Highlights
- Follow a route linking Abra Málaga, Huamanmarca, Santa María rather than treating each stop as an isolated attraction.
- Continue through Qellomayo, Santa Teresa, Hidroeléctrica with context on landscape, architecture and local use.
- Finish through Machu Picchu, where the route’s main physical or heritage goal comes into view.
- Prepare for paved and dirt biking, warm forest trail, road sections and railway-side walking, with practical guidance on footwear, weather and pace.
- Follow local guidance in areas associated with Santa María, Qellomayo and Santa Teresa, including respectful photography, purchases and private spaces.
- Receive a clear service confirmation covering pickup, entrances, operating hours and optional payments.
- Use a professional guide who can adjust explanations to the group rather than repeating a fixed script.
- Choose private service for more control over stops and rhythm, or group service for a lower per-person rate and a social setting.
Trip details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 days / 3 nights |
| Region | Cusco |
| Start and finish | Begins and ends in Cusco unless the final itinerary states another city |
| Maximum altitude | about 4,316 m / 14,160 ft by road before the bike descent |
| Difficulty | Moderate, with optional higher-risk activities |
| Terrain | paved and dirt biking, warm forest trail, road sections and railway-side walking |
| Main transport | road vehicle, mountain bike, walking, optional activity transfers, shuttle bus and tourist train or car return |
| Accommodation | two basic lodge nights and one hotel night in Machu Picchu Pueblo |
| Suggested minimum age | 15+ |
| Typical group limit | 16 |
| Best preparation | Confirm pickup, entrance documents, opening hours and any mobility needs before departure |
Trip overview
- Best for: travelers interested in an active route combining biking, jungle valleys and Machu Picchu.
- Main places: Abra Malaga, Santa Maria, Santa Teresa, Hidroelectrica and Machu Picchu.
- Physical demand: challenging, with terrain including biking road sections, warm valleys, optional activities and walking routes.
- Logistics: final pickup time, inclusions and ticket conditions are reconfirmed before the service.
Before departure, the operations team confirms pickup location, start time, required documents and any dietary, medical or mobility notes. Travelers should review the route conditions, bring the essentials listed below and keep the phone number used for booking active on the day of service.
Itinerary
Cusco – Abra Málaga – Mountain Bike Descent – Santa María
The vehicle leaves Cusco and climbs toward Abra Málaga, where the guide and activity team check helmets, gloves, brakes and riding instructions. The bike descent begins only when weather and road conditions are suitable. Riders move from cold highland air into a warmer valley, using controlled speed on paved and dirt sections. The support vehicle follows the group and can carry a traveler who no longer feels safe. After the biking stage, the route continues toward Santa María. Rafting may be offered as a separate activity, but participation depends on river level, insurance and the operator’s safety decision. The first lodge night is in the warm valley. Day highlight: Reach Santa María after following the day’s main route at a measured pace. Technical details – Transport: road vehicle and mountain bike – Starting altitude: near 4,316 m / 14,160 ft at Abra Málaga – Terrain: paved road, dirt sections and long descent – Climate: cold at the start, warm and humid later – Accommodation: basic lodge in Santa María – Optional activity: rafting, when separately booked and authorized
Santa María – Forest Trail – Qellomayo – Hot Springs – Santa Teresa
The walking stage follows warm forest paths, farm areas and sections associated with older local routes. Coffee, fruit and other crops appear along the valley, and the guide coordinates stops with local households only where prior arrangements exist. The ground can be muddy and insects are common. Lunch is taken near Qellomayo or another confirmed stop before the route continues toward Santa Teresa. A late-afternoon transfer to the Cocalmayo-area hot springs may be offered, with entrance and local transport included only when named on the voucher. The night is spent in a basic lodge. Day highlight: Reach Santa Teresa after following the day’s main route at a measured pace. Technical details – Walking: about 6–8 hours, according to the selected path – Terrain: forest trail, mud, stream crossings and farm tracks – Climate: warm and humid – Accommodation: basic lodge in Santa Teresa – Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner as confirmed – Optional stop: thermal baths
Santa Teresa – Optional Zipline – Hidroeléctrica – Machu Picchu Pueblo
