Huchuy Qosqo Hiking to Machu Picchu

Duration:

3 Days & 2 Nights

Accommodation:

Tent & Hotel

Max. Elevation:

11811 ft amsl

Dificult:

Medium - High

Huchuy Qosqo is one of our perfect treks and it is shorter and an easier for those with limited time. This trek is for anyone who love adventure. The last one and a half hours involves a lot of downhill hiking.

Overview

Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu is perfect Inka trail Peru treks, and it is a pleasant and not too challenging option that combines beautiful landscape mountain, valley, lake and the original Inca Trails. Likewise, we will visit a community and have a guided tour of the little-known Inca site of Huchuy Qosqo. Certainly, taking you off the beaten paths and all the crowds of the more popular treks, yet still immersing fully into all the amazing things Peru has to offer.

Itinerary:

DAY 1: CUSCO -QORICOCHA-PUCAMARCA

We start our trek to Huchuy Qosqo by picking you up from your hotel at 6 a.m. A private transport will take you from Cusco to the starting point of your trek, near the Inca site of Tambomachay (3,700 meters), just 20 minutes from the city.

We will begin hiking gently uphill for an hour and a half until we reach the first pass (4,100 meters), where we’ll have panoramic views of two valleys. To your right, you will see the capital of the Incas, Cusco, surrounded by stunning mountains. Your guide will share insights into Inca history, explaining how the civilization developed and was later conquered by the Spanish. Below in the valley, you will spot two Inca sites, while to your left, you will enjoy a beautiful landscape of mountains and farmlands.

From the pass, we will follow along the side of the valley, making our way towards the top to cross over to the other side. It’s about a 45-minute walk to the upper end of the valley. Once there, we’ll cross a small stream that divides the valley and begin our journey to our lunch spot at Queullacocha Lake.

The scenery at the lake is quite barren, as the whole area is a high puna covered with tough Andean grass called Ichu. You may have the opportunity to spot a variety of birdlife, such as Andean Geese, Lapwings, and Partridges, among others.

After lunch, we’ll continue to our campsite at the Pukamarca village. As we ascend, you will have a panoramic view of the village of Chinchero from one of the ridges. We then descend and loop around Qoricocha Lake (Golden Lake). It’s about a three-hour walk to our campsite.

Distance Walked: 14 km

DAY 2: PUKAMARCA-HUCHUY QOSQO-MACHU PICCHU TOWN

Waking up to a cup of hot coffee in the middle of nature is truly magical. After enjoying your tea, you’ll need to pack your luggage before we have a delicious breakfast.

We begin our walk from Pukamarca, which will take about two hours before we start hiking along the original Inca Trail. Here, you will appreciate the remarkably preserved roads and archaeological sites. We’ll pass through an adobe Inca gateway before finally arriving at the breathtaking Inca site of Huchuy Qosqo (Little Cusco – 3,600 meters).

This awe-inspiring site, perched above the Sacred Valley, was built by the Inca Empire over 500 years ago. The ancient citadel features farming terraces, temples, storehouses, water channels, and spacious plazas, all offering spectacular views of the Sacred Valley, the Urubamba River, and the Peruvian Andes. You will have plenty of time to explore and immerse yourself in the beauty and energy of this incredible site.

After exploring Huchuy Qosqo, we will hike for another hour, descending to Lamay. At the end of the trek, you will have the unique opportunity to participate in a traditional Pachamanca, an ancient Andean cooking method passed down from our ancestors. Our Inka Trail Peru Trek chef will teach you how to prepare this special underground barbecue using hot stones. You will also have the chance to try Cuy (Guinea Pig), a delicacy traditionally enjoyed by local communities.

After lunch, our private bus will take you to Ollantaytambo, known as the “Last Living Incan City” and the “World Capital of the Native American.” Here, you’ll have time to explore its ancient streets, continuously inhabited since the 14th century. After dinner at a local restaurant in Ollantaytambo, you will take the 7:00 p.m. train to Aguas Calientes, where you will spend the night in a hotel.

DAY 3: EXPLORING MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

Machu Picchu is the highlight of our journey. We recommend waking up early to catch one of the first buses to the citadel. These buses operate on a first-come, first-served basis, starting at 5:30 a.m.

