Inca Jungle to Machu Picchu — 3 Days

After breakfast, we’ll travel about 40 minutes to Santa Teresa for the zip line (canopy) experience—an exhilarating way to fly above the valley and forest. Then you’ll begin a scenic hike of around 2 hours along trails lined with coffee, coca and tropical fruits such as banana, mango and avocado, passing waterfalls and natural viewpoints. In some sections you’ll enjoy impressive valley views and, from certain points, sights of the Machu Picchu mountain. Continue to Hydroelectric for lunch, and then walk about 2 hours along the railway to reach Aguas Calientes, where you’ll stay overnight in a comfortable hotel—ready for the citadel visit the next morning.

Very early, around 5:00 a.m., you’ll begin an approximately 1-hour walk up to Machu Picchu, arriving in time to enjoy sunrise over the citadel. You’ll then have a ~2-hour guided tour covering the main temples, plazas and key structures, with your guide explaining Inca history and symbolism. Afterward you’ll have free time to explore on your own, or optionally hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (extra cost). Finally, you’ll head back to Aguas Calientes to take the train to Ollantaytambo, then continue by transport to Cusco, arriving at approximately 8:00 p.m. for hotel drop-off.