Amazon and high jungle
Two ways to experience the rainforest: the Tambopata Amazon, with Sandoval Lake, Monkey Island and hikes of 2 to 4 days, or the Inca Jungle, which reaches Machu Picchu through the high jungle with biking, rafting and zip line.
AmazonPuerto Maldonado · Tambopata
AmazonPuerto Maldonado · Tambopata
AmazonPuerto Maldonado · Tambopata
TrekMachu PicchuInca Jungle · Maras & Moray · Sacred Valley · Ollantaytambo +3
AmazonLake Sandoval · Puerto Maldonado · Tambopata
The Inca Jungle is an adventure route to Machu Picchu that descends from the Andes to the high jungle (ceja de selva), the transition zone between the mountains and the Amazon. Instead of taking the train or hiking every day, you combine several activities: a mountain-road bike descent, rafting, hiking stretches among crops and forest, and a zip line over the valley. It ends in Aguas Calientes, from where you visit Machu Picchu.
You leave Cusco with transportation to the start of the route and spend all four days with a professional bilingual guide. Lodging combines one night in a hotel in Santa María, one night in a Sky Lodge Dome and one night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes. It includes three breakfasts, three lunches and three dinners, and the Machu Picchu ticket. The day-by-day detail is in the program listing.
It is a good option if you like adventure and want a more active experience than the train, but without the altitude demands of the Inca Trail or the Salkantay. The route spends most of the time in areas that are lower and milder than Cusco. You need acceptable physical condition and a willingness to be on the move; no prior experience in mountain biking, rafting or zip lining is required, although you must always follow the guide's instructions.
It also does not require a permit like the Inca Trail, so it is a useful alternative when those spots are sold out.
The dry season, from May to October, is the most comfortable for outdoor activities. Between November and April it rains more in the high jungle and some activities, such as rafting, may be adjusted depending on river flow and the conditions of the day. Bring lightweight, quick-drying clothing, a warm layer for the departure from Cusco, a rain jacket, insect repellent, sunscreen and comfortable footwear.
If what you are looking for is the Amazon rainforest proper, with lakes, rivers and wildlife, look at our Tambopata tours of 2 to 4 days, which depart from Puerto Maldonado. You can combine them with Cusco and Machu Picchu in the same trip: first the Andes and then a flight to Puerto Maldonado to finish in the rainforest.
Before booking, we recommend spending at least one day in Cusco before you start, to acclimatize and rest from the journey. Because the route ends at Machu Picchu, we need your passport details to issue the ticket, which is named and has a fixed date. Tell us your dates and we will put together the route.
Frequently asked questions
Don’t see your question? Message us and we’ll answer on WhatsApp.
Downhill mountain biking, rafting, hiking and zip line, and it ends with a visit to Machu Picchu.
It is active but less demanding in altitude than the Inca Trail or the Salkantay. You need acceptable physical condition; no prior experience in the activities is needed.
Yes, the 4-day program includes the Machu Picchu ticket, lodging, meals and a bilingual guide.
No. The Inca Jungle does not require the Inca Trail permit, which is why it is an alternative when those spots are sold out.
Yes, in Tambopata, with programs of 2 to 4 days from Puerto Maldonado. You will find them in the Tambopata section.
Other destinations
Tell us how many days you have and who you’re traveling with. We’ll recommend the trip that fits best.
Official registrations, trade associations and awards that back our work.
We use cookiesWe use our own and third-party cookies to measure visits and show you relevant ads. You can accept, reject or configure them. Cookie policy
