ITINERARY
DAY 1: CUSCO – OLLANTAYTAMBO – ABRA MALAGA – SANTA MARIA (Biking and rafting)
The adventure begins early. At 6:00 a.m., your guide will pick you up directly from your hotel in Cusco in a comfortable private vehicle. We’ll head toward Ollantaytambo, where you’ll have time to enjoy breakfast before continuing deeper into the Andes.
From here, the road climbs steadily to Málaga Pass (4,350 m / 14,357 ft)—the gateway to one of the most exciting days of the journey. After a short briefing and equipment setup, it’s time to shift into adventure mode.
Downhill Mountain Biking
You’ll begin a 3-hour downhill biking experience, descending from the high Andes into warmer valleys below. Along the way, the scenery transforms dramatically as you pass through multiple microclimates—from alpine highlands to cloud forest and rainforest. The route also reveals lesser-known Inca archaeological sites, including Incatambo and Wamanmarca, adding history to the thrill of the ride.
Whitewater Rafting on the Urubamba
In the afternoon, the adventure continues on the Urubamba River. After gearing up, you’ll enjoy a 2-hour rafting experience, navigating lively rapids surrounded by lush jungle landscapes.
As the day winds down, we’ll head to a charming countryside lodge, where you can relax with afternoon tea and appetizers, followed by a well-earned dinner in a peaceful setting.
Day Overview
- Meals Included: Lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Countryside lodge
- Maximum Altitude: 4,350 m / 14,357 ft
- Minimum Altitude: 1,500 m / 4,950 ft
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
DAY 2: SANTA MARIA – COCALMAYO – SANTA TERESA (Trekking)
The day begins early with breakfast before setting out on a full-day rainforest trek, one of the most naturally rich sections of the Inca Jungle route.
Rainforest Walk & Local Plantations
You’ll hike for approximately 7 hours through lush jungle scenery, surrounded by fruit plantations and tropical crops—avocados, manioc, oranges, mangoes, cacao, coffee, and coca shrubs. This section offers a deep look into the agricultural life of the region, with constant changes in vegetation and climate as the trail winds through the valley.
Quellomayu & Original Inca Trail
We’ll pause for lunch in Quellomayu, recharging before continuing uphill along a moderate ascent that follows a short section of the original Inca Trail—a meaningful historical connection rarely experienced on this route.
Cocalmayo Hot Springs
In the afternoon, we’ll arrive at the Cocalmayo Hot Springs, where you’ll have time to relax in the natural, mineral-rich pools. The warm waters are perfect for soothing tired muscles after the day’s hike.
Afterward, we’ll transfer by vehicle to Santa Teresa, where you’ll settle in for the night at a comfortable country lodge, surrounded by the quiet of the jungle.
Day Overview
- Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: Country lodge
- Distance: ~14 km / 8.7 miles
- Minimum Altitude: 1,500 m / 4,950 ft
- Maximum Altitude: 1,900 m / 6,270 ft
- Difficulty: Moderate
DAY 3: SANTA TERESA – LLACTAPATA – HYDROELECTRIC – AGUAS CALIENTES (Trekking)
Today is the most demanding—and most rewarding—day of the Inca Jungle trek. The effort pays off with rare viewpoints, original Inca paths, and your first panoramic sight of Machu Picchu from above.
Lucmabamba → Puncuyoc Pass
After breakfast, we’ll drive 30 minutes to Lucmabamba (2,000 m / 6,600 ft), where today’s hike begins. From here, you’ll ascend for about 3 hours along a moderate uphill trail, passing through cloud forest and sections of the original Inca Trail—quiet, atmospheric, and rich in history.
Llactapata Archaeological Site
After reaching the pass, we descend briefly to the spectacular Inca site of Llactapata (2,700 m / 8,907 ft). From this unique vantage point, you’ll enjoy a direct panoramic view of Machu Picchu, framed by Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, and the Aobamba Canyon. Few travelers ever see the citadel from this angle.
Your guide will explain the site’s importance and help you identify visible sections of the classic Inca Trail across the valley.
Machu Picchu National Park → Aguas Calientes
From Llactapata, we continue downhill for several hours into the Machu Picchu National Park, reaching the hydroelectric area where lunch will be served.
After lunch, you’ll either:
- Hike through the national park to Aguas Calientes, or
- Take the train (optional), depending on preference and timing
Both options offer close-up views of the lush jungle landscape surrounding the citadel.