Upon arrival, your tour guide will take you to a prime location to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the mountains, weather permitting. Afterward, you will begin a two-hour guided tour of the complex. Once the tour concludes, you will have some free time to explore the ruins on your own.

You may choose to climb Huayna Picchu (this requires a separate entrance ticket, costing $75 per person) or hike up to the Sun Gate, both of which offer stunning panoramic views of Machu Picchu and the surrounding landscape.

After taking in the wonder of Machu Picchu, you will return to Aguas Calientes by park bus, where you can enjoy lunch before boarding your train back to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, our Inka Trail Peru Trek representative will be waiting to escort you back to your hotel in Cusco.

Inclusions:

Includes:

Briefing

  • 2 0r 01 days before the trek you will have a briefing meeting, where you will meet with your guide and be given all details about the 3-day Huchuy Qosqo Treks.

Professional and trained staff

  • Experienced bilingual tour guide
  • Assistant tour guide (groups more than 9 people)
  • Professional cooks
  • Horseman and hoses (will carry all camping equipment, kitchen,chairs and your personal luggage)

Equipment

  • EUREKAand DOITE camping equipment, 4 people tents shared by only 2.
  • Dining tent, well equipped
  • Duffle bag (duffle bag for your belongings)
  • Inflatable mattresses or mats/brand: “Therm-A-Rest”or “Rei”. “No extra cost”
  • Portable toilet.
  • trekking poles.
  • Sleeping bag.

Emergency kit

  • First aid kit
  • Oxygen bottles

Permits and entrance

  • Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu (Circuit 2)

Accommodation

  • 1 nights in comfortable and spacious tents.
  • 1 night in hotel three star.

Food and beverages

  • 2 breakfasts
  • 2 lunches
  • 2 happy hours
  • 2 dinners
  • Water for the trekking (day 1 is on your own)
  • If you have any food preferences, please let us know!

Transport

  • Transport from the hotel to the start point.
  • Train to Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo ( Expedition (Peru Rail) or Voyager (Inca Rail))
  • Consettur Bus (Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes)
  • Return transport to Cusco

Does Not Include:

  • Entrance fee to Huayna Picchu Mountain: $ 70.00 USD
  • Entrance fee to Machu Picchu Mountain: $ 70.00 USD
  • Entrance fee to Huchuy Picchu: $ 50.00 USD
  • Breakfast on the first day
  • Lunch and dinner on the fourth day
  • Travel Insurance
  • Train Vistadome (Peru Rail), extra $ 50.00 USD per person
  • Tips
  • Souvenirs

Price:

Please contact us for pricing information.

Pack List

The Pack List for Huchuy Qosqo Hiking to Machu Picchu 3 days

What should I pack for the Huchuy Qosqo Treks 3 days 2 nights to Machu Picchu? This is the most common question asked by customers. When traveling to a new faraway destination like South America, you must prepare long before, especially when trekking to remote places like the Inca Trail, Salkantay Trek or Other Treks.

For your trip to Peru, you will bring one or two big pieces of luggage depending on how long you spend on your vacation. However, you will only take the necessary equipment for the 4-day trekking to Machu Picchu. You should leave your luggage in the hotel Cusco.

 Just Below, you will find the Packing list for the Huchuy Qosqo to Machu Picchu.

You must to pack.

When hiking the Huchuy Qosqo, you will be out in the mountains without a cellphone signal and away from any shops or stores. It’s important to have all the necessary equipment in order to enjoy your Huchuy Qosqo trek. The essential items are a must, and all hikers should buy or rent good quality equipment.

