Itinerary
Day 1: Biking adventure down Abra Malaga Pass
Stop At: Cusco, Cusco, Cusco Region
We start the day by picking you up from your hostel or hotel at around 9:50am, noon or early in the afternoon, according to how your train ticket. We will inform and confirm it to you the night before at the tour briefing.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Sacred Valley, Sacred Valley, Cusco Region
We will head towards the Sacred Valley (Urubamba) through Ollantaytambo, where we will stock up on water and other supplies for the tour.
This is the highest point on the program and provides incredible views down into the highlands. Throughout this route you will enjoy beautiful and picturesque natural and cultural attractions.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Abra Malaga, 08700, Peru
We will disembark at the top of the Abra Malaga pass and start gearing up for one of the most exciting cycles of your life.
A 4,400 meters ASL (14,436 feet ASL) to 1,200 meters ASL (3,937 feet ASL) descent and just under 60km (37.2 miles) in distance. The ride is not very strenuous, in fact you can free-wheel most of the way, using your brakes more than your pedals.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Santa Teresa, Santa Teresa, Sacred Valley, Cusco Region
Optional Activity:
Transport to the river rafting or boating starting point, with equipping of helmets, life vests and gloves. This section has a difficulty level of III-IV with exciting rapids and some risk, but all under supervision accompanied by a professional kayak company and fleet of rafts.
Those choosing not to raft can walk through the picturesque town of Santa Teresa and surroundings. We then spend the night drinking beers and playing cards at the hostel with the rest of the group.
Duration: 30 minutes
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight hostel in Santa Teresa
Day 2: Hiking through the Inca Jungle with stop at Thermal baths
Pass By: Inca Jungle, Cusco Peru
This will be an absolutely magical day walking through stunning valleys. The first two hours are challenging and uphill, but thoroughly enjoyable.
We pass through fields while your guide will show coffee and coca plantations, explaining how they are cultivated. The trail is an original Inca path and is truly amazing and beautiful. This part of the day is the most intense since part of the original Inca trail connects the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu with other Incan villages, such as the Vilcabamba cross – "the last refuge of the Incas".
Stop At: Quellomayo, Quellomayo, Cusco Region
After a short break we continue down through the impressive Huancar Casa Canyon. There, the climate is humid and warm but where you can bathe our feet in the cool river while walking. We then continue into the small town of Quellomayo, where we stop for lunch.
Lunch includes some of the best guacamole/avocado you have ever eaten. Notably, all stops throughout the trip also cater to vegetarians and vegans – healthy food for everyone!
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Banos Termales de Cocalmayo, 4 Km from Santa Teresa, Santa Teresa Peru
The Cocalmayo hot springs are fed by natural hot springs and are the joy of weary hikers and locals alike. Beers and snacks are available on-site to enjoy as you lounge in the thermal baths while the sun descends in the distance.
Duration: 4 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Rural lodge or hostel
Day 3: Choose between 3 activities!
Stop At: Santa Teresa, Santa Teresa, Sacred Valley, Cusco Region
RELAX OPTION 1: Take a motorized transport from Santa Teresa to Hydroelectric for an additional 10 Soles. The drive is around 45 minutes and you will be able to have a relaxing day in preparation for Machu Picchu the following day.
Duration: 3 hours
Pass By: Urubamba River, Sepahua Peru
HIKING ADVENTURE OPTION 2:
Start hiking from Santa Teresa to Hydroelectric. The hike is approximately 2.5 hours along the road and you will have the chance to see the new hydroelectric power plant while enjoying the magnificent view of the Urubamba River.
Stop At: Santa Teresa, Santa Teresa, Sacred Valley, Cusco Region
THRILL SEEKER ZIP LINE OPTION 3:
Enjoy the highest and longest zip line in South America! The zip line option is an additional $30 USD. After the zip line in the morning we will transfer by vehicle to the Hydroelectric Station.
The zip line comprises of 7 separate cables spanning an incredible 2,500 meters (8,202 feet) across 2 huge valleys packed full of jungle. The highest section is 150 meters (492 feet) high, where you can reach speeds of up to 60 km/h (37 mph) in the fastest section. The complete tour takes between 2 – 3 hours, depending on group sizes.
Duration: 4 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Hostel in Aguas Calientes (private bathroom, hot shower)
Day 4: Visit the iconic Machu Picchu
Pass By: Aguas Calientes, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Cusco Region
Hiking up to Machu Picchu takes 1.5 hours at a regular pace. Start walking at 4:00 am in the morning from Aguas Calientes to the first checkpoint located right at the base of Machu Picchu which opens at 5:00 am.
This control point is only for hikers and tourist must show paid entrance fees to the citadel and original passports. Then you can start walking up the stairs to Machu Picchu and which takes 45-minutes approx., climbing almost 1,700 Inca steps.
The reason for this early morning hike is to be one of the first groups into Machu Picchu and beat the buses up. Once at the main checkpoint you will begin your guided Machu Picchu tour with our professional guide.
Stop At: Machu Picchu, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Cusco Region
Hike up to Machu Picchu
Hiking up to Machu Picchu takes 1.5 hours at a regular pace. Start walking at 4:00 am in the morning from Aguas Calientes to the first checkpoint located right at the base of Machu Picchu.
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You start walking up the stairs to Machu Picchu and which takes around 45-minutes, with almost 1,700 Inca steps.
Explore Machu Picchu
The tour through the temples, houses, agricultural terraces, patios and every corner of Machu Picchu will leave you speechless. After the guided tour you will have your own free time to keep exploring the site, take more amazing pictures, or just enjoy the mystic calm of Machu Picchu.
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Optional Free Activities
There are 2 free hikes each option ranging in difficulty and providing new perspectives of the tropical region surrounding the archaeological site.
Inca Bridge
The Inca Bridge is believed to have served as a secret entrance to Machu Picchu and constructed from a few narrow logs perched above a sheer vertical drop. The entire trail is built into a cliff on the western approach to Machu Picchu, snaking impressively along the side of a sheer mountainside.
The Sun Gate
Once upon a time, imperial guards of the Inca Empire likely controlled the passage into Machu Picchu at the Sun Gate (Inti Punku). This is a 2.5 hour round trip hiking, beginning at the main entrance from the Inca Trail.
Duration: 4 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.