Cusco: Machu Picchu 4-Day Bike, Raft & Zip-line Trek

Four days of biking, rafting and zip-lining through the Andes to Machu Picchu at dawn

You bike down from 4,350 meters, raft Class III-IV rapids the same day, trek through cloud forest, zip-line over the canopy, and hike to Aguas Calientes. A professional bilingual guide leads the trek and Machu Picchu tour. All transport, meals, and accommodation are included except for the optional hot springs and Huayna Picchu peak. You return to Cusco by train and bus on day four evening.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Andes to Jungle Adventure

• Depart Cusco early morning
• Breakfast stop in Ollantaytambo
• Drive to Malaga High Pass
• Safety briefing at high pass
• Mountain bike descent to Santa Maria
• Whitewater rafting on Urubamba River
• Settle into guesthouse in Santa Maria
• Dinner included at guesthouse

Day 2: Jungle Trek to Santa Teresa

• Hearty breakfast
• Trek through jungle mountains
• Lunch break on trail
• Arrive in Santa Teresa village
• Check into guesthouse
• Optional hot springs soak
• Dinner at guesthouse

Day 3: Zipline and Trek to Aguas Calientes

• Zip-line canopy adventure
• Trek along railway to Hydroelectric Station
• Lunch at Hydroelectric Station
• Trek or train to Aguas Calientes
• Check into 3-star hotel
• Explore Aguas Calientes town

Day 4: Machu Picchu Sunrise and Return

• Early bus to Machu Picchu
• Two-hour guided Machu Picchu tour
• Independent exploration or Huayna Picchu hike
• Return bus to Aguas Calientes
• Browse local market
• Train to Ollantaytambo
• Bus transfer to Cusco

The experience

The van leaves Cusco at 6:30 AM on day one, climbing toward Malaga High Pass at 4,350 meters. After a breakfast stop in Ollantaytambo, you're geared up for a 2.5-hour mountain bike descent that drops you through fruit plantations, past the Huamanmarca Archaeological site, and across jungle rivers into Santa Maria village by early afternoon. The same day continues with a 2.5-hour whitewater rafting section on the Urubamba River: Class III and IV rapids that keep your attention the whole way. You sleep in a rustic guesthouse in Santa Maria, meals included.

Day two is a jungle trek through Santa Teresa, starting with breakfast and moving into thick cloud forest with colorful flora and locals along the trail. Lunch comes at a scenic spot mid-hike, and you arrive in Santa Teresa village (1,680 meters elevation) by afternoon. There's an optional soak in natural hot springs nearby if you want to ease muscle soreness before dinner. Day three kicks off with the zip-line canopy adventure. You'll glide over 2,500 meters of cables strung through the treetops, with the longest single run stretching 400 meters and the highest point dangling 150 meters above the forest. After that rush, a three-hour trek follows the railway line to the Hydroelectric Station, then another three hours on foot to Aguas Calientes (or take the optional train if hiking feels like too much). You stay in a 3-star hotel here and have the evening to explore cafes and shops.

The final morning, a bus takes you up to Machu Picchu before the crowds arrive. A two-hour guided tour covers the temples, terraces, and plazas while your guide explains Inca engineering and spiritual sites. After that, you roam the ruins on your own: find your photo spot, sit quietly, or tackle Huayna Picchu Peak if you've booked it in advance. The return journey runs by bus back to Aguas Calientes, then by train to Ollantaytambo, then by bus to Cusco, arriving around 8:00 PM at Plaza San Francisco. You'll need moderate fitness for this one. The itinerary stacks hiking days with multi-sport activities, and some sections are genuinely steep. Bring your original passport (valid for at least six months past your travel date) and exact passport details when you book: no changes are allowed once confirmed.

What’s included

• Van pickup from Cusco accommodation and return drop-off at Plaza San Francisco.
• mountain biking equipment (bicycle, helmet, gloves).
• whitewater rafting gear and two-hour Class III-IV rapids experience on the Urubamba River.
• canopy zip-line adventure through 2,500 meters of cables.
• professional bilingual guide for the trek and Machu Picchu tour.
• two nights in basic guesthouses (Santa Maria and Santa Teresa).
• one night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes.
• round-trip tourist bus between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu.
• tourist train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
• bus from Ollantaytambo back to Cusco.
• three breakfasts, three lunches, three dinners, and three snacks at local restaurants.
• pre-departure safety briefing.
• first aid kit and emergency oxygen bottle.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Wednesday and SaturdayDeparts at 06:30

AgesAdult (7 to 77 years) · Under 7: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Bamba Travel

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want to combine multiple sports and hiking into one trip without arranging guides, permits, transport, or meals separately: the four-day structure packs it all in, though it requires moderate fitness and comfort with back-to-back activity days.

Traveler reviews

4.91★★★★★★★★★★

82 verified traveler reviews

5 ★78

4 ★3

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★1

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What's the fitness level needed for this trip?

Moderate to good fitness is required. You'll bike downhill for 2.5 hours, raft for 2.5 hours, trek for six hours on day two, zip-line, and hike for six more hours on day three. The itinerary combines multiple sports over consecutive days.

Is there a guide with me the whole time?

A professional bilingual guide accompanies you during the trek and the two-hour Machu Picchu tour. Bus and train transfers do not include a guide.

What meals are provided?

Three breakfasts, three lunches, three dinners, and three snacks are included, served at local restaurants with typical regional menus.

Can I skip the rafting or zip-lining if I don't want to do them?

Non-rafters can explore Santa Maria village on foot instead of joining the river section. The itinerary does not offer alternatives for the zip-line activity.

How do I get back to Cusco on day four?

You take a bus from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo, then a tourist train to Ollantaytambo, then a bus to central Cusco, arriving around 8:00 PM at Plaza San Francisco.

What accommodation do I get?

Two nights in basic guesthouses (Santa Maria and Santa Teresa) and one night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes. Single travelers share a room. Couples get a private room.

What do I need to bring?

Original passport, hiking boots, rain gear, warm layers, sun protection, headlamp, camera, water bottle, and extra cash for snacks and drinks on the trail (prices are higher there). A bathing suit is needed only if you book the optional hot springs.

Is this tour suitable for children?

The minimum age is seven years old, though the physical demands (biking, rafting, zip-lining, and multiple hiking days) mean most children will need good fitness and prior outdoor experience.

What information do I need to provide when booking?

Full name (as it appears on your passport), date of birth, nationality, passport number, and passport expiration date (must be valid for at least six months past your travel date). No changes can be made after booking is confirmed.

Can I add an extra night in Aguas Calientes?

Yes, an extra night can be arranged if you request it when booking.