Evening in Aguas Calientes
Upon arrival, we’ll check into your hotel. You’ll have time to explore Aguas Calientes, browse local shops, or relax before regrouping for dinner at a local restaurant. An early night follows—tomorrow is Machu Picchu.
Day Overview
- Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Accommodation: 2★ Inti Punku Tambo or Wiracocha Inn
- Distance: ~16 km / 10 miles
- Minimum Altitude: 2,000 m / 6,600 ft
- Maximum Altitude: 2,850 m / 9,407 ft
- Difficulty: Moderate
DAY 4: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
This is the moment you’ve been waiting for.
After an early breakfast at your hotel, you’ll board one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu, arriving just as the sun rises over the citadel—an unforgettable introduction to the Lost City of the Incas.
Guided Tour of Machu Picchu
Your expert guide will lead a 2-hour guided visit, walking you through the most important sectors and explaining the site’s history, symbolism, and engineering. Highlights include:
- Temple of the Sun
- Temple of the Condor
- Temple of the Three Windows
- The Sun Dial (Intihuatana)
- The Quarry
- House of the Inca
You’ll also learn how Machu Picchu is organized into its three main sectors: agricultural, residential, and religious.
Optional Hikes (Pre-booking Required)
Travelers who reserved in advance may continue independently with an optional hike to:
- Huayna Picchu, or
- Machu Picchu Mountain
These hikes are subject to availability and require an additional permit.
Return to Aguas Calientes
After your visit, you’ll take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have free time for lunch (not included), shopping, sightseeing, or a visit to the local hot springs—depending on your train schedule.
Train & Transfer to Cusco
Your afternoon train departs between 14:55 and 15:20, following the scenic Urubamba River toward Ollantaytambo. Along the way, keep an eye on the steep canyon walls—you may even spot Wiñay Wayna high above the tracks.
At Ollantaytambo, your private driver will meet you and transfer you back to Cusco, arriving at your hotel around 7:00 PM, marking the end of an unforgettable journey.
Day Overview
- Meals Included: Breakfast
- Minimum Altitude: 2,040 m / 6,727 ft (Aguas Calientes)
- Maximum Altitude: 2,440 m / 8,052 ft (Machu Picchu)
- Difficulty: Easy
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
- Entrance fee to Machu Picchu and the other Inca sites
- Bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu
- Train from the hydroelectric plant to Aguas Calientes
- Private guided tour of Machu Picchu
- 2 Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and return to Aguas Calientes
- River rafting on the scenic Urubamba River
- Professional English-speaking guide with experience in mountain biking and trekking
- Expeditions Train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo with private van connection to Cusco
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Two overnights in a countryside lodge.
- Private hotel room in Aguas Calientes
- Bikes with front suspension and all safety equipment
- All private transport
- First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
- Huayna Picchu Mountain – $75 USD
- Machu Picchu Mountain -$75 USD
- Hot springs in Cocalmayo (optional 10 soles)
- OPTIONAL UPGRADES (hotel, train, and others)
- Walking Poles – $15
- Last dinner
- Tips for the crew, guide, cook, and porters of Apple TRAVEL PERU
**If you’re up for an additional adventure, you may consider the optional treks to Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain within Machu Picchu Citadel. These treks are not guided and can be done on your own after your guided tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. However, if you prefer a guided hike, you can request it in advance for an additional cost. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.
PRICE
- $547 USD per person
This tour requires a minimum of 3 people for booking.
This tour can only be done at a certain time of year due to weather conditions.
EXTRAS
- Walking poles: $15 USD per pair per trek (professional poles that can be extended)
- Additional night in Aguas Calientes – From:$60 USD (depending on availability)
- Vistadome Train upgrade: $67 USD per person (For the return to Cusco (Poroy) at 14:55 or 15:20)
- HUAYNA PICCHU MOUNTAIN: $75 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
- MACHU PICHU MOUNTAIN: $75 USD per person (Please request when you book your Trek)
- Single supplement: $30 USD 2* for solo travelers
Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain are optional treks within Machu Picchu Citadel that do not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request it in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.
WHY CHOOSE APPLE TRAVEL PERU?
Apple Travel Peru is a family-owned travel agency and a local tour operator located in Cusco, Peru. With years of personal experience trekking and exploring the area, we pride ourselves on providing personalized and high-quality service to all our clients. As a 100% Cusqueñian Company without any shareholders, we are committed to supporting our local community.
