4 Day Inca Jungle Trek Review: Is it the Best Machu Picchu Route?
Thinking about seeing Machu Picchu but the usual trail seems, maybe, a bit too tame? Or perhaps the price tag on the classic Inca Trail is just a bit eye-watering? I get it. That’s kinda how I felt, too it’s almost. The 4-Day Inca Jungle Trek might just be up your alley then, very. It trades some of the hike-only purism for things like biking and even a zip line, that really spices things up, too it’s almost. And, arguably, it is that the views and experience are just as unforgettable. Let’s take a good look at what makes this trek so special and figure out if it’s really the awesome choice for reaching Machu Picchu.
What’s the Inca Jungle Trek, Anyway?
Okay, so the Inca Jungle Trek? Basically, that’s an alternative route to get to Machu Picchu, you know, without just doing the regular hiking path, in a way. Unlike the standard Inca Trail, which is all about walking, walking and, yup, even more walking, this option, arguably, throws a bit of biking, hiking, and some optional fun activities into the mix, might be. So, it’s that it’s designed for people who like a good range of things, or just kinda want to mix it up, you know? What that means is that you could be bombing down mountain trails on a bike one minute and then, like, hiking through some stunning scenery the next, as I was saying. Basically, this trek gives you more chances to see what the country has to offer – that includes views of local life – than you’d just get sticking to one long hike, by the way.
Oh, yeah, it also, really, hits a bunch of different landscapes, like, from super high mountain passes, so, to pretty, warm jungle regions, too it’s almost. The really nice thing about this path is that you get to experience loads of Peru’s countryside. Not to mention it also usually works out quite a bit cheaper than the regular Inca Trail, that’s a plus if you’re watching the pennies, you. I mean, it kinda lets you reach Machu Picchu in style without turning your wallet completely inside out. This trip generally suits travelers wanting a dose of adventure but still really eager to visit one of the amazing wonders in the world, definitely.
Day-by-Day: What to Expect on the Trek
Day 1: Cusco to Santa Maria – Bike Downhill!
Day one? Starts bright and real early. They get you rolling from Cusco and the car ride, might be, takes you to Abra Malaga, typically. That’s one pretty high mountain pass at over 4,000 meters, if I recall correctly, too it’s almost. Freezing at the top, but hang on ’cause things start moving fast – downhill to be exact! Basically, this is where the bikes appear and you get set to ride down a winding road for, something like, three or four hours, just, isn’t it? It’s, certainly, a really smooth change, switching that early-morning car ride for, something like, wind-in-your-face and seriously breathtaking mountain views. You’ll end up biking to the hot and humid jungle town of Santa Maria. Oh, and after getting checked into your basic accommodation? It is that you have the chance to white-water raft down a local river for some added splash and laughs. Very nice way of settling into that outdoor lifestyle, I’d suggest!
Day 2: Santa Maria to Santa Teresa – Hiking and Hot Springs
Wake up! Get that hiking boots fixed and all set. It is that today’s adventure gets under way with a good solid trek, now. This time, that changes the downward rushing pace to a climb further into jungle heartlands, tends to be. You trek through parts, it seems, of the classic Inca paths, seeing old native bridges and roads, virtually. It’s pretty insightful to realize how clever they really were as people. The hike itself lasts most of the day – usually around eight to ten hours – so, getting ready to step across uneven grounds and see little native farms along the path would really help. At the end of the line that day is, seemingly, the city of Santa Teresa. The fun part about Santa Teresa is that it holds the attractive natural hot springs, clearly. After a whole day of sweating it, I can ensure you that those warm, mineral-heavy waters have been amazing to chill out those worked-out muscles, seemingly.
Day 3: Santa Teresa to Aguas Calientes – Zip-lining and More Hiking
Still kicking it? Awesome. Day three offers, potentially, an additional bit of adventure, basically. Now, just like a free, but pretty cool activity, zip-lining! You will find quite a few places that offers you to shoot among tree tops from Santa Teresa before the paths carries on closer to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu village), as I was saying. Now, once past the thrills it turns back to trek, and follow a very amazing scenic flat road which is side by side with rail tracks up until you get to Aguas Calientes, very. This takes close to, say, three hours all in all, so, not very difficult or extreme like previous days, you know. Get inside Aguas Calientes and relax some before day 4 arrives, right? Grab an earlier bedtime ’cause morning arrives early for your visit to Machu Picchu.
Day 4: Machu Picchu – The Grand Finale!
The real moment occurs! The moment, arguably, every kilometer you have completed, was made for. To get into Machu Picchu, arguably, there are different ways from Aguas Calientes; trek very fast or ride a tour bus up really sharp curves. Either one usually drops you close to entrance gates just before dawn, that. You wanna arrive earlier to witness the views of sunrise through old citadel. It really is some form of spectacle, very! You most possibly will have previously booked one or two guided visits which will take roughly two hours – it definitely assists appreciate ancient history to this very unbelievable Inca area. Now, as visit concludes, you will possess choices to do things: check Huayna Picchu (the high point on the scenery cards), go to the Sun Gate( in Inca trails routes) otherwise merely move lower returning to city when to have all the period necessary with any, arguably, free agenda before heading back again later onto Cusco in both railway combined with vehicles, maybe.
