Trek Day 1: Cusco – Abra Málaga – Biking (45 km / 2.5–3 hrs) – Huaman Marca – Santa Maria
Embark on an Unforgettable Adventure from the Andes to the Jungle
Your journey begins in the historic city of Cusco (3,350 m / 10,990 ft), where we’ll pick you up from your hotel between 7:00 and 7:30 AM. From there, we travel by private transport to Ollantaytambo (2,700 m / 8,858 ft), where you’ll have a short 20-minute break to stretch, grab a snack, and enjoy the scenery.
We then continue to Abra Málaga—a breathtaking mountain pass at 4,400 m (14,435 ft). Here begins the heart-pounding downhill biking adventure, covering 45 kilometers over 2.5 to 3 hours, descending through diverse landscapes to the archaeological site of Huaman Marca (1,890 m / 6,200 ft).
After the ride, we take private transportation to the jungle town of Santa Maria (1,430 m / 4,700 ft), where a hearty lunch awaits. You’ll then settle into a charming, family-run hostel.
In the afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy an optional rafting experience (approx. 1.5 hours), perfect for adrenaline lovers. Finally, unwind and enjoy a delicious dinner at 7:30 PM, followed by a well-earned rest.
Trek Day 2: Santa Maria – Thermal Baths – Santa Teresa
Distance: 21 km | Duration: Approx. 8 hours
Today is one of the longest and most beautiful days of the trek, as we follow an authentic section of the ancient Inca Trail through the heart of the high jungle. This scenic journey offers a rich experience of the region’s biodiversity, both cultural and natural.
As we hike, you’ll pass through lush landscapes filled with coca and coffee plantations, as well as fruit trees like banana, orange, papaya, avocado, and granadilla. Keep your eyes and ears open—you might spot colorful parrots, hummingbirds, and other tropical birds along the trail.
In the afternoon, we’ll reach the relaxing thermal baths, a perfect reward after the hike. Enjoy approximately 2 hours soaking in the warm waters surrounded by nature. (Entrance not included – approx. 10 soles)
We then continue a short distance to the town of Santa Teresa (1,550 m / 5,085 ft), where you’ll settle into a comfortable hostel. Dinner is served at 8:00 PM, after which you can relax and rest for the next day’s adventure.
Trek Day 3: Santa Teresa – Hot Sands – Aguas Calientes
Distance: 15 km | Duration: Approx. 6 hours
We begin the day with a thrilling zipline adventure (CANOPY)—an exciting activity included in the program and lasting around 2 hours, offering stunning views and an adrenaline rush as you glide through the high jungle canopy.
After this, we’ll board our included transport for about 1 hour, heading to Hidroeléctrica (1,890 m / 6,200 ft), where a well-deserved lunch awaits.
Following lunch, we’ll start a scenic 3-hour hike along the railway tracks toward Aguas Calientes (2,050 m / 6,725 ft). Along the way, enjoy a unique perspective of Machu Picchu from afar—an awe-inspiring sight that builds anticipation for the big day ahead.
Once we arrive in Aguas Calientes, we’ll check in to our accommodation and later enjoy dinner, resting up for the final climb to Machu Picchu.
Trek Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Return to Cusco by Bus
Start: 4:30 a.m. | Visit to Machu Picchu + Hike to Hidroeléctrica + Return to Cusco
This day starts very early at 4:30 a.m. with a 30-minute flat walk, followed by a 1-hour uphill hike to the majestic Machu Picchu citadel. We will arrive around 6:00 a.m., just in time to witness the sunrise over the sacred city, an unforgettable moment.
We will enjoy a guided tour of about 2 hours, exploring the main temples, plazas, and terraces while learning about the fascinating history and secrets of this Wonder of the World.
After a short break, you must begin your descent from Machu Picchu no later than 10:30 a.m. to start the 3-hour hike through the lush jungle landscape toward Hidroeléctrica.
Once in Hidroeléctrica, we will board our private bus back to Cusco, concluding this amazing 4-day Inka Jungle Trek adventure.
Includes the return by bus from Hidroeléctrica at 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and arriving in Cusco between 10:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. (approximately 7 hours). Cusco center
Transportation to return to Cusco on the last day.
