Inca Jungle Trek Short Inca Trail 4-Day
Inca Jungle Trek Short Inca Trail 4-Day
What to Expect on the Inca Jungle Trek & Short Inca Trail (4 Days) This 4-day trekking expedition was designed for travelers seeking a more active and diverse alternative to traditional Machu Picchu tours. The route transitions from high-mountain scenery to lush cloud-forest landscapes before connecting with the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. From […]
Inca Jungle Adventure and Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
Inca Jungle Trek Short Inca Trail 4-Day: This adventurous route combines mountain landscapes, cloud forests, original Inca pathways, and the iconic arrival to Machu Picchu through the Short Inca Trail. Designed for active travelers, the itinerary explores remote regions of the Andes while connecting some of Peru’s most scenic trekking routes.
Along the journey, travelers hike through the Lucmabamba Valley, visit hidden viewpoints overlooking Machu Picchu, and follow ancient Inca trails toward the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). The route combines adventure, nature, and history into one dynamic trekking experience.
Unlike traditional treks to Machu Picchu, this itinerary offers a more varied environment with jungle scenery, mountain trails, hot springs, and original Inca stone pathways across multiple regions of the Andes.
Are you looking for an unforgettable adventure behind Machu Picchu? Look no further than our Inca Jungle Trek with Short Inca Trail 4 Days. This incredible journey will take you through the stunning landscape of Peru.
Overview
What to Expect on the Inca Jungle Trek & Short Inca Trail (4 Days)
This 4-day trekking expedition was designed for travelers seeking a more active and diverse alternative to traditional Machu Picchu tours. The route transitions from high-mountain scenery to lush cloud-forest landscapes before connecting with the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
From high mountain valleys and cloud forests to original Inca pathways near Machu Picchu, each stage of the trek offers a completely different landscape and trekking environment across the Andes.
One of the highlights of this route is how dramatically the scenery changes throughout the journey — from warm jungle valleys and mountain viewpoints to cloud forests and the ancient stone pathways leading to Machu Picchu.
DAY 1: Cusco, Inca Jungle, Inca Trail, and Hot Spring
DAY 2: Lucmabamba Inca Trail—Machu Picchu Pueblo
DAY 3: Short Inca Trail to Inti Punku
DAY 4: Machu Picchu—Return to Cusco
Highlights of the Inca Jungle Trek & Short Inca Trail
- Explore diverse landscapes ranging from mountain valleys to cloud forests near Machu Picchu.
- Hike through the Lucmabamba Valley and scenic viewpoints overlooking the Andes.
- Walk one of the most beautiful sections of the original Short Inca Trail.
- Enter Machu Picchu through the legendary Sun Gate (Inti Punku).
- Relax in natural hot springs surrounded by jungle scenery.
- Ideal for active travelers seeking adventure, trekking, and cultural exploration in Peru.
Itinerary
4-Day Itinerary
This itinerary combines trekking, remote landscapes, and original Inca pathways into a more adventurous route to Machu Picchu. The experience balances physical activity, scenic exploration, and cultural history across multiple regions of the Peruvian Andes.
DAY 1
Cusco – Hiking the Inca Jungle & Cocalmayo Hot Spring
At 05:00, we leave Cusco in the direction of Santa María, “4 hours of travel”, to start the lovely walk through the Inca Jungle Inca trail of 3 hours and a half inside the forest, fruit plants, coffee plantations, and leaves of coke Then we go to the thermal baths in Cocalmayo to enjoy some well-deserved hot water to relax the muscles.
Overnight in Santa Teresa
Box Lunch & Dinner
Moderate
5.5km (3.4 miles)
3-4 Hrs.
Santa Rosa: 1,203m (3,946 ft)
Road: 1,436m (4,411 ft)
Huaca Yupana Pass: 1,640m (5,380 ft)
DAY 2
Hike the Lucmabamba Inca Trail – Machu Picchu Pueblo
At 7:00, we leave for Lucmabamba, “a 35-minute drive.” In Lucmabamba, there is the original Inca Trail that goes to the top of Llactapata, a “3 hour’s walk” from the top; observe the incredible constructions of Machu Picchu in the distance from the ruins of Llactapata. Descend for about 2 hours until you reach the Hidroeléctrica train station. We travel by train to Machu Picchu Pueblo in the afternoon, a “30-minute ride”.
1B, 1L.