  • Original passport: A copy will not be accepted; your passport must be valid for at least 6 months to enter and exit Peru. You’ll also need to ensure that your passport has two blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
  • Valid Student ID: This is required only if you have booked the Inca Trail as a student. Student cards must be issued by the university (up to the age of 25). They should have the following details: university information, personal information, a student photo, and a valid date no later than December 31 of the year of travel.
  • Hiking boots: Light, comfortable, and broken in. Make sure your shoes are not too tight or too loose. They should provide enough room for your toes to wiggle without being too spacious.
  • Good-quality daypack: A comfortable, light, small, and cozy backpack is essential for carrying all your supplies.
  • Camel bag or water bottle: Water storage for 2 liters. It is essential to choose a water bottle that will keep your water cold.
  • Trekking poles: Highly recommended for the Inca Trail. We will provide the hike poles.
  • Sleeping bags: we will provide the sleeping bags at -10°C.
  • Head headlamp: This is vital equipment for anyone embarking on the Machu Picchu Inca Trail. You can also bring a flashlight.
  • Hats and sunglasses: The sun is intense on the Inca Trail,salkantay reks and other treks; bring sun hats with adjustable neck covers and UV protection sunglasses.
  • Buff or Bandana: These multifunctional scarves are very useful for the trek.
  • Bennie or Chullo: You will need them for the cold mountain passes or during the campsite for the night and early mornings.
  • Hiking gloves: Look for lightweight, breathable, and waterproof gloves. They should keep you warm in cool weather and be suitable for trekking.
  • Rain Jacket: Bring rain jackets no matter the season; we will provide a rain poncho. Materials such as Gore-Tex or eVent.
  • Rain Pants: They are not often used and are not comfortable for the Inca Trail, but if you have, you can bring them.
  • Gaiters (Optional): They are not often used on the Inca Trail. If you have one, you can bring it; I don’t recommend buying a new one.
  • Warm layers: A base layer, a mid-layer of fleece or down, and a waterproof shell layer.
  • Sun cream: Bring a high-factor sunscreen.
  • Lip balm: With SPF protection.
  • Bug spray: Bring one containing DEET or picaridin.
  • Hand sanitizer: Carry a small bottle with you throughout the day .
  • Toilet paper: There are plenty of bathrooms along the Inca Trail; take toilet paper inside a plastic bag.
  • Personal first aid kit: For headaches, stomachaches, and colds. Take also band-aids and moleskin.
  • Camera, extra batteries: The battery life of your electronic devices might be reduced at high altitudes. So, pack spare batteries or a power bank.
  • Snacks: Energy-pack granola bars or trail mix that provide plenty of fuel without making you sluggish during a hike.
  • Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, and tips (small change helps pay for using the villagers’ toilets on the first day).
  • Shoes for the campsite: After long hours of hiking with boots, you may want to remove the heavy hiking boots and have something light to wear at the camp.
  • Warm jacket: Temperatures can drop sharply at night, so wear warm layers when the sun goes down. Don’t forget to pack a hat and gloves!
  • T-shirts (wicking T-shirts are best): Synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon are good options, as they wick away sweat and dry quickly. Avoid cotton shirts, as they hold onto moisture. Take around 5 T-shirts.
  • 2-3 hiking pants/trousers: There are two main types of hiking pants. Cargo pants have large pockets on the sides of the legs, which are great for carrying extra gear. Convertible pants have legs that zip off at the knee, making them perfect for hot weather or changing conditions on the trail.
  • Leggings work very well for ladies on the Inca Trail.
  • 4 sets of undergarments, wearing a sports bra, and compression shorts will help keep you comfortable and prevent chafing.
  • 4 sets of hiking socks, make sure the socks are made from a breathable material like wool or synthetic fibers.
  • 1 Fleece: A fleece jacket or pullover is a good choice; you can layer it with other clothing if necessary.
  • 1 Warm, down jacket for the coldest nights. The best jackets are made of down or synthetic insulation, keeping you warm even when wet.
  • Quick-dry towel: This is a must-have for anyone planning to hike the Inca Trail.
  • Biodegradable soap: To break down quickly and safely in nature, so it won’t pollute the trail or harm any wildlife.
  • Wet wipes: pack plenty of wet wipes! The trail can be dusty and dirty, so keeping your skin clean is essential.
  • Toothbrush and paste: Make sure the brush and paste are small and compact for camping trips.
  • Face moisturizer, high altitude, and the harsh sun can damage skin.
  • Power bank/battery charger: You should use your phone in airplane mode and have a power bank with you; we recommend one with 20,000 mAh.
  • Plastic bags to keep wet or muddy clothes separate.

These are very important you must to bring for any treks you will do.


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¡Lo recomiendo totalmente!!

21 de January de 2025

Mi experiencia en la agencia y en especial con mi guia, fue fantástica. Me explicó con mucho detalle y de forma entretenido cada lugar que íbamos visitando. ¡¡Lo recomiendo totalmente!! Gracias totales.

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