GENERAL INFORMATION
Duration: 3 days/2 night.
Size of group: Only small groups (Private Service)
Starting point: Cusco
Point of Arrival: Cusco
Travel style: Adventure, Hike, Cultural, Ecological and experiental tourism
Level of difficulty: Moderate
Value of the tour: This Tour of Machu Picchu will be one of the best experiences you have ever have.
Tour Dates: Every day.
Altitudes of the Walk:
• Cusco City: 3400 m.s.n.m. (Main Square)
• Saint Mary: 1300 m.s.n.m. (Lowest point)
• Malaga Pass: 4330 m.s.n.m. (Highest Point)
• Machu Picchu: 2400 m.s.n.m
• Cocalmayo Thermal Baths: 1,600 m.s.n.m.
• Eco-lodge Majestic Sky Domes: 2,000 m.s.n.m
TOUR DETAILS
Information
INTRODUCTION
The Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu is a 3-day route that follows a section of the original Inca trail connecting the cloud forest zone with the Machu Picchu archaeological site. The route departs from the Santa Rosa area (1,600 m.a.s.l.) and combines hiking, archaeological sites, thermal baths, adventure activities, and an experiential Coffee Tour in a single itinerary.
Along the route the Cocalmayo thermal baths (1,600 m.a.s.l.) are visited, and there is the option to do the zipline and cross the suspension bridge over the canyon. The Coffee Tour covers the full artisanal production process: harvesting, washing, peeling, roasting, and grinding, with a tasting of the freshly prepared product.
The first night is spent at the Majestic Sky Domes Eco Lodge, in private wooden domes with the option of an evening bonfire. On the second day the hike continues to the town of Aguas Calientes (2,000 m.a.s.l.), where the night is spent at a hotel. On the third day a bus takes you up to the Machu Picchu archaeological site (2,400 m.a.s.l.) for the guided tour led by a local guide.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Walk a section of the original Inca trail through the cloud forest zone to the Machu Picchu archaeological site.
- Visit the Cocalmayo thermal baths with natural-temperature thermal pools.
- Take part in the experiential Coffee Tour at a local farm: harvesting, processing, and tasting freshly prepared coffee.
- Optional adventure activities: zipline and suspension bridge over the canyon.
- Rest in private wooden geodesic domes with private bathroom at the Majestic Sky Domes Eco Lodge.
- Visit the Machu Picchu archaeological site with the guidance of a knowledgeable local guide.
- Travel by private transport with views of valleys, snow-capped peaks, and mountain forest.
- Pickup and drop-off from accommodations in Cusco and the Sacred Valley.
- Suitable for couples, groups of friends, families, and travelers interested in nature and history.
This is the best way to get to Machu Picchu, after sleeping in a luxurious Wooden Panoramic Dome, taking a scenic walk and enjoying the crystalline waters of the Cocalmayo Thermal Baths. In short, this is one of those things that no one should miss the opportunity to do.
ITINERARY
DAY 1: CUSCO – SANTA ROSA – INCA JUNGLE TRAIL – COCALMAYO THERMAL BATHS – SANTA TERESA – MAJESTIC SKY DOMES ECO LODGE
- Private transport to Santa Rosa.
- Hike on the Inca Jungle Trail.
- Visit to the Cocalmayo thermal baths.
- Private transport to the Majestic Sky Domes Eco Lodge.
- Bonfire night.
- Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Accommodation: private wooden geodesic dome at the Majestic Sky Domes Eco Lodge
DAY 2: MAJESTIC SKY DOMES ECO LODGE – ACTIVITIES
- Experiential Coffee Tour and local plantation visit.
- Zipline.
- Suspension bridge.
- Stargazing. Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Accommodation: private geodesic dome at the Majestic Sky Domes Eco Lodge
DAY 3: MAJESTIC SKY DOMES ECO LODGE – HIDROELÉCTRICA – MACHU PICCHU – AGUAS CALIENTES – CUSCO
- Private transport to Hidroeléctrica station.
- Hike to the town of Aguas Calientes.
- Bus up to Machu Picchu.
- Guided visit to the Machu Picchu archaeological site.
- Return to Cusco by Expedition tourist train. Meals: breakfast and lunch.
