The Inca Jungle trek is popular for its adrenaline-pumping activities like ziplining, mountain biking, white-water rafting, and, most amazingly, hiking to Machu Picchu. But beyond these known adventures, the trekking trails hide a treasure trove of lesser-known experiences that you can cherish forever. Ahead are some hidden gems that can stir your physical and cultural immersion.
Sunrise View
The charming jungle town of Santa Maria is a stop for most trekkers. And if you wake up early, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking sunrise over the Amazon-Andes transition zone. The peaceful moment, with mist-rolled trees and distant mountains, is an unforgettable way to begin the journey.
Hidden Hot Springs of Cocalmayo
The Inca Jungle trek is full of surprises, with coffee farm encounters and admiring the surrounding coca plantations lying in hammocks, to the famous hot springs of Colcamayo. Here, you can calm your senses in the medicinal waters, which are nestled between the mountains.
Unmarked Ancient Trails
On the way from Santa Teresa to Aguas Calientes, there are old stone pathways—possibly pre-Inca or unused segments of original trails. These trails often lead to small ruins, hidden beneath, offering a quiet place to reflect. Our team make your trip worthwhile by going a little beyond the regulars.
Family-Run Jungle Kitchens
As our name suggests, Green Peru Adventures, we like to keep things green or say eco-friendly. Rather than large restaurants, the trek passes homes that double as tiny eateries, where the families serve traditional Peruvian food and cold beer to enjoy while you rest your legs. The nights are also spent in small and cosy family-run hostels.
Jungle Wildlife
The off-beat path of the Inca Jungle trek, might let you spot colorful toucans, capuchin monkeys, and, in rare cases, spectacled bears near the trails between Lucmabamba and Llactapata. Bring binoculars, and relish the good spots for wildlife viewing.
Final Tip: Go Slow
The entire idea of the Inca Jungle trek lies in the quote, “Journey is much more beautiful than the destination.” If you approach the trek as more than a checklist of activities, it will unfold in beautiful, unexpected ways. Be prepared to fall in love with nature once again with us.
