Peru: Inca Jungle & Rainbow Mountain Trek
7 days, Cusco to Cusco
Itinerary
Day 1Cusco
Arrive at any time. Catch your breath before getting to know your fellow travellers over a few drinks at pub in the Santa Ana neighbourhood. Say cheers to new friends and new adventures!
Arrive early and spend some time exploring the city. Meet the group at the welcome meeting, check for the start time on the welcome note at the hotel.
Please note: hot water shortages and power outages can be fairly common in Peru (even in upgraded hotels and private homes). We appreciate your patience and understanding that these occurrences are outside of our control.
Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.
Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting with G Representative
The adventure begins today. Feel free to explore, but make sure you're back in time to meet the group. Your G Representative will review the details of your tour.
Optional Activities - Day 1 HideShow
Inka Museum
10PEN per personGet ready to explore the artifacts from the Inca Empire, including mummies, jewelry, skulls, and ceramics at this museum of archaeology.
Cusco City Tour
45PEN per personEnjoy a half-day tour of Cusco's main sights. Walk around the Plaza de Armas (main square) and explore this city steeped in one of the world's most alluring and ancient cultures. Visit Qenqo, Koricancha, the Cathedral, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay, and the archaeological site of Sacsaywaman.
Cusco Tourist Ticket
130PEN per personThis ticket allows admission at 16 sights of the city of Cusco including many popular museums and cathedrals, the ticket also provides entrance to Sacsayhuaman Archaeological Park, and sights in the South Valley of Cusco and the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Cusco Plaza Nazarenas (or similar)
Day 2Malaga Pass/Santa Maria
Pump up the excitement today on an epic mountain biking adventure. Start the exhilarating ride way up at Malaga Pass. Enjoy stunning Andean views, Incan archaeological sites, and rushing rivers on the way down to the jungle below.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Malaga Pass Mountain Biking
Strap on your helmet, jump on your mountain bike, and get ready to zip by Andean landscapes, glaciers, waterfalls, and grazing llamas on the ride down. These views do not disappoint, keep your camera at the ready.
Accommodation
Paykikin Hostel (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 3Santa Teresa
Depart via private vehicle for Santa Teresa and arrive around mid-morning where the group will embark on a short guided tour of the area. After an included lunch, soar through the air on a zipline high above the jungle below. Later, you can choose to soak in the nearby hot springs.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Santa Teresa Ziplining
Get your adrenaline pumping as you fly above the trees reaching speeds up to 70km per hour.
Accommodation
Santa Teresa Plaza Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
LunchDay 4Santa Teresa/Aguas Calientes
Get an early start today and drive from Santa Teresa to Lucmabamba where the group will begin a 16km (9.9 mi) hike to the ruins of Llactapata. Wander through lush landscapes and look out into the distance for your first glimpse of Machu Picchu from afar. Afterwards, head to Aguas Calientes where you can visit the local hot springs to soothe your sore muscles.
Transport
Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle as you transfer about an hour from Santa Teresa to Lucmabamba for the start of today's hike.
Llactapata Hike
Hike up to the ruins of Llactapata, wandering through high jungle landscapes, coffee farms, and coca fields with green for miles as you go. Stop to look out towards Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu before reaching the top. Once there, spend time exploring these well-preserved ruins while learning more about this site that was primarily used for crop storage and production.
Duration: 6-7 hrs
Distance: 16km (9.9 miles)
Elevation Gain: 800 m (2624 ft)
Elevation loss 1000 m (3280 ft)
Local Train
Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.
Free Time
Grab a drink in town or head to the nearby hot springs.
Optional Activities - Day 4 HideShow
Hot Springs Visit
6USD per personSoak your sore muscles in the local hot springs for which the town, Aguas Calientes, was originally named.
Accommodation
Seven Machu Picchu Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Machu Picchu/Cusco
Tick majestic Machu Picchu off your bucket list today. Explore the ruins with a local guide before returning to Cusco.
Machu Picchu Guided Tour
Set off with the local guide to explore Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. Learn about the history and gain insights into this massive mountaintop citadel while wandering through ancient dwellings, stone temples and along sculpted terraces. Feel the energy of this 15th-century site, now both a UNESCO World Heritage site and voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World in a worldwide internet poll.
Local Train
Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.
Accommodation
Cusco Plaza Nazarenas (or similar)
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Rainbow Mountain
Rise and shine! Wake up early to drive to one of the most instagrammable locations of the region, Rainbow Mountain. Today is a challenging hike, but well worth the reward.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Your Big Night Out Moment:
Whether it’s a pub crawl, drink specials or a bonfire on the beach, celebrate late into the night with your new best friends.
Rainbow Mountain Hike - Full-day Trip
Lookout over these colourful Andean mountains striped with maroon, turquoise, lavender, and gold. The sediment, elevation, and proximity to the ocean create a landscape that has to be seen to be believed. Get started early to drive around 3 hours approximately to the starting point of this challenging, yet rewarding full-day hike. Reaching 5,029m (16,500 ft) this 8 km hike is no walk in the park, but these unique mountains do not disappoint. The ascent takes approximately 1.5 hours.
Accommodation
Cusco Plaza Nazarenas (or similar)
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 7Cusco
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.