The Jungle Ultra is a 230km self-sufficient ultra marathon set deep in the Manu National Park — one of the most biodiverse and least explored places on earth — in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest in Peru. Across 5 stages in 5 days, you’ll journey ankle-deep in mud from Cloud Forest to the Amazon basin, fighting your way through suffocating undergrowth, lung-busting climbs and river crossing after river crossing in temperatures that swing from baking heat to cold, wet nights in a hammock under the canopy.
Starting at the Wayqecha Biological Research Station at 3,000m above sea level, the route descends through five distinct ecosystems in the first 10km alone — past indigenous villages, wildlife-rich conservation stations and remote ranger posts — before finishing in the main square of the small town of Pilcopata. Choked with humidity and stripped of all comfort, the Jungle Ultra is widely regarded as one of the toughest races in the world.
“The Jungle Ultra is a race like no other. Endless river crossings, sweltering heat, humidity and slinging your own hammock at the end of the day, this race challenges you mentally and physically right from beginning to end. The Jungle Ultra keeps me coming back year after year. It’s the ultimate challenge.”
— Carolin Botterill, Five Time Jungle Ultra Finisher
The Jungle Ultra is one of four races in the Beyond The Ultimate Global Race Series — the most demanding collection of stage races on the planet. Alongside the Desert Ultra, Ice Ultra and Mountain Ultra, it takes athletes from dense rainforest to the world’s oldest desert, frozen Arctic lakes and remote mountain ranges. Completing all four is one of the rarest achievements in endurance sport.
“A proper off-the-grid adventure in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest. Lying in my hammock each night and listening to the jungle come alive is something I’ll never forget. An incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
— Kristina Madsen, Jungle Ultra Winner
The 5 stages
Stage 1 — Cloud Nine | 34km | Ascent 730m / Descent 2,290m
Starting at the Wayqecha Biological Research Station at 3,000m, the route immediately plunges into the first of five distinct ecosystems — a steep narrow descent through thick undergrowth, down to a riverbed crossing, then your first lung-busting rope-assisted climb back to the mountain track. Surrounded by rainforest-covered valley walls, you descend steadily to camp as the air thickens and your breathing eases with every step.
Stage 2 — Amazonia | 42km | Ascent 520m / Descent 1,090m
Beginning with jungle track through areas of small settlements, you’ll pass wooden-hut villages where locals come out each year to watch the runners pass. At the midpoint the route turns deep into the jungle — sharp muddy climbs, endless river crossings, slippery descents and stifling heat. Your pace will plummet and you won’t stay on your feet. Watch what you grab: handholds are often covered in thorns or biting insects. Camp is at a wildlife conservation ranger station.
Stage 3 — Solo Aguanta | 26km | Ascent 610m / Descent 760m
The day begins with a zip-wire over a wide white-water river. Solo Aguanta means ‘just hold on!’ A morning of river and stream crossings between short sharp climbs under the canopy gives way to a winding exposed road that drains tired legs. Camp is in the village of Santa Rosa de Huacaria — the village children will likely run the final metres with you. A river behind the village offers the chance to cool down.
Stage 4 — The Lull | 34km | Ascent 980m / Descent 1,080m
Many past competitors consider this a contender for the most challenging stage in any stage race on the planet. An apparently endless series of sharp scrambling climbs, river crossings, thick mud and crushing humidity slows the usual running pace to a crawl. A cut-off at Checkpoint 3 applies — beat it and you face the race’s toughest climb, competing for the King/Queen of the Hill title. The stage finishes at the Villa Carmen lodge and research station.
Stage 5 — The Long One | 75km | Ascent 1,280m / Descent 1,280m
The longest stage stands between you and the finish. Starting before sunrise, the route passes through surrounding villages, more thick jungle and hours of crisscrossing rivers and streams. A cut-off at Checkpoint 3 applies — beat it and there’s a final steep muddy slope to negotiate before dark. The finish line is in the main square of Pilcopata, where the race team, fellow runners and excited locals are waiting.
What’s included in your entry
- GPS tracking on all runners throughout
- Manned checkpoints with qualified expedition medics, support staff and unlimited drinking water
- Hot water for meal preparation at every camp
- Hammock stations at each camp
- Luggage storage and transport throughout the race
- Transfer Cusco ↔ Base Camp (3–5 hour journey over the Andes) and Pilcopata ↔ Cusco after the race
- Hotel night in Cusco after the race (including breakfast)
- Celebratory meal and medal ceremony featuring local cuisine and culture
- Professional adventure photographer — watermarked digital copies free post-race
- Finisher medal + race T-shirt (or tree donation via BTU Woodland Project)
- National Park fees
- Carbon offset donation through Beyond the Ultimate Woodland Project
Not included: flights to Cusco, personal race food, equipment and clothing, hotel stays other than the post-race night in Cusco.
Key facts
- Distance: 230km over 5 stages
- Location: Manu National Park, Amazon Rainforest, Peru (fly into Cusco)
- Total ascent: 4,000m
- Maximum altitude: 3,000m (start)
- Temperature: Up to 35°C by day / cool and wet at night
- Entry fee: £3,000 (interest free instalment plan available — £750 deposit on entry)
- Next races: 30 May 2027
Enter or download the race pack: beyondtheultimate.co.uk/race/jungle-ultra