Itinerary
DAY 1: CUSCO – SANTA ROSA – INCA JUNGLE – THERMAL BATHS OF COCALMAYO – SANTA TERESA – ECO-LODGE MAJESTIC SKY DOMES
At 3:00 a.m. we pick you up from your hotel in Cusco by private transport. We travel approximately 4 hours along a paved road to the town of Santa María (1,400 m.a.s.l.) and continue for 20 more minutes to the Santa Rosa area (1,600 m.a.s.l.), arriving at approximately 8:00 a.m., the starting point of the hike.
From Santa Rosa we begin the ascent for 15 minutes to the first stop, where breakfast is served. At this point it is possible to stock up on water and purchase tropical fruits or snacks. We continue uphill for 30 minutes to reach the section of original Inca trail known as the Inca Jungle Trail, which historically connected the Vilcabamba area with the Machu Picchu archaeological site. The section is well-preserved with stone paving. The guide will explain the historical context of the route, and native flora and fauna can be observed along the way, with views of the canyon from several points.
From there the trail descends to the Quellomayo sector, arriving at approximately 1:00 p.m. for lunch. We continue for 2 more hours along a flat section to the Cocalmayo thermal baths (1,600 m.a.s.l.), arriving at approximately 4:00 p.m. with time to use the facilities.
After the visit we board the transport and travel 10 minutes to the town of Santa Teresa (1,700 m.a.s.l.), arriving at approximately 6:30 p.m. for a brief stop. We continue for 50 more minutes to the Majestic Sky Domes Eco Lodge (2,100 m.a.s.l.), arriving at approximately 7:30 p.m.
Dinner is included. In the evening there is the option to gather around a bonfire. Accommodation is in private wooden domes.
DAY 2: FULL DAY AT ECO-LODGE MAJESTIC SKY DOMES ACTIVITIES
After breakfast we leave the lodge at around 10:00 a.m. to explore the surrounding area, where it is possible to see local plantations of coffee, avocado, orange, lemon, and passion fruit. Organic coffee cultivation is the main agricultural activity in the area, with part of the production destined for export.
We visit a local farm for the experiential Coffee Tour: harvesting, washing, peeling, roasting, and grinding coffee, followed by a tasting of the freshly prepared product.
At midday we return to the lodge. Lunch is served at 1:00 p.m. After lunch transport takes us 10 minutes to the adventure zone. Upon arrival the instructor gives an informational briefing before the activities begin.
The zipline circuit has 4 cables with a total distance of 1,200 meters / 3,937 ft. The longest cable extends approximately 400 meters above the Salkantay River, with a maximum speed of 60 km/h / 37 mph. Departure and arrival points combine ground-level platforms and aerial platforms installed on the mountain. The circuit also includes a crossing of the canyon on a suspension bridge. The total duration of the adventure circuit is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Those who prefer not to take part in these activities are welcome to remain at the lodge.
Dinner is included. In the evening there is the option for stargazing if weather conditions allow.
DAY 3: ECO-LODGE MAJESTIC SKY DOMES – HYDROELECTRIC PLANT – MACHU PICCHU – AGUAS CALIENTES – CUSCO CITY
Breakfast at 5:30 a.m. At 6:00 a.m. we leave the Eco Lodge by private transport. The journey to the Hidroeléctrica station (1,900 m.a.s.l. / 6,234 ft) takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, arriving at 7:30 a.m.
From Hidroeléctrica we begin the hike following the railway line for approximately 3 hours to the town of Aguas Calientes. The route is mostly flat and runs alongside the Urubamba River. Along the way the mountain forest becomes denser, with bromeliads, orchids, and diverse subtropical vegetation. From several points along the route the summits of Huayna Picchu Mountain and Machu Picchu Mountain can be seen above the valley. Estimated arrival in Aguas Calientes (2,000 m.a.s.l. / 6,562 ft) at 10:30 a.m.
Upon arriving in Aguas Calientes we leave our bags at the hotel or in storage and board the bus up to the site. The bus journey takes 25 minutes along the winding road to the Machu Picchu archaeological site (2,400 m.a.s.l. / 7,874 ft). The site is located on a natural terrace between two peaks, at a considerably lower altitude than Cusco, resulting in a warmer and more humid climate.
The guided tour begins at 11:00 a.m. and lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. The professional guide will explain the history, function, and architecture of the main sectors of the site: the main plaza, temples, dwellings, agricultural terraces, water channels, and fountains. After the guided tour there is free time to explore the site independently.
