The playful way to Machu Picchu. Fly downhill on a mountain bike from the Andes into the jungle, raft the Urubamba, walk an original Inca path through coffee and fruit farms, soak in hot springs and zip-line across the valley — sleeping in cosy hostels, not tents. No permit needed: we leave every day.
Trip highlights
- Downhill biking from Abra Málaga
- Optional rafting and zip-line
- Original Inca path above the river
- Cocalmayo hot springs
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu
Why book direct with a local operator
Our own crew
Guides, chefs and crew are our team in Cusco — no middlemen, no resold departures.
Fair pay
Porters and horsemen are paid fairly, carry legal weights and get proper gear and meals.
Best trail food
Our trail chefs cook fresh Andean dishes three times a day.
Low-impact trekking
Leave No Trace camps, waste carried out, community projects supported.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Cusco → Abra Málaga → bike down to Santa María
Walking time
3–4 h bike
Distance
55 km
Climb
+0 m
Descent
−3,050 m
Highest point
4,316 m
The van climbs into the clouds and stops at 4,316 m. Helmets on — and then three hours of freewheeling downhill, from frozen fingers to warm jungle air, as the mountains turn green around you. In the afternoon, optional rafting on the Urubamba for those who still want more adrenaline. Dinner and a cold drink in the little village of Santa María.
Departure dates
November 2026
Daily departures all year, no permit needed — book up to 3 days before. Tap a green date to book it.
What's included
- Professional bilingual guide
- Bike, helmet and protective gear
- Hostels in Santa María and Santa Teresa
- Meals listed in the itinerary
- Rafting and zip-line (optional, included)
- Machu Picchu entrance and guided tour
- Bus Aguas Calientes ↔ Machu Picchu
- Hotel night in Aguas Calientes
- Train to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco
Not included
- Travel insurance (required)
- Hotels in Cusco
- Airport transfers
- Tips for the crew
- Meals not listed
- Sleeping bag and trekking poles (available to rent)
Trail chefs and the people behind your trek
Our chefs cook three hot meals a day — quinoa soup, lomo saltado, fresh trout, Andean herbal teas — with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Our crew are Quechua men and women from the communities around Cusco. We pay them fairly, respect legal load limits and support their families through our community program.
How hard is it? Level 2 of 5 — Moderate
Moderate. The walking days are at low altitude (under 2,000 m) and mostly gentle; you need to be comfortable on a bike downhill. Great for active travellers who don't want to camp.
Our difficulty scale
Every trek we run is rated from 1 (easy) to 5 (hard). This one is a 2.
- 1Easy
Gentle walks of 2–4 hours, little climbing. Anyone in normal health.
Unique City Tour: Inca Trail, Alpacas & Ruins
- 2Moderate
4–6 hours a day with some climbs, mostly below 3,500 m. Regular walkers.
Short Inca Trail (Express) · Inca Jungle Trek
- 3Active
5–7 hours a day, steady climbs and passes up to around 4,000 m. Good basic fitness.
Lares Trek to Machu Picchu · Inca Quarry Trek to Machu Picchu · Rainbow Mountain Trek · Salkantay & Humantay
- 4Challenging
6–8 hours a day on steep stone steps, one or more passes above 4,000 m. Fit hikers who train beforehand.
Classic Inca Trail · Lares Fusion Inca Trail · Salkantay Fusion Inca Trail · Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu · Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu
- 5Hard
Long, remote days, big daily climbs and high passes near 5,000 m. Experienced, very fit trekkers.
Choquequirao Trek to Machu Picchu · Ausangate Trek
Best time to go
Open all year, including February. April–October is drier; in the rainy months the bike section may be shortened for safety.
- Jan
- Rainy season: muddy trails and cloud on the passes, but lush valleys and quiet campsites.
- Feb
- Wettest month, yet open — the Inca Trail closes, so this route is the way to walk to Machu Picchu. Good rain gear is a must.
- Mar
- Rain eases toward the end of the month. Waterfalls at their fullest.
- Apr
- Rains fade, everything is green. A great shoulder month.
- May
- Dry season begins. Clear views of the glaciers — one of the very best months.
- Jun
- Dry and sunny, cold nights at the high camp. Inti Raymi in Cusco on 24 June.
- Jul
- Peak season: the most reliable weather and the clearest mountain views.
- Aug
- Dry, clear and lively on the trail. Book early for Machu Picchu tickets.
- Sep
- Still dry, warmer nights and fewer hikers.
- Oct
- Mostly dry with the first afternoon showers. Good value.
- Nov
- Mixed weather — sunny mornings, some afternoon rain.
- Dec
- Rainy season returns. Fewer hikers and festive Cusco.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Inca Jungle Trek safe?
Yes. Our bikes are maintained, every rider gets a helmet and gloves, and a support van follows the group all the way down.
Do I have to do rafting and zip-line?
No. Both are optional — skip one or both, your call.
Do we camp?
No. You sleep in simple, clean hostels and a hotel in Aguas Calientes.
How late can I book the Inca Jungle Trek?
Up to 3 days before departure. It needs no Inca Trail permit, so it leaves every day of the year.
How do I avoid altitude sickness?
Spend at least 2 days in Cusco (3,400 m) before the trek, drink lots of water, avoid alcohol the first days and walk slowly. Our guides carry emergency oxygen and a first aid kit.
Who carries my things?
You only carry a light day pack. Our crew (porters on the Inca Trail, horsemen and mules on Salkantay and Lares) carries the tents, kitchen, food and up to 5–7 kg of your personal gear.
What food is served?
Three hot meals a day plus snacks and tea, cooked fresh by our trail chefs. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diets are available on request.
Is drinking water provided?
Yes, boiled and filtered water from the first lunch onwards. Bring a 1–2 litre bottle.
What should I pack?
Broken-in hiking boots, rain jacket, warm layers, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, headlamp, water bottle, personal medication, passport and some cash.
Is travel insurance required?
Yes. It must cover hiking at altitude, medical evacuation and trip cancellation.
How much should I tip the crew?
Tips are optional but appreciated. Many hikers give around 40–80 USD per person in total, shared between the crew.
What age range joins your treks?
Most of our hikers are between 25 and 60. Fit hikers older than that walk with us every month — pace matters more than age.
Can I extend my stay or add Huayna Picchu?
Yes. Ask us when booking and we'll add the ticket or move your return train.
Why book with a local operator?
We are based in Cusco and run every trek with our own guides, chefs and crew. No middlemen: your money goes to the people who make your trip.