Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu - 4D/3N

We pick you up early from Cusco and drive through the Sacred Valley, ascending to the Abra Malaga pass at an impressive 4,316m (14,160ft). After a safety briefing, you will gear up and begin an exhilarating 3-hour downhill mountain bike ride. You'll descend nearly 3,000 meters through changing microclimates, from freezing high-altitude plains to the warm, tropical cloud forest, arriving at Huamanmarca. From there, a short drive takes us to the town of Santa Maria for lunch. In the afternoon, you have the option to join a thrilling 2-hour white-water rafting trip (Class III/IV rapids) on the Urubamba River. We spend the night in a local hostel in Santa Maria. • Biking Distance: 50 km / 31 miles • Estimated Time: 3-4 hours biking • Starting Altitude (Biking): 4,316m / 14,160ft • Santa Maria Altitude: 1,200m / 3,937ft

After a hearty breakfast, we begin our trekking day. We'll hike up the mountain, walking along an authentic, perfectly preserved section of the original Inca Trail. Along the way, we pass through local farms cultivating coffee, coca leaves, and exotic fruits like passion fruit and bananas. Your guide will explain the local flora, fauna, and indigenous culture. We descend to Quellomayo for a well-deserved lunch in a hammock-filled restaurant. We then continue hiking along the river until we reach the famous Cocalmayo Hot Springs. Relax your muscles in the natural thermal pools before a short transfer to the town of Santa Teresa for dinner and our second night's accommodation. • Trekking Distance: 16 km / 10 miles • Estimated Time: 7-8 hours • Highest Altitude: 1,750m / 5,741ft • Santa Teresa Altitude: 1,500m / 4,921ft

This morning, you have the option to experience one of the highest and longest ziplines in South America, soaring across the deep canyons of Santa Teresa. Afterward, we take a short ride to the hydroelectric station (Hidroelectrica), where we have lunch. From here, we embark on a flat, scenic 3-hour hike alongside the train tracks and the Urubamba River, deep in the jungle. This path was used by the American explorer Hiram Bingham when he first reached Machu Picchu. We arrive at the town of Aguas Calientes in the late afternoon, check into our hostel, and enjoy a final group dinner. • Trekking Distance: 11 km / 6.8 miles • Estimated Time: 3 hours hiking • Aguas Calientes Altitude: 2,040m / 6,692ft

The climax of our adventure! We wake up before dawn to hike up the steep stairs to the entrance of Machu Picchu (or you can choose to buy a bus ticket). We aim to arrive just as the gates open to witness the sunrise over the ancient citadel. Your guide will provide a 2-hour walking tour, revealing the secrets and history of the Incas. Afterward, you will have free time to explore the ruins on your own or hike Huayna Picchu (if booked in advance). In the afternoon, you will head down to Aguas Calientes to catch the Expedition train back to Ollantaytambo, followed by a private transfer to your hotel in Cusco. • Trekking Distance: 4 km / 2.5 miles (if walking up) • Estimated Time: 2 hours guided tour • Machu Picchu Altitude: 2,400m / 7,874ft