In the afternoon we take the bus down for 25 minutes to Aguas Calientes, where lunch is included at a local restaurant. There is free time to explore the town and the craft market before the train departure.
At 6:30 p.m. we board the return tourist train to Ollantaytambo (2,800 m.a.s.l. / 9,186 ft), arriving at approximately 8:10 p.m. The train journey takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes with views of the valley and mountain forest. In Ollantaytambo a transport will take us back to Cusco, with an estimated arrival at 9:40 p.m. and a final transfer to your hotel.
Included services
THIS TOUR INCLUDES
- Hotel pickup in Cusco on the day of the tour.
- One-way tourist transport from Cusco to the Santa Rosa area (starting point of the hike).
- Professional tour guide.
- All meals included: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners.
- Vegetarian and special diets available at no additional cost.
- Entry ticket to the Cocalmayo thermal baths.
- Visit to the Cocalmayo thermal baths.
- Transport from the Cocalmayo thermal baths to the Majestic Sky Domes Eco Lodge.
- Experiential Coffee Tour.
- Transport from the Majestic Sky Domes Eco Lodge to Hidroeléctrica station.
- Hike from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes.
- Round-trip bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
- Entry ticket to the Machu Picchu archaeological site.
- Guided visit to the Machu Picchu archaeological site.
- Return train ticket in tourist service to Cusco.
- First aid kit and emergency oxygen cylinder carried by the guide.
- Bonfire night at the Majestic Sky Domes Eco Lodge.
- Final transfer to your hotel in Cusco.
- 2 nights accommodation in geodesic domes with private bathroom.
What should you bring
LIST OF PERSONAL ITEMS TO BRING TO THE INCA JUNGLE TREK TO MACHU PICCHU 3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS
Please review this list and remember that everything is very important to the success of your trek.
Documents
- Original passport.
- Printed or virtual Tour Voucher, issued by our company.
Essentials
- Small backpack.
- Bottle of water and some snacks such as: cookies, candies, chocolates, cereals, fruits, among others.
- Extra cash, if you want to buy some souvenirs of the trek.
Clothes and shoes
- Jacket for the cold.
- Waterproof clothing: rain jacket and/or rain poncho.
- Hat to cover from the Sun.
- Hiking boots or comfortable sneakers.
- Bathing suit for the Cocalmayo Thermal Baths.
Pharmaceutical products
- Mosquito repellent.
- Sunscreen.
- Lip cream.
Personal hygiene items
- Wet wipes.
- Toilet paper.
- Toothpaste and toothbrush.
Other articles
- Sunglasses.
- Rubber-tipped poles (optional).
- Good sense of humor, and
- We recommend a prior acclimatization, at least arrive in Cusco City 1 day before this trek, and good health in general…
* If you have any questions or queries about the items you should take to the tour contact us on WhatsApp: +51 984 525 006/+51 984 683 047 or write to us: info@incredibleperutours.com
Frequent questions
FREQUENT QUESTIONS
Here you will find the most Frequently Asked Questions from our Clients. Before asking anything, we invite you to carefully read these questions and answers, as well as all our links about this Tour. This will help you to clarify in a simple, fast and practical way.
1. WHAT IS THE 3-DAY INCA JUNGLE TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?
The 3-Day Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu is an alternative adventure route that combines biking, hiking, cloud forest landscapes, and a guided visit to Machu Picchu. It is ideal for travelers looking for a different experience from the traditional Inca Trail, with more adrenaline, nature, and culture.
2. WHAT ACTIVITIES ARE INCLUDED IN THE 3-DAY INCA JUNGLE TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU?
The 3-Day Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu usually includes mountain biking, hikes through Andean and jungle landscapes, a visit to Machu Picchu, and a tour of Aguas Calientes. Depending on the itinerary, optional activities such as hot springs or adventure sports may also be included.
3. IS THE 3-DAY INCA JUNGLE TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU DIFFICULT?
The 3-Day Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu has a moderate level of difficulty. You do not need to be a professional athlete, but good physical condition is recommended, as the tour includes long hikes, downhill biking, and climate changes between the mountains and the cloud forest.
4. DOES THE 3-DAY INCA JUNGLE TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU TOUR INCLUDE ENTRANCE TO MACHU PICCHU?
