Minimum age: 9 years old – Must have parents permission

DAY 01: CUSCO - ABRA MALAGA - SANTA MARIA: Biking and Rafting

(RAFTING OPTIONAL: US$ 40)

Pick up time is 4:30 a.m.

We will leave the Imperial City of Cusco and head towards the Sacred Valley of the Incas. It is here that we will have our buffet style breakfast.

We will continue on to Abra Málaga (4,350 meters) (14 160 ft), the starting point of our biking tour. After a short explanation to help orientate you, your guide will provide you with the necessary equipment for the activity. We will the begin our 3-hour, bicycle descent 55km (35 miles) until we reach the town of Huamanmarca.

During the trip we will experience the beauty of the snow-capped mountains and the tropical forest. It is here in the tropical forest that our Peruvian Amazon adventure begins. We will cross small streams and we will enjoy the change from cold to a tropical climate.

During the journey we will stop several times to review bicycles and equipment. We will arrive at the town of Santa María (1200 meters) (3,900 ft.), where we will have our lunch and stay for our first night.

In the afternoon we have the option of rafting on the Vilcanota River. This river offers category III and III + rapids. For this activity we will give you helmets, windbreaks and category V life jackets. This activity is available between the months of April to December, and you must be able to swim to participate in accordance with Peruvian law.

Accommodation: Lorenzo’s Lodge Santa Maria ( double, twin, triple)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 2: SANTA MARIA – SANTA TERESA: Trekking

After a delicious breakfast, we will be ready to make the first day of trekking to Santa Teresa.

The first two hours of our tour we will ascend the terrain. On the way we will have several stops to learn a little more about the richness in flora and fauna of the area in which we will find ourselves. We will also stop at the home of a local family, where we will learn about their customs and traditions.

Later we will cross a section of the Inca Trail that formerly connected the Sacred City of the citadel Machu Picchu to the last Inca refuge, Vilcabamba. Here our guide will explain a little more about the history of the Incas and also the Incan communication system (the route of the Incas).

At this point we have the pleasure of experiencing some of the most impressive views of the Huancarccasa canyon, to see the majestic Salkantay.

We will then descend to the town of Quellomayo, where we will enjoy a delicious lunch and a relaxing rest in the hammocks of the restaurant.

We will continue with the last two hours of our hike to arrive at the thermal baths of Cocalmayo, where we will spend a while enjoying this enchanting place. When the whole group is ready, our private transport will take you to the town of Santa Teresa, where we will spend our second night.

Accommodation: Yakare Lodge Santa Teresa ( double, twin, triple)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 3: SANTA TERESA – AGUAS CALIENTES : Zip Line and Trekking

(ZIP LINE OPCIONAL: US$ 40)

On day three we will have the opportunity to do the zip line activity with one of the highly trusted operators in the area. This activity is optional and lasts approximately two hours.

We will then have breakfast. After breakfast, we will board our transport to the hydroelectric plant, where the government control is located and the entrance to Machu Picchu National Park (Machu Picchu Historical Sanctuary).

At this point we will start our trekking to the town of Aguas Calientes, passing through the area called Intihuatana, a small archaeological site where the guide will share an explanation to better understand the site.

Then we will continue to Inka Rakay, where we will enjoy our lunch. During the journey, we will enjoy and contemplate the majesty of the Machu Picchu mountains, Huayna Picchu as well as other archaeological sites in the heights of the mountain.

We will finish the hike in the town of Aguas Calientes, where we will spend the third night of the tour.

Accommodation: Killa Ecológico Aguas Calientes ( double, twin, triple)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

DAY 4: MACHU PICCHU

This is the most important day of the tour, today you will visit one of the seven wonders of the world.

The tour will start very early, to appreciate the sunrise in the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

Our day will start with the option of hiking or taking the bus (US $ 12).

Once inside the archaeological site, you will have a two-hour guided tour inside the Inca city of Machu Picchu, you will see its most important temples, such as the Temple of the Sun, the Temple of the Three Windows, etc.