At Apple Travel Peru, we believe in responsible and sustainable tourism practices. We treat our staff like family and ensure that they receive a fair salary. Our team is the backbone of our company, and we are proud to have a skilled and dedicated team that helps us provide unforgettable experiences to our clients.
We understand the importance of working with a reliable and honest tour operator when planning your adventure of a lifetime in Peru. That’s why we encourage you to check out our reviews and certificates of excellence on TripAdvisor to see what our clients have to say about their experience with us. With Apple Travel Peru, you can trust that we will go above and beyond to make your trip a success.
SMALL GROUPS
At Apple Travel Peru, we believe in providing a more intimate and personalized experience for our guests. To achieve this, we have a policy that limits our group size to a maximum of 8 people. This sets us apart from other tour companies that often operate with much larger groups. By keeping our groups small, we are able to provide more individual attention to each of our guests, ensuring a higher quality of service and a more enjoyable experience overall.
OUR TOP TOUR GUIDES
At Apple Travel Peru, we believe that having the right guide can make all the difference in your travel experience. That’s why we are proud to say that our guides are highly professional and fluent in English. They are not only knowledgeable but also passionate about Inca heritage and history.
Our guides are committed to ongoing personal and professional development. They conduct extensive research to ensure that you receive accurate and recognized theories in Inca and Andean culture. You can rest assured that you will be in good hands with our crew, who are not only knowledgeable but also fun-loving and great sports.
All of our guides hold degrees in one of the following fields: Archeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology. We believe that their education and expertise provide a valuable perspective and enhance your overall experience.
OUR SUPER COOL HORSEMEN
At Apple Travel Peru, we need to guarantee that your climbing experience along the Lares Journey Machu Picchu is out and out groundbreaking. That is the reason we focus on your comfort and pleasure above all other things. We are focused on furnishing you with the most ideal occasion insight in Peru by drenching you in the neighborhood culture, investigating extraordinary locales, and acquainting you with far-off Inca towns and old structures.
During your journey, you’ll have the potential chance to become familiar with some Quechua words and find the entrancing history of the Inca civilization. You’ll likewise have the option to submerge yourself in the staggering scene and feel the wizardry of Mother Earth (Pachamama) and the Andes. What’s more, the most amazing aspect? You will not need to stress over a thing!
Our completely portered journey implies that we’ll deal with every one of the subtleties, including conveying your stuff, setting up your feasts, setting up your tents, and staying away from swarmed campgrounds. You can take a load off, realizing that our group is devoted to guaranteeing that you have the most ideal experience.
We’re likewise dedicated to dealing with our watchmen and cooks, who assume a pivotal part in making your trip a triumph. That is the reason we give them all that they should be agreeable and protected on the excursion, including coats, sun caps, warm caps, shirts, pants, climbing boots, agreeable duffle packs, flasks, supports for safeguarding their spines, camping cots, sleeping pads, and protection.
OUR COOKS ON THE TREK
We have professional and dedicated cooks who are a highlight of the Lares Trek Machu Picchu experience. Our clients rave about the delicious and abundant gourmet-style meals, which they say are even better than what they’ve had in restaurants.
Our cooks use a mix of local and exotic produce to prepare Peruvian and international cuisine, so you’ll have the opportunity to try new and exciting dishes. And if you have any dietary restrictions or food allergies, we’re happy to cater to your needs. Just let us know in advance, and we’ll make sure that your meals are adjusted accordingly.
We understand that good food is a crucial part of any hiking adventure, and that’s why we’re committed to providing you with the best possible dining experience on the trek. You’ll be fueled up and ready to tackle the next leg of the journey with our delicious and nourishing meals.
Apple Travel Peru honors any food restrictions!
OUR EQUIPMENT
Our team (Guides, cooks, horsemen) and our equipment are what really make Apple Travel Peru stand out from all the competitors…. For all the adventures we hike, we include the following items:
- OUR TENTS: Enjoy a good night’s sleep in our 4 season EUREKA Timberline tents. All our tents are 4-person tents, but ONLY sleep 2, leaving lots of room to spread out comfortably and store your duffel bags. They also include a little vestibule in front, giving you some extra outdoor space to leave your boots and walking sticks so you don’t have to bring in dirt.
- OUR MATS: They are used to separate and insulate you from the ground.
- AIR MATTRESSES: They can be rented for US$15.
