4Day Machu Picchu Biking and Hiking Tour from Cuzco

4Day Machu Picchu Biking and Hiking Tour from Cuzco

Another alternative to the Inca Trail Trek is this amazing Jungle Adventure, which offers the possibility of high-altitude mountain biking and trekking to reach Machu Picchu, with optional rafting and zip-lining activities.

Itinerary

Day 1: Cuzco to Malaga High Pass, Mountain Biking to Santa Maria Village (1,400m) (L/D)

Stop At: Cusco 08007, Peru
Today we leave Cuzco early to journey by road in a van making our first stop after 1.5 hours in Ollantaytambo where we can have a quick breakfast and buy some snacks. Then we continue driving for another 1.5 hours up to the Malaga High Pass (4,350 meters) where our guide will provide us with a safety briefing before we begin our adventurous 2.5 hour bike ride down into the lush and humid jungle. We will see Huamanmarca Archaeological site along the way, cruise through fruit plantations and over rivers before arriving to Santa Maria village (1,400 meters) at around 2:00-2:30pm where you will have the rest of the day at leisure. You may choose to participate in an optional rafting activity or walk around town on your own. Enjoy your night at a basic, rustic guesthouse.

(*Note: Accommodation options are very limited along the trekking route for the first 2 nights in Santa Maria & Santa Teresa villages. Most places have very basic, rustic facilities. Rooms often share a bathroom and sometimes do not have hot water. However, we always choose the best available option.)

Optional Activity in Santa Maria: Rafting. Go on a scenic 2.5 hour rafting adventure and go down class III & IV rapids on the Urubamba River (also known as Vilcanota River). If you choose not to participate in the rafting activity, you can explore the town on your own.

Inclusions: Accommodation pickup, Van Transfer Cuzco - Malaga High Pass, Mountain Biking Activity, 1N Basic Guesthouse, Meals 1L/1D.
Duration: 18 hours

Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight in basic guesthouse

Day 2: Trek to Santa Teresa Village (1,680m) (B/L/D)

Stop At: Santa Teresa, Peru, Santa Teresa District 08711, Peru
After an early morning breakfast, we will begin our day of hiking through the jungle mountains to observe beautiful pristine landscapes, abundant flora and fauna and friendly local people. Have lunch halfway during the trek and relax breathing fresh mountain air. In the afternoon we will arrive to Santa Teresa village (1,680 meters) where we will stay overnight in a basic rustic guesthouse.

Optional hot springs for an extra cost.

Inclusions: 1N Basic Guesthouse, Meals 1B/1L/1D. (17km, 8hrs)
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight in basic guesthouse

Day 3: Trek to Aguas Calientes (B/L/D)

Stop At: Hot Springs (Aguas Calientes), Signposted from main square, Aguas Calientes, Machu Picchu Peru
Take an easy 3-hour hike along the train tracks from Santa Teresa to Hydroelectric Station where you will stop for lunch. Continue 3 more hours on foot to reach Aguas Calientes town, where you will find internet cafes, cafes with board games and cards, plenty of shops and places to relax. (Most people hike this portion of the trek but there is an optional train ride from Hydroelectric Station to Aguas Calientes if you're feeling tired). Overnight in a hotel tonight for a well-deserved shower and good night's sleep.

Optional Activity in Santa Teresa: Canopy Zip-Line. Fly through the treetops on a 2-hour morning canopy excursion on South America's highest and Peru's first canopy zip-line. Traverse over 2,500 meters of cables with the longest ride covering 400 meters and the highest at 150 meters.

Inclusions: 1N Aguas Calientes 3* Hotel, Meals 1B/1L/1D. (18km, 6hrs)
Duration: 1 day

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight in 3* hotel

Day 4: Explore Machu Picchu & Return to Cuzco (B)

Stop At: Machu Picchu, 08680, Peru
We will catch one of the first buses (05:30 am) to Machu Picchu (25-minute ride) in order to appreciate the magnificent city in the early morning light as the mist dissipates. A walking tour (approximately 2 hours) is given by your guide and after this you can explore the mysterious city on your own. If you still have energy you can also climb the Huayna Picchu Peak (to be booked in advance at an extra cost). Return to Aguas Calientes by bus. If time allows, visit the local marketplace next to the train station and shop until the train whistle blows, signaling your return to Ollantaytambo. From Ollantaytambo, you will take a bus back to Cuzco arriving around 08:00pm. You will be dropped off at the Plaza San Francisco. Please make your own way to the accommodation of your choice upon arrival.

DESCRIPTION OF MACHU PICCHU GUIDED SITE VISIT: The one and only, the most spectacular (and not to mention most popular) archaeological site in all of South America. Your guide will take you on a 2-hour tour of Machu Picchu walking you through the most important sites and covering the history of the place. Then you will have free time to explore on your own and take pictures at your leisure.

Take an OPTIONAL hike up the steep peak named Huayna Picchu, which is located inside the Machu Picchu archaeological site. This sometimes muddy peak takes about 45 - 60 minutes to hike up and awards you with unforgettable views of Machu Picchu from a coveted perspective. Keep in mind that if you want to take this optional hike, you must now purchase your ticket at least 2 weeks in advance for an additional cost in order to get one of the 400 passes (200 people are allowed up at 7:00am and 200 more at 10:00am). Please send us an email directly to request this extra ticket.

Inclusions: Round trip Bus Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu, Train Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo, Bus Ollantaytambo - Cuzco, 2-Hour Machu Picchu Guided Visit, Meal 1B.
*If desired, an extra night in Aguas Calientes town can be arranged. (Please let us know whether you would like to stay an extra night when booking your tour.)
Duration: 18 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.