The Inca Jungle Trek is much more than a hike; it’s an exhilarating adventure that combines history, nature, and outdoor sports in a spectacular setting. As a route to Machu Picchu, it offers a unique experience that attracts travelers from all over the world seeking new thrills and breathtaking landscapes.
To fully enjoy this adventure, it’s essential to know how long is Inca Jungle Trek. With this information, you can plan properly, prepare your gear and clothing, and acclimatize to face the hours of trekking. In this blog, we will provide all the necessary details so you can effectively organize your trip to the Inca Jungle.
Get ready to experience the adventure of the Inca Jungle Trek and discover the ideal time to enjoy everything this amazing trekking route has to offer!
What is the Inca Jungle Trek?
The Inca Jungle Trek is an incredibly exciting alternative to the classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. While the traditional route to Machu Picchu focuses on hiking, the Inca Jungle Trek combines activities like biking, rafting, zip-lining, and hiking. This alternative route attracts travelers seeking more adrenaline and the chance to experience both the Peruvian Amazon jungle and the Andean landscapes.
This trek starts from Abra Málaga (4,316 meters / 14,160 feet), allowing you to descend from the mountains into the jungle, crossing several ecosystems in one trip. This dramatic environmental change offers adventurers a unique experience. The route lasts 3 or 4 days, depending on the tour operator’s itinerary, and culminates at Machu Picchu, giving you the opportunity to explore the legendary Inca citadel.
Note: Due to the variety of activities and specialized equipment required, such as bikes, rafting gear, and zip-lining equipment, this trek is usually organized through travel agencies, which handle all the logistics and equipment to ensure a safe and well-organized experience.
How long is Inca Jungle Trek?
The duration of the Inca Jungle Trek can be adjusted based on your availability and the level of immersion you want in the adventure activities in the Andes and Cusco jungle. Traditionally, this trek is done in 4 days and 3 nights, but in response to different traveler preferences, a shorter 3-day and 2-night option has been created. Depending on the agency you choose to book your tour with, itineraries may vary, offering unique experiences tailored to your time and expectations.
4-day/3-night Inca Jungle Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Abra Málaga – Huamanmarca – Santa María (Biking and Rafting)
You will depart from Cusco and head northwest to the first point known as Abra Málaga (4,350 meters / 14,272 feet), where you will begin the bike descent to Huamanmarca, the spot where transportation will take you to Santa María for lunch and some rest.
In the afternoon, you’ll go rafting on the Vilcanota River, and by night, return to Santa María for dinner and overnight stay at a lodge or basic accommodation, depending on the selected agency.
- Biking time: Approx. 3 hours
- Rafting time: Approx. 1 hour

You’ll wish the duration of the Inca Jungle Trek on day 1 was longer.
Day 2: Santa María – Santa Teresa – Cocalmayo Hot Springs
Start your day with a hike through the jungle, where you’ll learn about the local flora and fauna, complementing the experience with a visit to a local family who will show you some of their customs and traditions. Continuing the journey, you will trek on a trail that was once part of the Inca Trail, where the guide will provide all the historical information about the site.
After lunch, you will continue the hike to Santa Teresa, where you will check into your hotel before heading to the medicinal hot springs of Cocalmayo, where you can relax and recharge.
- Hiking time: Approx. 4 hours
- Time at Cocalmayo: 1 to 2 hours recommended

The scenic beauty of the trek is unique.
Day 3: Santa Teresa – Lucmabamba – Llactapata – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes
Begin your day early to make the most of the morning with a zip-lining activity, then continue with a hike through local plantations, enjoying a variety of fruits and, if you’re lucky, a freshly brewed cup of coffee.
In the afternoon, you’ll arrive at the Hydroelectric Station, where you can continue trekking to Aguas Calientes or purchase a train ticket for $37 (not included in the tour). Upon arrival at Machu Picchu Pueblo (Aguas Calientes), you can rest at your hotel and explore the town in the evening, have dinner, and get a well-deserved rest.
- Hiking time: 8 to 9 hours

Enjoy unique routes and zip-lining during day 3 of the Inca Jungle Trek.
Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
Today, you’ll wake up early to be among the first to take the buses from Aguas Calientes to the entrance of the Machu Picchu Archeological Complex and start the much-anticipated tour of this Inca citadel.
By noon, you will return to Aguas Calientes for lunch before taking the train to Ollantaytambo, where private transportation will take you back to Cusco, marking the end of your Inca Jungle Trek tour.
- Exploration time: 2 to 3 hours

Make the most of your last day on the Inca Jungle Tour.
3-day/2-night Inca Jungle Trek Itinerary
This is a slightly shorter version of the famous Inca Jungle to Machu Picchu, allowing you to enjoy all the sports activities of the classic version while also visiting Machu Picchu, with a few key differences:
- On the first day, after completing the biking and rafting activities, the transportation will take you directly to Santa Teresa, where you will spend the night.
- On the second day, the trek from Santa María to Santa Teresa is skipped, and instead, you will do the third-day activities of the classic version.

