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Machu Picchu Backdoor Trek Regulations

 

This two day adventure to Machu Picchu is regulated by the Peruvian government only in the section of the trek that applies to Machu Picchu. Only 2,500 people can access Machu Picchu per day. Travalers can access in two groups. One in the morning and another one in the early afternoon. For this adventure we include an entrance ticket for the second turn (afternoon). This adventure won't allow you to access Huayna Picchu Mountain since this site can be only accessed in the morning.

 

• Machu Picchu Backdoor Trek Regulations

Machu Picchu Backdoor Trek Tips & FAQs

 

The Machu Picchu Backdoor Trek designed by GoTrekPeru.com allows travelers to take part of a true adventure. Most travelers coming to Machu Picchu get there in one day by train and this prevents them from getting an unforgettable memory. This tour package provides a safe outdoor night in the high jungle, a surrealist hike thru nature to get to Machu Picchu town, and a hike to the Gate of the Sun where you will achieve a great view of Machu Picchu.

 

How difficult is this adventure?
This is an easy full day hike; therefore, travelers should be able to hike for 3 miles in less than 2 hours. The first portion of the hike is mainly flat with light elevations, while the second portion of the trek at Machu Picchu includes a constant ascend of 1 hour. The gate of the Sun is located at 8,924 feet above sea leve - 2,720 m.a.s.l., and it is 951 feet - 290 meters higher than Machu Picchu.

 

How does this excursion work?
We will provide you all the logistics and equipment need it to make of this experience one of the best of your life. This two day excursion will take you to the high jungle of Peru where you will enjoy the Santa Teresa Hot Springs and spend a safe and comfortable night outdoors. The next morning, you will hike next to the railroad and thru the jungle to get to Machu Picchu town. From there a bus will take you to Machu Picchu to continue your hike to the Gate of the Sun. Once back at Machu Picchu town, you will take the Expedition train to get earlier to Cusco.
For this adventure, all you have to do is get ready for your pick-up and we will take care of the rest.

 

Can I bring children?
Children under 12 years old should not be at this excursion. If younger children have experience hiking long distances and are not afraid of heights, they should be ok to take part of this experience.

 

When is the best time to participate of this experience?
The dry season is the best time to do this. The dry season runs from April to November, while the wet season runs from December to March. In these areas, it is possible that rain falls even during the dry season. Temperatures will be bearable at night (a sleeping bag and a warm blanket will be provided to keep your warm at night.)

 

What is the weather like?
During the dry season, it is unlikely to get rain specially from May to September; however, in these areas rain can fall at any time. The overnight at the campsite will be cold and possible below freezing. During the rainy season it rains all the time and it is not recommendable to get to Machu Picchu using this route (specially from mid January to mid March.)

 

What should I bring to the trek?
Mainly comfortable waterproof hiking shoes, long sleeves shirts, t-shirts, a good waterproof jacket, gloves, raincoat, hat, sunglasses, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, a small first aid kit, some coca leaf candies, and a good camera. For a more detailed list, please navigate our "What to bring to the Machu Picchu Trek" site.

 

Can I take part of this excursion the next day that I arrive at Cusco?
Yes. You will be in a lower elevation than Cusco; therefore, there is less chance of getting altitude sickness. if you take part of this adventure the next day you are in Cusco, it is less likely to be affected by altitude sickness.

 

What should I do if I get altitude sickness?
Drink plenty of liquids, coca leak tea will definetely help, take a nap, avoid foods, and try to rest. If you are in the middle of the hike to Vinicunca and start feeling dizzy, extremely tired, nauseated, and have a headache, ask for advice from your guide and go back to your campsite. Guides have plenty of experience in this matter.

 

Are there bathrooms available on the first night campsite?
Yes. Your campsite offers restrooms and showers.

 

Are mosquitos an issue in this excursion?
Yes. You will need to use insect repellent at Santa Teresa and while you hike to Machu Picchu town (preferable a repellent containing DEET between 15% and 25%)
• Machu Picchu Backdoor Trek Tips & FAQs

Machu Picchu Weather

 
• Machu Picchu Weather

What to Bring to the Machu Picchu Trek

 

Below there is a suggested checking list for the Machu Picchu Backdoor Trek:

• Original passport 
• Small backpack to carry personal belongings of easy access
• Well broken in waterproof boots
• Tennis shoes or sandals to be around campsite
• Long raincoat
• Waterproof jacket. Preferable made from Gore-Tex
• Light long sleeves
• T-shirts
• Hiking pants / short pants
• Underwear
• Thick socks
• Bathing suit
• Small towel 
• Head flashlight with extra batteries
• Sun hat
• Sun glasses
• Sun block
• Insect repellent (some sites suggest the use of an insect repellent containing between 15% and 25% DEET)
• Camera with extra battery
• Small first aid kit (include band aids, alcohol wipes, sterile gauze, antiseptic and antihistamine creams, ibuprofen, aspirin, small scissor, lighter, altitude sickness and diarrhea pills, and re-hydrating powders)
• Personal medicine
• Toothpaste, tooth brush, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, sanitary towels, lip balm, and small soap
• Bottle of water 
• What to Bring to the Machu Picchu Trek

WHY CHOOSE OUR MACHU PICCHU BACKDOOR TREK

 

This is a list of reasons to book your visit to Machu Picchu with GoTrekPeru.com:

 

1. 1. We have designed an itinerary to provide you a unique journey to Machu Picchu while enjoying nature in an incredible landscape. This tour will make of your visit to Machu Picchu a memorable experience.   

 

2. Your journey will start with a visit to the Ccochahuasi Sanctuary where you will be able to observe endemic fauna which has been recued from poor living conditions or got injured in the wild.

 

3. You will spend the night at the Cola de Mono campsite in a comfortable tent with an inflatable mattress as well as appropiate blankets to keep you warm at night while falling asleep with the sounds of nature. This campsite offers 6 ziplines to cross the valley from one side to other one (cost of the ticket is not included in our price.)

 

4. You will be able to enjoy the natural hot spings of Santa Teresa. Transportation and entrance ticket to the hot springs is included in our price.

 

5. You will be able to hike to Machu Picchu town from the hydroelectric of Santa Teresa in about 3 hours, and then take a bus to the top of the mountain to hike to the Gate of the Sun from where you will get an incredible view of the site.  

 

6. On the way back to Cusco, you will take the Expedition train to Ollantaytambo for 2 hours, instead of the three and a half hours needed by car. Once at Ollantaytambo, private and not shared transportation will be provided.

 

7. If you own an ISIC Card, you will get a USD 30.00 gift card to eat at Uchu Peruvian Steakhouse or Marcelo Batata restaurant.

 

8. We offer a unique two day adventure to Machu Picchu while keeping you safe and enjoying an amazing experience for a fair price. 

• WHY CHOOSE OUR MACHU PICCHU BACKDOOR TREK