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
Travel to Patabamba and Walk to Huchuy Qosqo
The tour starts with pickup from your hotel in Cusco at 05:00 a.m. using private transportation owned by MACHU PICCHU PERU TRAVEL with highly trained drivers. One of our representatives stays informed about your progress at all times. The drive lasts 1 hour to reach Patabamba village at 3,800 meters or 12,467 feet. Upon arrival, everyone prepares backpacks and begins a steady uphill walk for the next 3 hours to the top point at 4,200 meters or 13,779 feet. From this spot, the group observes high mountains with snow and wide valleys below.
Next, the path leads downward to Pucamarca village where time is spent at Inca constructions. Guides, who are experts in directing travelers from around the world in multiple languages and have wide experience in these routes, provide detailed explanations about the history and features. The hike then follows an original Inca trail into the Inca City of Huchuy Qosqo. Participants have time to look around the Inca sites before walking to the homestay.
The guide introduces the local family, who shows rooms for the night. In the late afternoon, tea is served, followed by dinner shared with the family. Meals use natural origin ingredients and local organic products; if you want international gastronomy options, consult our reservations team at MACHU PICCHU PERU TRAVEL as this may involve additional costs depending on the restaurant. Afterward, there is a chance to step outside and view the clear night sky with many stars.
Tour Huchuy Qosqo and Move to Aguas Calientes
Breakfast comes from the local house in the morning. Then, a guided tour covers the Inca sites at Huchuy Qosqo, where the group visits temples, sacred areas, farming terraces, storehouses, water channels, and an original Inca reservoir. Guides offer detailed explanations on these elements, drawing from their wide experience. After the tour, time remains for independent exploration.
The group hikes downhill for 2 hours to Lamay village. Private transportation, owned by the agency with highly trained drivers, takes everyone to Urubamba city for lunch. Following the meal, the journey continues to the Moray archaeological site, known for its terraces carved into a large depression, which the Incas expanded. Participants have time to walk around and examine the structures.
The drive then goes to the colonial town of Maras and the pre-Inca salt mines, where thousands of pans extract salt as done long ago. Detailed explanations from guides help understand the process. Afterward, the group heads to Ollantaytambo town to explore its Inca constructions focused on astronomy. By late afternoon, at 07:04 p.m., the train departs to Aguas Calientes—travelers can select PeruRail for more schedule choices or Inca Rail for direct routes with views. The night is spent in a hotel like La Retama, with private bathroom, hot shower, phone, storage, wifi, and breakfast.
Explore Machu Picchu and Return to Cusco
The group leaves the hotel early to take private transportation up to Machu Picchu. Upon arrival, a 2-hour guided tour begins, covering the history of this Inca site. The guide directs through key areas like the Temple of the Sun, Temple of the Condor, Temple of Three Windows, Sun Dial, Quarry, the House of the Inka, urban sections, agricultural terraces, and various building types. Guides, with their expertise, provide in-depth details on each part.
After the tour, free time allows for more walking, photos, or climbing Huayna Picchu Mountain if desired. Then, the group returns to Aguas Calientes. In the afternoon, the Expedition train leaves at 02:55 p.m. to Ollantaytambo, lasting 1 hour and 30 minutes. A driver from our private transportation waits there to take everyone back to Cusco, arriving at 07:00 p.m. Throughout the day, one of our representatives monitors the itinerary for smooth progress.
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.
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