Huchuy Qosqo Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days
Huchuy Qosqo Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days
Huchuy Qosqo Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days Huchuy Qosqo Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days Huchuy Qosqo Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days Huchuy Qosqo Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days Huchuy Qosqo Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days Huchuy Qosqo Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days Huchuy Qosqo Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days Huchuy Qosqo Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days Huchuy Qosqo Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days Huchuy Qosqo Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days Huchuy Qosqo Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days

Huchuy Qosqo Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days

(455)
Physical Level
Trip Style
Classic Tour
Max Altitude
3300msnm
Group Size
Min 2 Persons
Trip Length
4 Days
Starting from
$ 0.00
per person

This 4-day private tour combines two important trekking routes in the Cusco region. Travelers first complete the Huchuy Qosqo trek across high mountain passes in the Sacred Valley. Then they walk a section of the classic Inca Trail that finishes directly at Machu Picchu. The program gives access to less-visited Inca sites and ends with two separate visits to Machu Picchu – one in the afternoon and one early the next morning.

The route works well for people who want real Andean hiking without the full 4-day Classic Inca Trail permit restrictions. The first two days stay above 4,000 meters most of the time, so the body adjusts gradually to the altitude. On day 3 the trail joins the official Inca Trail at kilometer 104 and follows the original stone path used centuries ago.

Machu Picchu Peru Travel operates this tour only with private groups. All transportation belongs to the company and drivers know these mountain roads very well. Guides speak fluent English and Spanish, have years of experience on both routes, and have led travelers from many countries.

One representative from Machu Picchu Peru Travel follows the entire itinerary from the first pickup until the final drop-off in Cusco. This person coordinates trains, buses, hotels, and any last-minute changes.

The food during the trek uses fresh local products – potatoes, quinoa, corn, trout from mountain lakes, and vegetables grown in the Sacred Valley. All ingredients are organic when possible. If someone prefers international dishes, the chef can prepare them (extra cost may apply depending on the restaurant – ask the reservations team).

Travelers can choose between two train companies for the segments to/from Machu Picchu: Peru Rail or Inca Rail. Peru Rail Expedition/Voyager is the standard comfortable service included. Inca Rail Voyager or 360° offers larger windows and slightly more space – small additional cost.

Huchuy Qosqo Trek and Inca Trail to Machu Picchu 4 Days

4 Days from US $ 0.00

Highlights

  • Servicio privado de principio a fin – sin grupos compartidos
  • Dos visitas diferentes a Machu Picchu (llegada por la tarde + amanecer al día siguiente)
  • Combinación de la ruta tranquila de Huchuy Qosqo + sección oficial del Camino Inca en el mismo viaje
  • Vehículos propios y conductores altamente capacitados para todos los traslados
  • Guías locales expertos que conocen cada sección de ambos senderos y hablan varios idiomas
  • Equipo de campamento de buena calidad y sacos de dormir cálidos (clasificación -15°C)
  • Caballos llevan hasta 7 kg de pertenencias personales durante los primeros dos días
  • Todas las entradas y permisos incluidos (Huchuy Qosqo, Camino Inca, Machu Picchu)
  • Flexibilidad para elegir compañía y categoría de tren
  • Coordinación constante por un representante de la compañía

Trip Details

  • Tipo de servicio: Tour privado personalizado (nunca mezclado con otros grupos)
  • Duración: 4 días / 3 noches
  • Nivel de dificultad: Moderado (algunas secciones empinadas, punto más alto 4.230 m)
  • Altitud máxima: 4.230 m / 13.874 pies
  • Distancia a pie: Aproximadamente 38 km en total
  • Precio inicial: Desde $855 por persona (precio final depende del tamaño del grupo y la temporada)
  • Temporada: Salidas diarias de marzo a diciembre (enero y febrero posibles con confirmación debido a las lluvias)

Trip Summary

Day 1 – Cusco – Tambomachay – Pumamarca

  • 6:00 a.m. – Pickup at your hotel in Cusco
  • 6:30 a.m. – 7:00 a.m. – Private transportation to Tambomachay
  • 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Trek with stops (4 passes, lunch at Queullococha lake)
  • 4:30 p.m. – Arrival at Pumamarca community, set up camp, dinner