Intense
10.2km (6.3 miles)
5 Hrs.
Lucmabamba Town: 2,017m (6,617 ft)
Hidroelectrica 1,811m (5,941 ft)
Lucmabamba Pass: 2,814m (9,232 ft)
DAY 3
Short Inca Trail from Machu Picchu Pueblo
At 05:30, the initial walk from Machu Picchu Pueblo to kilometer 104 of the railway upstream of the Urubamba River “takes one hour and a half of semi-flat walk.” At km 104, we present the entrance tickets and passports to the official Inca Trail network to enter.
Enjoy the walk ascending the Wiñaywayna mountain until you reach the ruins of Wiñaywayna. “3 hours of walking” from Wiñaywayna; there are 2 hours of walking until you get to Machu Picchu through the Inti Punku ruins. Enjoy the magnificent views before and after Inti Punku until you reach the Machu Picchu viewpoint.
1BL.
Demanding
16km (9.9 miles)
7 Hrs.
Machu Picchu Pueblo: 2,065m (6,774 ft)
Machu Picchu Ruins: 2,400m (7,874 ft)
Inti Pinku: 2,720m (8,920 ft)
DAY 4
Guided Tour Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco
In the morning, board the bus at the gate of Machu Picchu and go on a two-hour guided tour inside the Inca Citadel of Machu Picchu, exploring various Inca temples such as the Temple of the Sun, the Inca royal tombs, the Inca palace, the house of the chosen ones of the sun, the temple of the condor, etc.
In the afternoon, we will return to Ollantaytambo by train. In Ollantaytambo, there is a private service for the transfer to Cusco.
Easy
A light walk
2-hour guided tour
Machu Picchu Pueblo: 2,065m (6,774 ft)
Machu Picchu Ruins: 2,400m (7,874 ft)
Cusco: 3,350m (10,990 ft)
Inclusions
What’s Included
Personalized adventures for independent hikers.
Multi-environment trekking experience through mountain valleys, cloud forests, and original Inca pathways to Machu Picchu.
English-speaking local guide(s).
Pick-up and drop-off are available at your accommodation in Cusco.
Days 1–2: Inca Jungle Section
- Private transportation with fuel and driver (Cusco to Santa Maria, Santa Teresa, and Cocalmayo), plus local transportation from Santa Teresa to Lucmabamba.
- 1-night accommodation: Santa Teresa Plaza Hotel (2-star).
- Entrance tickets to the Inca Jungle.
- Meals: box lunches.
- First aid kit + one portable oxygen balloon.
Day 3: Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
- Authorization to enter the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail.
- Inca Trail + Machu Picchu Entrance Ticket: valid only for the printed date, route, and time. Personal and non-transferable.
- Meals: box lunch.
- Bus service to Aguas Calientes is down.
Day 4: Machu Picchu Tour & Return to Cusco
- Round-trip bus tickets to/from Machu Picchu.
- 2 hours of a guided tour inside Machu Picchu.
- Note: There is no free time according to Machu Picchu regulations. If travelers require more hours, they must purchase a new ticket.
- Inbound train journey: Machu Picchu → Ollantaytambo → Cusco (bimodal service) onboard Expedition Train No. 34. Departure at 15:20.
On-site logistical support from our office in Peru.
All taxes (Peru).
What’s Not Included
- Hotel: From ancient ruins to vibrant markets, let your surroundings guide your choices as you select from the varied accommodations in Cusco and Aguas Calientes.
- Local train from Hydro to Aguas Calientes by PERURAIL: Service: HYDROELECTRIC to MACHU PICCHU PUEBLO
- International airfare, domestic airfare within Peru, airport departure taxes (Approximate cost: US$ 31.00 for international flights and US$ 10.40 for each domestic flight)
- Reconfirmation of international flights and items of a personal nature
- Spending money: allow approximately US$40–90 per day to cover meals, snacks, drinks, limited souvenirs, laundry, tips, personal expenses, and extras.
- Meals that are not described in the service.
- Travel Insurance
- Tipping is a personal gesture: “guide (S) and driver.”
What to Bring
- You must bring your original passport.
- A small backpack to carry the necessary items for the walk each day.
- A down jacket is great for the Andes.
- Hiking pants with shorts, as daytime temperatures can be pretty warm, but temperatures drop as soon as the sun goes down.
- A rain poncho or a waterproof jacket.
- Hiking boots.
- Extra socks.
