Tour details
Tour Itinerary
We pick you up at 4:30 a.m. in the morning at your hotel in Cusco in our private car, then we go to the birding huacarpay lagoon that is 30 minutes from the city of Cusco, a beautiful place to see birds with Inca and pre-Inca buildings around. Here we will look for endemic birds such as: Bearded mountaineer; Rusty-fronted Canastero; Streak fronted thornbird, black throated flower piecer, blue-and-yellow Tanager, Cinereous Conebill and also many water birds such as: Puna teal; Yellow-billed and Cinnamon Teal, birding huacarpay lagoon Yellow-billed Pintail, Andean Duck and other swamp birds. White-tufted Grebe; Andean Coot; Plumbeus rail; Many-Colored rusht-tyrant; Yellow winged black bird; Andean negrito; lesser and grater yellow legs; puna ibis; Etc.
Then we head for the Paucartambo road towards san salvador Lake in the high part of the andes in the way looking for more endemic and special birds like: Chesnut-breasted Mountain-finch (endemic), Andean Hilistar, andean flyker, some Miner, Puna-graunt tyrant, Rufous- naped graund-tyrant, Mountain Caracara,etc. in San Salvador we can find Giant coot, Grested-duck, black-faced ibis, etc.
What’s Included
- Transport
- Bilingual bird guide
- Box lunch
- Snack
- Water
WHAT THE TOURIST NEEDS TO BRING
GROUP SERVICE
- $895 USD per person
Frequently Asked Questions
Day 1: Cusco - Santa Maria
The Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu 4 days: begins with a hotel pickup at 6:00 am, followed by a scenic three-hour drive through the breathtaking Sacred Valley of the Incas. As we reach Abra Malaga, the highest point of the trip at 4,316m, we will gear up and receive a briefing from our experienced guide.
We’ll then embark on a thrilling 3-hour downhill biking journey through the Andes, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and tropical forests. A support vehicle will be available for those who need a break. We’ll end the day at Eco Terra Lodge Santa Maria for a delicious lunch, optional river rafting, dinner, and restful sleep.
The adrenaline-packed biking adventure takes us from Abra Malaga to Huamanmarka, covering a distance of less than 55km and descending from 4,316m to 2,130m. The scenic route offers breathtaking views of the changing landscape, from snowy peaks to lush tropical forests.
At Eco Terra Lodge Santa Maria, we’ll enjoy a tasty lunch and have the opportunity to go river rafting on the Vilcanota River, offering a thrilling level III and IV experience. Afterward, we’ll return to the lodge for a delicious dinner and a well-deserved rest, preparing us for the exciting activities that await us the next day.
- Transportation from Cusco – Abra Malaga: 3.5 hours by private bus.
- Bicycle: – 2h – 3 h.
- Bicycle ride: 55 km – 34 m.
- Rafting: 2 hours
- Meals: Lunch and Dinner.
- Lodging: Lodge
- Difficulty: medium
- Guaranteed Adventure
- Maximum altitude: 4316 m – 14160 ft.
- Minimum altitude: – 1200 m – 3937 ft
Day 2: Santa Maria - Hot spring - Santa Teresa.
2 Embark on a 7-hour trek through the vibrant rainforest, starting with a 45-minute hike along the car route before joining the well-preserved Inca trail. This trail, the only one in good condition among the various Inca trails, once connected Machu Picchu with the final Inca capital, Vilcabamba.
Immerse yourself in the lush surroundings, encountering exotic fruits, diverse birdlife, and orchids, while enjoying breathtaking views of the Urubamba valley from the mountain’s summit. Descend for 2.5 hours to Qellomayo village for a satisfying lunch break.
Afterward, take a break in hammocks, then continue the trek for another 3 hours, passing through farms, waterfalls, and rivers (including a cable car crossing). By late afternoon, arrive at the Santa Teresa hot water springs, known as Cocalmayo, offering crystal-clear pools with different temperatures.
Relax in this idyllic setting surrounded by the river and starry skies. Following the hot springs experience, a 40-minute walk (or optional bus ride) leads to Santa Teresa town, where a comfortable hotel awaits. Enjoy dinner and socialize with fellow group members at one of the downtown bars.
- Walking: 7 hours
- Hiking distance: (15 km / 9.3 mi)
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch / Dinner
- Lodging: Lodge (2, maximum 3 people per room)
- Adventure Guaranteed
- Starting altitude: – 1200 m / 3,937 ft
- Campsite altitude: – 1500 m – 4921 ft
- Difficulty: Moderate
