Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu: Biking, Rafting & Zipline

Summary

Adventure tour from Cusco: Mountain biking, jungle hikes & Machu Picchu

If you want more than just a hike to Machu Picchu—think mountain biking down epic passes, soaking in jungle hot springs, trying local food, plus options like rafting or ziplining—this trek packs it all in with great guides and real local flavor.

What’s the experience like?

The first morning kicked off with a quick pickup—our guide actually texted the night before to confirm the time, which I appreciated since my hostel WiFi was spotty. We loaded up and drove through Ollantaytambo, grabbing water and snacks at a tiny shop where the owner’s dog kept sniffing our backpacks. The road climbed higher than I expected—by the time we reached Abra Malaga Pass, my ears popped from the altitude (4,400 meters!). The air was cold and thin up there; you could see clouds drifting below us. After layering up and checking our bikes (the brakes are your best friend on this descent), we started coasting down toward the jungle. It’s mostly downhill—my hands got sore from braking more than pedaling! If you’re into adrenaline, there’s an optional whitewater rafting section later in Santa Teresa. I skipped it and wandered around town instead—found a small bakery selling fresh pan de yuca. That night, everyone gathered at the hostel for beers and a few rounds of cards; someone had brought a deck with llamas on it.

The second day is all about hiking. The first stretch is uphill and sweaty—bring extra water—but you pass by coffee and coca fields where our guide explained how locals harvest beans by hand. There’s this earthy smell in the air from the plants mixed with river mist as you descend into Huancar Casa Canyon. We stopped to dip our feet in the river (so refreshing after hours on your feet) before reaching Quellomayo for lunch. Honestly, their guacamole was next-level—super creamy avocados grown right there. Vegetarian options were everywhere too; even one of our group who’s vegan had plenty to eat. Later that afternoon, soaking in Cocalmayo hot springs felt unreal—the pools are right beside the river, steam rising as dusk settled in. Locals sell cold beers and sweet fried plantains right by the pools.

Day three gives you choices: take a van for a chill ride to Hydroelectric Station (costs about 10 soles), hike along the Urubamba River for 2-3 hours (watch out for passing trains), or go full thrill-seeker with ziplining—the highest in South America! I tried ziplining; seven cables stretch over two valleys and at one point you’re flying 150 meters above the trees at crazy speeds. The guides here really know their stuff—they double-check every harness and crack jokes to keep nerves down. Afterward, we all met up again in Aguas Calientes for hot showers and real beds.

The last day starts early—like 4 am early. You’ll want a headlamp for those first steps out of Aguas Calientes because it’s pitch dark until you hit the checkpoint at Machu Picchu’s base around 5 am (don’t forget your passport). Climbing those 1,700 Inca steps is no joke but being among the first inside is worth it; mist still clings to the terraces as sunlight creeps over Huayna Picchu peak. Our guide led us through temples and terraces with stories about how Incas built everything without mortar—it’s wild seeing it up close after days trekking through their old paths. Afterward, you get free time—I walked out to the Inca Bridge trail (narrow path carved into sheer cliff!) while others hiked up to Sun Gate for panoramic views back over Machu Picchu.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Biking down Abra Malaga Pass

• Pickup from hostel or hotel
• Travel through Sacred Valley via Ollantaytambo
• Cycle descent from Abra Malaga pass
• Optional river rafting or walk in Santa Teresa

Day 2 — Hiking Inca Jungle and Thermal Baths

• Hike uphill through valleys and plantations
• Lunch stop in Quellomayo
• Relax at Cocalmayo hot springs

Day 3 — Choose activity: Relax, Hike or Zip Line

• Relax: Transport to Hydroelectric
• Hike from Santa Teresa to Hydroelectric
• Thrill: Zip line adventure

Day 4 — Visit Machu Picchu

• Early hike from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu base
• Guided tour and exploration of Machu Picchu

Top questions

How difficult is this trek? Do I need special training?

You should be moderately fit—you’ll bike downhill (not too strenuous), hike several hours each day (some steep parts), but no technical skills needed.

Is vegetarian or vegan food available during the trip?

Yes! Every meal stop offers vegetarian/vegan options—let your guide know any dietary needs at briefing so they can plan ahead.

What should I pack for weather changes?

Bring layers—a warm jacket for high altitudes (it gets chilly at Abra Malaga), light clothes for humid jungle sections, rain gear just in case.

Are entrance fees and train tickets included?

Yes—all entrance fees (including Machu Picchu) plus train tickets back from Aguas Calientes are included in your package price.

I’m afraid of heights—is ziplining mandatory?

No worries! Ziplining is totally optional—you can choose to relax or hike instead on that day.

What’s included

Your trip covers all main transport between stops (private van/train), overnight hostels or rural lodges each night (hot showers most nights!), entrance fee to Machu Picchu itself, mountain bike rental plus helmet/gloves, an experienced bilingual adventure guide throughout, medical kit access if needed—and yes, service animals are allowed! Meals cater to different diets; just let us know what you need when booking.