- A sleeping bag with resistance -15 °C (5 °F)
- Flashlight
- A high-factor sunscreen (SPF), a sun hat, and sunglasses
Optional Upgrades
Enhance Your Trip
Train Services
By PeruRail / PER PERSON
+ $55 Vistadome train (one way: MACHUPICCHU – OLLANTAYTAMBO) Inbound Journey
+ $445.00 Hiram Bingham train (Train MACHUPICCHU – POROY) Inbound Journey
Extra Tickets
+$75 Huayna Picchu
+$75 Montaña
+$75 RE-ENTRY TO MACHU PICCHU
Available Discounts
- College Students: $20 off
Machu Picchu Tickets are valid for a single entry; re-entry is not permitted! To re-enter, you must purchase a new entrance ticket in advance.
Kondor Path Tours is a locally operated trekking company based in Cusco, specializing in adventure routes and alternative trekking experiences to Machu Picchu.
An Alternative Adventure Route to Machu Picchu
Based in Cusco, our team designs trekking experiences that connect alternative adventure routes with the original Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. This itinerary was created for travelers seeking a more active and varied journey across different Andean landscapes.
Unlike standard trekking routes, this journey combines active exploration, scenic diversity, and cultural history into one immersive adventure across the Andes.
Explore More Trekking Combinations to Machu Picchu
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about the Inca Jungle Trek + Short Inca Trail (4 Days).
The Inca Jungle Tour with Kondor Path Tours is an adventurous multi-day tour that combines trekking, biking, rafting, and zip-lining to reach the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu. It offers a unique and exciting way to experience the Inca culture and the stunning landscapes of Peru.
The duration of the Inca Jungle tour with Kondor Path Tours is typically four days and three nights. This allows you to fully immerse yourself in the activities and explore the region’s scenic beauty.
The Inca Jungle Tour and Short Inca Trail 4 Days include hiking along ancient trails, biking through the mountains and jungles, white-water rafting in the Urubamba River, and zip-lining across breathtaking canyons. The tour also includes a visit to Machu Picchu and a guided tour of the ruins.
No prior experience is required for most of the activities included in the Inca Jungle Tour. However, essential fitness and a sense of adventure are recommended as the tour involves physical activities such as hiking, biking, and rafting. You must inform the tour operator about any specific concerns or limitations you may have.
The Inca Jungle Trek + Short Inca Trail 4 Days is generally suitable for participants of various age groups, including adults and older teenagers. However, it is essential to consider the tour’s physical demands, such as hiking and biking, and consult with the tour operator to ensure it is appropriate for your fitness level and capabilities.
The accommodation during the Inca Jungle Tour is typically a mix of basic hotels and lodges along the route. These accommodations provide comfortable beds, hot showers, and meals to rejuvenate after each day’s activities. While not luxurious, they offer the necessary amenities for a pleasant stay.
Most of the necessary equipment, such as mountain bikes, helmets, and safety gear, is provided by Kondor Path Tours. However, it’s recommended to bring comfortable clothing, sturdy footwear, a day pack, sunscreen, and a water bottle. The tour operator will provide a detailed packing list.
What is the best time of year to take the Inca Jungle Tour?
The Inca Jungle Tour can be enjoyed year-round, but the dry season from April to October is considered the best. The weather is usually straightforward during this period, and the trail conditions are optimal for trekking, biking, and other activities.
Booking the Inca Jungle tour with Kondor Path Tours in advance is highly recommended, especially during the peak tourist season. This ensures availability and allows for better transportation, accommodations, and other logistics coordination.
The group size for the Inca Jungle tour with Kondor Path Tours can vary, but it typically ranges from 4 to 12 participants. Smaller groups allow a more personalized experience and better interaction with the tour guide.
Tour Pricing
Tour Price – 4 Days
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| Persons | Price (p/p) | |
| 1 | $ 1 236.00 USD | |
| 2 | $ 812.00 USD | |
| 3 | $ 688.00 USD | |
| 4 | $ 598.00 USD | |
| 5 | $ 561.00 USD | |
| 6 | $ 522.00 USD | |
| 7 | $ 501.00 USD | |
| 8 | $ 479.00 USD | |
| 9 | $ 480.00 USD | |
| 10 | $ 465.00 USD |
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The Inca Jungle Trek with Short Inca Trail offers an adventurous alternative route to Machu Picchu, combining trekking, remote landscapes, cloud forests, and original Inca pathways into one dynamic experience through the Andes.
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