The 6-day, 5-night Pongo de Mainique and Machu Picchu expedition is one of the most complete, remote, and surprising ecotourism and adventure routes in southern Peru. It is operated under the demanding standards of excellence of Vilcabamba Tours and designed for travelers who wish to merge the biodiversity of the pristine Amazon with the legacy of the Incas. This trip will first take you deep into the Megantoni National Sanctuary—a protected territory of more than 215,000 hectares that safeguards waterfalls, amazing flora and fauna (such as the spectacled bear and the spider monkey), and native communities—navigating by canoe through the imposing rock walls of the Pongo de Mainique.
Subsequently, with the impeccable organization of Vilcabamba Tours, you will travel to the tropical valleys of Santa Teresa to relax in the Cocalmayo hot springs, culminating the experience with an approach hike and a guided visit to the majestic citadel of Machu Picchu. Each operational stage is structured to guarantee safety, comfort, and an unparalleled biological and cultural immersion.
Short Itinerary
- Day 1: Cusco – Quillabamba: Early departure (3:00 a.m.) with the Vilcabamba Tours team, passing through the Abra de Málaga. Descent into the tropical landscape of Quillabamba, lunch, afternoon swimming at the Siete Tinajas Waterfalls, and overnight stay in Quillabamba or Echarati.
- Day 2: Quillabamba – Ivochote – Pongo de Mainique: Early transfer to the port of Ivochote, motorized canoe trip crossing the waterfalls of the Pongo de Mainique, afternoon on the jungle beach, fishing, guided hike with our specialist, and overnight in camp.
- Day 3: Pongo de Mainique – Quillabamba: Free morning to rest in the jungle, lunch, and return by canoe to Ivochote, followed by land transfer to Quillabamba provided by the agency to spend the night in comfortable lodging.
- Day 4: Quillabamba – Santa Teresa: Breakfast in Quillabamba, vehicle transfer to the district of Santa Teresa, and an afternoon of relaxation and swimming in the medicinal hot springs of Cocalmayo.
- Day 5: Santa Teresa – Aguas Calientes: Breakfast and an approximately 3-hour walk along a flat, tropical trail until arriving at the town of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), with the rest of the day free.
- Day 6: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco: Bus ride up to the historic sanctuary of Machu Picchu for a guided tour with our specialist, descent to the town, train return to Ollantaytambo, and final bus transfer to Cusco coordinated by Vilcabamba Tours.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Quillabamba
The adventure begins with a 3:00 a.m. departure from the city of Cusco in a private Vilcabamba Tours transport, starting a journey of great contrasts that descends from the Andean mountain range towards the greenery of the Amazon. Along the route, you will contemplate the majesty of the Veronica snow-capped mountain and the traditional homes of Abra de Málaga, then entering tropical valleys full of coffee and banana plantations. Upon arriving in Quillabamba, you will stop at the hotel and then head to the Siete Tinajas Waterfalls, where you will enjoy lunch and a refreshing swim in its natural pools and river beaches, returning in the afternoon to Quillabamba or Echarati to spend the night in the accommodation selected by the agency.
Day 2: Quillabamba – Ivochote – Pongo de Mainique
Again, the day starts very early with a 3:00 a.m. departure towards the port town of Ivochote. Here, you will board a covered motorized canoe to navigate the river towards the legendary Pongo de Mainique, crossing the imposing canyon flanked by spectacular waterfalls. After setting up camp on the surrounding beaches with the support of the Vilcabamba Tours staff, you will enjoy a day immersed in the high jungle of the Megantoni National Sanctuary—home to pumas and spectacled bears—hiking, swimming in the river, and fishing according to the guidelines of our professional guide, followed by dinner and an overnight stay in tents.
Day 3: Pongo de Mainique – Quillabamba
The morning will be dedicated entirely to resting and connecting with the natural environment of the Amazon jungle. After sharing a fresh lunch at the camp, the return trip begins by boarding the motorized canoe back to the port of Ivochote. At the dock, our Vilcabamba Tours land transport vehicle will be waiting to take the group back to the warm city of Quillabamba, where you will check into comfortable local lodging to have dinner, relax, and spend the night.
Day 4: Quillabamba – Santa Teresa
After enjoying a delicious breakfast in the city of Quillabamba, you will have time to stroll and explore the town. Subsequently, you will board the transport towards the Santa Teresa district. After settling in, the afternoon will be reserved for visiting and relaxing in the beautiful medicinal hot springs of Cocalmayo, whose natural open-air hot water pools are the perfect balm for resting in the midst of a mountain and low jungle environment coordinated by the agency.
Day 5: Santa Teresa – Aguas Calientes
After breakfast in Santa Teresa, you will embark on an approximately three-hour hike following the tropical route that runs alongside the river and train tracks. This trail stands out for its abundant sub-tropical vegetation, orchids, and local plantations, serving as a light pedestrian approach towards the town of Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo). Upon arrival, you will settle into the lodging selected and managed by Vilcabamba Tours and will have the rest of the day free to explore the town or rest.
Day 6: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
The last day is reserved for the wonder of the world. After breakfast, you will board the bus for the ascent to the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu for a complete guided tour with a Vilcabamba Tours specialist through its temples, plazas, and agricultural terraces. In the afternoon, you will descend by bus to Aguas Calientes and head to the train station to board the train to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, our transport will meet you to take you back safely to the city of Cusco, concluding all services.
Includes
- Private land transport provided by Vilcabamba Tours for the entire route detailed in the program.
- Navigation in a covered motorized canoe for the river sections.
- Professional certified tourism guide service throughout the expedition.
- Meals on route: 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 5 dinners (includes daily snacks).
- Complete camping equipment: Spacious tents and foam mats.
- 4 nights of accommodation in comfortable lodgings (2 in Quillabamba, 1 in Santa Teresa, 1 in Aguas Calientes) and 1 night in a camp (Pongo de Mainique).
- Official entry tickets to the attractions and natural areas described (includes entrance to Machu Picchu).
- Tourist train tickets for the return to Ollantaytambo and bus ticket for Machu Picchu.
- First aid kit for assistance on the route.
Does Not Include
- Personal sleeping bag for the camping night (available for rent upon prior request).
- Breakfast on the first day en route and lunch on the last day upon returning to Cusco.
- Personal expenses, souvenirs, drinks, or voluntary tips.