You will then be free to explore Machu Picchu on your own. If you booked in advance, to hike Mt. Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain, you will have that opportunity after your guided tour.

You must make the reservations to hike either mountain three or more months in advance for an additional cost of US $ 20. Space is limited to only 400 people a day to climb any of them.

We also recommend allowing time to relax, meditate and rest while taking advantage of the magical and spiritual energies of this great wonder.

After you have finished enjoying Machu Picchu, you will return to Aguas Calientes to take the train back to Ollantaytambo or Cusco (train not included). You can buy tickets at perurail.com or incarail.com (No meals included).

DAY 1: 04:30 - 05:00

Pickup at your hotel in Cusco

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DAY 1: 05:00 - 07:30

Go to Malaga

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DAY 1: 07:30 - 12:00

Mountain biking

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DAY 1: 13:00 - 18:00

Lunch and overnight in Santa Maria

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DAY 2: 06:00 - 12:00

Begin the trekking

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DAY 2: 13:00 - 18:00

Lunch and overnight in Santa Teresa

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DAY 3: 06:00 - 07:00

Breakfast

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DAY 3: 07:00 - 12:00

Begin the trekking or zipling (optional)

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DAY 3: 12:00 - 18:00

Lunch and overnight in Aguas Calientes

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DAY 4: 04:00 - 05:30

Start up to Machu Picchu Sanctuary

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DAY 4: 08:00 or 10:00

Guided Machu Picchu tour (schedule subjet to availability)

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NOTE:

All times are approximations

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- Transfer from our office at 6.00am to Lorenzo´s Lodge (breakfast point)
- The coolest T-shirts from our company
- Mini-bus to Santa María or biking point
- Bikes and full safety equipment
- All meals, except on Day 4 (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 3 dinners)
- 3 nights’ accommodation (Santa Maria, Santa Teresa, and Aguas Calientes)
- An experienced, bilingual “Adventure Guide”
- Entrance to Machu Picchu
- Guided Tour in and around Machu Picchu

- Train tickets to return to Cusco
- Last lunch in Machu Picchu
- Bus to Machu Picchu (one way $12.00)
- Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain
- Rafting o Zipline: $40.00 each one

- Small backpack
- Polar jacket or fleece
- Good trekking shoes or boots
- Rain poncho (or rain jacket)
- Bathing suit, sandals, and towels
- Insect repellent
- T-shirts and shorts
- Sun block, sun glasses and hat
- Flashlight
- Personal medicine
- Original passport

Cancellation or changes to this tour:

CHANGES: There are no changes to this tour allowed. Changes of date, names, times are not permitted under any circumstances. Please refer to the cancellation policy and re-book this tour should you require a change.

NO SHOWS & CANCELLATIONS: If you cancel 20 days prior to the tour before 6:00 pm (Lima time), a 60% administration fee (+ the card fee). After this time, there is a 100% no-show or cancellation fee.

You must email bookings@findlocaltrips.com (include the name of the tour and the reservation number) to cancel this tour or to make any changes.

1. I cannot find my accommodation listed in the operator pick up locations when making my booking. What should I select?

   This operator only offers pick-ups from the hotel and hostel accommodation listed, this covers over 90% of the accommodation providers in the area. They do not provide pick-ups or drop-offs at private residences, Airbnbs, bus terminals etc. Select an alternative close by and be ready there for pick-up at the time on your booking confirmation

2. What is the difference between Salkantay and the Inca Jungle Trek?

   Salkantay is full-on trekking, whereas the Inca Jungle mixes trekking, rafting, mountain biking and other activities.

3. How physically fit do I need to be?

   The Inca Jungle Trek can range in difficulty, however most are classified as a moderate level. The Machu Picchu complex itself is not difficult, and most people do not have any problems.

4. How do I avoid altitude sickness?

   Take Soroche (Diamox) pills, eat small meals, drink coca tea, drink lots of water, and avoid alcohol (it’s a dehydrator). The best way to avoid altitude sickness is to acclimatize yourself. The recommended approach for acclimatization is to ascend gradually, spending at least 24 hours at every 2,000ft increase in altitude.

