Tour Details
Huchuy Qosqo Machu Picchu (3Days), is designed for adventurers who don’t have much time but are eager to experience the Andes. The Huchuy Qosqo to Machu Picchu Tour starts very close to the Tambomachay archaeological site and connects with the Sacred Valley, enjoying the tranquility of nature and the fresh air.
The Quechua name “Huchuy Qosqo” means (Little Cusco). It is an archaeological site that, like many others, was abandoned with the destruction of the Inca Empire. The Huchuy Qosqo Trek 3 days offers spectacular landscapes with mountains and high snowy peaks typical of the Sacred Valley range. At the end of the Huchuy Qosqo hike, we will take the train through very colorful towns until we reach Aguas Calientes, and the next day we visit the Inca City of Machu Picchu.
What’s included?
- ✅ Pre-hike briefing (02 Days or 01 Day before the hike at your respective hotel).
- ✅ Professional bilingual guide.
- ✅ Assistant guide for groups of 9+.
- ✅ Cook.
- ✅ Mules to carry kitchen and camping gear and 15lbs/07kg of your personal items.
- ✅ Pick-up from your hotel and transportation service from your hotel to the trailhead.
- ✅ Return transportation by train and by bus to Cusco.
- ✅ Water (Excluding the first 4 hours of the hike when you need to carry your own).
- ✅ 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 snacks and 2 dinners. If you have a dietary request such as vegetarian food, please let us know.
- ✅ Dining tent with tables and chairs.
- ✅ Comfortable and spacious 4-person tents, brands – EUREKA/DOITE – (each tent will be used by 2 people).
- ✅ Hotel in Aguas Calientes. Day 2.
- ✅ Inflatable sleeping pads/mats brand THERM-A-REST or REI (you need to bring it).
- ✅ Oxygen bottles.
- ✅ First aid equipment.
- ✅ Machu Picchu entrance tickets.
- ✅ Bus from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu (round trip).
What’s not included?
- ⛔ Sleeping bag (you can rent it from us).
- ⛔ Breakfast on the first day and lunch and dinner on the 3rd day.
- ⛔ Entrance to “Huayna Picchu” or “Machu Picchu Mountain”. Extra US $80.
- ⛔ Tips.
- ⛔ Travel insurance – it is strongly recommended to purchase travel insurance for the duration of the trip.
Important Recommendations
It is recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before to acclimatize to the altitude. Bring comfortable walking clothes, sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle.- ➡️ Bring a small backpack with clothes for the 5 days.
- ➡️ Personal hygiene items.
- ➡️ Wear comfortable shoes—trekking shoes are recommended.
- ➡️ Bring personal medicines and original passport.
- ➡️ Water bottle and purification tablets.
- ➡️ Rain gear in the rainy season (October to March).
- ➡️ Headlamp, camera and batteries.
- ➡️ Warm clothing for the first and second day.
- ➡️ Swimsuit (if you wish to visit the hot springs).
- ➡️ Insect repellent.
- ➡️ Sunscreen.
- ➡️ Sun caps.
- ➡️ Toilet paper, small towel.
- ➡️ Snacks: Cookies, chocolates, etc.
- ➡️ Horses ( to carry tent, food and kitchen equipment)
- ➡️ Trekking poles.
- ➡️ Bring a sleeping bag.
Meeting point: Pick-up from your hotel or coordinated meeting point in Cusco’s historic center.
Tour itinerary: Cusco – Tambomachay – Huchuy Qosqo – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco.
Important: The Huchuy Qosqo Trek is a 3-day route with moderate hikes and some demanding sections, recommended for people with prior acclimatization.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Tambomachay – Huchuy Qosqo
Pick-up at 6:30 a.m. from the hotel and transfer to Tambomachay (3,750 m a.s.l.). Start of the hike towards Huchuy Qosqo passing through Andean landscapes, traditional communities and Qoricocha Lagoon. Arrival at the Huchuy Qosqo archaeological complex and campsite with views of the Sacred Valley range.Camp altitude: 3,650 m a.s.l.
Day 2: Huchuy Qosqo – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
Breakfast and guided tour of the Huchuy Qosqo archaeological site, exploring temples, storehouses, irrigation channels, reservoirs and agricultural terraces. Free time for photos and personal exploration. Descent to Lamay with views of the Sacred Valley river. Picnic lunch by the river and transfer to Ollantaytambo to visit its historic town. Train ride to Aguas Calientes and overnight.Lodging altitude: 2,040 m a.s.l.
Day 3: Machu Picchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco
Early breakfast and bus to the Inca City of Machu Picchu. Two-hour guided tour through the main temples and sectors, with the chance to watch sunrise from the Guardian’s House. Return to Aguas Calientes, train to Ollantaytambo and transfer to Cusco, approximate arrival 10:30 p.m.End of services.
Photo Gallery
Discover the beauty of the city of Cusco through these images that capture the essence of this unique experience.
Practical Information
Tour Data
- Duration: 3 days and 2 nights
- Hiking distance: Approximately 20 km in total
- Maximum altitude: 3,750 meters (Tambomachay)
- Difficulty: Moderate – requires prior acclimatization and average fitness
- Minimum age: From 10 years old
- Maximum group: 18 people
What to Bring
- ID or passport
- Comfortable, layered warm clothing
- Windbreaker or rain jacket
- Hat or cap and sunglasses
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
- Reusable water bottle
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Sleeping bag (rental available)
- Trekking poles (recommended)
- Cash (Peruvian soles) for tickets and personal expenses
Health Recommendations
- Arrive in Cusco at least 1–2 days beforehand to acclimatize
- Drink coca infusions or take altitude medication as advised by a doctor
- Stay hydrated throughout the hike
- Keep a steady pace to avoid exhaustion
- Not recommended for people with severe heart or respiratory issues without medical authorization
- Use sunscreen even on cloudy days
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation before 7 days: 50% of total cost
No show: No refund
Frequently Asked Questions
What fitness level do I need?
This trek is of moderate difficulty. It requires average fitness, with the ability to walk between 4 and 6 hours per day on uneven terrain and at high altitude. Prior hiking experience is recommended.
What is the best time to do this trek?
The Huchuy Qosqo Trek can be done year-round, though the dry season (May to September) is most recommended for clear skies and better trail conditions. In the rainy season (December to March) the landscape is greener, but the terrain can be slippery.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it is advisable to book at least 2 weeks in advance to secure guide availability and train tickets to Aguas Calientes, especially in high season (June to August).
What happens if it rains during the trek?
The trek is not canceled due to rain. It is important to bring a rain poncho or windbreaker and protect your luggage in waterproof bags. Rain can add charm to the scenery but requires greater caution while walking.
Is the entrance to Machu Picchu included?
Yes, the tour includes the Machu Picchu entrance ticket. If you wish to access Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you must request it in advance and pay an additional cost, subject to availability.
Is the Cusco Tourist Ticket required?
No, the Huchuy Qosqo Trek does not require the Cusco Tourist Ticket. The necessary entrances for the route and Machu Picchu are included in the package.
Can I rent equipment?
Yes, you can rent a sleeping bag and trekking poles in advance. It is also possible to hire porters to carry part of your luggage if needed.