The Inca Trail And Amazon: Can You See Both On One Trek?
Many tourists wonder if you can visit both the Inca Trail and Amazon on one trek, and especially so given their nearby locations on a map.
Both of these incredible destinations are known for their epic scenery, diverse wildlife and ancient history, and as such it’s a must to experience them when in Peru. This is especially true given the archaeological ruins we can also see, and that both are easily accessible once you arrive into Cusco.
In this guide we’ll explore whether you can visit both the Inca Trail and Amazon in one trek, and whether it’s the best option to do so. We’ll also look at alternative ways of seeing them, as well as answering your most burning questions in our FAQ section.
Table of Contents
Can You Visit The Inca Trail And Amazon On One Trek?
The Inca Trail is by far one of the most formidable ancient treks you can experience in South America, where you will navigate through winding Andean passes and ancient sites before reaching Machu Picchu.
Given that the last two days pass through jungle and cloud forests, many wonder if we are actually entering the Amazon Jungle during these times. Technically, we are in fact visiting both the Inca Trail and Amazon here – although we will only be trekking through the High Amazon Jungle.
This region is more mountainous and located at a much higher altitude than the usual Amazon Rainforest, which does have some noticeable differences. Temperatures will be cooler up here, and the flora and fauna will also be different (it’s only here in the High Amazon where we can spot Spectacled Bears that are native to these regions!).
Your Alternative Options To Experience Both The Inca Trail And Amazon Rainforest
Aside from hiking the various Inca Trail to Machu Picchu treks, there are other ways to see both regions. Let’s take a look at your options below.
The Inca Trail + Manu National Park
After hiking the Inca Trail, those who want an abundance of exotic wildlife couldn’t do much better than by heading into the Manu National Park. This region is easily accessible from Cusco, with an overnight bus being the best way of getting here. Here we can spot Jaguars and see Caiman, whilst also enjoying the wild landscapes of the protected areas.
The Inca Trail + Tambopata National Reserve
Another popular way of seeing the true Amazon Jungle after experiencing the Inca Trail, is to head to Tambopata. This region is accessed by first heading to Puerto Maldonado, which is a jungle city further east of Cusco. You can easily get here with an overnight bus or direct flight. This region is the stereotypical Amazon that most travellers want to experience, where we can see the Amazon River, Piranhas, Monkeys, Jaguars and much more!
Frequently Asked Questions About The Inca Trail And Amazon
Below we’ll now answer some of the frequent questions we get about where the Inca Trail and Amazon regions are, as well as anything else important that you need to know.
Does The Inca Trail Go Through The Amazon?
Technically yes, the Inca Trail does pass through a section of the Amazon Rainforest on the third and fourth days of the route. Known as the High Amazon Jungle, this area is cooler than the usual rainforest, and has a much more mountainous topography. There are also different animals that can be spotted here which can’t be seen in different Amazonian regions.
Is The Amazon Rainforest Near Machu Picchu?
One of the Seven New Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu is sandwiched between both the rugged Andes Mountains as well as the high Amazon Rainforest. However the Amazon Jungle Basin (the classic rainforest landscapes like those of Iquitos) is quite far from Machu Picchu, some hundreds of kilometres east and north of the ancient citadel.
Did The Incas Live In The Amazon?
Whilst the Incas primarily focused their kingdom and influence over the mountainous Andes regions of Peru and South America, the Incas did also occupy some zones of the Amazon. Within Peru, ruins such as Vilcabamba have been found, which suggest they also set-up checkpoints and important ceremonial sites within the rainforest.
Overview Of The Inca Trail And Amazon
And that’s all for this guide on whether you can experience both the Inca Trail and Amazon Jungle on one trek.
Technically you can visit both destinations when heading on the Classic Inca Trail, given it passes through the High Amazon Jungle on your third and fourth day (when we are hiking at lower altitudes closer to Machu Picchu). However if you want to experience the classic Amazon with more exotic animals around, then you’ll want to head to either Manu or Tambopata after – which are both easily accessible from Cusco.
Are you ready for an unforgettable hiking experience in Peru? Then check out our 4 Day Inca Trail To Machu Picchu, where we will see incredible ruins like Wiñay Wayna, camp in the remote Andes as well as having all meals and hiking gear included.