Some Extra Costs During the Inka Jungle

There are some extra costs you can expect to pay out-of-pocket during the Inca Jungle Trek. Note there is no access to ATMs along the Inca Jungle Trail until arriving at Aguas Calientes on the afternoon of Day 3. So bring enough soles to sustain you at least until then. US Dollars are not widely accepted during the Inca Jungle Trek although there are a few places along the route that would happily change your dollars to soles at an inflated rate.

So how much soles do you need? Here’s what you should budget for:

Optional, hot springs: The 10 soles entrance is usually not included in the Inca Jungle Trek price, but be sure to enjoy the hot pools after trekking all day.

Optional shuttle from hot springs to Santa Teresa: It’s only an extra 5 soles to stay clean after your hot springs soak and avoid walking down the road in the dark.

Mandatory cable car river crossing: There’s no other way to cross, so you must pay 10 Soles to the local people who run this cable car.

Bottled Water: Many bottled waters are a necessity along the Inca Jungle Trek to keep hydrated. Water is not drinkable from the tap or river. Thankfully, bottled water is readily available at random huts throughout the Inca Jungle Trail. But expect to pay 2 and 3 times the prices found throughout the rest of Peru. Meanwhile, drink prices at Machu Picchu are astronomically high. Plan accordingly. You will get thirsty.

Note: Non-reusable plastic bottles are banned from Machu Picchu, as of Dec 1, 2018.

Beer/soda/alcohol: Lunches included juice. Coffee and tea is included with breakfast. But any extra drinks need to be purchased on your own.

Snacks: There are snack bars and little shops to buy snacks along the way.

Tip for the guide: It is customary to tip your guide if you were happy with him during the 4-Day Jungle Trek. Our guide was great and we tipped accordingly. The other operators, like the ziplining guides, also made pleas for tips. We didn’t find it warranted, but you may want to consider a tip for them too.

Permit to Climb Huayna Picchu or Montaña: These trails that traverse mountains neighboring Machu Picchu are worthwhile add-ons to your Inca Jungle Trek. This must be arranged with the agency you booked with when organizing your Inca Jungle Trek. Huayna Picchu permits tend to be sold out at least a week prior even during low season. But Machu Picchu Montaña permits are often still available in the days leading up to your trek.

Are you ready? You can book this like Inca Jungle here.