Machu Picchu Jungle Trail: 4-Day Hike, Bike & Hot Springs

Summary

From Cusco to Machu Picchu by bike and foot through jungle valleys

You’ll start in Cusco and bike down from snowy Abra Malaga into lush jungle before trekking ancient Inca paths toward Machu Picchu. Expect local coffee in Santa Maria, hot springs in Santa Teresa, rope bridges over roaring rivers, and sunrise at Machu Picchu itself—all with a guide who knows every twist in the trail. This one stays with you long after you’re back home.

What’s the experience like?

"You guys ready for this?" our guide Marco grinned as he handed me a helmet outside the van, wind whipping cold off the Abra Malaga pass. I could barely see the road with all the mist—one of those moments you’re not sure if you’re excited or just a little bit scared. The air smelled sharp, almost metallic, and I remember my hands shaking as we started down that first wild stretch on mountain bikes. You drop from icy heights into green valleys so fast your ears pop. By the time we hit Santa Maria, my legs were jelly but someone pressed a mug of sweet coffee into my hand—local beans, roasted right there. I still think about that first sip.

Next morning was sticky and warm, way different from Cusco’s chill. Breakfast was just fruit—bananas and papaya mostly—and then we set off walking through thick jungle trails. Marco stopped to show us coca plants growing along the path (he joked it was “Inca Red Bull”), and we met a woman sorting coffee beans under her porch. She let us try some dried ones; they tasted dusty but kind of good? We walked sections of real Inca trail—old stones poking out between roots—and I kept thinking about how many feet must’ve passed here before us. The river below was loud enough to drown out our voices sometimes.

I didn’t expect to love the hot springs at Santa Teresa so much. After hours on foot, sinking into those pools with mountains all around felt like cheating somehow—a reward for not quitting halfway. There were families splashing around, a couple of old men playing cards on a towel nearby. The next day’s walk had rope bridges and even this little cable cart over the Vilcanota River that made my stomach drop (Marco laughed when I clutched the sides). Lunch was avocado sandwiches at some roadside shack—best avocado I’ve ever had, honestly.

We woke up before dawn in Aguas Calientes for Machu Picchu—everyone half asleep but buzzing anyway. The climb up is steep and dark; you can hear birds but not see them yet. When we finally reached the top and sunlight hit those stone terraces… well, it’s hard to describe without sounding cheesy. Our guide pointed out details I’d have missed alone—the way water channels still work after centuries, or how llamas seem to know exactly where tourists want their photo taken. Afterward, wandering on my own for a bit felt strange but good—I guess that’s what sticks with me most now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Travel from Cusco to Santa Maria

• Meet at Cusco Srl office
• Depart Cusco at 7:45 am
• Drive via Chinchero and Ollantaytambo
• Reach Abra Malaga at 4350 meters
• Pay land fee at Abra Malaga
• Start biking downhill from Abra Malaga
• Visit Inka ruins of Wamanmarka
• Bike to Santa Maria at 1430 meters
• Rest and have dinner at lodge

Day 2 — Hike from Santa Maria to Santa Teresa

• Eat fruit-based breakfast
• Begin trekking through vegetation
• Observe coffee and coca cultivation
• Walk original Inca roads
• Visit thermal baths in Santa Teresa
• Arrive and rest in Santa Teresa
• Have dinner and plan next day

Day 3 — Trek from Santa Teresa to Aguas Calientes

• Eat vitamin-rich breakfast
• Start walking at 9:45 am
• Cross suspension bridges and Vilcanota River
• Enjoy local wildlife and visit Inti Watana
• Have lunch with avocado and soups
• Arrive at Aguas Calientes
• Dinner and briefing for Machu Picchu

Day 4 — Visit Machu Picchu and return to Cusco

• Wake early and start trek at 5:10 am
• Hike from 1980m to 2450m
• Eat breakfast on the trail
• Tour Machu Picchu with guide for 2 hours
• Explore Machu Picchu independently
• Descend to hot springs town
• Take train back to Cusco

Top questions

How difficult is the Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu?

The tour requires moderate fitness; there’s biking downhill from high altitude and trekking several hours each day across varied terrain.

Is hotel pickup included for this Machu Picchu tour?

The tour starts with a meeting at the reserve office in Cusco; private minivan transport is included from there to Santa Maria with bikes.

Are meals included during the 4-day trek?

Breakfasts are included (often fruit-based), plus lunches en route such as avocado sandwiches; dinners are provided at each lodge stop.

Will there be a local guide throughout the trip?

Yes, an English- and Spanish-speaking adventure/cultural guide accompanies you from start to finish.

What kind of accommodation is provided along the route?

You’ll stay three nights in simple private lodges or hostels—clean and safe but basic comfort level.

Do we visit any hot springs on this Machu Picchu trek?

Yes—you’ll have time to relax at Cocalmayo hot springs near Santa Teresa after trekking through jungle trails.

How do we get back to Cusco after visiting Machu Picchu?

A minibus transfer from Aguas Calientes back to Cusco is included after your visit to Machu Picchu.

Are entrance fees for Machu Picchu covered?

Your entrance ticket to Machu Picchu is included as part of the tour package.

What’s included

Your journey includes private minivan transport from Cusco with mountain bikes ready for your descent, three nights’ accommodation in basic but comfortable lodges along the route, all breakfasts plus typical lunches and dinners en route (think fresh fruit and local avocados), entry to Cocalmayo hot springs near Santa Teresa, an experienced bilingual adventure guide throughout, entrance fees for Machu Picchu itself, plus your return minibus ride back to Cusco after exploring those famous ruins at sunrise.