5. What are the symptoms of altitude sickness?

   Common symptoms of altitude sickness (sometimes called acute mountain sickness) can be similar to a bad hangover, and may include headache, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, tiredness, loss of appetite and shortness of breath. A severe headache (that is not relieved by medication), nausea and vomiting, and increasing fatigue or shortness of breath may indicate more serious problems – seek medical attention.

6. Where is Machu Picchu?

   Machu Picchu is near a town called Aguas Calientes or Machu Picchu Town. From there, it is a 1.5 hour hike up steps, or a 20-minute bus ride to the complex itself.

7. Where is Huayna (Wayna) Picchu?

   Huayna Picchu Mountain is the peak located in the north of Machu Picchu citadel. It is the backdrop to the classic image of Machu Picchu. The peak offers inspiring views of the ruins and 360° views of the area. The climb to the summit takes 45 minutes, it is a challenging trek and is very steep in parts. Limited to 400 a day, tickets must be purchased as a combo ticket at the same time as your entrance to Machu Picchu. This ticket cannot be purchased separately and is always in high demand. It costs approximately $20 extra.

8. What is Machu Picchu Mountain?

   Machu Picchu Mountain is the peak located in the south-west of Machu Picchu citadel. The trek offers unparalleled sights of the ruins and panoramic views of the surrounding scenery. The trek is wide and well-marked. It is a moderate/challenging trek and takes 90 minutes to ascend. Limited to 800 a day, tickets must be purchased as a combo ticket at the same time as your entrance to Machu Picchu. This ticket cannot be purchased separately. It costs around $20 extra.

9. Where can I leave my bags?

   You can leave your bags at your Cusco hostel/hotel. Note, if you take the train there are bag restrictions.

10. Is the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu worth it?

    The walk up to Machu Picchu can be seen as part of the experience. However, the bus is an option for those who are tired after a long trek, or who just want to save their energy for all the walking at the top.

11. What kind of weather can we find in Machu Picchu?

    Machu Picchu is at a lower altitude level than Cusco. It contains part of the jungle, and the rains are present during all seasons. During the hottest days, the temperature can reach approximately 26° Celsius (79ºF), and during the cool, early mornings, the temperature can drop to -2° C (-36ºF). The best months to visit Machu Picchu are May and June, since they are the mildest ones.

12. Can I have a private room if I travel alone?

    Yes, of course, but you will need to pay an extra 30 dollars (for 3 nights) at the beginning of your tour to your guide. You must inform by email bookings@findlocaltrips.com 48 hours before the tour starts.

13. Will I have problems with altitude sickness on this tour?

    Altitude sickness can catch many travellers a little bit off guard. Not everyone gets sick in high altitudes, and it is difficult to predict who is likely to be badly affected by it. For most people, it is nothing more than a headache and a dizzy sensation that diminishes over a short period of time, 1 to 2 days for most people. If you want to limit your chances of getting sick, there are a few things you can do. Firstly, do not fly directly into high altitude - proceed slowly, allowing your body time to acclimatise as you ascend gradually. However, for many that is not possible, so it’s important to drink lots of water, and to slow down! This sounds simple, but both of these things are very important. Your body is struggling because you don’t have enough oxygen, so avoiding any strenuous activity is a good idea. Chew some coca leaves - the native people of South America have been chewing coca for centuries, thanks to its ability to alleviate mild altitude sickness symptoms. Coca leaves can be bought in any supermarket, and even souvenir shops or street stalls. Take altitude sickness pills (Soroche): these are sold over the counter all over Peru and Bolivia, and are just a few dollars. If you are flying straight into altitude over 2500metres without spending any time at an intermediate elevation, and you’re worried about getting sick, you can ask your doctor for more specific and stronger altitude sickness medication in advance. In the rare case that your symptoms are more severe than a headache and mild dizziness, you should descend in altitude and seek medical assistance.