Day 2 – Pumamarca – Huchuy Qosqo – Ollantaytambo

  • 7:00 a.m. – Breakfast and start walking
  • 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. – Descent to Huchuy Qosqo, detailed guided visit
  • 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Descent to Tauca, lunch
  • 2:30 p.m. – Private transportation to Ollantaytambo hotel
  • Evening free, dinner in town

Day 3 – Ollantaytambo – Inca Trail – Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes

  • 6:30 a.m. – Pickup and transfer to train station
  • 7:20 a.m. – Train to Km 104
  • 8:30 a.m. – Start Inca Trail (Chachabamba – Wiñayhuayna – Inti Punku)
  • 12:30 p.m. – Lunch box at Wiñayhuayna
  • 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. – First arrival at Machu Picchu, photos
  • 6:00 p.m. – Bus down to Aguas Calientes, hotel check-in, dinner

Day 4 – Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu Full Visit – Cusco

  • 5:30 a.m. – 6:00 a.m. – Early bus up to Machu Picchu
  • 6:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. – Complete 2-hour guided tour
  • Free time for photos or optional Huayna Picchu hike
  • Afternoon – Bus down, lunch (optional), train + private transportation back
  • 6:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. – Arrival in Cusco (later if climbing Huayna Picchu)

Itinerary

DIA 1:

Cusco – Tambomachay – Pucamarca (Camp 4,010 m)

The tour starts with pickup from your Cusco hotel at 6:00 a.m. Private transportation from Machu Picchu Peru Travel drives 30 minutes to the Inca water channels at Tambomachay (3,700 m). This is where the walking part begins.

The morning route crosses high grassland areas. You gain height steadily and reach Rumicruz Pass first (4,230 m), the highest point of the day. From there the path drops a little and climbs again to Challu Challu Pass (4,220 m). Views open toward Piuray and Qoricocha lagoons and the wide Chinchero plain.

Continuing, you arrive at Queullococha Pass (4,185 m) with direct sight of snow-covered Chicon, Pitusiray, and Veronica mountains. Lunch is served beside Queullococha lagoon itself. Huallata birds and local ducks usually approach the shore while small fish move in the clear water.

After lunch the trail passes Soccllaccasa Pass (4,020 m) and goes by the small Inca remains in Cauca Ravine. Native tarwi crops and many cactus varieties grow there. The route follows a section of restored Inca trail past the ancient quarry that supplied stones for Huchuy Qosqo. A final 200-meter descent leads to the community of Pucamarca (4,010 m). Camp is prepared in the late afternoon. Dinner uses fresh local organic products, and the night is spent camping.

Breakfast at camp. Departure time is 7:00 a.m. The path immediately descends on an original Inca trail into León Punku Ravine. Large rock walls rise on both sides, and sections of an old Inca bridge still remain visible.

Arrival at Huchuy Qosqo Inca City (3,650 m) on a flat area full of agricultural terraces. The site has large ceremonial plazas, finely worked stone buildings, and water systems. The guide – a local expert with years of experience leading travelers from all over the world in multiple languages – explains the purpose of each construction and the daily life that once took place here. The position offers a complete view across the Sacred Valley to the Vilcanota River.

After the visit, the trail descends for 2 hours to the community of Tauca (3,762 m). Lunch is prepared with natural ingredients from nearby farms. If someone prefers international-style dishes, they can be arranged (possible extra cost – check with the Machu Picchu Peru Travel reservations team).

Private transportation from Machu Picchu Peru Travel, driven by highly trained staff, waits in Tauca to take you directly to your Ollantaytambo hotel. Dinner that evening is in a restaurant in town.

Early pickup at the hotel and short ride to Ollantaytambo train station. The train departs at 7:20 a.m. and reaches kilometer 104 (2,200 m) after 1 hour – the official start of the Short Inca Trail.

You cross the bridge over the Vilcanota River, show permits at the control post, and soon reach the Inca constructions of Chachabamba, located among dense semi-tropical vegetation.

The trail then climbs for 3 hours to Wiñaywayna Inca City (2,650 m). Forty levels of agricultural terraces cover the slope. The guide details the religious and farming functions of the buildings while you eat the boxed lunch provided.

