What is the Inca Jungle? Do you dream of exploring stunning landscapes, immersing yourself in ancient cultures, and reaching one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World? Then the Inca Jungle is for you!
In this blog, we’ll take you on a fascinating journey through this alternative route to Machu Picchu, revealing its secrets and what makes it unique. Discover why the Inca Jungle has become the top choice for adventurers seeking an unforgettable experience.
What is Inca Jungle Trek?
The Inca Jungle Trek is one of the most exciting and diverse routes to reach Machu Picchu, blending adventure, nature, and culture. Unlike other traditional hikes, this route includes outdoor activities like mountain biking, river rafting, jungle trail hikes, and ziplining, offering a full experience for adventure lovers.
The journey starts with a bike descent from the Andes, followed by rafting on the Vilcanota River and hiking through tropical jungle trails. You’ll also enjoy ziplining over lush vegetation and have the chance to interact with local communities before reaching Aguas Calientes and finally ascending to Machu Picchu.
As you travel this route, you’ll not only reach Machu Picchu but do so while experiencing an unforgettable adventure full of excitement and discovery along the way.
Brief History of the Inca Jungle
What we know today as the Inca Jungle dates back to pre-Inca times, when different routes connected the Andean communities with the lowlands of the Amazon jungle. These routes were vital for trading goods like coca leaves, corn, and other natural resources, as well as establishing relationships with ethnic groups from different regions. Over centuries, these routes became essential arteries for commerce and culture, linking two very different ecosystems: the high Andes and the tropical jungle.
When the Spanish arrived in the 16th century, this network of roads expanded and adapted to facilitate the transport of agricultural products and raw materials from the jungle to Cusco, the Inca capital. These roads not only allowed trade but also played a crucial role in Inca resistance.
One of the most significant events tied to this region occurred during Manco Inca’s rebellion against the Spanish. After losing the battle for Cusco, Manco Inca fled to the jungle, crossing the Veronica mountain, then known as Wayna Huillca. After his defeat, the mountain was renamed Wacay Willca (‘The Young Woman Who Cries’), in reference to the sorrow over the fall of the Incas, and over time it became known as Veronica. The Malaga Pass, near the starting point of the bike descent on the Inca Jungle Trek, is one of the key historical sites where the Incas escaped to Vilcabamba, their final refuge. One of the remnants left behind is the Huamanmarca archaeological site along the Inca Jungle route.
Hiking the Inca Jungle is not only an adrenaline-filled, nature-packed adventure but also a journey through historical trails that witnessed Inca resistance and their fight to preserve their empire during the Spanish invasion.
The Origins of the Inca Jungle Trek in Tourism
The Inca Jungle Trail as a tourist offering started in the late 1990s, thanks to local tour operators seeking to offer an alternative to the traditional trails that lead to Machu Picchu, such as the Inca Trail or the Salkantay Trek.
Gaining wide acceptance and popularity among travelers, thanks to the inclusion of sports activities in the package, the Inca Jungle Trek became one of the best options for travelers looking for a modern, adrenaline-packed, and unique experience.
What’s Included?
What is included in the Inca Jungle Tour will mostly depend on the tour operator you choose, but in general, most tours include:
- Transportation: Pickup from your hotel in Cusco (private car), transfers to different points along the tour, and return transportation from Machu Picchu to Cusco (train and car).
- Accommodation: Hotel or campsite nights along the tour (the number depends on the length of the tour).
- Meals: Breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, except for lunch at Machu Picchu.
- Entrance Tickets: Entrance to Machu Picchu and permits for the Inca Trail (if included in the tour).
- Professional Guides: Certified tour guides specialized in the Inca Jungle and its activities.
Sports Activities of the Inca Jungle
What sets the Inca Jungle Trek apart from other routes in Cusco is the fact that it’s the only trekking route to Machu Picchu that features a variety of outdoor activities. It’s the top choice for adventurers seeking new experiences beyond the traditional.
Biking
The adventure starts with an exhilarating downhill bike ride from Abra Malaga, a mountain pass over 4,000 meters (13,123 feet) above sea level. From here, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the Andes as you descend into warmer climates and denser vegetation. As you glide on modern bikes, you’ll feel the transition from Andean landscapes to the lush jungle.
Rafting
Rafting takes place on the mighty waters of the Vilcanota River, where you’ll experience Class 2, 3, and 4 rapids, depending on the season. This activity offers a safe adrenaline rush while immersing yourself in the natural surroundings. Gliding through the waters of the legendary Vilcanota River is one of the experiences that makes the Inca Jungle trek unique.
Zip-lining
Zip-lining is another of the most thrilling activities on the Inca Jungle Trek. You’ll cross from one mountain to another, flying over the Vilcanota River from high above. This gives you a privileged view of the Cusco jungle as you zip along the cables at high speeds, enjoying a unique perspective of the landscapes.
Inca Jungle Options (Routes and Duration)
Inca Jungle Routes
The Inca Jungle Trek follows a general set route, but the versions and itinerary details may vary depending on the travel agency, available time, and traveler preferences. For example, the classic 4-day version generally includes a hike on the second day from Santa María to Santa Teresa, crossing jungle trails. This option is perfect for those looking for a more immersive experience, combining trekking and jungle adventure.
