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Cocalmayo Thermal Baths – INCA JUNGLE TO MACHU PICCHU

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Before the days of high-tech spa treatments, wellness seekers headed to the hot springs. On your trip to Machu Picchu in Peru, you can take time to take a hot bath, in an impressive environment of abundant vegetation next to a huge river; the place seems like something out of a fantasy, but you can buy beers and snacks. Hot springs are Mother Nature’s method of instilling relaxation in tired bodies. The Colcalmayo hot springs are a popular destination among travelers seeking a connection to the land and its balance. INFORMATION OF INCA JUNGLE

Cocalmayo Thermal Baths
There is nothing better than taking a warm bath in nature, while enjoying a drink of “aguaymanto”. Taking a bath at the Cocalmayo Thermal Baths is a great experience. It is located between a huge river and a small mountain. In Cocalmayo bathers can enjoy outdoor pools fed by natural hot springs, built between a small mountain full of vegetation and the Urubamba river. You will find 3 pools of different sizes and depths. The temperature of the water varies between 38 and 44 ºC and unlike the majority of thermal waters in Peru, it has clear waters. Very close to the pools there are cold showers, the water comes from the Uripata lagoons and is very refreshing; the mixture of waters will give you a very comforting sensation.

The benefits: Located at 1,600 m.a.s.l. its waters are rich in essential minerals such as sodium, magnesium, bicarbonate, calcium, sulfate and others, which have healing properties on the skin, bones, muscles and joints.

Where are the Cocalmayo thermal baths located?
The Cocalmayo thermal baths are in the valley of the Urubamba river (Vilcanota) in a cozy and relaxing place, their naturally heated pools reach 44ºC. They are located 20 minutes from the town of Santa Teresa in the province of the Convention, in Cusco – Peru; precisely at kilometer 135 of the railway line between Cusco and Quillabamba, at 1,600 meters above sea level.
How to get?
Regardless of which route you take; by train, bus or walking, before or after visiting Machu Picchu, the tour will be exciting. We recommend you to relax in the pools before returning to your daily routine.

By bus from Cusco to Santa Teresa
Take a bus from the city of Cusco to Quillabamba and get off at the Santa Maria Village, the trip takes approximately 5 hours and is 221 km on a paved track.
Santa Maria is at 1280 masl, the weather is warm. The next destination is Santa Teresa, which is 25 km from Santa Maria. From here you must take another vehicle to travel for 1 hour to reach Santa Teresa.
By Train from Ollantaytambo – Santa Teresa
If you already take your train from Ollantaytambo and you are on your way to Machu Picchu, you can take advantage of the train and get off at the “hydroelectric” bus stop, from this point you can take a vehicle, which will take you in 20 minutes to Santa Teresa, or if you want you can walking, it will take between 2 and 3 hours to reach Santa Teresa. If you don’t know how to get to Ollantaytambo, enter here.

From Aguas Calientes to Santa Teresa
After having visited Machu Picchu or if you have time before entering it, then it is very likely that you want to know these baths. Make plans to visit the Cocalmayo thermal baths, it is a relaxing, unique and memorable experience, and unlike the Aguas Calientes thermal baths, it has clearer and hotter waters. There are two ways to get to the Cocalmayo hot springs from Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo).

Walking
If time permits, you can walk from Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town). First you should go to “Hidroelectrica”, this will take between 2 and 3 hours, through tunnels, bridges and the beautiful jungle landscape of the valley, following the train tracks. Once in Hidroeléctrica, you will walk for an hour and a half more to the town of Santa Teresa. INCA JUNGLE TRAIL

By Train
The train tracks after leaving Aguas Calientes, reach “Hidroeléctrica”; the trip will take around 20 minutes and costs S /. 5.00 for nationals and USD $ 31 for foreigners, are 6 km of beautiful jungle landscapes. From here you can continue to Santa Teresa by car or on foot.

From Santa Teresa to the baths of Cocalmayo
By car: The toilets are 4 km from the city of Santa Teresa, the collective cars leave every 20 minutes from the Plaza de Armas de Santa Teresa and will take you in 10 minutes to Cocalmayo.

Walking: You can also walk from Santa Teresa to the Cocalmayo baths, it will take you around 30 minutes following the road. On the way you will see the people who arrive after traveling the Inca Jungle Trail to Machu Picchu.

 

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Inca Jungle: The Adventure tour to Machu Picchu

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What is the Inca Jungle at Machu Picchu?
The Inca Jungle tour is a tour that departs from the City of Cusco and ends in Machu Picchu, after 4 days and 3 nights after performing a series of adventure sports such as: cycling, trekking, canoeing and zip line.
The Inca Jungle is one of the most popular tours in Peru.

