07 Day: Inca Jungle Adventure with Mountain Bike, Rafting, Zipline & Trek

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1ARRIVAL IN CUSCO⌄

   Welcome to Cusco! Upon your arrival at the Alejandro Velasco Astete Airport, a friendly representative from Inkayni Peru Tours will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. This day is reserved for rest to allow your body to adapt to the altitude of 3,400 meters (11,000 feet). Spend the day exploring the city at a leisurely pace or relaxing at the hotel. In the evening, meet your expedition group to go over the details of your upcoming adventure.

   Overnight: Ayni Cusco Hotel *** or similar

2. 2CHINCHERO – MARAS SALT MINES & MORAY.⌄

   The day begins at 8:00 AM with a pickup from your hotel, followed by a scenic 1-hour 20-minute drive through the Sacred Valley. Along the way, enjoy breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, golden wheat fields, and traditional Andean villages. Our first stop is Moray (3,500 masl / 11,483 ft.), an intriguing archaeological site with three amphitheater-like terraces carved into the earth. These formations were likely used by the Incas for agricultural experiments. Next, we drive 3 km (2 mi) to the Maras Salt Mines (3,380 masl / 11,089 ft.), an ancient salt-extraction site with over 3,000 salt pools still in use today. Our final stop is Chinchero (3,762 masl / 12,343 ft.), a charming village known for its Inca ruins, colonial church, and vibrant weaving traditions. Here, local artisans demonstrate Andean textile techniques passed down for generations. After a day of discovery, we return to Cusco (3,399 masl / 11,152 ft.).

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Ayni Cusco Hotel *** or similar.

3. 3FIRST DAY INKA JUNGLE ADVENTURE: CUSCO – SANTA MARIA (34 miles, 55 km) (BIKING AND RAFTING)⌄

   The adventure begins with an early pickup around 6:00 AM (time to be confirmed). A scenic 3-hour drive takes us to Malaga Pass (4,350 masl / 15,190 ft.), where we start an exhilarating mountain bike descent. Over the next three hours, we ride through picturesque villages, lush orchards, and rushing rivers, arriving in Huamanmarca (1,800 masl / 5,906 ft.) around 1:30 PM. From here, a private bus takes us to Santa María (1,200 masl / 3,937 ft.). After a short break and lunch, we embark on a thrilling 2-hour rafting adventure, navigating Class II and III rapids under the supervision of a professional safety kayaker. Following this adrenaline-filled experience, we return to Santa María, where a delicious dinner awaits and we settle in for the night, preparing for the next day’s adventure.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Santa Maria - Hostel - basic accommodation

4. 4SECOND DAY INKA JUNGLE ADVENTURE: SANTA MARIA – SANTA TERESA: TREKKING (14 MILES, 23 KM)⌄

   After a hearty breakfast, we begin our trek to Santa Teresa at 6:00 AM. The first two hours involve an uphill climb, with several stops to explore the region’s diverse flora and fauna. One of these stops includes a visit to a local family's home, where we’ll rest, enjoy fresh tropical fruit, and refill our water supplies. We then continue along a historic section of the Inca Trail, which once connected Machu Picchu and Vilcabamba. Here, our guide will share fascinating stories of Inca history and communication systems, while we take in breathtaking views of the Huancarccasa Canyon. Descending to Quellomayo, we enjoy a well-earned lunch and relax in hammocks before continuing to the Cocalmayo hot springs, where you’ll unwind in the natural thermal baths. Afterward, we walk 40 minutes to Santa Teresa (1,550 masl / 5,085 ft.), where dinner and lodging await, preparing us for the next adventure.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Santa Teresa - Hostel, basic accommodation

5. 5THIRD DAY INKA JUNGLE ADVENTURE: SANTA TERESA – AGUAS CALIENTES: HIKING AND ZIP LINE (10 miles, 16 km)⌄

   After an early breakfast, we will begin our trek to Aguas Calientes at approximately 6 AM. The journey starts with a scenic 3-hour walk through the lush Aobamba Valley, where you’ll be surrounded by vibrant vegetation and stunning mountain views. Along the way, we will pass the Intihuatana sector, where you’ll encounter the government control post before continuing the hike. Lunch will be provided en route, offering a chance to rest and recharge while taking in the beautiful scenery. In this area, you will also have the opportunity to see an ancient astronomical sundial used by the Incas, along with other fascinating structures near the iconic Machu Picchu citadel. After approximately 3 hours of trekking, we will reach Aguas Calientes, following the train tracks that lead into this charming town nestled at the base of Machu Picchu.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Golden Sunrise Hotel *** or similar.

6. 6MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO⌄

   The day begins early with breakfast before boarding one of the morning buses to Machu Picchu. Upon entering the Inca citadel, your guide will lead you on an in-depth tour, sharing the captivating history of this iconic site and explaining its most remarkable features, such as temples, ceremonial areas, terraces, and storage structures. If you’ve secured an additional ticket in advance, you’ll also have the opportunity to explore either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for a breathtaking perspective of the surroundings. After the guided tour, the group will return to Aguas Calientes for a brief rest and lunch (not included). In the afternoon, you’ll board a train back to Ollantaytambo, where a private van will be waiting to take you to Cusco, marking the end of an unforgettable journey.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Ayni Cusco Hotel *** or similar.

7. 7DEPARTURE⌄

   On your final day, we’ll arrange your transfer to the Cusco Airport, ensuring a smooth departure according to your flight schedule. As your adventure comes to an end, we hope you leave with unforgettable memories of Peru’s breathtaking landscapes and rich culture.

   Meals: Breakfast