You’ll notice the hiking activity between Santa María and Santa Teresa is not included in this itinerary.
Comparative Summary: 4-day vs 3-day Inca Jungle Trek
Aspect | 4-day Inca Jungle | 3-day Inca Jungle |
---|---|---|
Duration | More relaxed, with time to enjoy each activity and breaks between them. | More condensed, with similar activities but in a tighter schedule. |
Maximum Altitude | Abra Málaga (4,350 m / 14,271 ft). | Abra Málaga (4,350 m / 14,271 ft). |
Difficulty | Easy to moderate, with rest times between activities. | Easy to moderate, but with less rest time, making it feel more intense. |
Activities |
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|
Landscapes | More opportunities to enjoy the landscapes in detail, including canyons, coca plantations, and ancient Inca Trail routes. | Less time to pause and enjoy the landscapes, but with equally impressive views. |
Accommodation | Three nights in local hotels (Santa María, Santa Teresa, Aguas Calientes). | Two nights in local hotels (Santa Teresa, Aguas Calientes). |
Cost | $450 – $600 USD, depending on additional activities. | $400 – $550 USD, with a lower cost due to the shorter duration. |
Machu Picchu | Guided tour of Machu Picchu, with the option to climb Huayna Picchu for an additional cost. | Guided tour of Machu Picchu, with the option to climb Huayna Picchu for an additional cost. |
Factors That Can Affect the Duration of the Inca Jungle Trek
While the Inca Jungle versions have a set duration, we can’t overlook that depending on factors like weather, physical condition, and possible ailments, the trekking hours may be extended.
Weather
Weather changes directly impact how long is Inca Jungle Trek, as trekking in the rainy season is different from doing it in the dry season. The terrain is a combination of dirt and rocks, which can become muddy during heavy rain, or even block access points.

Primarily, the biking and rafting activities can be affected by rain, which could increase the duration of the Inca Jungle Trek.
Physical Condition
While this isn’t a race, being in good physical health will allow you to complete the trek much faster and arrive at camp sooner. On the other hand, if your physical condition is average or lower, it will make the hiking hours more difficult, with more frequent breaks, making it feel like how long is Inca Jungle Trek is extended.
Altitude Sickness
Although the chances of experiencing altitude sickness on the Inca Jungle Trek are low, if you do have symptoms, you’ll need to take it easy, giving yourself time to rest and alleviate the issues.
Tips for Maximizing Your Experience
Manage your time
While how long is Inca Jungle Trek is based on a pre-planned itinerary, it’s common for travelers to take more time on some activities, like hiking, if they’re not well prepared physically or take frequent breaks for photos and rest.
To avoid any setbacks, we recommend the following tips:
- Travel light: Even though you’ll need clothing and gear for different activities, try to pack efficiently. Many agencies set a weight limit for luggage.
- Capture the moment but live in the present: Take photos of the best landscapes, but don’t obsess over the camera. Some of the most magical moments are best enjoyed when you’re not behind a screen.
- Enjoy the activities: Make the most of opportunities to go rafting, zip-lining, or biking.

Keep these tips in mind to have a more fun and well-managed experience of the Inca Jungle Trek.
Final Thoughts
The duration of the Inca Jungle Trek varies depending on the agency you book with, generally lasting 3 or 4 days. During this time, travelers enjoy an exciting combination of adventure, including activities such as biking, hiking, rafting, and zip-lining, while marveling at the stunning landscapes leading to Machu Picchu.
It’s important to note that external factors such as weather, social conditions, or unexpected events can affect the itinerary, either extending or adjusting it. Additionally, this route can be customized by combining it with options like the Short Inca Trail or a pre-tour of the Sacred Valley, which could extend how long is Inca Jungle Trek.
Ready to experience the adventure of a lifetime? Book your spot on the Inca Jungle Trek and get ready for an unforgettable experience!