What is the Inca Jungle route?
The Inca Jungle begins in the city of Cusco and ends in Machu Picchu.
During the journey you cross the Sacred Valley of the Incas, then enter the jungle eyebrow of Cusco to finally arrive at the Wonder of the World.
This is the route during the 4 days of the tour:

  • 1st. day: Cusco – Abra Málaga – Santa María Town.
  • 2nd. day: Santa María – Thermal baths – Santa Teresa town.
  • 3rd. day: Santa Teresa – Hydroelectric – Aguas Calientes town.
  • 4th. day: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco.

What is the height during the Inca Jungle?
The Inca Jungle runs through its highest point in the so-called ‘Abra Málaga’ (4,230 masl).
The lowest point is in the town of Aguas Calientes (2,000 m.a.s.l.), also known as Machu Picchu town.
Map of the Inca Jungle Machu Picchu
The Inca Jungle begins in the city of Cusco.
After doing various adventure sports, visit the Inca City of Machu Picchu.
The return to the city of Cusco is by train and bus.
What is the weather like during the Inca Jungle?
The climate during the Inca Jungle is varied.
The coldest point is in Abra Málaga (average temperature of 9ºC during the day). Then we descend to the tropical climate of the jungle eyebrow.
The warmest point is in the town of Santa Teresa (day temperature up to 26ºC).
What is the flora and fauna like during the Inca Jungle?
The Inca Jungle is characterized by the beautiful landscapes during the tour.
Along the way you can see vizcachas, llamas, spectacled bears, cock of the rocks and a wide variety of orchids.
In addition, plantations of bananas, mangoes, oranges and more are crossed.
Does 4 days seem too long for the Inca Jungle? There is another 3-day service, which accelerates the pace of the walks to reach Machu Picchu earlier. However, the most popular Inca Jungle tour is the one that lasts 4 days.

What sports does the Inca Jungle include?
The Inca Jungle includes the following adventure sports:
Cycling (included).
Hike (included).
Canoeing (not included).
Zipline (not included).
Who can do the Inca Jungle?
The Inca Jungle is available for tourists of all ages.
However, the tour is recommended for tourists in good physical shape.
Older adults should consult their doctor before the tour.
Minors must be accustomed to physical efforts and take the tour in the company of their parents.
Sports in the Inca Jungle
How is the tour of the Inca Jungle?
Tours to the Inca Jungle may vary according to the travel agency. However, in general, everyone follows this itinerary:
Day 1: Cusco – Santa María:

  • Pick up from the visitor’s hotel.
  • Travel by bus from Cusco to ‘Abra Málaga’ through the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
  • Bike descent from ‘Abra Málaga’ to the town of Santa María.
  • Lunch.
  • Canoeing adventure on the Vilcanota river (Optional).
  • Accommodation in Santa María.

Day 2: Santa María – Santa Teresa:

  • Breakfast.
  • Walk from Santa María to Santa Teresa through ancient Inca trails.
  • Lunch in the town of Kellomayo.
  • Relax in the thermal baths of Cocalmayo.
  • Dinner and lodging in the town of Santa Teresa.

Day 3: Santa Teresa – Aguas Calientes:

  • Breakfast.
  • Adventure in the Zip Line (optional).
  • Walk to the ‘Hydroelectric’ station.
  • Lunch.
  • ‘Hydroelectric’ walk to the town of Aguas Calientes.
  • Dinner and lodging in Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu town).

Day 4: Aguas Calientes – Cusco:

  • Breakfast.
  • Trekking up from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (optional take bus).
  • Tour with a tour guide through Machu Picchu.
  • Free visit to Machu Picchu.
  • Descent walk from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes (optional take bus).
  • Return by train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
  • Return by bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.

Cycling during the Inca Jungle

  • The first sport that is performed in the Inca Jungle is cycling. This tour begins at the highest point of the journey in the Abra Málaga (4,230 masl / 13,877 ft).
  • From there you descend in the company of an expert guide for 2 or 3 hours until you reach the town of Santa María.
  • Cycling is included in all tours to the Inca Jungle.

Canoeing during the Inca Jungle

  • Boating is an optional sport during the Inca Jungle.
  • It is carried out in the waters of the Vilcanota river in the company of an expert guide.
  • The difficulty of the adventure depends on the time of year.
  • Between April to October, the waters are suitable for exciting low-risk tours.
  • Between November to March, the river is only suitable for boating experts.

Trekking to Machu Picchu in the Inca Jungle

  • At various points of the Inca Jungle walks are made.
  • The trek from Santa María to Santa Teresa covers ancient Inca trails.
  • The section from Santa Teresa to Aguas Calientes, crosses one of the most incredible landscapes before reaching Machu Picchu.
  • The difficulty of the walks is not demanding.

Thermal baths during the Inca Jungle

  • The Cocalmayo thermal baths are an optional stop during the Inca Jungle.
  • The pools are outdoors and have a temperature of up to 44ºC.
  • This section is an opportunity to relax after several hours of walking.

