WHY THIS TRIP
The Back Door to Machu Picchu trip allows you enjoy all sorts of fun activities available in the Machu Picchu area away from the crowds.
You’ll be hiking, rafting, and ziplining (optional) through the forested mountains outside Machu Picchu, passing a variety of Inca sites and rural Andean communities along the way. This trip is ideal for those who like to be active and get off the beaten path to see another side of a well-known destination.
TRIP DESCRIPTION
With the famous Inca Trail nearby, most travelers overlook that the Machu Picchu region is home to other world-class adventures like whitewater rafting and ziplining (optional). Most visitors also miss seeing other Inca ruins, thinking that Machu Picchu is the only set of fascinating ruins in Peru.
But on this trip, you can experience the fun adventures, Inca ruins, and hot springs that most other travelers overlook — all before exploring the awe-inspiring lost city of Machu Picchu.
Your adventure begins when you depart Cusco and cross over the Andean divide to begin a whitewater rafting trip among cloud-forested hills. This fun Class II – III river on Rio Urubamba passes through biodiverse forests where it’s possible to spot numerous tropical and Andean birds, along with Incan ruin sites.
The next day, you hike through the forest and embark on a ziplining adventure (optional). Swooping through the canopy, you gain a new appreciation for this unique ecosystem and the animals it shelters. After the hike and zipline excursions, you take the chance to soak in the natural Santa Teresa hot springs.
Finally, you have a full-day to explore Machu Picchu and, for the most intrepid travelers, hike to the summit of Huayna Picchu within the Machu Picchu complex.
Along the way, you will be led by an English-speaking adventure guide who will carefully explain the Incan history of the area, the traditions of the local people who live there now, and of course, the safe way to participate in all these activities.
At night, you’ll be sleeping in a somewhat-developed campsite where showers and toilets are provided for two nights; on the last night, you’ll overnight at a hotel in Aguas Calientes located just outside Machu Picchu (this is booked on your own or through Detour upon request).
Detour can also arrange the hotel stays you’ll need in Cusco before and after this adventure.
LOCAL OPERATOR: APUMAYO EXPEDICIONES
Apumayo Expediciones specializes in adventure travel and non-conventional tourism with a strong environmental and social agenda. It offers activities and tours for people with disabilities and supports Andean community projects, maximizing the positive effect of local tourism.
A Peruvian company based in the City of Cusco, Apumayo Expediciones combines culture, education and natural history into its adventure trips.
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