TRAVEL PLAN RETURNING WITH THE TRAIN OPTION AFTER MACHUPICCHU
TREK DAY 4: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHUPICCHU
This day we will start very early at 4:00 am. The first part of the trip is flat for ½ hour and for 1 hour it is an ascent towards Machu Picchu, where we will arrive at approximately 6:00 am to be able to see the sunrise and have the exploration of Machu Picchu with our guide for an average of 2 hours approximately, it is the new government regulation. After your visit to Machu Picchu, you have to go down through the town of Aguas Calientes, and to go down you have 2 options depending on your physical condition after the walk…
First option: a walk of 1 hour and 30 minutes to the town of Aguas Calientes.
Second option: bus for 30 minutes to the town of Aguas Calientes, price 12 dollars per person, not included.
Then you have time for lunch, not included, with some free time.
Then you will take the train to Ollantaytambo for approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes, and then a bus to Cusco for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to the center of Cusco. End of service – Okidoki Travel Peru Operator.
IMPORTANT TRAVEL INFORMATION FOR YOUR VISIT TO MACHU PICCHU
Machu Picchu tickets are included.
🛤️ How many circuits are available in Machu Picchu?
There are currently 3 official circuits for visiting Machu Picchu. Due to government regulations, guided tours are only allowed on one circuit per visit, and your guide cannot be present on multiple circuits at once.
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Circuit 1 – Panoramic:
Offers spectacular views of Machu Picchu from above. Only includes the upper area – no interior access. -
Circuit 2 – Classic (Guided Tour Included):
The most complete experience: classic postcard view + access to interior sections of Machu Picchu. -
Circuit 3 – Royalty:
No panoramic views. Focuses only on specific inner sections of Machu Picchu.
🟢 The guided tour includes only Circuit 2.
Entry time for the guided tour is usually 6:00 or 7:00 AM, and must be booked in advance.
🧗 Want to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain?
Yes, you can — but:
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It costs an extra $20 USD per person.
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You will miss your guided tour because Huayna Picchu is a different circuit.
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Guides are not allowed to do multiple circuits at once.
🕗 If I do the 4-day Salkantay Trek and return by bus, can I still climb Huayna Picchu?
Technically yes, but you will miss the guided tour of Machu Picchu.
🟡 We recommend:
Returning by train or staying one more night in Aguas Calientes (not included), so you have time to enjoy Huayna Picchu without stress.
(Recommendation by Okidoki Travel Peru Operator.)
🚌 If I return by bus, how much time do I have at Machu Picchu?
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If we book early entry tickets (6 AM, 7 AM, or 8 AM), you will have 2 hours inside Machu Picchu and enough time to return to Cusco by bus.
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If your entry time is after 8 AM (like 9 AM or 10 AM), you must return by train or stay one more night in Aguas Calientes and return the next day by bus.
(This is a recommendation from Okidoki Travel Peru.)
👨🏫 How long will the guided tour last?
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The guided tour in Machu Picchu lasts approximately 2 hours.
🚶♂️ How long is the walk from Machu Picchu to Hidroeléctrica?
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1 hour descent from Machu Picchu to the bridge.
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2.5 hours of flat trail walking along the Urubamba River to Hidroeléctrica.
➡️ Total: approx. 3.5 hours.
🏔️ Difference between Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain?
Feature | Huayna Picchu | Machu Picchu Mountain |
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Altitude | 2,720 m | 3,100 m |
Ascent & Descent | ~1.5 hours total | ~2.5 hours total |
Trail Type | Steep, narrow, thrilling | Wider, less steep |
Inca Ruins | Yes | No |
View | Overlooks Machu Picchu from the back | Panoramic view of the valley |
Note: Huayna Picchu is the famous mountain in the background of the classic postcard of Machu Picchu.
🌿 Do I need to acclimate in Cusco before doing the Salkantay Trek?
Yes, it’s highly recommended!
Arrive in Cusco 1–2 days before your trek to adjust to the altitude. Weather is variable, so bring layers and a rain poncho in your daypack.
🥗 I’m vegetarian or have food allergies — can I still do the trek?
Absolutely!
Please inform us before the trek so our cook can prepare appropriate meals.
We also offer a briefing at the Okidoki office before your trek to confirm all details.