Machu Picchu: Inca Jungle Trail 4-Day Adventure & Biking

Summary

Downhill biking, hot springs and hiking through forested valleys to Machu Picchu

You’ll bike down from icy Abra Malaga into warm jungle air, hike ancient trails past fruit trees and coffee plants with a local guide, relax in Cocalmayo’s thermal pools at dusk, and finally walk into Machu Picchu at sunrise—tired but grinning. Includes hotel pickup, all equipment and entry fees so you can just focus on the journey itself.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember the way my hands felt a bit numb gripping the handlebars as we coasted down from Abra Malaga. It was cold up there—like, sharp air in your nose cold—and our guide, Martín, kept checking on everyone’s gear before letting us loose. The ride down was wild, honestly. One minute you’re shivering above the clouds, then suddenly you’re peeling off layers as the jungle heat sneaks up. I could smell wet earth and diesel from passing trucks. At one point I almost missed a curve because I was gawking at some tiny purple flowers growing out of the rocks.

After that first day (and a lot of laughing about my helmet hair), we crashed at this eco-house in Pispitayoc. Dinner was simple but good—rice, chicken, something with corn I can’t pronounce. The next morning started early; sun barely up and already warm. We hiked past coffee plants and oranges hanging heavy on branches. Martín pointed out coca leaves and let us try some straight from the bush—kind of bitter and grassy. Somewhere near Quellomayo we stopped for lunch and someone’s abuela handed us plates with fried plantains that tasted sweet after all that walking.

The afternoon hike to Cocalmayo hot springs felt longer than it probably was (my legs were complaining), but sliding into those pools at sunset made it worth every step. Steam rising off the water, kids splashing nearby, this faint smell of eucalyptus drifting over—it felt like time slowed down for a bit. Later in Aguas Calientes, everyone seemed tired but happy; we swapped stories over dinner while Martín mapped out our early start for Machu Picchu.

I didn’t expect to feel so nervous before sunrise on that last day—maybe it was just being so close after all that effort? Climbing up through misty switchbacks with headlamps bobbing around me, I kept thinking about my first glimpse of Machu Picchu from below—a little patch of stone walls half-lost in cloud. Standing there finally… well, yeah, I still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cusco to Santa Maria via bike

• Pick up at 6am in Cusco
• Travel to Ollantaytambo
• Short break in Ollantaytambo
• Drive to Abra Malaga (4,316 m)
• Receive bike and safety briefing
• Downhill bike 55 km for 3 hours
• End biking at Huaman Marka
• Van to Santa Maria
• Walk to Pispitayoc Eco-house

Day 2 — Hike from Santa Maria to Santa Teresa

• Breakfast in Santa Maria
• Walk Inca Trail through fruit vegetation
• Reach Huacarcasa viewpoint
• Break and view valley
• Walk to Quellomayo for lunch
• Walk to Cocalmayo thermal baths
• Relax in thermal pools
• Walk to Santa Teresa
• Dinner in Santa Teresa

Day 3 — Hike to Machu Picchu town

• Breakfast in Santa Teresa
• Walk 3 hours to Hydroelectrica
• Lunch at Hydroelectrica
• Walk 3 hours to Aguas Calientes
• View Machu Picchu mountain
• Dinner in Aguas Calientes

Day 4 — Visit Machu Picchu and return

• Breakfast in Aguas Calientes
• Visit Machu Picchu
• Travel to Ollantaytambo
• Return to Cusco

Top questions

How long is the Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu?

The tour lasts 4 days from Cusco to Machu Picchu and back.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in Cusco.

What activities are part of the Jungle Inca Trail?

The tour includes downhill biking from Abra Malaga, hiking Inca trails, optional rafting or ziplining, visits to hot springs and guided entry to Machu Picchu.

Are meals provided during the tour?

Meals are included as part of accommodations along the route (breakfasts/lunches/dinners).

Do I need previous biking experience?

No advanced experience is needed; guides provide safety instructions and equipment for all levels.

Where do we sleep during the tour?

You’ll stay in an eco-house in Pispitayoc the first night, then hostels in Santa Teresa and Aguas Calientes.

Is there an age minimum for this trip?

The minimum age is 8 years old.

Can vegetarians be accommodated?

Yes—just mention dietary needs when booking so meals can be arranged accordingly.

What’s included

Your adventure includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Cusco, all transportation between sites (including train tickets back), three nights’ accommodation along the route (eco-house and hostels), full-suspension mountain bikes with safety gear for downhill riding from Abra Malaga, entrance to Machu Picchu itself plus guidance throughout by professional English- or Spanish-speaking guides. Meals are provided each day so you don’t have to worry about finding food after long hikes or rides.