Yes, most 3-Day Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu packages include entrance to Machu Picchu. However, it is recommended to book in advance, especially during the high season, as Machu Picchu entrance tickets have limited availability.
5. ARE THERE DISCOUNTS FOR CHILDREN AND STUDENTS?
Yes, for this Tour we offer discounts and special rates for infants, children and students.
- Infants under 2 years of age in the company of their parents travel free.
- Children between 3 and 8 years of age have a discount of USD 100 only by sending a scanned copy of the Passport at the time of Reservation.
- Students also have a discount of USD 40 in the following cases:
→ School and College Students – For young people between 9 and 17 years old, only by sending a scanned copy of the Passport at the time of Reservation.
→ University Students – For young people up to 25 years old, only send a scanned copy of the Current University Card to validate. We accept all University Cards from all Universities in the World (Students aged 26 and over are considered Adults).
6. WHY ARE PERMITS SOLD OUT SO FAST?
Unfortunately, many travelers are unaware of the 500 permits daily limit for this route. Furthermore, most hikers are unaware that this limit applies not only to travelers who enter the famous route every day, but also to all service personnel required by authorized agencies such as: guides, cooks, and porters.
These service personnel are of vital importance for the excursion since thanks to them, you will be supplied with everything needed such as: food, accommodation, tents, etc. The guide will keep you safe and informed during the hike.
So, due to this regulation, the tickets required for a group of travelers will need to be always Double (Travelers + Agency Service Personnel).
Now that you know the reason behind the great demand, it is clear the need to reserve your permits as soon as possible, so for this you will need a Tourism Agency Authorized by the Peruvian Government to operate the Inca Trail, like ours Incredible Peru Tours – IPT.
7. HOW MUCH SHOULD I TIP MY GUIDE, COOK AND PORTERS?
Tips are not mandatory, there is no exact amount. Only if you wish, at the end of the tour you can give tips for the tour guides, cooks and porters. This is something additional and totally voluntary, really what you consider fair will be highly appreciated by the Service Personnel.
8. DO I NEED TO BRING ADDITIONAL MONEY TO MY TOUR?
Yes, only if you want to buy snacks such as cookies, dehydrated fruit, chocolates, etc. or additional drinks such as sodas, beers or an energy beverage, because it is possible to buy these products in small stores in the area for the first 2 days.
In addition, there is the option of taking a hot shower the first day for 10 soles. Also, if you want to buy a souvenir or memories from the trek, there is the Craft Market in Aguas Calientes village. There is also the additional option of enjoying the Thermo-medicinal Baths of the Village on the 4th day, the Entrance Price is 20 soles. For all this we recommend that you have between 150 and 300 Peruvian soles. You may not need to spend any of this money, but in case of an Emergency, make sure to have enough cash.
9. HOW DO I BOOK MY TOUR?
Booking this Tour with us will really be very safe, easy and practical, you will also have Payment Facilities such as Paying the Excursion up to 1 day before the Tour and in 2 Installments:
- The First Installment can be paid online from the comfort of your home by making a Pre-Payment with any Credit or Debit Card from any Bank, using our safe and reliable money transfer system. The Pre-Payment will be made through a deposit of USD 200 per person (Click on the Reserve link)
- The Second Fee will be paid upon arrival in Cusco City, personally at our Main Office located in our Historic Downtown up to 1 day before the Tour.
⇒ To Reserve your 3 Days / 2 Nights Inca Jungle Trek, just follow these 3 simple steps:
1. Fill out the Reservation Form: It is in the Reserve link.
2. Pay the First Installment (Pre-Payment): We accept all cards. You can use a Credit or Debit Card from any Bank and of any company: VISA, MASTERCARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS, DINERS CLUB, DISCOVER, JCB, UNION PAY, ETC.
3. Print your Travel Coupon (Voucher): We will send it immediately after you have made the Pre-Payment.
⇒ OTHER PAYMENT METHODS: If you wish to make the Pre-Payment by other means such as: Western Union, Bank Deposit, Bank Transfer or some other methods, let us know so we can send you all the required information to make the Pre-Payment.