In contrast, the shorter 3-day version often skips this hike. Instead, after the biking and rafting activities on the first day, travelers are transported directly to Santa Teresa. This alternative is ideal if you prefer a quicker itinerary that lets you enjoy the key activities without spending too much time hiking.
These are just examples of standard itineraries. Travel agencies can adjust the routes and activities based on your time availability, weather conditions, and other factors. Therefore, it’s always best to check the specific itinerary before booking.
Duration
The duration of the Inca Jungle Trek can also be adjusted depending on the agency and the selected tour. Generally, we offer options for 3 or 4 days, but it’s also possible to combine this route with the Short Inca Trail, extending the tour to 5 or 6 days. These combined versions allow you to enjoy a more complete experience, integrating the best of both routes.
In summary, the itinerary and duration of the Inca Jungle Trek are flexible and can be customized to suit your preferences, the time you have, and the conditions you prefer, ensuring your experience is as dynamic or relaxed as you want.
What is the Best Time to Do the Inca Jungle? Is It Important?
Yes, choosing the right season is crucial to fully enjoy the Inca Jungle Trek experience. To make sure you can complete all outdoor activities without weather interruptions, it’s essential to avoid issues like heavy rains or thick fog that could impact visibility and safety.
For this reason, the best time to do the Inca Jungle is during the dry season, from May to October. During these months, the weather is more stable, with clear skies and less chance of rain, allowing you to fully enjoy activities like biking, rafting, and ziplining, as well as better appreciate the stunning Andean and jungle landscapes.
Planning your adventure during this season ensures a more comfortable and safer experience, making the most of everything the Inca Jungle has to offer.
What Makes the Inca Jungle Different from Other Trekking Routes?
The Inca Jungle Trek stands out from other routes like the Inca Trail or the Salkantay Trek because it offers a multi-activity experience that combines trekking with biking, rafting, and, in some cases, zip-lining, providing a more dynamic adventure. It is flexible in duration and pace, allowing adjustments based on the traveler’s physical level. With landscapes ranging from Andean mountains to tropical jungle with coffee plantations, this route is perfect for those seeking adrenaline and natural diversity.
Features | Inca Jungle | Inca Trail | Salkantay Trek |
---|---|---|---|
Multi-activity | Biking, rafting, zip-lining (optional) | Trekking with historical and archaeological landmarks | Hiking only, with optional horseback riding in some parts |
Adventure Level | Very adventurous and dynamic (biking, rafting) | Moderate, focused on trekking and culture | High adventure due to altitude and varied terrain |
Flexibility | Flexible itinerary, adjustable to preferences | Less flexible, fixed route but with incredible archaeology | Moderately flexible, with options for different distances |
Landscapes | Mountains, tropical jungle, coffee plantations | Mountains, cloud forest, Inca ruins, historical sites | Mountains, lagoons, panoramic views, high passes |
Highest Point | 4,316 meters (14,160 feet) at Abra Malaga | 4,215 meters (13,828 feet) at Warmiwañusca | 4,650 meters (15,255 feet) at the Salkantay Pass |
Average Cost | $300 – $600 USD | $600 – $900 USD | $400 – $800 USD |
Risk of Altitude Sickness | Low, mostly in the jungle | Moderate, at Warmiwañusca Pass | Moderate, especially at the Salkantay Pass |
Duration | 3-4 days | 4 days (classic version) | 4-5 days (extensions up to 7 days available) |
Access to Machu Picchu | Includes access to Machu Picchu at the end of the trek | Direct access to Machu Picchu through the Sun Gate | Access via Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo) |
Main Attraction | Diverse sports activities and jungle landscapes | Archaeological and cultural heritage, diverse ecosystems | Panoramic views and high-altitude mountain experience |
Additionally, since the Inca Jungle Trek mainly takes place in the jungle, the risk of altitude sickness is much lower compared to other trekking routes in Cusco, allowing you to enjoy outdoor activities without worrying too much about the effects of high altitude.
What is the Inca Jungle Trek for Travelers?
For travelers, the Inca Jungle is more than just a hiking route; it’s a gateway to a world of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. It offers the most incredible experience that allows you to:
- Immerse yourself in nature: The Inca Jungle offers breathtaking landscapes of the Andes, valleys, rivers, and the Amazon jungle. You’ll walk through mountains, cross crystal-clear rivers, see waterfalls, and dive into the lush jungle vegetation.
- Experience adventure: The Inca Jungle invites you to challenge yourself and push your limits. You’ll get to do activities like hiking, biking, rafting, and zip-lining while enjoying the thrill and excitement of adventure.
- Learn about local culture: Along the way, you’ll have the chance to interact with local communities, learn about their traditions and customs, and taste their delicious cuisine.
- Live a unique experience: The Inca Jungle offers a unique combination of adventure, culture, and natural beauty that will help you create unforgettable memories.
Inca Jungle: The Route of Adventure and Sports to Machu Picchu!
Now you know that the Inca Jungle is much more than just a hiking route; it’s a journey of discovery, an adrenaline-filled adventure, and a unique opportunity to connect with the culture and natural beauty of the Cusco jungle. It not only takes you to Machu Picchu, the most famous Inca citadel in the world, but also brings you into a world of stunning landscapes, fascinating archaeological sites, and welcoming communities.
Are you ready to challenge yourself and live something unique? The Inca Jungle awaits with open arms! Get ready to walk ancient trails, admire panoramic views of the Andes, immerse yourself in local culture, and create memories that will last a lifetime.