Highlights
- Groups remain small, from 2 to 8 participants, which allows more personal attention from guides compared to larger groups in other tours from MACHU PICCHU PERU TRAVEL or competing agencies.
- The route begins at Patabamba and ends at Lamay, including sights of water flows, local residents, high valleys, old Inca paths, and frozen peaks, setting it apart from standard paths offered elsewhere.
- Return train leaves at 02:55 p.m. on day 3, arriving early in Cusco for better rest, unlike later schedules in similar tours that reduce recovery time.
- No sharing of groups with other companies, ensuring a dedicated experience not found in combined operations from competitors.
- Horses carry 7 kilograms of personal items, more generous than limits in other MACHU PICCHU PERU TRAVEL options or external providers.
- Practical and on-time service from a fully local operator, with immediate payments to staff, promoting reliability over agencies with delayed compensations.
- Guides receive ongoing training, providing in-depth explanations that exceed basic overviews in comparable hikes.
Trip Details
Trip Details 3-Day Huchuy Qosqo Trek
- Duration: 3 days
- Starting Point: Cusco hotel pickup at 05:00 a.m.
- Ending Point: Return to Cusco at 07:00 p.m. on day 3
- Maximum Altitude: 4,200 meters or 13,779 feet
- Group Size: 2 to 8 people
- Difficulty Level: Moderate, suitable for beginners
- Accommodations: Homestay on day 1, hotel in Aguas Calientes on day 2
- Transportation: Private transportation owned by the agency with highly trained drivers
- Guides: Experts in directing travelers from around the world in multiple languages, with wide experience in tourist routes
- Meals: Included as specified, using natural origin ingredients and local organic products; options for international gastronomy available with possible additional costs depending on the restaurant—consult our reservations team at MACHU PICCHU PERU TRAVEL
- Train Options: Travelers can choose between PeruRail or Inca Rail services; PeruRail offers more frequent departures and varied classes, while Inca Rail provides scenic views with fewer stops
Trip Summary
Day 1: Travel to Patabamba and Walk to Huchuy Qosqo
- 05:00 a.m.: Pickup from hotel in Cusco by private transportation.
- Drive 1 hour to Patabamba village at 3,800 meters or 12,467 feet.
- Start hike uphill for 3 hours to reach 4,200 meters or 13,779 feet.
- View snow-capped mountains and valleys.
- Hike down to Pucamarca village and explore Inca sites.
- Continue on original Inca trail to Inca City of Huchuy Qosqo.
- Explore sites and go to homestay.
- Afternoon tea and dinner with local family.
- Evening option to see stars.
Day 2: Tour Huchuy Qosqo and Move to Aguas Calientes
- Breakfast in local house.
- Guided tour of Huchuy Qosqo Inca sites, including temples, terraces, storehouses, water channels, and reservoir.
- Hike downhill 2 hours to Lamay village.
- Private transportation to Urubamba for lunch.
- Visit Moray site with terraces in a bowl shape.
- Drive to Maras and visit salt pans used since pre-Inca times.
- Continue to Ollantaytambo and explore Inca sites.
- 07:04 p.m.: Take train to Aguas Calientes.
- Overnight in hotel.
Day 3: Explore Machu Picchu and Return to Cusco
- Early departure from hotel.
- Take private transportation up to Machu Picchu.
- 2-hour guided tour of sites including Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Condor, Temple of Three Windows, Sun Dial, Quarry, House of the Inka, urban areas, agricultural terraces.
- Free time to explore, take photos, or climb Huayna Picchu Mountain.
- Return to Aguas Calientes.
- 02:55 p.m.: Take Expedition train to Ollantaytambo.
- 1 hour and 30 minutes train ride.
- Private transportation from Ollantaytambo to Cusco.
- Arrive in Cusco at 07:00 p.m.
Itinerary
CUSCO – TAMBOMACHAY – PUMAMARCA
The Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu begins with pickup from your hotel in Cusco (3,399 m / 11,152 ft) at 6:00 a.m. We then travel by private transportation to Tambomachay, the starting point of our trek.
We hike through the high Andean grasslands to Sicllaccasa Pass (4,020 m / 13,189 ft), then continue along Andean trails toward the Ccauca ravine, an area rich in native vegetation and mountain scenery.
Next, we reach Queullococha Lagoon (4,185 m / 13,730 ft) before crossing Challu Challu Pass (4,220 m / 13,845 ft) and Rumicruz Pass (4,230 m / 13,878 ft), the highest point of the day. Along the way, we enjoy panoramic views of the Chinchero plains and the Piuray and Qoricocha lagoons.
After a lunch stop, we follow ancient Inca trails and begin our descent toward the community of Pumamarca (4,010 m / 13,156 ft).
We arrive at camp in the afternoon. After settling in, we enjoy dinner and spend the night in Pucamarca.
