Cusco Inca Jungle Adventure: Full 4-Day Review & Tips

The Inca Jungle Adventure to Machu Picchu, lasting 4 days and 3 nights, is that pretty awesome choice if you’re wanting something a little more thrilling than your everyday trail. Instead of just walking, you get to bike down mountains, trek through forests, and even try some river rafting. So, it’s almost an activity sandwich – and who doesn’t like sandwiches? Now, because different tour companies offer variations, my review’s based on one experience but highlights what you might usually come across. Expect things like awesome views, physical challenges, and a real look at what the Peruvian landscape has to offer, too. Here’s what that whole shebang looks like.

Day 1: Biking Downhill – Talk about a Rush!

Okay, day one is basically for the daredevils. It starts early – seriously early. After getting picked up from your Cusco accommodation, you’re driven to Abra Malaga, which is pretty high up. I’m talking around 4,316 meters (14,160 feet). From here, you get your bike gear and a briefing, too. It’s worth it to pay attention to the safety tips, ’cause going downhill on a bike on those roads? It’s thrilling, for sure, but not without its risks, that’s a fact. The ride down lasts several hours, and it is absolutely gorgeous. The landscape changes as you go down in elevation. I’m talking from cold, rocky mountains to lush, green valleys. It’s impressive, is that correct? Then, after the biking part is over, you’ll switch over to a small town. You then get taken to your accommodation for the night in that general area. It can be pretty simple, however, you’ll probably be so exhausted you won’t mind all that much.

Day 2: Trekking Through the Real Jungle

The second day is all set for hiking. After breakfast, you actually start hiking, going to explore the “jungle” part of the trek. Expect a pretty long day, potentially walking for about six to eight hours. Yet, the change in scenery will probably keep your mind off your tired legs. It goes from a humid forest to crossing little streams and, yeah, it tends to be muddy, as well. You’ll go by coca plantations and will have opportunities to buy from local people in these little, itty bitty towns that are out that way, too. This is where you find out a whole deal more about the region’s agriculture, and some about their culture, too, naturally. Your accommodation this night may actually be in a simple hostel or even a family’s house, too it’s all dependent on the tour. Having dinner prepared by locals adds an awesome, genuinely touch.

Day 3: Ziplining and Hot Springs: Reward Time!

Day three might present an opportunity to throw ziplining in that mix (depending on your tour), so, consider it before committing. Even if ziplining’s not really included, there’s usually time to check out the hot springs in Santa Teresa. They actually make you feel completely amazing after all the hiking. Then, you get taken to Aguas Calientes, at the base of Machu Picchu. You can do this either by train (often costs extra, still super convenient) or by hiking along the railway tracks. I actually picked the hike and, while pretty long, the anticipation of getting to Machu Picchu helped keep me trucking along. That particular night is spent in a hotel in Aguas Calientes to try and get some real shut-eye before visiting Machu Picchu.

Day 4: Machu Picchu: The Big Finale

So, day four is what you’ve been sweating for – Machu Picchu. Most tours aim to arrive super early to watch the sunrise over the ruins, yet that depends on how quick and coordinated your group is. If you do choose to hike up (it’s a steep climb), set off mega early! Otherwise, you’ll be able to catch a bus. Is that what people actually prefer? You probably want a guided tour of Machu Picchu itself – very worth it in order to hear about its history and mysteries, as well. You then can wander on your own, snapping some photos or simply just taking that whole experience in. Going down back to Aguas Calientes is for catching either the train or a bus back to Cusco. Seriously, the whole day goes by so incredibly fast.

What to Take on the Inca Jungle Trek

Getting prepared is vital if you really want to enjoy the Inca Jungle Trek, so you might want to remember your must-bring items, that is my main intention. Pack only the essentials so you aren’t too weighted down, that could really influence the outcome:

Comfortable Hiking Shoes: The trails may prove uneven, long days necessitate comfortable sturdy shoes.
A Small Backpack: Is there a better method for containing water, snacks, sunscreen, plus a few other things.
Rain Gear: Weather will usually change quickly in the mountains and rainforest, it will most likely affect how prepared you should really be.
Insect Repellent: This trek can lead you right straight into areas that have plentiful mosquitoes plus more insects.
Sunscreen and Hat: Both can help and aid when protecting you straight from sunlight at increased elevation.
Swimsuit: To possibly plunge straight into Santa Teresa’s fantastic natural hot springs, it might turn this adventure around to relaxing rather than rough.
Cash: Is there a better option in the short-run rather than acquiring small things that aid your adventure like; refreshments or simply souvenirs out from local stands and people along the paths.
Camera/Phone: Capture each stunning vistas that the landscape offers you for the whole time you spend along that tour, do not take this point gently.

Choosing a Tour Operator

Make sure you are aware whenever you go along selecting for just about the greatest tour to ensure you are fully provided for your time through Peru plus its hidden natural spots that can take your breath. So, for example, a good company needs to feature those important factors listed directly below for maximum customer approval when they go all throughout this great tour.

Reputation and Reviews: You could come upon those customer based testimonials out from previous people with them; find if a certain company gets spoken of positively or is mentioned multiple period and times as opposed to other company.
Inclusions: Make certain they deal out to include food for each time each day that needs an individual intake on energy alongside the trek, hotels that get utilized, travel methods of shipping and bringing back passengers along trips. If any could prove to make things a tiny more tricky with this type; you shouldn’t acquire services with stated organisation and/or company whatsoever.
Guides: Certified local individuals with an inclination of understanding more along history plus geographical points; capable with English whilst still in-tune with personal customer satisfaction or requests/requirements if necessary (if someone were injured suddenly when on their tour).
Price: Comparing prices among other organizations helps, still do not merely proceed directly toward the only lowest listed, however read them thoroughly; see where cost reductions will appear without affecting overall standard for individual trip along Peru paths.
Sustainable Practices: Is very key so tour has zero environmental or indigenous cultures; they contribute towards its positive side (responsible travelling when abroad when journeying around abroad locations instead detrimental).

Taking the extra step on selecting which tour organisation would allow your Machu Picchu trip the peak pleasure whilst still helping back at where it lies within at such land location. Peru really may change each viewers look and outlook in experiencing planet wide, don’t get deceived; each enterprise may prove amazing. Ensure just after research is done.

Is the Inca Jungle Trek Right for You?

Ask yourself genuinely whether those several kinds from challenges as well match individual travel inclinations, as is true the jungle trek tests people emotionally/physically. Should long distance walking trips (mountain or perhaps level land areas aren’t too troubling however) in order just before consider if at something as physically needing that sort; whenever comfortable together mountain/trail or path terrains while going with rough circumstances is okay along them. River paddling & mountain trekking or hill riding; these elements add further exhilaration from experience if just like thrill adventures a heap; do not have doubts! That entire adventure may actually fit an person/or groups which search beyond average exploring.

Some Final Thoughts

The Inca Jungle Trek is something more than just arriving toward Machu Picchu; those encompass thrills out that path plus immersing thyself onto diverse terrains as opposed in just traveling. Getting fully ready combined together proper expectations along may result just what a singular life memory proves towards one individually plus whomever attends journey together at a certain pace. Consider at this adventure and explore precisely each moment bears.

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