After resting, the path continues about 1 hour to Inti Punku (Sun Gate, 2,720 m). The complete panorama of Machu Picchu opens in front. Time for photographs. From the Sun Gate it is a 45-minute descent to the main guardian house at Machu Picchu (2,490 m). Arrival is late afternoon, so the site feels almost private.

A 30-minute tourist bus descends to Aguas Calientes town (2,160 m). The guide checks you into the hotel and shows the restaurant selected for the à la carte dinner. The natural hot springs are a 10-minute walk from the main square and stay open until 8:00 p.m. (entrance 10 soles, optional).

Hotel breakfast. The guide meets you early to catch one of the first buses up the mountain. The 2-hour guided visit inside Machu Picchu covers the Temple of the Sun, the central plaza, royal residences, water channels, and the classic upper viewpoint for photographs.

Free time follows to walk alone through different sectors. Optional climbs to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain are possible after the main tour (extra $70 USD per person, 2 more hours of walking, must be reserved in advance).

Bus down to Aguas Calientes. Lunch in town (not included). Afternoon train to Ollantaytambo, then private transportation from Machu Picchu Peru Travel back to your Cusco hotel. Arrival around 6:30 p.m. (or approximately 8:30 p.m. if one of the mountains was climbed).

Additional Information

  • Guides are local professionals with extensive knowledge of these routes and fluency in several languages.
  • All meals on trekking days use fresh, organic ingredients from Andean producers. International options can be requested.
  • Includes: Huchuy Qosqo entrance, Short Inca Trail permit, Machu Picchu entrance, train tickets, camping night with full equipment, hotels in Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes, all mentioned private transportation owned by Machu Picchu Peru Travel.

Inclusions

  • Pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Cusco with private transportation owned by the agency
  • Professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish) with wide experience on these routes
  • All entrance tickets: Huchuy Qosqo archaeological site, Inca Trail permit, Machu Picchu ticket
  • Private transportation Cusco – Tambomachay and Tauca – Ollantaytambo
  • 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners prepared with local organic ingredients (vegetarian/vegan options available)
  • Professional chef and complete cooking equipment
  • 4-season tents (3-person tent for 2 people so there is space for bags)
  • Warm sleeping bags rated for -15°C and inflatable mattresses
  • Trekking poles (one pair per person)
  • Horses and muleteers to carry camping gear and up to 7 kg of each traveler’s personal items on days 1-2
  • 2-hour private guided visit inside Machu Picchu
  • Round-trip bus tickets Machu Picchu – Aguas Calientes
  • Train ticket Ollantaytambo – Km 104 (choice of Peru Rail or Inca Rail)
  • Train ticket Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo (choice of Peru Rail or Inca Rail)
  • 1 night hotel in Ollantaytambo with private bathroom and breakfast
  • 1 night hotel in Aguas Calientes with private bathroom and breakfast
  • Oxygen bottle and complete first-aid kit
  • Dining tent with tables and chairs on camping night
  • Breakfast on day 1 (most hotels offer it early)
  • Lunch on day 4 in Aguas Calientes (many restaurant options)
  • Optional Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain ticket – $70 extra per person
  • Entrance to the hot springs in Aguas Calientes (10 soles)
  • Tips for guide, chef, muleteers (customary but voluntary)

About the Train Options to Machu Picchu

Visit Machu Picchu with one of these train options, offering the BEST luxury services.

Expedition Class Train

The Expedition Class Train (Perú Rail) or the Voyager class train (Inca Rail) which have a car decoration inspired by the Inca culture, you can enjoy background music and, in addition, you can access a sales service board and thus have a relaxed and comfortable journey to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu.

The package includes the Expedition Train (Peru Rail) or the Voyager Class Train (Inca Rail)

Classic Vistadome Train (Peru Rail)

The Classic Vistadome Train (Peru Rail): A different way to enjoy your trip to Machu Picchu. Their cars have a panoramic view that will allow you to enjoy the wonderful landscape along the route. You will enjoy an informative audio, music and dances from the region, also enjoy a fashion show of Alpaca clothing and a snack based on Andean ingredients.

Upgrade your experience with the Traditional Vistadome Class Train for an additional $70 USD per person round trip (or $40 USD for one way).

Vistadome Observatory Train (Peru Rail)

Vistadome Observatory Train (Peru Rail): Providing you with the experience of a unique journey thanks to its panoramic cars and observatory car that will provide you with an unforgettable and enjoyable experience accompanied by music and live shows, which will make you live an unforgettable trip and Enjoy the experience on board, also enjoy a delicious snack.

