Cusco: 4-Day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu with Accommodation

Inca Jungle Trail Biking and Hiking Adventure near Cusco

This 4-day guided tour combines biking, hiking, and cultural experiences from Cusco through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu. It suits active travelers interested in nature and history.

Highlights

• Biking at Abra Málaga pass
• Learning and participating in coffee roasting
• Relaxing in the Cocalmayo thermal baths

Description

Day 1 begins with a 6:00 AM pickup from Cusco Main Square. The journey passes through Chinchero, Urubamba, and Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley. At Abra Málaga pass, participants receive biking gear and start a 3-hour downhill bike ride (50 km) through Puna and Cloud Forest zones, ending at Huaman Marq’a ruins. After a short van ride and walk, the group reaches Santa Maria and then Pispitayoc village for an overnight stay in an eco-house with dinner provided.

On Day 2, after breakfast, the guide introduces coffee roasting. The hike continues along part of the Inca Trail network (Qhapaq Ñan) with views of birds and plantations including coca, coffee, and fruit trees. The group pauses at Huancarcasa viewpoint (1750m) before descending to Qellomayo village (1200m) for lunch. The final 2-hour trek leads to the optional Cocalmayo thermal baths (1450m) before arriving at Santa Teresa (1515m) for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3 starts with breakfast in Santa Teresa. The hike proceeds for 3 hours through coffee and coca plantations to Hidroeléctrica (1900m), where lunch is served. The afternoon trek follows the train tracks for 3 hours, reaching Aguas Calientes (1950m), the town near Machu Picchu. The afternoon is free for rest or exploration, followed by group dinner and briefing for the next day’s climb.

On Day 4, the group starts early at 4:00 AM for a 1.5-hour hike up to Machu Picchu (2400m). A 2-hour guided tour covers key areas of the citadel, followed by free time for personal exploration. The trek concludes with a return to Aguas Calientes to collect belongings, a train ride to Ollantaytambo, and a bus back to Cusco.

Includes

• Briefing the day before
• Pickup from Cusco Main Square
• Transport from Cusco to Malaga High Pass to Santa María
• Kona bicycle with elbow and knee pads, gloves, goggles, and helmet
• Rain jacket
• 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners
• 1 night accommodation in an eco-house in Pispitayoc
• 1 night accommodation in a hostel in Santa Teresa
• 1 night accommodation in a hostel in Aguas Calientes
• Entrance tickets to Machu Picchu
• Return train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo
• Professional bilingual guide (English-Spanish)
• First aid kit
• Return bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco

Excludes

• First breakfast and last lunch in Aguas Calientes
• Tickets to Cocalmayo hot springs
• Bus up and down to Machu Picchu (optional)

Cancellation Policy

This activity is non-refundable.

For best experience, bring comfortable hiking clothes, sturdy shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a refillable water bottle. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season from May to September.