Duration: 2 Days / 1 Nights
The Huchuy Qosqo Trek offers an unforgettable journey through ancient Inca ruins, charming Andean villages, majestic snow-capped mountains, lush vegetation, and a stunning array of ecological zones. This scenic trek leads you across high Andean passes and through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, culminating at one of the New Seven Wonders of the World: Machu Picchu.
This uniquely crafted adventure is designed for those seeking both cultural immersion and natural beauty. You’ll hike through the breathtaking Andes, interact with local communities, and explore remote Inca archaeological sites rarely visited by others. On Day 2, you’ll experience the awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu.
Itinerario
DAY 1: CUSCO – TAUCA – HUCHUY QOSQO – OLLANTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES
At 6:00 a.m., we’ll depart from your hotel and drive to the small village of Tauca (3,750 m / 12,303 ft), the starting point of our trek. The first part of the hike takes us across relatively flat terrain, surrounded by typical Andean valleys abundant with corn, quinoa, and potato crops. As we gradually ascend toward the Tauca Pass (4,050 m / 13,287 ft), the landscape transforms dramatically into the high Andean savannah, known as the puna a stark yet beautiful region covered with ichu grass, the native vegetation of these altitudes.
At the summit, we’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Vilcabamba Mountain Range, including the snow-capped peaks of Veronica, Pitusiray, Chicon, and San Juan. From here, we begin our descent toward the Huchuy Qosqo plains, following a picturesque path that winds through the Cauca Ravine, where traces of Inca settlements begin to appear. Along the way, you’ll spot wild native plants like tarwi and various types of cactus species once gathered by the Incas for food and still consumed by locals today.
As we continue downhill, we enter the Leon Punku Ravine, home to remnants of ancient Inca infrastructure, including a stone bridge and segments of the original trail. This dramatic canyon features impressive rock formations that guide a small river toward Huchuy Qosqo (3,650 m / 11,975 ft), a fascinating archaeological site whose name means Little Cusco in Quechua.
Huchuy Qosqo offers remarkable examples of Inca architecture, including an impressive Kallanka (great ceremonial hall), two-story buildings constructed with a mix of stone and adobe, and various residential and defensive structures. Set on a plateau and surrounded by agricultural terraces, the site affords spectacular views of the Sacred Valley and the Vilcabamba range.
After exploring the ruins, we’ll continue descending to the village of Lamay (2,900 m / 9,514 ft), where our private transport will be waiting to take us to Ollantaytambo. There, we’ll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before boarding the train to Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, we’ll check into your hotel.
.Meals included: Picnic Lunch & Dinner
.Hiking time: 6 to 7 hours
.Distance: 16kms/10 miles
.3* Accommodations: Hotel
DAY 2: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
The day you’ve been waiting for has finally arrived! After an early breakfast at your hotel, you’ll take one of the first buses up to Machu Picchu, arriving in time to witness the magical sunrise over the iconic citadel a moment you’ll never forget.
Upon arrival, your expert guide will lead you on a 2 hours guided tour of the site, revealing the history, architecture, and mysteries of this ancient Inca masterpiece. You’ll explore the most significant areas of the citadel, and learn how Machu Picchu is divided into three main sectors: agricultural, residential, and religious.
When you’re ready, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, where you’ll have lunch (not included). Depending on your train schedule, you may also have time for shopping, a visit to the local museum, or a relaxing dip in the town’s natural hot springs.
In the afternoon, you’ll board the Expedition Train at either 2:55 p.m. or 3:20 p.m., traveling alongside the scenic Urubamba River. As the train follows the river’s course, you’ll pass narrow canyons, lush landscapes.
Upon arrival in Ollantaytambo, your driver will be waiting at the train station to take you back to Cusco in our private vehicle. You can expect to arrive at your hotel around 7:00 p.m.
.Meal included: Breakfast
.Entrance tickets: Machu Picchu
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
- Included.Briefing the night before the trekking departure
.Private transportation from and to your hotel
.All meals as indicated in the itinerary
.Professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English)
.Entrance fee to Huchuy Qosqo
.Entrance fee to Machu Picchu
.2 Round-trip bus tickets between Aguas Calientes and Machu Picchu
.Hotel in Aguas Calientes
.Round-trip train service from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and back
Not Included
- .Entrance to Huayna Picchu –$75 USD.Walking Poles -$15 USD
.First breakfast and last lunch
.Optional upgrade for your hotel
.Tips for the crew, guide, cook and porters
How to reserve the tour?