Zip Line during the Inca Jungle

  • This extreme sport is one more option during the Inca Jungle.
  • It takes place in the town of Santa Teresa, at the beginning of the third day.
  • The experience is doubly incredible due to the beauty of the landscape.
  • Then, the visitors meet the group to continue the trip to Machu Picchu.

Tours to the Inca Jungle: everything you need to know
Is the Inca Jungle dangerous?

  • The Inca Jungle is a safe adventure.
  • The tour is carried out in the company of a professional tour guide trained in solving emergency situations.

What does the Inca Jungle tour include?

In general, an Inca Jungle tour includes the following:

  • Transportation to the ‘Abra Málaga’.
  • Professional guide throughout the tour.
  • Bicycle and safety implement.
  • 3 nights of lodging (in Santa María, Santa Teresa and Aguas Calientes).
  • Food during the tour (breakfast, lunch and dinner).
  • Entrance to Machu Picchu.
  • Transportation by train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
  • Transportation by bus from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.

Optional services in the Inca Jungle:

  • Entrance to the Cocalmayo Thermal Baths.
  • Boating service and its implements.
  • Zip line service and its implements.
  • Transportation by bus (from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and vice versa).

How to reserve the Inca Jungle?

  • Inca Jungle reservations are made at a tourism agency through the internet.
  • It is also possible to buy the tour directly from a tourism agency located in the Historic Center of Cusco.

Is the Inca Jungle difficult?

  • The Inca Jungle has a moderate difficulty. Adventure sports do not require significant physical effort.
  • In total, approximately 35 kilometers of trekking are traveled on easy routes of great scenic beauty.

How much does the Inca Jungle cost?

 

  • The Inca Jungle has an approximate cost of 300 U $ D. However, this price varies according to the tourism agency and the quality of the service they provide.

When is the best time to do the Inca Jungle?

  • The best time to do the Inca Jungle at Machu Picchu is in the dry season (from April to October).
  • During those months, the days are sunnier, the colder nights and the rains are unusual. Those days are ideal for outdoor excursions.

What to bring to the Inca Jungle?

It is recommended to take the following to the Inca Jungle tour:

  • Cap or hat.
  • Sunscreen.
  • Mosquito repellent.
  • Trekking shoes.
  • Canteen with water.
  • Cotton clothes for 4 days.
  • Rain poncho (in case of precipitation).
  • Bathing suit and towel (for the Cocalmayo thermal baths).
  • Trekking backpack.
  • Extra cash (in case you need it).
  • Photographic camera.

Tips during the Inca Jungle
The Inca Jungle at Machu Picchu is one of the most incredible experiences in Peru. To fully enjoy this adventure it is recommended to consider the following:

  • The Inca Jungle is recommended for young people of any nationality. However, there are cases of adults with advanced age who want to do this adventure.
  • The Inca Jungle does not travel places that can cause soroche (altitude sickness). However, it is recommended to acclimatize at least 1 day in the city of Cusco before starting the tour.
  • Not in good physical shape? The Inca Jungle is not difficult. It is recommended to prepare physically at least only 1 week before the tour.
  • Don’t feel ready for extreme sports? Many sports in the Inca Jungle are only optional.
  • Do you want to do the Inca Jungle with your group of friends or family? There are private tours. You only have to request it at the tourism agency of your choice.

 

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INCA JUNGLE TRAIL TO MACHU PICCHU ITINERARY

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Our Inca Jungle Short is a quick way to combines adventure sports such as mountain biking, river rafting, zip line and trek for 3 days until you reach Machu Picchu.

The Inca Jungle Trail Short combines adventure sports such as mountain biking, rafting, zip line and trekking for 3 days until you reach Machu Picchu and one of the additional mountains “Machu Picchu Mountain” or “Huaynapicchu”. The Inka Jungle Trail is the favorite tour for young people from all over the world who come to Cusco in search of adventure and extreme sports. As a Tourism Agency located in Cusco we offer a differentiated service; with an exclusive route, trained guides (real command of English and local history), bicycles equipped for downhill, the safest rafting and zipline services. We recommend our passengers book in advance to have everything insured and avoid unnecessary risks such as loss of equipment, lack of access to Machu Picchu, Machu Picchu Mountain, Huayna Picchu or even worse, being stranded in Aguas Calientes (no return train).