Upgrade your experience Vistadome Observatory Train Train for an upgrade fee of $120 USD per person round trip (or $60 USD for one way).

UPGRADE

Enhance your travel experience to Machu Picchu.

Check out our TripAdvisor Reviews

Our clients trust us, and their glowing reviews on TripAdvisor speak for themselves. Discover why so many travelers choose us for unforgettable experiences in Cusco.

Why choose “MACHUPICCHU PERU TRAVEL”?

“MACHUPICCHU PERU TRAVEL” is a 100% Peruvian local company and tour operator in Cusco, with many years of experience in hikes, adventure tours, and travel packages. We are a 100% local company.

Our dream as a local company is to offer personalized travel and hiking experiences, operated solely by local professional staff, focusing on a PERSONALIZED and HIGH-QUALITY SERVICE.

We are proud of our reputation as a travel operating agency, in addition to practicing RESPONSIBLE and SUSTAINABLE actions with the environment and local people.

We consider our staff as family and guarantee them a fair salary. We are very proud of our team! Without their support, we could not offer the quality of service that hundreds of our travelers have enjoyed.

At “MACHUPICCHU PERU TRAVEL,” we are aware that our reputation and what our passengers say are crucial for our travelers to trust their next vacations; you can check the reviews our travelers leave on TripAdvisor, Facebook, and Google; in an honest and reliable operator to create your adventure in Peru.

We offer small groups of travelers.

To offer a more personalized service at “MACHUPICCHU PERU TRAVEL,” we maintain a limit of 8 people for each of our groups. This distinguishes us from other companies that operate with larger groups.

About our tour guides

We are very proud of our guides. They are experts and professionals, fluent in English. They are experts and knowledgeable about the routes, and they are passionate about Inca heritage and history. Our guides are dedicated to their continuous personal and professional development, researching to offer you accurate and recognized theories about Inca and Andean culture. They are friendly, athletic, and well-educated, with degrees in Archaeology, Tourism, Botany, History, or Anthropology.

About our treatment of Inca Trail porters

Hiking with “MACHUPICCHU PERU TRAVEL” is an uplifting experience, we prioritize your comfort and enjoyment throughout the hike, and you will have the assistance of our porters. You will interact with local people, explore incredible sites, and rediscover ancient Inca ancestral towns. Our porters carry your gear, prepare your meals, set up our camp tents, and take care of you while you relax.

We provide our porters for free with: jackets, sun hats, warm hats, shirts, pants, hiking boots, comfortable travel bags, canteens, back support belts, sleeping bags, mattresses, and travel insurance. All are hired from isolated communities, improving their economic circumstances and supporting the education of their children. We treat all our porters like family!

Our team

Our team (guides, cooks, porters, muleteers) and our equipment make “MACHUPICCHU PERU TRAVEL” stand out among our competitors. On our adventure hikes, we include:

  • Our tents: Enjoy a good rest in our 4-season EUREKA Timberline tents. Our tents are for 4 people, but only 2 sleep in each, providing space for greater comfort and storage. They have a small vestibule for boots and poles.
  • Our foam mats: Separate and insulate from the ground.
  • Air mattresses: Available for rent for $20 USD.
  • Kitchen and dining tents: Used as a meeting room during meals, ideal for relaxing and chatting.
  • Tables and chairs: In the dining area, adapted to the day’s weather.
  • Travel bags: Provided the night before the trek.
  • Others: Pillows, rain covers for backpacks, survival shirts, and chemical toilets are provided during the trek.

Our commitment to social projection

At “MACHUPICCHU PERU TRAVEL,” we have always believed in giving back to isolated local communities. As part of our commitment to responsible tourism, we carry out various social projects and always hire local people.

We are very proud to support our local people. We not only employ them but also support their families, contributing to a holistic approach with our employees from the Peruvian Andes and their loved ones.

Faqs

When is the best time to do this trek?

The dry season from May to September offers clearer skies and less rain risk. March-April and October-December still work well with fewer people. January-February is the rainiest period; the trail stays open but expect mud.

How difficult is the trek really?

