Inka Jungle Trail

 This was not a "traditional" hike, but had lots of hiking as well as bike riding, rafting and ziplinging, all on our way to Machu Pichhu.
The first day we were driven to Abra de Malago Pass in the Andes. 14,271 ft above sea level. Here we donned protective gear and road bikes 55 Kms, down the mountain to Santa Maria, dropping about 6,000 ft in elevation.

Views along the road to Santa Maria.

In Santa Maria, we had the option of a class 3 raft trip on the Urubamba River before dinner. It was a fun trip!

The second day, was our longest hiking day. About 23 Km in the outer jungle, through coffee and coco plantations and up in the mountains and back down for several river crossings. All in the rain, a real jungle experience. There were stops along the way, to take a break, buy something to drink or eat, and sometimes there were fun animals to interact with. This hike sometimes went along Incan trails. There are several Incan trails that go to Machu Pichhu. The Incans developed 45,000 Km of trails from Ecuador to Peru and Bolivia and Chile.

  The trail went high up in the mountains, some places were steep and wet, we had to watch our footing.

We saw waterfalls and there were many different bridges crossing the rivers, in places the trail was covered in mud and rock slides. A great adventure!

 The final river crossing was in a "cable car", actually a large metal tray on a pulley over a rope.

  

A short hike after the "cable car" crossing brought us to a lovely hot spring, with 3 different pools. A great way to relax after a long wet day. We spent the night at Santa Teresa.

The third day, we had the option of ziplining or staying at the hotel and drying out in the morning. I choose to do the zipline. After gearing up, we hiked up into the mountain for 4 different lines. The longest was 1.5 Km across the valley. Lots of fun!

After the zipline, we rejoined the group and went to the trailhead, where we went by an Incan sacred ceremonial site.

Another large river crossing and after lunch, we hiked along the railroad route to Aguas Calinetes. It was fun to see Machu Pichhu montana in the distance.

We spent the last night in Aguas Calientes, before heading up to Machu Picchu  the next morning.