Inca Jungle to Machu Picchu — 4 Days

After breakfast, you’ll start hiking at 6:30 a.m. along a recently discovered section of the route toward Santa Teresa. The first 2 hours include a moderate uphill walk with stops to learn about local flora and fauna in warm, humid cloud-forest conditions. You’ll visit a local family home for a 20-minute rest and the chance to refill water and get fresh fruit. You’ll then continue along sections of the ancient Inca path that once connected Machu Picchu with Vilcabamba, while your guide explains Inca history and their communication system. The itinerary also allows time to visit the Cocalmayo hot springs (optional, entrance not included) before arriving in Santa Teresa in the afternoon for an overnight stay at a cozy hostel.

After breakfast, adventure lovers can do zip line (canopy) over the valley. You’ll then head toward Santa Teresa la Vieja, cross the Urubamba River on an oroya (additional fee as noted), and hike for about 2 hours and 30 minutes through trails lined with coffee, coca and tropical fruits, with views of waterfalls and the Machu Picchu mountain in the distance. After lunch in Hydroelectric, you’ll walk about 2 hours along the railway to 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 hike for about 1 hour up to Machu Picchu to catch sunrise. Enjoy a 2-hour guided tour covering the main temples, plazas and key structures as your guide shares Inca history and culture. Afterward you’ll have free time to explore or optionally hike Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (extra cost). You’ll then return to Aguas Calientes to take the train to Ollantaytambo, continue by transport to Cusco, and arrive at approximately 8:00 p.m. with hotel drop-off.