The Huchuy Qosqo Trek is a hidden gem among the routes to Machu Picchu, offering breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley. This scenic trail winds through ancient Inca sites, traditional Andean villages, and picturesque highland landscapes. The journey concludes in Ollantaytambo, where travelers board the train to Machu Picchu.
Unlike the classic Inca Trail, the Huchuy Qosqo Trek is shorter, less crowded, and rich in cultural and natural beauty—making it a unique and rewarding alternative for adventurous travelers.
Explore the stunning landscapes surrounding Cusco, connect with local communities, and enjoy panoramic views of the Sacred Valley. The Huchuy Qosqo Trek is the only trekking experience from Cusco that leads you directly on foot into the Sacred Valley—a route not offered by other agencies.
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Itinerario
Day 1: CUSCO – TAMBOMACHAY – KENKO VILLAGE
The Nomad In Peru team will pick you up from your hotel at 6:00 am and drive you about 30 minutes to Tambomachay, just outside the city of Cusco. From here, your trek to Machu Picchu begins!
The first section consists of a 4-hour uphill hike to our lunch spot at Koricocha Lake, located at 3,700 meters (12,139 ft). Along the trail, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of highland lakes, remote Andean communities, and have the chance to see alpacas, llamas, and native bird species.
After lunch by the lake, you’ll continue hiking for another 3 hours along a route that alternates between gentle ascents and descents until you reach Kenko Village at 3,800 meters (12,467 ft), where we will camp for the night.
Kenko is a small, traditional Andean village whose residents primarily live off agriculture—cultivating potatoes and beans, and raising sheep, llamas, and alpacas. Upon arrival, you’ll enjoy a warm tea, a delicious dinner, and a restful night in comfortable tents under the stars.
.Meals: Breakfast, Snacks, Lunch, Dinner
.Accommodation: Camping
.Campsite Altitude: 3,800 m / 12,467 ft
.Distance: 13 km / 8.1 miles
.Duration: 7 hours
.Difficulty: Moderate
Day 2: KENKO VILLAGE – HUCHUY QOSQO – LAMAY – OLLAMTAYTAMBO – AGUAS CALIENTES
After a hearty breakfast, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with local children or visit the homes of the villagers a special cultural moment to better understand their way of life in the high Andes.
The day’s hike begins with a 3-hour trek to the impressive Huchuy Qosqo Inca site, located at 3,600 meters (11,811 ft) atop the Sacred Valley. Built over 500 years ago by the Inca Empire, this remarkable archaeological complex features agricultural terraces, ceremonial temples, storehouses, water channels, and spacious plazas all set against sweeping views of the Sacred Valley, the Urubamba River, and the snowcapped peaks of the Andes.
You’ll have ample time to explore the site, take photos, and connect with its powerful history and energy.
After enjoying Huchuy Qosqo, you’ll continue with a 1.5-hour downhill hike to the village of Lamay, where your trekking chef will greet you with a delicious picnic lunch surrounded by the serene landscapes of the Sacred Valley.
From Lamay, our private transportation will take you to the enchanting town of Ollantaytambo, one of the last living Inca settlements. This mystical village, with its ancient stone architecture and sacred terraces, serves as a powerful gateway between the past and present a place where the Andes rise to meet the sky and the spirit of the Inca still flows through every stone.
After dinner at a local restaurant in Ollantaytambo, you’ll board the 7:00 p.m. train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo), where you will spend the night in a comfortable hotel preparing for your long-awaited visit to Machu Picchu.
.Meals: Breakfast, Snacks, Lunch, Dinner
.Accommodation: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
.Altitude (Aguas Calientes): 2,000 m / 6,560 ft
.Hiking Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
.Duration: 6 hours
.Difficulty: Easy
DAY 3: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – OLLANTAYTAMBO – CUSCO
The day you’ve been waiting for has arrived your unforgettable visit to Machu Picchu! After an early breakfast at your hotel, we’ll take one of the first buses up to the entrance of this world wonder, located at 2,400 m / 7,875 ft. At the gate, you must present your passport and entrance ticket.
From the entrance, it’s about a 15-minute walk to the iconic viewpoint the perfect place to take in the first breathtaking panorama of the ancient citadel.
Your expert guide will lead a 2.5-hour guided tour, revealing the fascinating history, architecture, and spiritual meaning of this Inca masterpiece. You’ll explore its three main sectors — agricultural, residential, and religious and visit important temples, terraces, and ceremonial sites.
After the guided portion, you’ll have free time to explore on your own or take stunning photos. If you’ve pre-booked a hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, this is the time to begin your ascent. (Note: These hikes require advance permits and have designated time slots, in accordance with Peruvian government regulations.)
Once you’ve soaked in the majesty of Machu Picchu, you’ll return to Aguas Calientes by bus, where you can enjoy lunch (not included) and take time for shopping or a brief walk through the town, depending on your train schedule.
In the afternoon, board the Expedition Train at either 2:55 p.m. or 3:20 p.m., enjoying a scenic ride along the Urubamba River back to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, our private transport will be waiting to take you back to Cusco, with an estimated arrival time at your hotel around 7:00 p.m.
.Meals Included: Breakfast
.Difficulty: Easy
.Maximum Altitude (Machu Picchu): 2,400 m / 7,875 ft
Incluye
- Included.Transfer from the airport to your hotel
.Briefing in your hotel the night before the trekking departure
.Pick up from your hotel in the morning of the trek departure
.All transfers in our van
.Entry fee to Machu Picchu
.Entry fee to Huchuy Qosqo
.Guided tour of Machu Picchu
.English speaking experienced professional tour guide
.Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food with prior request)
.2 Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and return to Aguas Calientes
.First Aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
.Round trip train ticket (Expedition service) from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
.Private transport from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco
.Hotel in Aguas Calientes with private bathroom and room, hot shower
.Celebration dinner in Ollantaytambo
No Incluye
- Not Included.Entrance to Huayna Picchu –$75 USD
.Walking Poles -$15 USD
.Sleeping bag – 20 USD
.First breakfast and last lunch
.Hotel before/after trek
.Lunch and dinner on the last day
.Entrance to hot springs
.Items of a personal nature and souvenirs
.Travel interruption & travel medical/evacuation insurance (required)
.Tip for your guide
¿Cómo reservar el tour?
PRICE
The Huchuy Qosqo trek to Machu Picchu is available only by group service (from 2 persons). Then, we need minimum 2 persons to open this service for you.
.Group Price: US$ 560.00 per person
.Required Pre-payment: US$ 200.00 per person
.Balance (Cusco): US$ 360.00 (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.
CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?
Of course! During the Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu, your main luggage can be store at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you. Please pack only what you will need for the 4 days trek!
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 3-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
.T-shirts
.Long-sleeved shirt
.Hiking pants
.Thermal underwear
.Hiking socks
.Sun hat
.Warm hat or beanie
.Gloves
.Hiking boots or shoes
.Sandals or comfortable shoes for camp
.Backpack (30 liters)
.Sleeping bag (you can rented it from us)
.Headlamp or flashlight (with extra batteries)
.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