Rated moderate. Day 1 has the most elevation gain (about 800 m total) across four passes. Day 3 is 13 km with 600 m uphill and then downhill. Anyone with average fitness who walks regularly can complete it. Previous altitude experience in Cusco helps a lot.

Do I need a permit for the Inca Trail part?

Yes, but this section (Km 104 to Machu Picchu) has separate permits from the Classic 4-day trail and is easier to obtain. Machu Picchu Peru Travel reserves them months in advance.

What is the difference between Peru Rail and Inca Rail?

Both are safe and comfortable. Peru Rail Expedition/Voyager has standard seats. Inca Rail Voyager has slightly bigger windows; the 360° car has panoramic roof (small supplement). Service level is similar.

Can I climb Huayna Picchu on this tour?

Yes. After the main guided tour on day 4 there is time for the 2-hour round trip if you buy the extra ticket ($70). Return to Cusco will be on a later train.

What happens if I get altitude sickness?

Guides carry oxygen and know the symptoms. They can arrange horse support on day 1-2 or faster transport down if needed. Most people feel fine after spending 2-3 days in Cusco first.

How much personal weight do the horses carry?

Up to 7 kg per person on days 1 and 2 (sleeping bag and clothes). You only carry a daypack with water, camera, and rain jacket.

Are the hotels good quality?

Yes. In Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes we use 3-star hotels with private bathroom, hot shower, heating, and Wi-Fi. Names are confirmed at booking.

Is drinking water provided?

Yes. The chef boils or treats all water. Bring a reusable bottle; we refill it several times per day.

Can I charge camera/phone during the trek?

On camping night (day 1) there is no electricity. Bring power bank. Hotels on nights 2 and 3 have normal plugs.

What kind of food will we eat?

Breakfast: eggs, bread, fruit, oatmeal. Lunch/dinner: quinoa soup, trout or chicken, rice, vegetables, pasta. Everything cooked fresh with local ingredients. Vegetarian/vegan no problem.

Do I need travel insurance?

Highly recommended. It must cover high-altitude trekking up to 4,500 m and medical evacuation.

How cold does it get at night?

At Pumamarca camp temperature can drop to 0°C or slightly below. The sleeping bags are rated -15°C and very warm. Hotels have blankets.

Are there bathrooms on the trail?

Day 1: basic facilities at some passes, otherwise natural. Day 3 Inca Trail has proper toilets at Wiñayhuayna and Inti Punku. Hotels have normal bathrooms.

When do I need to book this tour?

Inca Trail permits for this section sell out 3-5 months in advance during high season (May-September). Book as early as possible.

Travel Guide

Weather and clothing

Cusco region has two clear seasons. Dry season (May-Sep): sunny days 20-25°C, nights 0-5°C. Rainy season (Nov-Mar): frequent afternoon showers, warmer nights. Always bring layers: thermal base layer, fleece, waterproof jacket, hat, gloves, and good waterproof hiking boots all year.

Local people

Communities along the route are Quechua farmers. They are friendly but private. A simple “Allillanchu” (hello) and smile go far. Small tips for photos are appreciated if they agree.

Typical food you will find

Potato soup, roasted cui (guinea pig – optional), alpaca steak, quinoa salads, fresh trout, choclo con queso (corn with local cheese). In Aguas Calientes many international options.

Free things to see in the area

Ollantaytambo Inca fortress (entrance with tourist ticket), Pinkuylluna storehouses above town, Moray agricultural circles (day trip), salt mines of Maras.

Where to eat cheap in Aguas Calientes

Menu del día (set lunch) costs 20-35 soles in restaurants along the train tracks. Good, filling, and safe.

Physical effort and health requirements

Total walking 38 km over moderate mountain terrain. No technical climbing. Minimum recommended age 12, maximum no limit if fit. No serious heart or lung conditions. Spend at least 2 days acclimatizing in Cusco or Sacred Valley before starting.

I once guided a 68-year-old couple from Australia – they trained by walking hills near home and finished without problems. The key is slow steady pace and listening to your body.

Inquiry now

Get Ready to Explore? With your booking confirmed, all thats left to do is pack your bags and get ready to explore. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first journey, well be with you every step of the way. At Machu Picchu Peru Travel, we believe that every journey begins with a single step. So why wait? Start your adventure today and let the world be your guide.

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