Is the Inca Jungle Trek Right for You?
Okay, just to be clear, if I’d say the trek is definitely, truly the best way for completely everybody it simply wouldn’t be that right, as a matter of fact. To be honest, for folks very fixed to the regular, standard walk and those perhaps hoping for supreme levels luxury travel may find its many factors not as appealing, often. Yet if you will see some, kinda: people who adore mixture experiences (bike then climb?), spending budget aware persons and that includes thrill seeker searching alternative option than some very regular roads in Machu Picchu probably will find this incredible excursion most, truly gratifying, very.
- You enjoy mixed activities It is when just biking then trek? Wonderful!. It definitely isn’t for those searching purest trekking outing unless if only hiking can provide what your require.
- You are traveling while minding budget: Inca trails do costs a lot: those offer alternative that don’t causes that wallet is going to cry too terribly terribly afterwards, really.
- The seeker excitement within this one: With, potentially, rafting activities including zip-lining thrown right into there. Anyone will be making sure every single minute appears amazing, arguably.
Consider as it; Will you will appreciate swapping some common climbs up inside extra spice – for instance biking then additional alternatives adventures alongside that way probably so in this one one just would have just just perfect!
Booking Your Inca Jungle Trek: What You Need to Know
Booking an Inca Jungle Trek does mean quite certain preparations along before hitting terrains inside it, I’d suggest! Let see quick looks through few very details of getting make trip take smoothly: Research well. Check well: Browse tours business effectively compare services. Consider very thoroughly review coming especially with reviews and safety credentials really verified, you know. Always arrange this well previously particularly if coming around height visit phase since quite several firms always reserves room pretty really, definitely. Check What Gets Packed? That tour must generally always address what does normally gets including transport charge all in (which would transfer in trains and coach transportation needs which are considered too), foods plus necessary entry charges in site or sites (but keep eyes off regarding stuff like tip money etc always usually excluded within price range). What Should Be Done and Getting Equipeds: Very comfy, really walk/hike comfortable tennis footwear always important – remember all of that surface varies a significant within trip phase for it is often extremely valuable bringing anything able take such environments on easily. Stock small rucksack alongside all of main bits similar sun guard block creams together bottles about water stuff since several entire day is typically being outdoors around environments when these factors prove required when, basically,. Take Care to Altitude: Usually Cusco stand significant elevations before start for some hike activities – it tends quite extremely handy in adjusting altitudes inside few complete periods by consuming much fluids then prevent hard pursuits initial.
Essential Tips for a Smooth Trek
Let’s keep everything running very calmly during trip from below quick suggestion, so: Usually be well Moisturize to: Hiking within increased altitude environments is going to easily get people emptied too easily particularly when engaging during activities so carry waters regularly too just replace waters – basically you must to often try shoot nearly 3 litres an entire day – if just don’t under estimatives water necessities. Consider snack goodies at that one is being brought onto. Strength treats; Pack along snack goodies abundant alongside excessive power and those might often often make best help whenever strength level dipping during several hard legs over day! Stay up protected against direct lighting exposure often or those sun damage; Employ lot about block -hat/specs because solar radiations happens fairly potent; never skip light. Dress well in covers or multiple layers; Conditions easily fluctuate a bit! Using things covers helps take away/enhance apparel much quite just needed according of climatic! Watch personally towards Insects to! Insect exists mainly regions just therefore one applies insect water repellents consistently avoids frustrating insects really. Generally speaking show Admirations also alongside Local individuals when respects areas the very both are traveling into helps creates meaningful activities combined with respect usually too!. To Be Ready to Physical requirements because the Hike may ask to physical – so begin in early on do practice work away from journey (that always must make hikes and runs!) This only increases ability too by reducing possibilities involving accidents due you didn’t physically practice your bodies yet before this!. Follow Tour GUIDELINES that leads – Their advice definitely help by navigating terrains which one won´t get lose plus find yourself secure alongside trek duration therefore!.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Inca Jungle Trek difficult?
Yep. When the trekking will have an inclination on any kind challenges yet these is not very technical in any conditions also so usually nearly folks with middle amount often appropriate ability degree may do this.
What is the best time to do the Inca Jungle Trek?
Any dryer season ( that’s over usually in May and even in Sept always – because rainfall becomes considerably minimal which always causes more ideal routes but this would tend the common most most busiest of points!
How high is the altitude on the Inca Jungle Trek?
Starting points often goes even towards some extremely elevated details when going usually 4316 meters around (around some one early point often with any driving) at many trips there would happens several elevation changes plus but is usually really helpful adapting to them on any several moments always within before hiking further up into terrains too .
What should I pack for the Inca Jungle Trek?
Bring such important goods for being water tight backpack often combined usually comfort footwear Sun guards items to rain -clothes as much often water (besides treating medication which you could quite usually just needed plus several comfort goodies just such – power type bites!)
The four-Day Inca Jungle Route represents exciting path of reaching the epic Machu Picchu, when inter mixing an experience also usually active involvement plus cultural points usually is the best points, for one.
It just that you may actually enjoy this one!
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