Travelers who booked the zipline transfer to the activity base for equipment checks and instruction. The zipline is an extreme activity and should not be treated as a compulsory part of the route. Those who do not participate follow the alternate transport plan. The group reunites near Hidroeléctrica for lunch, then walks beside the railway toward Machu Picchu Pueblo. The route is level but hot and humid, with trains passing through the corridor. On arrival, the hotel check-in and Machu Picchu briefing are completed. Day highlight: Reach Machu Picchu Pueblo after following the day’s main route at a measured pace. Technical details – Optional activity: zipline, subject to separate payment and safety approval – Walking: about 10–12 km / 6–7.5 mi – Walking time: about 2.5–3.5 hours – Terrain: railway-side path – Accommodation: hotel in Machu Picchu Pueblo – Meals: breakfast and lunch; dinner as confirmed
Machu Picchu – Return by Train or Car
The shuttle bus and entry follow the time printed on the ticket. The guide leads the confirmed Machu Picchu circuit, and optional mountain routes require their own ticket and timing. After the guided route, the return depends on the selected package. Train-return passengers board the scheduled service and meet a road transfer in the Sacred Valley. Car-return passengers walk back to Hidroeléctrica and board the van to Cusco. Because these options differ greatly in comfort and arrival time, the voucher must clearly state which return is included. Day highlight: Complete the return by train or car after following the day’s main route at a measured pace. Technical details – Guided entry: according to the official route – Train return: shuttle bus, train and road transfer – Car return: railway-side walk and long van journey – Terrain: stone paths plus the selected return route – Meals: breakfast
Discounts
- 18 to 25 years old: proposed agency reduction of US $30, subject to the official ticket category. A valid physical student card must show the institution, student name, photo and validity period. A clear copy is required at booking.
- Under 18 years old: proposed agency reduction of US $30. A passport copy is required when booking.
- Under 11 years old: proposed agency reduction of US $40. A passport copy is required when booking.
- Government, rail and entrance rules may change. A reduction is not final until Andean Peru Treks confirms the approved ticket and fare class.
Optional Extras and Upgrades
- Panoramic train upgrade: quoted according to operator, route and departure
- Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain or another mountain route: separate ticket, limited capacity and advance confirmation required
- Additional guided mountain route: quoted separately because the main guide service may not cover it
- Zipline or rafting: quoted separately and subject to insurance, weather and operator safety checks
Notes About Our Service
- Hotel pickup and return: Pickup is limited to the confirmed service area. Narrow streets, traffic controls or hotel access rules may require a nearby meeting point. The return time is approximate and can change because of traffic, weather or operations.
- Luggage storage: Large luggage should remain at the hotel or at the Andean Peru Treks storage area when that service is confirmed. Trekking duffels must stay within the stated weight limit.
- Payment conditions: A deposit is used to secure permits, entrances, trains, hotels and third-party services. Once issued, many of these items cannot be transferred, changed or refunded. The balance deadline appears on the booking confirmation.
- Operational changes: Weather, strikes, road blocks, rail instructions, site closures or safety concerns may require a different order, route or cancellation. The operations team coordinates the safest workable option with the traveler.
Availability
Machu Picchu availability depends on the selected date, entry time and ticket route. Booking up to six months ahead is advised. A late booking may require a different route, time, train or extra night, and Andean Peru Treks cannot guarantee the traveler’s preferred option after official inventory sells out.
Health and Travel Restrictions
Most travelers can complete this program with normal mobility, but stairs, uneven ground, heat, sun or altitude may still matter. Report mobility limits, recent surgery, pregnancy or a relevant medical condition before payment so the route can be assessed honestly.
Machu Picchu Circuit Information
The ticket is issued for one official route, entry time and traveler name. It does not allow free movement between all sectors.
Circuit 1 contains panoramic routes; Circuit 2 covers classic upper and lower routes; Circuit 3 covers lower royal sectors and mountain-linked routes. Seasonal routes operate only on dates authorized by the Ministry of Culture.
For 2026, travelers entering through the regulated Inca Trail network are linked to Route 3-B under the current official rule. Other programs use the route confirmed at booking.
Huayna Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, Huchuy Picchu, Intipunku, the Inca Bridge or the Great Cavern require the corresponding route and cannot simply be added after entry.