OUR KITCHEN & DINING TENTS: The dining tent is used as our meeting room at mealtime. It’s a place to enjoy our meals and the company of fellow trekkers. - OUR TABLES & CHAIRS: The interior of the dining room includes tables and chairs with two doors on each side, which are adaptable to weather conditions.
- DUFFEL BAGS: Will be provided at briefing time the night before the trek.
- MORE: Pillows, backpack rain covers, survivor t-shirts, hot shower, and the biochemical camping toilet are provided on the trek.
OUR SERVICE PROJECTS
At Apple Travel Peru, we strongly believe in supporting the local communities that surround us. Our company is committed to responsible tourism and makes it a priority to give back through various service projects and by hiring locally.
We take great pride in not only employing local people but also supporting their families and communities. We believe in a holistic approach and are thrilled to be able to make a positive impact on the lives of those around us. It brings us joy to be able to support our highland employees and their families in a meaningful way.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THE INCA JUNGLE TREK
Please read carefully the following information. It will help with your questions about our services and the trek to Machu Picchu.
WELCOME TO CUSCO
We want to make sure that your arrival in Cusco is as smooth and stress-free as possible. That’s why we offer a complimentary airport pickup service.
When you arrive at the Cusco airport, one of our representatives will be waiting for you at the exit from the arrival terminal, holding an orange Apple Travel Peru board. They’ll greet you warmly and assist you with your luggage, making sure that you feel welcomed and comfortable from the moment you arrive.
To ensure that we’re able to provide you with the best possible service, we ask that you inform us of your full flight details at least 14 days prior to your arrival. This will allow us to coordinate your pickup and ensure that everything runs smoothly.
So sit back, relax, and let us take care of everything. We’re committed to making sure that your journey with us is enjoyable and hassle-free from start to finish.
THE BRIEFING
It will take place the night before the trekking departure at 6 pm at our office which is located at Calle Garcilaso 2010 Office 2012.
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?
Of course! During the trek, your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you.
HOW TO BOOK THE INCA JUNGLE TRAIL MACHU PICCHU?
FIRST, to book your Inca Jungle Trail Machu Picchu, we need you to fill out our booking form by clicking on BOOK NOW on our homepage or click here on the link BOOK NOW
Please be ready with the following information (FROM EACH PARTICIPANT in your group). We cannot purchase an Inca Jungle Trail Machu Picchu entrance without the following information:
- Personal information (your full name, exactly as on your passport):
- Gender
- Passport number
- D.OB. (dd/mm/yyyy)
- Nationality
SECOND, we require a deposit of US$200.00 per person in order to purchase a permit for the Inca Jungle Trail Machu Picchu. You can make your deposit by clicking on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on the top of our home page, or you can click on the VISA or PAYPAL symbols on our booking page or click here on the payment of your choice, either VISA or PayPal
WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?
If you’re worried about high credit card fees while in Peru, don’t worry! You have options to pay for your tour with Apple Travel Peru. You can pay in cash (in US dollars or Peruvian soles) at our office located in Cusco’s historical center. There are also plenty of ATMs in the area where you can withdraw cash.
If you prefer to pay online, we accept payments through VISA or PayPal. However, please note that there is a 5.5% service fee charged by these payment platforms. To pay your balance through PayPal, simply log into your PayPal account and use our email address: appletravelperu@gmail.com.
MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?
Unfortunately, the answer is generally “No”. Once the tickets for Machu Picchu have been bought the government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any departure dates. Tickets are not transferable nor refundable. Please contact the office as soon as possible if you need to change your date.
*** If you cancel your Inca Jungle Trail Machu Picchu, the deposit is not refundable at all!
DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON THE INCA JUNGLE TRAIL OF MACHU PICCHU?
YES. We want to make sure that you have a smooth and hassle-free experience when exploring the Inca Jungle Trail Machu Picchu, so it’s important to bring your original passport with you on the trip. When booking your trip, please ensure that the passport number you provide us matches the one you’ll be bringing with you.
During your trip, your passport will be checked by rangers when you enter Machu Picchu and by the train company before boarding the train. If you need to renew your passport or change your name, don’t worry – just send us your old passport information and we can make the necessary changes for a fee of $25 per person. To do this, we’ll need copies of both your old and new passports.
It’s important to note that if you prefer not to pay the fee, you’ll need to bring both passports with you to Peru. While you can enter the country with your new passport, you’ll need to show both passports – old and new – when entering the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, or boarding the train. Please keep in mind that they are very strict about this in Peru, so make sure to bring both passports with you to avoid any issues. Lastly, we recommend keeping a copy of your old passport before making any changes.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE INCA JUNGLE TRAIL OF MACHU PICCHU?
