Overview
Machu Picchu trek near Cusco – Overview:
- First day: Cusco – Tambomachay – Qoricocha- Huchuy Qosqo
- Second day: Huchuy Qosqo – Lamay – Ollantaytambo- Aguas Calientes
- Third day: Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes- Cusco
Useful Information of this Huchuy Qosqo trek
- Starting Altitude: 3,700m / 12,139 ft.
- Highest Altitude: 4,200m / 13,779 ft. (4,200 m/13,779 ft).
- Walking Distance: 17 km / 10 ½ miles
- Overall Difficulty: Moderate
Itinerary
Huchuy Qosqo Trek – Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco – Tambomachay – Qoricocha – Huchuy Qosqo
We will pick you up early from your hotel and drive for 30 minutes to the Inca site of Tambomachay (3,700 m/ 12,139 ft). Along the way we will pass Sacsayhuaman, Q’enqo, and Puca Pucara. Tambomachay is the trailhead for this trek and where we will meet the remainder of our team – the horses, muleteers, and chef. We will pack our gear onto the horses and start the trek.
We begin by hiking uphill for two hours until we reach the first pass of our Huchuy Qosqo trek (4,100 m/13,451 ft). During this portion of the hike there are gorgeous views of Cusco and the surrounding mountains. After an additional 30 minutes we will arrive at Lake Qoricocha. This spectacular location is the perfect place for us to enjoy a scrumptious lunch.
After lunch, we will ascend for 35 minutes to the second pass, and highest point of our Huchuy Qosqo Trek (4,200 m/13,779 ft). From here the remainder of the day´s trek is downhill. During this approximately 4 hour segment we will go through scenic valleys, a fabulous canyon, and hike on a portion of the Classic Inca Trail. Our campsite for the night is on one of the terraces of the Huchuy Qosqo Inca site (3,600 m/ 11,808 ft).
- Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Afternoon Snacks / Dinner
- Accommodations: Camping
- Maximum Altitude: 4,200 m / 13,779 ft.
- Minimum Altitude: 3,600 m / 11,808 ft.
- Walking Distance: 14 km / 9 miles
- Approximate Walking Time: 8 – 9 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 2: Huchuy Qosqo – Lamay – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
After we enjoy a nourishing breakfast and a hot tea, our highlights of the day are to learn of the customs and culture of the Andean people and visit Huchuy Qosqo archeological site.
After our tour we will hike downhill for 2 to 3 hours to Lamay (3,000 m/ 9,840 ft). In Lamay we will have lunch. After lunch, our van will be waiting to drive us to Ollantaytambo (2,840 m / 9,315 ft).
From Ollantaytambo we will take a nice train to Aguas Calientes. When we arrive you will check in to your hotel room. The natural hot springs in town are a great way to spend a late afternoon/early evening if time is available before dinner. Dinner will be at a great local restaurant.
- Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
- Accommodations: Hotel
- Maximum Altitude: 3,600 m / 11,808ft.
- Minimum Altitude: 3,00 m / 9,840ft.
- Walking Distance: 3 km / 1.5 miles
- Approximate Walking Time: 2 – 3 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 3: Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes – Cusco
Today is the day we explore the famous Machu Picchu! We will wake up early and have breakfast at the hotel and then catch the first bus. The bus will take us up the beautiful mountains, through the cloud forest to the ancient citadel. We will arrive just in time to catch the sunrise over the mountain, a perfect moment for photos.
Then we will enjoy a 2 hour guided MachuPicchu tour with our expert guides. We will visit all the important sites and learn of the fascinating history and ingenuity of the Incas.
After the tour, you will have ample time to explore the site on your own or if you choose, hike Huayna Picchu or Machupicchu mountains. Huayna Picchu is about a 45 minute ascent and once at the top, surrounded by beautiful ruins, you will have a bird’s eye view of Machu Picchu below.
After our day of exploring the ancient city, we will return down the mountain to Aguas Calientes and take the train back to Ollantaytambo. Here a representative will be awaiting your arrival to take you by private transport back to your hotel in Cusco.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Maximum Altitude: 2,440 m/ 8,052 ft
- Minimum Altitude: 2,040 m/ 6,691 ft
Inclusions
Huchuy Qosqo trek Includes
- Professional English Speaking tour Guide
- Assistant Tour Guide for groups of 9+
- Briefing with your guide 1 or 2 days before your Huchuy Qosqo trek
- Transfer upon arrival from airport or bus station in Cusco to your Hotel
- Chef
- Mules to carry cooking and camping equipment plus 7kg of your personal items.
- Emergency horse in case we need it
- Pick-up from your Hotel
- Transportation by bus to Tambomachay and from Lamay to Ollantaytambo
- Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
- Return transportation by train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo and then by bus to Cusco
- Breakfast on Day 1
- Water (excluding the first 4 hours of the Huchuy Qosqo Trek because you need to bring your own)
- Hot water for washing.
- Daily morning boiled and cold water to fill the water bottles.
- 3 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Afternoon Snacks and 2 Dinners. If you have a dietary such as vegetarian food please let us know.and request with no cost at all.
- Dining tent with tables and chairs
- Kitchen tent
- Toilet tent
- a 4-men tent for every 2 trekkers
- Hotel on Day 2 (in Aguas Calientes)
- Sleeping mattress
- Oxygen bottle
- First aid kit
- Bus ticket from aguas calientes to Machupicchu – round trip
- Entrance to Huchuy Qosqo Site and Machu Picchu
Huchuy Qosqo hike Does Not Include
- Sleeping Bag (Can be hired from us)
- Lunch on Day 3
- Dinner on Day 3
- Entrance to Huayna Picchu Mountain-US$70
- Tips for your porters and guide
- Travel Insurance – you are strongly recommended to take out travel insurance for the duration of your huchuy Qosqo trek to Machu Picchu.
What you need to take for this Huchuy Qosqo trek
- Original Passport (if you have acquired a new one after you made your booking, bring both)
- Valid STUDENT CARD (if you are a student and want to qualify for the discount)
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket / rain poncho
- Warm jacket
- Hat and gloves
- T-shirts
- Comfortable Trousers
- Sun hat
- Sun cream
- Insect repellant
- Toiletries and hand sanitiser
- Personal medication
- Camera and film
- Torch
- Spare batteries
Price
Huchuy Qosqo Trek – Prices
Group Service Price:
- 2 people : US$600 per person
- 3+ people: US$550 per person
Private Service Price:
- US$660 per person
Discounts for Huchuy Qosqo hike
- Student Discount: US$20 (Requires Valid STUDENT CARD to qualify)
- Under 15 years Discount: US$30 Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
Optional Extras for this Huchuy Qosqo trek day hike with camping
- Hiking Poles US$6
- Sleeping Bag US$15
- Single Tent Supplement US$15
- Additional Night in Aguas Calientes US$90
- Vistadome Train Upgrade US$57
- Huayna Picchu Mountain US$70
- Machu Picchu Mountain US$70
FAQs
Additional
SPECIAL ADDITIONALS IN OUR HUCHUY QOSQO TREK FULL DAY:
- Inflatable Mattress (Included)
- Pillow (Included)
- Blanket (Included)
- Extra 7 kg of personal items (Included). All of our programs include porters, who are responsible for carrying and setting up all equipment. They will also carry your personal duffel, which you will receive at your briefing the night before your Huchuy Qosqo trek. This duffel can not exceed 7 kg/14 lbs, and must include your sleeping bag and an air mattress.
