Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu – 3 Days / 2 Nights
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
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 110 reviews Posted on AndyVerified Mejor Compañía Turística en Perú Nuestro guía era Franklin y era el mejor. Era un grupo pequeño, así que podíamos solicitar paradas de baño adicionales o descansos para comer algo. Frank era tan conocedor y era de la zona. Realmente hizo la gira. Su personalidad era contagiosa. Nos encantó Franklin y recomendaría esta compañía. El recorrido fue impresionante.Posted on kvjohns1Verified Gran experiencia! Usé Cachi Life para reservar un guía privado para dos circuitos de Machu Picchu. Mi guía era José Luis y era genial. Me recibió en mi hotel, y fue una experiencia perfecta conseguir boletos de autobús y llegar al sitio. Él estaba bien informado, sabía los mejores momentos para entrar en los circuitos, y conocía los mejores spots de fotos. Fue paciente y me dejó tomar tantas fotos como quería! También pudo ajustar el recorrido para complementar un circuito que ya había hecho el día anterior.Posted on Sightsee06248125018Verified Loved the Inka Trail We have just completed 4 day Inka trail to Machu Pichhu. It was amazing. Our guide, Guillermo was passionate, caring, engaged,knowledgeable and a lot of fun. The food was also amazing.Posted on MirandaVerified Machu Pichu Tour I had Jose as my tour guide and he was very knowledgeable and took great pictures! He let me take as many pictures as I wanted and assured me that we had all the time to take it all in! Would definitely recommend Jose.Posted on Alena SVerified Personalized, worry free travel The Best trip organizers. You get a worry free vacation, with personal touches, real dedication, passion, honesty and sincerity tailored to your interests, budget and physical ability. We learned so much, never felt rushed or pressured and really appreciated the hand holding along our journey. David is a passionate, honest, punctual businessman and Franklyn an unparalleled story teller, walking you through Peru's history at your pace, both physically and intellectually. Thank you for helping me fulfill my life's dream.Posted on Compass11152998617Verified Palcoyo, 7 lagoas de ausengate, Manu e Machu Picchu Marquei 3 tours com o David e ele foi 5 estrelas em todo o processo. Sempre muito atencioso e preocupado. Para além dos tours, também nos indicou a sua irmã Yanete para nos guiar por Machu Picchu. Foi fantástica!!Obrigada David, por tudo!Posted on Michele RiccoVerified ¡El mejor viaje! Thanks to CachiLifePeru Mi esposa y yo acabamos de regresar de un viaje de dos semanas a Perú, todo el viaje lo hicimos con Cachi Life, especialmente con David y Frank. Fue un tour privado que incluyó varios destinos, todos ellos realizados íntegramente para nosotros dos, con coche privado y siempre en compañía de ellos. Su profesionalidad fue evidente desde el principio: presupuestos enviados por correo electrónico, asistencia en la planificación del itinerario, y se encargaron de comprar todas las entradas para atracciones y actividades. El viaje comenzó en Lima, y pasamos por Paracas, Huacachina, Ica, Nazca, Cañón del Colca, Arequipa, Lago Titicaca, Puno, Valle Sagrado y Cusco, con excursiones a las Montañas Arco Iris, Huayna Pichu y Machu Pichu. ¿Qué puedo decir? Fue simplemente el viaje más hermoso de nuestras vidas. Descubrimos un país maravilloso no solo por sus lugares y vistas, sino también, y sobre todo, por su cultura y gente local. Gracias a Cachi Life, entramos en contacto con la auténtica cultura peruana, comiendo comida tradicional en cada ciudad, apoyando a la comunidad de comida callejera y descubriendo los valoresestas maravillosas personas comparten. No sentimos que tuviéramos un viaje turístico, sino más bien una experiencia única e inolvidable con dos personas expertas y profesionales, enamoradas de su país ysu cultura. Gracias Cachi Life Perú, y especialmente David y Frank; nunca te olvidaremos!Posted on robynlucassVerified Love Cachi Life! My mom and I had a private 3 nights /4day Salkantay trek with Cachi Life. Upon booking our trip (while in Canada) David was very helpful through WhatsApp and email. He answered all my questions and sent pictures of the tickets for Machu Picchu in advance. Before the trek, David arrived at our hotel in Cusco with our guide and gave us a great briefing about what to expect for the trek. The trek with our guide, Adrian was amazing. Adrian, our cook and horseman were kind and helpful throughout the whole trip. They always ensured we were happy. The food was delicious, the trek was beautiful and the tent /sleeping bags were comfortable.We recommend Cachi Life for safe, fun and local experience.Posted on Pioneer277524Verified Excellent guide and tour with Cachi Life! We had the most wonderful two days with our Cachi Life guide, Franklin, touring Sacred Valley (Moray, Maras, Chinchero, Ollantaytambo and Machu Pichu). He was very professional, friendly, knowledgeable and had a clear love for his country which helped us learn and appreciate the things we were seeing and the lands we were standing on. He took his time to point out details that we would have never noticed had we decided to tour on our own. We never felt rushed through any of the sites and he took the time to answer our questions (especially our son who had so many questions!!). David, the owner of Cachi Life, is also Franklins brother. It was nice to know we were working with a local owned company. David was also very responsive to our questions while we were planning. Our experience in sacred valley and Machu Pichu would not nearly be what it was without Franklin. Highly highly recommended Cachi Life!!Posted on tstewartVerified Gran viaje a Perú con la ayuda de Cachi Life! Me comuniqué con David con Cachi Life cuando comencé el proceso de planificación de nuestro viaje a Perú. David era tan agradable y me ayudó a incluir ver casi todo lo que queríamos en nuestro corto viaje de 7 días! ¡Él respondió a todas mis preguntas! Cuando llegamos a Cusco se reunió con nosotros para asegurarse de que conocíamos nuestro itinerario y de nuevo respondió a todas nuestras preguntas. Su hermano Frank era un guía turístico increíble! Él era tan conocedor de la historia y la cultura. Siempre se aseguró de que tuviéramos mucho tiempo viendo todo lo que queríamos y nunca nos sentimos apresurados. Recomiendo encarecidamente utilizar Cachi Life cuando se necesita un guía turístico en Perú!