The weather along the Inca Jungle Trail Machu Picchu can be quite unpredictable, as you’ll encounter various microclimates along the way. Therefore, it’s important to be prepared for different seasons depending on your location. We recommend packing some warm clothes and good rain gear in your day backpack. As you move from the warm jungle atmosphere to higher elevations, it’s best to dress in layers that you can easily take on and off. This will ensure that you stay comfortable throughout your trek.
ARE WE GOING TO BE DROPPED AT OUR HOTEL AFTER THE TREK?
Yes, you can count on it! We provide transportation to your hotel as part of our package, and on the last day, we’ll make sure to drop you off at your desired location. If you have a hotel booked in the Sacred Valley, such as Ollantaytambo or Urubamba, we can drop you off there too! In case you choose to spend the night in Ollantaytambo before the trek, no worries, we’ll pick you up from there.
TIPPING
If you’re pleased with the services you’ve received from our staff, we welcome any gratuities you may wish to offer. While tipping may not be a standard practice in your home country, it is an essential part of the tourism industry in many destinations we operate in. Tipping inspires our staff to provide exceptional service, and it is greatly appreciated. The amount you choose to tip is entirely up to you and should be based on the quality and duration of your trip. We want to emphasize that tipping is not mandatory and should only be given if you feel you’ve received excellent service.
ARE WE SUSTAINABLE?
Absolutely! Apple Travel Peru is committed to being a responsible tourism operator that prioritizes sustainability and local engagement. We believe in following universal principles of tourism that protect the environment and ensure that local communities benefit from tourism while respecting their culture and beliefs. To ensure that we achieve this, we have extensively trained all our local staff to understand, appreciate, and respect the local communities and places we visit.
WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU?
- Original passport (it has to be the same one you have used for booking your trek)
- Valid student ID card (if you booked as a student)
- Good daypack (the smaller, the better)
- Water storage: 2-3 liter reusable bottles (please do not bring disposable bottles)
- Comfortable hiking boots with ankle support
- Toilet paper
WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR DUFFEL BAG?
As your trusted tour operator, we want to make sure that you have a comfortable and enjoyable trekking experience. That’s why we provide you with a duffel bag during your briefing and also include an extra porter to carry up to 7 kilograms or 14 pounds of your belongings, which includes your 2.5-kilogram sleeping bag, mattress, and additional clothing.
It’s essential to note that Peruvian law limits the weight of a duffel bag to 7 kilograms or 15 pounds to safeguard the health of our hardworking porters and horses. We will weigh all bags before being accepted to ensure compliance with this rule. If you need to carry more than 7 kilograms, it will be your responsibility to do so with your day pack.
Please keep in mind that out of the 7 kilograms, 2 kilograms are allocated to your sleeping bag, and 1 kilogram to your sleeping pad, leaving you with about 4 kilograms for your personal gear. This weight allocation will ensure that you have everything you need for the trek while being mindful of the weight restrictions in place.
- 2 t-shirts
- 2 hiking pants at least
- 4 sets of undergarments
- 3 sets of hiking socks
- Bathing suit for the thermal waters
- Fleece/ thermals
- Warm clothes, jacket
- Waterproof gloves
- Quickdry towel. We provide small ones, but you might prefer something larger.
- A small bottle of soap: we provide warm water each day to wash.
- Battery Charger: No electricity along the trek
- Large plastic bags will be provided at the office — Please ask for them.
TOILETRIES
- Face moisturizer
- Hand sanitizer
- Wet wipes
- Toothbrush and paste
- Personal medications
- First aid kit: band-aids, moleskin, etc.
WHAT TO PUT IN YOUR BACKPACK?
We highly recommend a small backpack of 30 to 40 liters for hiking during the day. A big backpack will not be allowed into Machu Picchu. The remainder of your belongings will be in your duffel bag at camp.
- Water: Please supply your own water until the first lunch spot, then we will provide you with cold boiled water at every meal time. Please bring your canteens.
- Sunhat and sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Wool hat
- Rain gear
- Fleece
- Snacks like chocolate bars, cereal bars, or any dry fruits
- Rain plastic poncho (provided by APPLE)
- Gloves
- Camera
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet paper and a small plastic bag for waste
- Extra money for souvenirs, drinks & tips
- Valuable Items