The Huchuy Qosqo trek to Machu Picchu is available only by group service (from 2 persons). Then, we need minimum 2 persons to open this service for you.
.Group Price: US$ 400.00 per person
.Required Pre-payment: US$ 400.00 per person
.Balance (Cusco): US$ 0.00 (Commonly paid in cusco after the briefing)
IMPORTANT INFO
Please read carefully the following information; it will help with your questions about our services Huchuy Qosqo trek to Machu Picchu.
ARRIVAL TO CUSCO
You will be welcomed at Cusco airport and we drive you to your hotel, please send us the information about flight details at least 14 days prior to your trek or tour. Look out for our representative holding an Nomad In Peru logo at the arrival terminal. It can be done on any date that is best suited to you!
THE BRIEFING
We use to visit at your hotel 6 pm or if you prefer during the day, please you could send us an email with details to get your briefing time Will be ready any time for our clients.
HOW TO BOOK THE HUCHUY QOSQO TREK TO MACHU PICCHU?
STEP 1: Complete our booking form by clicking the “BOOK NOW” button on our homepage or by using the following link: [BOOK NOW].
Please note: A copy of each participant’s passport is required at the time of booking.
STEP 2: A deposit is required to confirm your reservation. This initial payment corresponds to the percentage indicated of the total tour cost, per person.
You can securely make your deposit by clicking on the VISA or PayPal icons on our booking page.
WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?
The customer agrees to make an initial payment equivalent to the indicated percentage of the total agreed amount in order to secure the service date. The remaining balance must be paid one or two days prior to the start of the service in Cusco.
To avoid high credit card fees in Peru, we recommend paying the remaining balance in cash, either in U.S. dollars or Peruvian soles. There are numerous ATMs available in Cusco. Alternatively, you may complete the payment using the same method as the initial deposit.
MAY I CHANGE THE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. Once the permits have been issued, the Peruvian government does not allow any changes, so we are unable to modify the dates under any circumstances. Additionally, permits are neither transferable nor refundable. Therefore, if you decide to cancel your 2-day Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu, please note that the deposit is strictly non-refundable.
DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT FOR HUCHUY QOSQO TREK TO MACHU PICCHU?
Yes! You have to bring your original passport as it is very important that it is the same passport, you sent to us at the time of booking your permit. Passports will be checked when you enter Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail and board the train. In case you are renewing your passport, go ahead and send us a copy of your old passport to secure your permit and we can change it when you get your new passport. Please send us a copy of your new passport as soon as possible.
DUFFEL BAG AND SMALL BACKPACK
The evening before you start your Huchuy Qosqo trek to Machu Picchu, you will be given a duffle bag to pack your clothes for the next four days. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg/15lbs. By Peruvian law, a duffel bag must not weigh more than 7 kilograms (15lbs). This limit is set to protect the health of the porters and animals.
HOW CHALLENGING IS THE TREK, AND WHAT FITNESS LEVEL IS REQUIRED
The Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu is moderate trek and you should be well prepared and healthy prior to starting it. You have to be moderately fit and take regular exercise. considered moderate to challenging, requiring a reasonable level of fitness and stamina.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO FINISH THE TRAIL?
In the unlikely scenario, that you are unable to finish the trek due to a health reasons, Nomad In Peru will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on the trek for any respiratory problems, There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the trek.
Generally, those who have to be assisted off the trail are taken to Ollantaytambo and if they recover quickly they continue the journey to Aguas Calientes (cost incurred by trekker) and visit Machu Picchu according to the original plan.
WHAT TYPE OF WILDLIFE AND FLORA CAN BE ENCOUNTERED ALONG THE TREK ?
The Huchuy Qosqo Trek has a variety of ecosystems in the Peruvian Andes, from high-altitude puna grasslands to lush valleys. This diverse environment supports a wide range of wildlife and plant species. Here’s an overview of the types of wildlife and flora you can encounter along the trek:
TIPPING
If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip though not compulsory is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the trek.
Lista de embalaje
- PACKING LISTWHAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE WITH YOU
.Waterproof jacket
.Fleece jacket or warm sweater
. 2 T-shirts
.Long-sleeved shirt
. Hiking pants
.Hiking socks
.Sun hat
.Hiking boots or shoes
.Backpack (30 liters)
.Trekking poles (you can rented it from us)
.Water bottles or hydration system
.Sunglasses
.Sunscreen
.Insect repellent
.Personal toiletries
.Basic first aid kit
.Camera
.Snacks or energy bars