The latest route to Machu Picchu is locally known as the Inca Jungle Trail—Peru’s version of planes, trains, and automobiles. This is a four-day trip that includes biking, hiking, and trains.

Day One

After 10 years, a decent road to Quillabamba has finally been made. A bus ride of about three hours passes Urubamba and Ollantaytambo to the new road, which leads you to the Abra de Málaga (4,350 meters).

Most tours bike 80 kilometers down this road to the town of Santa María, which is a vertical drop of 3,000 meters. Be very careful and aware since this road is very busy with speeding minibuses and huge trucks.

Day Two

This day is a six- to seven-hour trek through high jungle. An old Inca trail has recently been discovered here and is currently being restored. The walk itself takes you through coffee plantations, coca fields, and fruit farms.

This walk is a hiker’s favorite as it takes you directly to the hot springs in Santa Teresa. Unfortunately, the floods in January 2010 washed the baths out completely, although there is talk of restoring them.

Day Three

This is another day of trekking; the geography is very similar to that of the previous day. After a morning of trekking, you will finally arrive at the hydroelectric plant, where a train will take you to Aguas Calientes. The following day is the normal day tour of Machu Picchu.