Useful Information

– Starting Altitude: 4400m / 14435ft.
– Highest Altitude: 4350 meters / 14271 ft.
– Minimum Altitude: 1430 meters / 4691 ft
– Biking distance: 65km / 40 mile
– Biking time: 3.5 to 4 hour approximately.
– Hiking distance: 19 Kilometers / 12.3 mile
– Overall Difficulty: Moderate

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

The Abra Malaga is a mountain pass that lies between the town of Ollantaytambo and Quillabamba, through unique Andean ecosystems. This path contains two types of well-defined areas: The Abra (4,297 m) and the lower part (Carrizales 3,245 m). The birds that you’ll observe are rare and highly sought after.
In Santa Teresa there are thermal baths: Cocalmayo, composed of 3 pools of different sizes, temperatures and depth. You can also do adventure sports like rafting, kayaking and zip line
Machu Picchu is one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World, Heritage of Humanity, Historical Sanctuary of Peru and probably the most important archaeological site in Latin America.
Machu Picchu is majestic architecture comprises 140 structures throughout the citadel.
Machu Picchu is was built by the Inca Pachacutec around the year 1460
After being forgotten, it was only in 1911 that the American Hiram Bingham reached Machu Picchu on an expedition and spread the site worldwide.

Brief Itinerary

– DAY 1: CUSCO – SANTA MARIA – SANTA TERESA (BIKING)
– DAY 2: SANTA TERESA – AGUAS CALIENTES (TREKKING)
– DAY 3: MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

INCA JUNGLE ROUTE TO MACHU PICCHU

 

DAY 1: CUSCO – SANTA MARIA – SANTA TERESA (BIKING)

we will pick you up between 6:00 to 6.30 am, then we will leave the city seeing beautiful natural surroundings of Sacred Valley at about 2700 m.a.s.l. Arriving at the town of ollantaytambo we start the 46 km. uphill to the abra malaga (Mountain Pass at 4350 m.a.s.l.) approx. Here, we will change the biking kit provided (gloves and helmet) and receive a 20-minute briefing by our tour guide. After, start our descent by bicycle, passing by little rustic villages, fruit groves and streams arriving at the small village of Santa Maria, we’ll traverse the pass by bike toward wamanmarca (3 hours. After the bike ride, we’ll take a mini-bus to of Santa Maria – Santa Teresa. In Santa Teresa, you can enjoy the hot springs (Lunch, Dinner, Hostal).
Optional activity: rafting that will take two hours to do it (level of rapids depends of the season) $35 extra dollars.

– Shuttle to Abra Malaga: 3.5 hour by bus from Cusco
– Biking distance: 65km 40mi
– Biking time: 3.5 to 4 hour approximately.
– Climate: cold at the beginning of the biking and very hot in the night.
– Optional Rafting Tour in Santa Maria, US$35 Pay Directly To The Operator
– Maximum Altitude: 4350 meters / 14271 ft.
– Minimum Altitude: 1250 meters / 4691 ft.

DAY 2: SANTA TERESA – AGUAS CALIENTES (TREKKING)

After breakfast we will continue our Adventure to the Hydroelectric (power plant), This part of the trek is called the waterfall day where we’ll pass many cascades. In Hydroelectric we will enjoy of a great lunch. And after a break we will continue walking along this great inca jungle tour for 3 hrs., enjoying beautiful waterfalls, going through coca and coffee farms along the railway until arriving at the town of Aguas Calientes around4 pm. Here the group will spend the night in a hostel.
Optional activity: ZipLine before you get to the Hydroelectric US $ 30 extra dollars.

– Hiking distance: 19 Kilometers / 12.3 mile

– Climate: hot in the day and warm in the night.
– Optional Zipline Tour in Santa Teresa, US$30
– Hiking time: 6 hour approximately.
– Maximum Altitude: 2050 meters / 6725 ft.
– Minimum Altitude: 1430 meters / 4691 ft.

DAY 3: MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

After an early breakfast at the hotel, we walk uphill to Machu Picchu at 5:00 am. or take the bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (Optional bus $16 each way), upon arrival at the Citadel we can appreciate the enigmatic beauty and the incomparable example of architectural perfection and hydraulics of one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World, we will have a guided tour of about 2 hours, where we can appreciate the Main Plaza, the Circular Tower, Intihuatana, The Royal Quarters, the Temple of the Three Windows and the Cemetery, you are then given free time to stroll around the citadel . You will have all morning in Machu Picchu to take pictures, maybe to climb the Wayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, enjoy this mystical place. Then we´ll descend by bus to Aguas Calientes for lunch and then calmly return by train to Ollantaytambo where our tourist transport to the city of Cusco will be expecting us, and will later transfer you to your hotel.
OTHER ACTIVITIES:
Climb up Huayna Picchu and appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu from there (We recommend that you book in advance) Not Included
Climb Machu Picchu Mountain and appreciate the beauty and magnificence of Machu Picchu from there (We recommend that you book in advance) Not Included
Visit the new local museum or the hot springs in Aguas Calientes later in the day. Not Included

– Meals: Breakfast
– Tour: 2 hour guided tour of Machu Picchu

INCA JUNGLE TRAIL INFORMATION.