety of spectacular landscapes, hiking to reach thermal baths and other ways to enter the Cusco jungle. Let’s learn more about this tour and some recommendations so you can enjoy it to the fullest. Join us!

1. Let’s know about the Inca Jungle Adventure Tour

This tour is one more option to get to Machu Picchu. Although this option has some variants, today we will talk about the most attractive and least difficult tour. What is the Inca Jungle? It is a very famous route that mixes adventure sports, hiking and other activities to finally reach the imposing Inca citadel: Machu Picchu.

What is the Inca Jungle tour like? This tour lasts 4 days and 3 nights, its main attraction is that it unfolds through mountains and rivers . It is done through many activities including biking, hiking, canoeing, and ziplining.

The benefit of following this adventure service is that you can choose whether or not to do some adventure sports. So you can’t feel obligated to do them. Also, this tour does not have an extreme difficulty, the difficulty is moderate.

2. A route full of adventures

The Inca Jungle is not as complicated as it seems. The hiking trails are not very long or complicated while the other activities are optional. So the following question arises, can everyone do the Inca Jungle tour? This tour has no restrictions. It is possible for all ages with good physical conditions. In the case of older adults, a medical check-up is recommended.

While for minors, the company of their parents or guardians is necessary. An extra attraction of this tour is that it can be done in the company of a group of friends, through private tours.

Likewise, another important question is what is the route followed by the Inca Jungle tour? This tour begins in the city of Cusco and ends in Macchu Picchu. You go through the Sacred Valley arriving at the Cusco jungle to ascend to the Inca citadel.

3. What is the itinerary of the Inca Jungle?

• A. The first day leaves from Cusco towards Abra Málaga and descends to the town of Santa María

  • You travel by bus from the city of Cusco to Abra Málaga.
  • It is recommended that when you make this stop you take pictures of the beautiful landscape that you can see.
  • From Abra Málaga begins the adventure by bicycle to descend the mountain.
  • During the course you will be able to observe the ruins of Huamanmarca.
  • Finally you arrive at Santa María, to rest and have dinner.
  • During the afternoon it is optional to go canoeing.

• B. The second day starts from Santa María to the thermal baths of Cocalmayo and ends in Santa Teresa

  • Start the day with a light breakfast to continue hiking.
  • The route is along the ancient Inca trails.
  • You can see different waterfalls and the diversity of flora and fauna.
  • Lunch takes place in the town of Kellomayo.
  • During the afternoon you arrive at the thermal baths of Cocalmayo, admission is optional.
  • It is recommended to access the thermal baths to regain strength and relax.
  • Finally rest in Santa Teresa.

• C. The third day leaves from Santa Teresa to enter the Hydroelectric Station and arrive in Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Pueblo.

  • After breakfast you can access the Zip-line service as an option.
  • Start the walk towards the Hydroelectric Station.
  • After lunch, we depart towards Aguas Calientes.
  • In Aguas Calientes you have dinner and rest.

• D. On the fourth day we climb the citadel of Machu Picchu

  • Another option is to take it by bus.
  • Go through the main attractions of Machu Picchu with a guide.
  • Back to the city of Cusco.

4. Details of the activities during the tour

The activities that take place over four days are different, but something that will not be missing is the opportunity to go hiking through these beautiful places. For example, important information is achieved through the following questions:

How long does the cycling in the Inca Jungle tour take? The approximate time is 2 to 3 hours, all security implements are included . As we have seen, it is the first adventure sport on this route. It starts at Abra Málaga (4,230 masl. / 13,877 ft.). This activity is included in all tours.

While before the end of the first day, canoeing can be done. Where does the rafting take place on the Inca Jungle tour? The rafting takes place on the Vilcanota River that runs through much of the Sacred Valley. The difficulty depends on the time of year. Class -III is considered throughout the year, but in rainy seasons (November-March) it can reach III+.

5. Frequently asked questions and recommendations

• a) What is the difficulty of trekking in the Inca Jungle?

  • The walks during this tour are not demanding.
  • Breaks will be made at various points throughout the tour.
  • From Santa María to Santa Teresa, follow the ancient Inca Trail.
  • The road from Santa Teresa to Aguas Calientes is one of the most unforgettable, due to the landscapes of the area.

• b) What are the thermal baths of Cocalmayo like?

  • Although it is an option, it is advisable to go to this place.
  • Its waters have a temperature of 44°C.
  • The pools are outdoors.

• c) Is it dangerous to follow the Inca Jungle tour?

  • Being an adventure tour, all the activities that take place are moderated and supervised.

• d) How to book the Inca Jungle tour?

  • In the different tourist agencies through the internet.

• e) How much does the Inca Jungle tour cost?

  • The Inca Jungle tour costs approximately 300 US dollars. Varies according to the tourist agency.

• f) When is it advisable to take the Inca Jungle tour?

  • During the months of April to October.

• g) Is it necessary to acclimatize for the Inca Jungle?

  • Yes, you cross a height close to 4300 meters above sea level, in the Abra Málaga.
  • Although it then descends to lower altitudes. It is necessary to be at least one day before in Cusco or the Sacred Valley
  • Acclimatizing is good to avoid headaches, nausea and other discomforts.

• h) Is it necessary to have training prior to the Inca Jungle?

  • Not really, the activities and the difficulty do not require overexertion. They can be done normally. Of course, having a normal physical condition.

• i) What to bring to the Inca Jungle?

  It is necessary to bring the following items:

  • Cap or hat for the sun.
  • Sunscreen.
  • Raincoat.
  • Trekking shoes.
  • Comfortable cotton clothing for different activities.
  • Swimsuit.
  • Towels.
  • Toilet paper.
  • Mosquito repellent.
  • Cash.
  • Photographic camera.

• j) Are there any private tours of the Inca Jungle?

  • Yes, you just have to request it at the tourism agency you contacted.

By Imachupicchu – Last updated, March 24, 2023