10. IF I ALREADY PAID MY FIRST INSTALLMENT AND DECIDE TO CANCEL, WILL I BE REFUNDED?
Unfortunately we will not be able to make any type of refund or date changes for Tours that are paid in Installments. All Pre-Payments of USD 200.00 are non-refundable, nor transferable, since this money will be invested immediately in all the Procedures and Reservations required for the Tour, as well as in the purchase of Permits and Tickets for the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. These procedures will be carried out at the Ministry of Culture of Peru (Branch of the Peruvian Government Managing the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu).
We understand that unexpected things happen that are out of your control, but we cannot make exceptions. You can read more about our Change and Cancellation Policies on our website: http://inca-trail.tours/es/terminos-y-condiciones/
11. WHY SHOULD I BOOK MY TOUR WITH INCREDIBLE PERU TOURS?
There are very good reasons to book your excursion with us, let’s see some:
- Excellent location of our travel office: We are located in the Historic Center of Cusco, just one block from the Main Square, making it easy to coordinate and assist you at any time.
- Peruvian and authorized travel agency: We are a 100% local company, proudly Peruvian, with more than 15 years of experience organizing tours to the most amazing destinations in our region.
- Authorized Inca Trail to Machu Picchu operator: We have all our documentation up to date and comply with all local government requirements, giving our travelers safety, support, and confidence.
- Best price with no hidden fees: We offer all-inclusive travel services at affordable prices, with no intermediaries, because we are a direct tour operator.
- Travel with local experts: Our team is made up of professional tour guides, cooks, and porters, trained to assist groups, families, couples, friends, and outdoor adventure lovers.
- High-quality equipment for your trip: We provide comfortable tents, sleeping bags, trekking poles, trekking pillows, and equipment that is constantly renewed to ensure comfort and safety.
- Excellent meals included: Meals are included throughout the trek and prepared with fresh ingredients. We also offer vegetarian meals and special diets at no extra cost.
- Safe and guaranteed departures: We operate 100% of our treks, even with just one confirmed traveler, with no additional charges. Our groups are usually small, with an average of 4 to 8 people.
- Fair treatment of our staff: We provide our team with lodging, transportation, uniforms, meals, health insurance, and fair wages, recognizing their important work on every trip.
- Commitment to social projects: We support social programs that benefit children in local communities, especially in health and education.
- Sustainable and responsible tourism: We are committed to protecting the environment, using biodegradable products, and participating in cleanup campaigns along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
- Personalized service and support: We provide direct and personalized assistance by phone or email, answering your questions and supporting you before, during, and after your trip.
Availability and prices
IMPORTANT:
- We recommend booking your Tour as soon as possible, to avoid missing out on this great experience.
- Yes, if there is no longer availability for the Date of your Tour, you can search for other similar Excursions.
- If you are interested in doing this route and want to book, or want more information, please contact us: Cell phone: +51 984525 006 / WhatsApp: +51 984 683 047 or write to:info@incredibleperutours.com
PRICES
Our rates are fixed and include no hidden fees. We are committed to offering the best service at the best price.
PRICES OF THE PRIVATE SERVICE
For this incredible route, we are currently operating the Private Service mode, where you will enjoy and travel alone with friends and/or family, according to the number of people that make up your group. Remember that it is an all inclusive service.
| From 2 to 3 people: | USD 490 for each person |
| From 4 to 5 people: | USD 440 for each person |
| From 6 to 7 people: | USD 400 for each person |
| From 8 to 10 people: | USD 380 for each person |
| From 10 to more people: | USD 360 for each person |
OPTIONAL SERVICES
If you wish, for an additional cost there is the option of adding to this tour, up to one day before your trek, some extra services such as:
- Rental of a Pair of Hiking Poles for the entire route for USD 10 per person.
- If you want to do the Zipline + the Extreme Bridge, it has an additional cost of USD 25 per person.
- Pick up from Cusco City Airport and transfer to your hotel for USD 5 per person.
- Pick up from your Hotel and transfer to Cusco City Airport for USD 5 per person.
PLEASE CONSIDER
- Prices are expressed in US dollars (USD ) and are per person.
- Our passion is group travel, so if you are traveling with friends, family or children, get in touch to offer you our promotions.
- Our company also has promotions and discounts for student groups. Please contact us to receive our offers.
- For your peace of mind and comfort, our tours do not have any hidden charges or expenses.
- If you are interested in doing this route and want to book, or want more information, please contact us:
- Cell: +51 984 525 006
- WhatsApp: +51 984 683 047
- E-mail: info@incredibleperutours.com