Train Services to Machu Picchu
The standard package may use an Expedition-type or comparable tourist train, depending on the operator and schedule.
Panoramic services such as Vistadome, Vistadome Observatory or a comparable product require an upgrade when not included.
Train schedules, stations and bimodal bus-train operation change by season. The final voucher controls the actual service.
Return from Machu Picchu to Cusco
After the confirmed Machu Picchu route, travelers normally take the shuttle bus to Machu Picchu Pueblo, board the scheduled train and meet a road transfer at Ollantaytambo, Poroy or the station named on the voucher.
Arrival in Cusco is approximate. Rail delays, road traffic and seasonal station changes may alter the final time.
Accommodation
The planned lodging is two basic lodge nights and one hotel night in Machu Picchu Pueblo.
Hotel names and room types depend on the selected category and written confirmation. Basic remote lodges may have limited hot water, heating, electricity or internet.
Single rooms, upgraded hotels and extra nights carry an added cost unless included.
Included Transportation
The route uses road vehicle, mountain bike, walking, optional activity transfers, shuttle bus and tourist train or car return.
Seat assignments, vehicle size and exact pickup time depend on the final passenger list and operational plan.
Private service means the vehicle is allocated to the booking group for the stated sector; it does not remove official traffic, rail or site restrictions.
Inclusions
- Pre-departure service confirmation and operations contact
- Professional guide in the language stated in the booking
- Transport explicitly listed in the confirmed itinerary
- Basic first-aid kit and emergency coordination protocol
- Machu Picchu entry only when expressly confirmed on the booking voucher
- Train, shuttle bus and road transfers only in the sectors stated in the selected package
- International and domestic flights unless expressly stated
- Travel insurance, medical expenses and evacuation costs
- Tips for guides, drivers, cooks, muleteers, porters, boat crews or host families
- Personal snacks, bottled drinks, alcohol, laundry, phone calls and personal purchases
- Services not written on the final booking voucher
- Mountain routes such as Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain unless the ticket is named on the voucher
- Train-class upgrades and extra hotel nights
- Meals in Machu Picchu Pueblo unless listed
Upgrades
- Private guide or private transport, subject to availability
- Hotel category upgrades for multi-day programs
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Special entrance, train, meal or activity upgrades when available for the route
Group Price
The group rate is confirmed on request according to date, number of travelers, service type, ticket availability and operational costs. Some routes require non-refundable third-party services once issued. Ask the reservations team for the current rate before making payment.
Private Prices
| Group size | Proposed or reference price |
|---|---|
| 1 traveler | Custom quotation |
| 2 travelers | Custom quotation |
| 3–4 travelers | Custom quotation |
| 5–8 travelers | Custom quotation |
Why Private Service May Be the Better Choice
- The group walks or tours at one agreed rhythm rather than matching unrelated passengers.
- The guide can spend more time on the group’s main interests and shorten explanations that are less relevant.
- Families and friends keep the same vehicle or guide team through the stated private sectors.
- Meal preferences and rest stops are easier to coordinate, though official schedules and access rules remain fixed.
Custom quote
Based on date, travelers and service level
Recommended for families, private groups, photographers and travelers who want a more flexible pace. Final inclusions are confirmed before payment.
Why choose us
- Route knowledge: The operations team plans around paved and dirt biking, warm forest trail, road sections and railway-side walking, not only the names shown in the itinerary.
- Local respect: Staff brief travelers before passing through Santa María, Qellomayo and Santa Teresa, including guidance on photographs, purchases and private spaces.
- Clear service limits: Andean Peru Treks states which entrances, meals, transfers and optional activities are confirmed before collecting final payment.
- Professional guiding: Explanations can be adapted to the traveler’s interests, while safety instructions remain direct and practical.
- Equipment chosen for the route: Trekking programs use sleeping, dining, kitchen and emergency equipment suited to the altitude and expected weather; day tours use inspected tourist transport and basic first-aid support.
- Private planning: A private service can adapt the pace and focus, while opening hours, official routes and road rules remain fixed.
Times are approximate and are confirmed according to season, access rules and the selected service type. The guide may adjust the order of visits to reduce waiting time or improve safety. Travelers with medical conditions, reduced mobility or strict dietary needs should advise the agency before payment so the operations team can confirm what is realistic for the route.
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