EXCELLENT Based on 6 reviews Posted on Re StTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook. Gorąco polecam treking z Cachi Life. Razem z grupą przyjaciół przeszliśmy 6-cio dniowy trek Choquequirao zakończony zwiedzaniem Machu Picchu, gdzie przeszliśmy dwie trasy. Nie musieliśmy się o nic martwić, wszystko było przygotowane. 6 dni w górach, przepiękny czas! David jest świetnym organizatorem, wszystko działało bez zarzutu. Spanie w namiotach, transport- szły z nami muły niosące część bagażu, zapasowy koń. Kucharz Umberto, dokonywał cudów w tych trudnych warunkach. Wszystko było mega smaczne i przepięknie podane. Szedł z nami świetny przewodnik Marco. Potrafił dostosować tempo do naszych potrzeb, elastycznie zmieniał trasę tak żeby cały czas było to jednocześnie i wyzwaniem i przyjemnością. Dzielił się z nami opowieściami o obyczajach, tradycjach i kulturze tej dawnej inkaskiej i tej współczesnej. Nawet uczył nas języka Quechua . Cachi Life - sól życia - tak było🧡Posted on Nomadic-FilCan JGTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook. I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone in this group who have been so incredibly helpful in answering my questions before I started my adventure. I truly appreciate each one of you! As I wrap up this unforgettable journey, I want to give a special shoutout to my amazing tour guide in Machu Picchu, David Aragon Villagra of Cachi Life. I had the best time with his service, and absolutely recommended to those looking for local guides. I chose to support locally owned businesses, which is why I booked the 2-day, 1-night Inka Trail to Machu Picchu. This experience allowed me to explore the stunning ruins along the way, including the breathtaking Wiñaywayna. David took care of everything—transportation, hotels, and all the necessary tickets for the tour—making the entire experience seamless and enjoyable. What impressed me most was David's extensive knowledge. With years of experience under his belt, he is an expert guide who truly brings the history of the Incas and Peru to life. His insights into science and astronomy beautifully connect to Inca history and civilization, enriching my understanding of this magnificent country. I feel so fortunate to have learned so much from him, and I’m excited to share this knowledge and encourage others to experience the wonders of Peru for themselves. And if you're a foodie like me, be sure to ask David for his fantastic recommendations for local cuisine in Cusco—you won’t be disappointed! And yes David is a great photographer! My photos here are captured by him. Once again, thank you all for your support, and a huge thank you to David for making my adventure unforgettable! 🌄❤️Posted on Leah PumarenTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook. I have been in contact with so many tour operators but David from Cachi Life stood out! He was able to answer all my questions right away and all the information was explained well. When the time came to pay i was very hesitant because I didn't know him but have read all positive reviews from previous clients which gave me a peace of mind. I wanted to pay half but he said to just pay the deposit, which tells me that he will not run away with our $$ :) Prior to our arrival David informed us that Franklyn will be at the airport to pick us up, which they were and in time. Let’s just say that Franklyn and staff took care of us from start to finish! They were very accommodating, made sure we were comfortable, gave us coca leaves and other things so we don't suffer from acclimation. Because, i had issues with acclimation, Franklyn brought me oxygen, hiking sticks, carried our jackets, water and food which helped me climb Rainbow Mountain and Machu Picchu. Mind you, we have been to Europe, Hawaii, Alaska, UK, Iceland, Ireland, Bahamas, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Belize, Honduras, Doninican Republic, etc.. but because of Franklyn, Peru is the most beautiful place we have ever been. Thank you so much Franklyn, David and Cachi Life, you made impossible possible! If you want to tour Peru, make sure you hire Cachi Life to make your trip unforgettable!Posted on Brandon BellamyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook. I have never met more dedicated people David and Kevin. They truly love what they do.Posted on Kevin KingTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook. My girlfriend and I were in Peru in March and Cachi set us up with a wonderful experience. David, our tour guide, is the guy you want. He's a true history buff and his years of experience really shows. We loved hearing about the history of Cusco, Peru, Machu Picchu, and the Incas. Seemed like David had an answer to every question we had! Plus, his English was great - a must have when spending money and time on a trip. Overall, Cachi provided us with everything we needed for our tour. Our shuttles, tour guide, and entry tickets to each place were included. WELL worth the price! We were also fortunate to meet the owners, who were great guys and walked us through everything we would get. Highly recommend Cachi if you're looking for a great, safe time in Peru!Posted on Lindsey ReneeTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Facebook. Fortunately used Cachi Life for two different day tours during my stay in Peru. Took the vistadome/train/buses to Machu Picchu, and the process could not have been any smoother. They had everything perfectly coordinated to make the trip comfortable and easy to navigate. Also had the privilege of doing a tour in the local Rayan community, which was an amazing experience. David, our local tour guide was so passionate about his job and sharing with us the culture of his country. We hiked a mountain to the local community, offering beautiful views and a stellar waterfall. Spent the day learning how the families lived off the land and shared a meal with them that we helped them prepare. Would definitely recommend if you want to try something outside of the typical touristy things to do!









