Activity description
The ultimate adventure trip to Machu Picchu. Approximately 45 km of activities like cycling, rafting, hiking, and ziplining, surrounded by stunning landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and a maximum altitude of 4,630 masl on the first day.
DAY 1: CUSCO - ABRA MALAGA - SANTA MARIA (Mountain Biking and Rafting)
DAY 2: SANTA MARIA - QUELLOMAYO - SANTA TERESA (Walk)
DAY 3: SANTA MARIA - HIDRELECTRICA - AGUAS CALIENTES (Zyrolean Crossing and Trekking)
DAY 4: AGUAS CALIENTES - MACHUPICCHU - CUSCO (Wonder of the World)
This high-octane trip to Machu Picchu offers an unforgettable blend of adventure and history.
ITINERARY
Day 1: CUSCO - SANTA MARIA (Biking and Rafting)
The adventure begins early in the morning in Cusco, picking you up at your accommodation around 6 am.
The drive passes through the incredible Sacred Valley of the Incas. Passing through the indigenous village of Chinchero, with stunning views of the Vilcabamba and Vilcanota mountain ranges, and enjoying panoramic views of the small villages in the Sacred Valley, after a two-hour drive, we stop at the Inca city of Ollantaytambo to stretch our legs and use the restroom.
Then we continued driving the car to the Abra Malaga pass at 4350 masl 14271 feet, at this point we began 60 KM by bike to the village of Santa Maria at 1430 masl 4691 feet.
At Abra Málaga, you'll receive all the cycling equipment and a cycling training session to ensure a triumphant arrival in the village of Santa Maria. The cycling begins high in the Andes with majestic views of snow-capped Veronica. We descend from Abra Málaga to the Inca site of Huamanmarca for lunch and to explore the small Inca ruins.
Afterwards, we return to the car and arrive in Santa Maria for an afternoon rafting trip on the Rio Branco. You'll have the opportunity to enjoy the views of the beautiful landscape.
Once in Santa Maria, you'll head to your accommodation for a shower and relaxation. In the evening, dine at the village restaurant.
Day 2: SANTA MARIA - QUELLOMAYO - SANTA TERESA (Walk)
Our trekking day begins with an energizing breakfast at the restaurant around 6:00 am.
Today is one of the most memorable days of the entire adventure. We began walking along the car route for about 45 minutes.
Then we entered the original Inca trail that connected Machu Picchu to Vilcabamba, considered the last Inca capital.
On the way we appreciate many plantations of banana, coca, cassava, coffee, etc. 3 hours of hiking along the original Inca trail with magnificent views of the Vilcanota valley and panoramic views of the hills covered by a different type of jungle plantations.
We stopped for lunch in the village of Quellomayo, a pleasant place to enjoy lunch at one of the local restaurants. After lunch, you can rest or wander around.
Afterwards, we continued hiking along the Vilcanota River for 3.5 hours to reach the Cocalmayo hot springs.
These natural, open-air hot springs are ideal for relaxing your muscles after your hike, and you can spend a few hours in the hot springs before continuing your hike to Santa Teresa.
After a 45-minute walk from the hot springs, we arrived in Santa Teresa.
We will spend the night in Santa Teresa at the inn and have dinner at the local restaurant.
If you prefer, instead of walking after Cocalmayo Hot Spring to Santa Teresa, you can take a small minivan (10 minutes).
Day 3: SANTA TERESA - HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANT - HOT WATERS
This day starts with breakfast around 7:00 AM, after that it's half an hour to the highest zip lines in South America, it's two hours in total doing this activity to go to Hidroelétrica for lunch.
Then it's time to walk along the Urubamaba River, enjoying beautiful scenery, two hours from Hidroelectrica to Aguas Calientes.
Aguas Calientes is the closest town to Machu Picchu (just half an hour by bus), here is the place to dine, sleep and also to enjoy the hot springs of Aguas Calientes.
Day 4: AGUAS CALIENTES - MACHU PICCHU - CUSCO
We'll rise early this morning for our visit to Machu Picchu, where we'll have a guided tour of the citadel to see and learn about the temples, terraces, and all the incredible stone structures that make Machu Picchu a Wonder of the World.
For those who previously selected to climb *Huayna Picchu Mountain or *Machu Picchu Mountain, they will do so at the scheduled time (1st group: 6 am to 8 am, 2nd group: 9 am to 11 am).
On this day you can choose how to return to Cusco:
First option: Returning by car. This is the cheapest option. You should leave Machu Picchu by 12:00 PM at the latest. It's about a three-hour walk to Hidroeléctrica, where the minivan will be waiting for you to return to Cusco, arriving at approximately 10:00 PM.
Second option: Return by train. +99 USD per person. The train leaves Aguas Calientes at 6:20 or 9:50 PM, and it's about a two-hour journey to Ollantaytambo and a two-hour minivan ride to Cusco.
Notes:
Reservations can be made up to 2 days before departure.
The purchase of the ticket to Machu Picchu is done with the help of our guide in Aguas Calientes.
Specific policies
- The availability of Machu Picchu tickets may affect the availability of this tour.
- The entry time to Machu Picchu will depend on availability.
- The number of circuits depends on availability.
- Please note that a guide is included for Machu Picchu Circuit No. 2 only. If Circuit No. 2 is not available on your desired dates, you have the option of hiring a private guide directly in Machu Picchu.
- Depending on progress or time, the order of activities may change to optimize the smooth running of the day.
- When booking an activity to visit Machu Picchu, we strongly recommend booking your tour in advance to ensure you purchase your tickets online and avoid any inconvenience. Machu Picchu ticket availability may affect the availability of this tour.
Machu Picchu booking conditions:
If you book late and tickets are no longer available online, here's what you should be aware of:
- Purchase tickets on site:
Machu Picchu tickets must be purchased directly at the ticket office in Aguas Calientes the day before your visit. Tickets are limited in quantity, and entry times are assigned randomly.
Associated risks:
- Sold Out: There's a chance all tickets will be sold out before your arrival. In this case, you may need to consider staying an extra night in Aguas Calientes (not included) to try to buy an early ticket the next morning.
- Visiting and return times: If the scheduled visiting time does not allow for a return bus on the same day, there are two options:
o Return by train: You can choose to return to Cusco by train on the same day (not included).
o Additional night: You can choose to stay an additional night in Aguas Calientes and take the bus the next day (Not included).
We recommend planning your visit to Machu Picchu well in advance to minimize these risks and ensure a pleasant, stress-free experience.
What do I need to bring?
- Original passport
- Hat
- Walking shoes
- Shorts
- Swimming trunks
- Sunglasses
- Water bottle
- Backpack (to carry water, snacks, camera, sunscreen, valuables, coat, rain gear, etc.)
- Water bottle
- Toothbrush and other personal hygiene items
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Snacks (such as chocolate, cereal bars, candy, nuts, energy bars, etc.)
- Money in soles
