Tour details
DAY 1: CUSCO – AMAZON PONA LODGE
We leave Cusco early in the morning in our private car adapted for the route with mountains and jungle, in the course of the trip we will pass many places of tourist attraction such as: Ninamarca funeral towers which is a pre-Inca construction of the Lupaca Kindong, then we will be passing through the valley of Paucartambo and a small town of paucartambo known as the folkloric capital of Peru.
then we will arrive at the Ajanaco pass which is the beginning of the Manu National Park from this point we will descend to the Amazon rainforest; going through a unique cloud forest in the world In this area we will make short stops and hikes to see exotic birds of the cloud forest especially the Peruvian National bird; the Andean Cock-of-the-rocks, toucans, tanagers,quetzal,motmots, etc.
And see the Grey Wooly Monkeys and Brown Capuchin Monkeys and coaties, with good Sloths o spectacled bear and a variety of flowers and orchids. arriving at sunset to Our Lodge. L.D.
Night at Amazon Pona Lodge
DAY 2: AMAZON PONA LODGE – PAPAYA LODGE (BONANZA RESERVE)
After breakfast at the lodge, we continue our trip in our private car to the river port of Atalaya, during the trip we will make stops at the hummingbird garden, coca plantations, and Atalaya viewpoint.
From Atalaya we begin our trip in a motorized boat across the Madre de Dios River to the hot springs and we will take a 1-hour stop to bathe, the trip along the river by boat will take approximately 4 to 5 hours. Along the river we can see many species of birds such as herons, macaws, toucans, kingfishers, etc. and also possible to see Capybara, (the largest rodent in the world), monkeys, herons, eagles, etc. And enjoy this boat trip and the amazonian landscape.
Arriving at the Lodge we will have a short rest. then in the afternoon we will walk along the refuge trails in search of monkeys, macaws, toucans, and many other birds and in the evening we will look for nocturnal wildlife: spiders, tarantulas, frogs, snakes, caimans, night monkeys and many insects, then we return to dinner. D.A.C.
Night at Papaya Lodge
DAY 3: PAPAYA LODGE
This day after breakfast we begin our walk towards a beautiful primary forest with our daily backpack carrying mineral water, snacks and our travel equipment such as a camera, binoculars, telescope and machete, to explore the jungle to see monkeys, Macaws, Toucans, woodpeckers, eagles, tanagers, etc.
There you can see up to 8 species of monkeys such as: capuchin monkey, squirrel monkey, howler monkey, dasky titi monkeys, tamarin monkeys, etc. also tree frogs, snakes, and a wide variety of medicinal plants and giant trees. Our guide will explain everything about the functions of wild flora and fauna.
And in the afternoon, we will go to the camouflaged house to spend the night and enjoy the activity in the mammal clay lick, here we can more easily see the Tapir (the largest animal in the Amazon rainforest), deer, porcupines and other nocturnal rodents. They come to eat mineral salts that are very important for their metabolism. D.A.C.
Night at Camuflage House
DAY 4: PAPAYA LODGE – AMAZON PONA LODGE
today we return from the camouflaged house to the lodge to enjoy our delicious Amazonian breakfast, then we pack up and begin to return by boat along the same Madre de Dios river to Atalaya, during the boat trip in the way we will visit a small Machuwasi Lake.
Here We will look for more caimans and Capybaras, (the largest rodent in the world), monkeys, birds that live in Amazonian lakes such as: the prehistoric bird Hoatzin, horned screamer, toucans and many other water birds. and you will enjoy driving the topa balsa rafts. at night another optional night walk. D.A.C.
Night at Amazon Pona Lodge
DAY 5: AMAZON PONA LODGE – CUSCO
we will leave the lodge with our breakfast towards a beautiful parrot and macaw clay lick to see parrots a small macaws (this clay is a place rich in minerals, where many species of birds frequently visit in the mornings). Then we return in our private car to Cusco, end of the trip D.A.C.
What’s Included in Your Inca Trail Experience
- Professional guide service, All of our guides expertly trained and licensed in tourism at Cusco National University. They all grew up on the andean regions and have a true passion to teach others about their heritage. They are fluent english, spanish and quechua and they will ensure you are safe and happy.
- Inka trail Permits As soon as we receive your personal details and a deposit, we will purchase your permits (pending availability, check our Inca Trail Availability, These permits are for a specific date and in your name. They can’t be changed, once confirmed. Only your passport number is allowed to be updated. The permit includes an entrance to Machu Picchu.
- Safety BriefingThe 1 or 2 nights before your trek, we will go to your hotel for your briefing. You will receive your duffel bag that will stay with your porters, while you hike. This bag should not exceed 7kg/14 lbs and does need to include your sleeping bag and air mattress.
- Super Porters
We include a personal porter, who is responsible for carrying your duffel bag. Up to 7kg or 14 lbs, There is not additional fee for this. You will not have access to your duffel bag until your evening campsite. - Transportation All your transportation is included in this trek. You will be picked up directly from your hotel around 4 a.m. (unless you are staying in Ollantaytambo) and brought to KM 82, to begin your trek. The train back from Aguas Calientes is included. This is Expedition class but can be upgraded to the Vistadome train for $75 per person. Once you arrive at the train station, you will be brought back to your hotel in Cusco. Your bus down ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu is also included.
- Equipment
We have the best equipment. We use Eureka Timberline 4 person tents that are shared by only two people and You will have a spacious dining tent to enjoy your meals in. - Food
Our chefs cooks three wholesome breakfasts, three satisfying lunches and three delighful dinners to keep you energized thrughout the adventure. We honor all food restrictions. Be sure to remind your tour guide of any food restrictions at the beginning of your trek. Food is typically served family-style. - Drinks at dinner
wine, champagne, pisco sour - Water. Beginning from your first lunch until your last breakfast, We will supply all the water needed. This water will be boiled, filtered and then cooled, before distributing.
- You must supply your own water bottles or camel back. We recommend carrying about 3L worth. We will refill our waters at each meal.
- First Aid Your guide has received training in first aid from a physician. Your guide will always have essential emergency supplies, including a comprehensive first aid kid, oxigen for high altitude situations and emergency radios for communicatios.
What’s Not Included in Your salkantay tour with Inca Trail Experience
- International flights and airport taxes.
- Domestic flights (available for booking upon request).
- Hotel accommodations and tours not mentioned in the itinerary (can be
arranged for you upon request). - Additional transportation required along the trek due to unforeseen
circumstances. - Tours (we can arrange for you)
- Meals not specified in the package.
- Personal expenses such as souvenirs, snacks, additional drinks etc.
- Travel insurance (highly recommended).
- Tips for guides and staff are not included and are at your discretion.
These items are not included, but we can assist with bookings to ensure a seamless experience.
GROUP SERVICE
- $785 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
