Overview
This alternative Inca Trail, called Inca Jungle Machu Picchu, combines hiking and cycling through majestic landscapes. Here is a summary of your 4-day adventure:
- Day 1: Bus to Puerto Malaga and a 5-hour bike journey to Santa Maria visiting Huamanmarca.
- Day 2: Hike along the Urubamba River and the original stone Inca Trail to the Cocalmayo thermal baths.
- Day 3: Visit the Colpani Waterfall and hike to Aguas Calientes with views of the Machu Picchu sanctuary.
- Day 4: Sunrise hike to Machu Picchu, professional guided tour, and return to Cusco by train.
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Abra Malaga (Malaga High Pass) – Santa Maria
We will part in the morning in a local bus to Puerto Malaga and from this place our journey on bikes to Santa Maria will start. On the way we will see archaeological centers like Huamanmarca and Inca Carcel (Inca Jail). On this 5 hour bike journey we will see amazing landscapes, local birds, medicinal plants and exotic fruit like mangoes, pineapples, papaya, avocado, coffee, and coca. You will have the opportunity to taste all these and enjoy their delicious flavors, you will also see coca and coffee plantations, and visit local families during their daily routines. Finally we will have dinner and go to our lodges.
Day 2: Santa Maria – Thermal Baths – Santa Teresa
We will have breakfast and start our hike along the shore of the Urubamba River. On the way you will see different kinds of fruit plants, wild animals, and also the local agriculture and medicinal plants, which are used to cure some diseases, grown by the villagers. After two hours walking we will enter to the original Inca Trail made of stone in which is our trek highest point 1758 m.a.s.l. From this point we will see the Salkantay Snow Peak. We will continue walking for 2 more hours to Q´ellomayo where we will have lunch in a country restaurant. The path continues by the shore of the river to the thermal baths of Cocalmayo. Before we get to the thermal baths we will cross the river in an Oroya (Bridge of Wick) that is used by the villagers. We will stop at the thermal baths for about an hour and a half and then we will walk 45 more minutes or if you want, you can take a taxi that will charge you approximately 2 soles (not included in the tour). In Santa Teresa we will have dinner and rest in our lodge.
Day 3: Santa Teresa – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes
We will have breakfast and start our way towards the river. From the river viewpoint we will see the remains of the old town of Santa Teresa that was destroyed by a landslide in 1998. Then we will cross by the Oroya (Bridge of Wick) to head towards the Colpani Waterfall. If you wish, you can take a bath on the waterfall which is surrounded by fruit trees like bananas, mangoes, oranges, cacao, coffee, and others. After that the path is flat the next five hours, on the way we can see the San Miguel and Putucusi Mountains and the Mandor Waterfalls. This day we will see the silhouette of the impressive Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, we will have lunch in the hydroelectric and then we will continue to the town of Aguas Calientes. Here we will have dinner and finally go to our lodge.
Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Very early in the morning we will start or hike towards Machu Picchu, we will go by the stairs for an hour and a half to see the sunrise. Then we will visit the most important places In Machu Picchu, like the Inti Watana, Templo del Condor, the Sacred Stone, and others. The guided tour lasts for two hours and after that you will have some free time to climb the Huayna Picchu Mountain (Entrance fee not included) and others. In the afternoon the way back train leaves at 16:20 approximately, but you have to be in the station one hour earlier. We will get to Cusco at approximately 20:30.
Inclusions & Exclusions
The tour includes:
- Entrance Ticket to Machu Picchu.
- Transfers.
- Professional Tour Guide.
- Bicycles with suspension.
- Equipment (Helmets and gloves).
- Two nights lodging.
- One night in a hotel (Room with private bathroom and hot water).
The tour does not include:
- The first breakfast and the last lunch.
- Entrance Ticket to the thermal baths.
Recommendations
- Rain coat.
- Sunscreen.
- Insect Repellent.
- Towels.
- Sandals.
- Sunglasses.
General Info
Activity Level: High (Cycling and Hiking).
Highest Point: 1,758 m.a.s.l.
Key Sites: Huamanmarca, Cocalmayo, Colpani Waterfall, Machu Picchu.
Daily Duration: Varies from 5 to 8 hours of activity per day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is any experience required for the cycling part?
The 5-hour bike journey goes through amazing landscapes and is part of the adventure, guided by professional staff with safety equipment.
Can I visit the thermal baths?
Yes, the itinerary includes a stop at the thermal baths of Cocalmayo for about an hour and a half on Day 2.
What time do we reach Machu Picchu on the last day?
We start the hike at 4:30 AM to arrive in time for the sunrise.