Overnight: Campsite in Pucamarca
Meals: Lunch and dinner
DAY 2 – HUCHUY QOSQO – OLLANTAYTAMBO – TRAIN TO AGUAS CALIENTES
After breakfast, we leave camp at approximately 7:00 a.m. and continue our trek toward Huchuy Qosqo.
We descend through the León Punku ravine, following ancient Inca pathways lined with striking rock formations.
We then reach the Huchuy Qosqo archaeological complex (3,677 m / 12,064 ft), one of the most important Inca sites in the region. During a guided visit, we explore its terraces, enclosures, and other structures, with sweeping views of the Sacred Valley of the Incas and the surrounding mountains.
After the visit, we hike to the community of Tauca, where we stop for lunch.
From Tauca, we travel by private transportation to the Ollantaytambo train station (2,851 m / 9,354 ft) and board the train to Aguas Calientes.
On arrival in Aguas Calientes (2,164 m / 7,100 ft), our representative meets you at the station and accompanies you to your hotel. In the evening, we enjoy dinner and rest before visiting Machu Picchu the next day.
Overnight: Hotel in Aguas Calientes
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO
After breakfast at the hotel, we walk to the bus station and take the bus up to Machu Picchu (2,430 m / 7,972 ft), a ride of approximately 30 minutes.
Accompanied by our professional guide, we enjoy a guided tour of the Inca citadel, learning about its history, architecture, and role during the Inca period. Your entrance time, the length of the visit, and the areas you explore depend on the circuit and route assigned to your ticket at the time of booking. Learn more in our guide to the new Machu Picchu circuits.
Optional: You can add a hike to Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu. Both require a separate ticket at an additional cost and are subject to availability, so we recommend booking well in advance.
After the visit, we take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes, where you have free time for lunch (not included).
At the scheduled time, we board the return train to Ollantaytambo, where our private transportation takes us back to Cusco. Depending on the confirmed train schedule, we arrive in the afternoon or evening and drop you off at your hotel, marking the end of your Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu.
Meals: Breakfast
Inclusions
- Briefing at our office the night before departure: This session covers all details of the trek, answers questions, and prepares participants for the activities ahead.
- Pickup from your hotel on the morning of departure: Private transportation arrives at 05:00 a.m. to start the journey on time.
- Entry fee to Machu Picchu: Covers access to the main Inca site for the guided tour and free exploration.
- Entrance tickets to Moray, salt mines, and Ollantaytambo: Allows visits to these historical and cultural locations with guided explanations.
- Entry to Huchuy Qosqo: Provides access to explore the Inca sites in detail.
- Guided tour of Machu Picchu: Lasts 2 hours with expert direction through all major areas.
- Homestay with local family: Includes a room for the night, tea, and dinner shared with hosts to experience local life.
- English-speaking experienced professional tour guide: Experts who handle groups in multiple languages and know the routes thoroughly.
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food with prior request): Covers breakfast on day 2 and 3, lunch on day 2, dinner on day 1 and 3, using local organic ingredients.
- 2 private transportation tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and return: Ensures quick travel up and down the site.
- First aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle: Available for any health issues during the hike.
- Round trip train ticket (Expedition service) from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes: Can choose PeruRail or Inca Rail with their respective differences in service.
- Private transport from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco: Owned by the agency with trained drivers for safe return.
- Celebration dinner in Ollantaytambo: A meal to mark the end of the trek, included on day 3.
- Hotel in Aguas Calientes with private bathroom and room, hot shower, phone, storage, wifi, and breakfast included: Provides comfort after day 2 activities.
- Rain ponchos: Supplied for protection during wet weather on the trail.
NOT INCLUDED
- First breakfast: Participants handle their own meal before pickup on day 1.
- Lunch on day 3: After Machu Picchu visit, this meal is on your own in Aguas Calientes.
- Tips (optional): Any gratuities for guides, drivers, or staff are at your discretion.
Pricing Options
At Machu Picchu Peru Travel, we offer personalized Huchuy Qosqo Trek 3 Days with Machu Picchu, designed to match your interests and preferences. With expert local guides and customized itineraries, explore the beauty of the Andes. Check out our pricing options for a memorable adventure.
SHARE SERVICE
(Enjoy this service with more people from different countries)
PRIVATE SERVICE
(Enjoy this service with more people from different countries)
Inquiry now
Ready to experience Machu Picchu? Let our expert team take care of every detail, from entrance tickets and train arrangements to transportation and guidance, so you can focus on enjoying one of the world most breathtaking destinations. With years of experience, personalized assistance, and hundreds of happy travelers every year, we make your visit simple, safe, and unforgettable. Reserve your Machu Picchu tour today and secure your place at Peru’s most iconic wonder before availability runs out.
Need More Information?
If you have any questions or want to customize your experience, our local travel experts are ready to assist you 24/7.
