Cusco: 4-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with Accommodation – Cusco Region, Peru

EXPERIENCE

Day 1 of the Inca Jungle trail begins with a 6:00 AM pickup from the Cusco Main Square. Travel through Chinchero, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. The adventure starts at Abra Málaga pass, offering views of Huacay Willca. After receiving biking gear, a downhill bike journey through Puna and Cloud Forest zones lasts about 3 hours (50 km), ending at Huaman Marq’a ruins. A short van ride and walk lead to Santa Maria, then to Pispitayoc village for an overnight stay in an eco-house in the forest, with dinner included.

Day 2 of the Inca Jungle trail starts with a breakfast, where the guide teaches coffee roasting. The hike then follows part of the Inca Trail network, the Qhapaq Ñan, offering views of diverse birds and plantations like coca, coffee, and fruit trees. After reaching the Huancarcasa viewpoint at 1750 meters, there’s a relaxing break with panoramic views. The trail then descends to Qellomayo village at 1200 meters for lunch. The final leg of the day’s trek, about 2 hours, leads to the optional Cocalmayo thermal baths at 1450 meters, before arriving in Santa Teresa at 1515 meters for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3 begins with a hearty breakfast in Santa Teresa (1515m). The trek then continues for 3 hours through coffee and coca plantations, leading to Hidroeléctrica at 1900m, where lunch and a break are scheduled. Post-lunch, the journey resumes for another 3 hours along the train track, arriving in Aguas Calientes (1950m), the town near Machu Picchu. The afternoon is free for leisure. In the evening, the group gathers for dinner and discusses the upcoming climb to Machu Picchu.

Day 4, the final day, starts early at 4:00 am with a hike up to Machu Picchu at 2400m, lasting about 1.5 hours. At the citadel, a 2-hour guided tour covers the most significant parts of Machu Picchu. Post-tour, there’s free time for personal exploration. The journey concludes with a return to Aguas Calientes at 1950m to collect belongings, followed by a train ride to Ollantaytambo. From there, a bus takes you back to Cusco, marking the end of the service.

HIGHLIGHTS

Biking at Abra Málaga
Learn about and participate in coffee roasting
Relax in the soothing waters of the Cocalmayo thermal baths

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