we support responsible, sustainable and ethical tourism...

"There are two ways to live your life, one is though nothing is a miracle, the other is as if everything is." Albert Einstein

back door to machu picchu - full itinerary & inclusions

DAY ONE - CUSCO TO COLCAMAYU: You will be collected from your hotel in Cusco in private transport, and transported to the Abra de Malaga (or below, depending on the group). (approx 3 hrs drive) Here we will start an interesting and sometimes slightly hair-raising downhill ride. (depending on previous experience) This is suitable for people of moderate fitness, who like a bit of a challenge. approx cycling time is about 4-5 hours but you will be accompanied by a support car at all times, so if you want to retire, you can get into the car. For the hardy, we will cycle all the way to Santa Maria. Other groups prefer to end earlier. We will have lunch en route, visit some Inca ruins, and in the afternoon drive to Santa Theresa and then to the Colcamayu Hot Springs. These are lovely, clean hot springs and we will camp here the night so you can spend a good amount of time in the pools. (if you do not want to camp then you can stay in a basic Hostal in Santa Theresa but the disadvantage is that you spend less time in the charming pools) See Colcamayu hot springs.

DAY TWO -SANTA THERESA TO MACHU PICCHU: Early in the morning our private car will take us to the Cola de Mono zipline. For those who do not want to take on the challenge of the zip line you have the option of staying at Colcamayu or taking a forest walk at Cola de Mono. After lunch in Santa Theresa, we will drive to the Hydroelectric Station. Here you have the chance to see a small but interesting Inca ruin while waiting for the train. The train departs at 4.30pm and takes about one hour to arrive at Aguas Calientes. En route you can look up and see Machu Picchu above you. We spend the night at basic a Hostel in Aguas Calientes. NOTE: As Cola de Mono is an optional activity, the price is EXTRA to what is in the itinerary.

DAY THREE - MACHU PICCHU After breakfast we take an early bus up to the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, where we have a guided visit of approximately two hours. After this you are free to explore this famous site, and if you feel energetic we recommend you to climb Huayna Picchu, however you must leave before 12 noon. This hike takes about 1 hour to climb, and less to descend and offers awesome views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding terrain. We return to Cusco in the afternoon by the backpacker train (leaves either at 2.30pm or 6pm) and are met by a driver at Ollantaytambo who will transfer you directly back to your hotel. You will arrive approximately 4 hours after your train's departure from Aguas Calientes.

What's included?

For complete facts about many aspects of Apus Peru tours, check out our FAQs page!

• Pre Trek Briefing
• Collection from your hotel in the morning of trek departure.
• Transport from Cusco to the abra de malaga
• All other transport as described in itinerary.
• English/Quechua/Spanish speaking professional guide (you will have an assistant guide for groups over 6 people).
• Mountain bike, helmet and gloves on day one
• Entry fees: Machu Picchu.
• Tents - 2 people in a 4 person tent which allows for greater comfort, and also storage of backpacks. All tents were purchased in 07/08.
• Basic foam mattress. If you require greater comfort during the trek we can hire you an inflatable mattress (eg. Thermarest) for $5 per day. OR basic hostal in Santa Theresa. (Group needs to be united so it doesn't split up)
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food). We do not take cooks on this trip and eat meals prepared in local restaurants.
• Budget for our staff's transport, accomodation and meals.
• First aid kit
• Train ticket (Backpacker service) from Aguas Calientes - Ollantaytambo.
• 1 night accommodation in Aguas Calientes in one star hotel. This will be a nice, clean and safe hostel with breakfast included and private bathroom. If you wish to upgrade from this hotel, please check out the options listed on our Aguas Calientes accommodation page.
• Train from Hydroelectric to Aguas Calientes (valued at $8)
• Bus up and down to Machu Picchu (valued at $14 US)
• Celebratory dinner in Aguas Calientes village
• Box lunch final day in Machu Picchu

previous itinerary (If this still interests you then please email for a quote. this itinerary uses public transport and is a cheaper option)

DAY ONE - CUSCO TO SANTA MARIA: After collection from your hotel at 12 noon, we will depart from the Santiago Bus Terminal at 1pm on a Quillabamba bound bus. We cross the magnificent Abra de Malaga before arriving in the jungle town of Santa Maria around 7pm. Tourists are virtually unknown in this town, and we will stay in a basic hostal.

DAY TWO -SANTA THRESA TO MACHU PICCHU: Early in the morning we take a mini bus for a three hour ride to the village of Santa Theresa that was once connected by Cusco by train. From Santa Teresa, we will head towards the Hot Springs of Cocalmayu. There, we will have a relaxing and medicinal bath and afterwards lunch. In the afternoon we will walk for about an hour during which we will cross the Vilcanota River. We will then take transport to the Hydroelectric Plant, where we have the option of taking the spectacular local train to Aguas Calientes or hiking about 2.5 hours further. We spend the night at basic a Hostel in Aguas Calientes.

DAY THREE - MACHU PICCHU After breakfast we take an early bus up to the Sanctuary of Machu Picchu, where we have a guided visit of approximately two hours. After this you are free to explore this famous site, and if you feel energetic we recommend you to climb Huayna Picchu, however you must leave before 12 noon. This hike takes about 1 hour to climb, and less to descend and offers awesome views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding terrain. You have the option to walk down from Machu Picchu, or to take the bus. (Not included). I We return to Cusco in the afternoon by the backpacker train (leaves either at 2.30pm or 6pm) and are met by a driver at Ollantaytambo who will transfer you directly back to your hotel. You will arrive approximately 4 hours after your train's departure from Aguas Calientes.

Itinerary Notes

• The times cited in this itinerary are approximate. Walking times depend on the group and the guide can change lunch spots and campsites, depending on the progress of the group. Each guide has their own preferred route and it might not correspond exactly to the route described here.
• If required, riding horses or porters to carry luggage can be arranged at a reasonable daily rate.

INCLUDED: Transport Cusco - Santa Teresa, English/Spanish Speaking Guide, Hostal in Santa Maria, Hostal in Aguas Calientes, Guide in Machu Picchu, Meals where indicated. Local train ticket Hydroelectric - Aguas Calientes Bus up and down from Machu Picchu, Entry ticket to Machu Picchu, one dinner in Aguas Calientes.

NOT INCLUDED: snacks, lunch day 1, or day 3. Entry fees to hot springs in Colcamayu or Aguas Calientes. extra taxis if required.

Please note: This is a sample itinerary only, and can be varied if you choose to walk for longer distances instead of taking local transport. If you wish to alter this itinerary, please ask to discuss it at the time of booking, or during your briefing. You can also depart Cusco at 8pm and take the night bus to Santa Maria if you wish.

prices 2010 back door to machu picchu

APUS PERU Adventure Travel Specialists - we support sustainable, responsible and ethical tourism...

366 Cuichipunco, Centro Historico, Cusco, Peru- Email: apusperu@westnet.com.au

© A.Svenson 2005-2010. The design, content and photographs (except where noted) are 100% original. The majority of our treks were designed by Apus Peru.