()This 2-day trek combines a real Andean hiking experience with the visit to Machu Picchu. You walk through high mountain passes, visit the lesser-known Inca site of Huchuy Qosqo, pass traditional farming communities, and finish with a complete guided tour inside the famous Inca City of Machu Picchu.
The route follows ancient Inca paths that very few tourists use. You will see snow-capped peaks, wide highland plains, and cultivated terraces that are still worked the same way as centuries ago. On the second day you arrive early to Machu Picchu and receive a detailed 2-hour explanation from an expert guide.
Machu Picchu Peru Travel operates this tour with its own private transportation and highly trained drivers. Our guides are local professionals with years of experience leading international groups in several languages. A representative of Machu Picchu Peru Travel will be in contact with you at all times to make sure everything runs smoothly.
The trek is moderate in difficulty and reaches a maximum altitude of approximately 4,200 meters. Most people who are reasonably fit and have spent 2-3 days acclimatizing in Cusco complete it without problems.
Every meal included in the program uses fresh, organic local ingredients. International dishes are available upon request (additional cost may apply depending on the restaurant – please check with our reservations team).
You can choose between two train companies for the journey to Machu Picchu:

Day 1 – Cusco → Huchuy Qosqo → Ollantaytambo → Aguas Calientes
Day 2 – Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu → Cusco
The tour starts with pickup from your hotel in Cusco at 6:00 a.m. in private transportation owned by Machu Picchu Peru Travel. After approximately 2 hours we reach the community of Tauca (3,750 m), where the hike begins. The first section crosses flat farmland planted with potatoes, quinoa, and corn. Little by little the path climbs toward a pass at around 4,200 m. From the top you get clear views of the peaks Veronica, Pitusiray, and Chicon when the weather allows.
After the pass the terrain changes to high grassland with almost no trees. We descend toward a narrow canyon and reach the archaeological site of Huchuy Qosqo around 3:30 p.m. Our guide gives a complete explanation of the buildings, terraces, and the strategic importance of this Inca complex.
We continue downhill to the town of Lamay (2,900 m), where our private vehicle waits. From there we go to Ollantaytambo for dinner. After dinner we board the train (you choose Expedition or Vistadome) to Aguas Calientes. Arrival and transfer to the hotel around 10:00 p.m.
Meals: picnic lunch and dinner | Hiking distance: 16 km | Hiking time: approximately 7 hours
Breakfast at the hotel and line up for one of the first buses at 6:00 a.m. We enter Machu Picchu very early to see the sunrise if clouds permit. The guide provides a detailed 2-hour tour covering the agricultural, residential, and religious sectors. After the guided part you have free time to walk around, take photos, or climb Huayna Picchu if you bought the extra ticket.
Around noon we take the bus down to Aguas Calientes. Lunch on your own. In the afternoon we take the train back (2:55 p.m. or 3:20 p.m.) to Ollantaytambo, where our private vehicle waits to drive you directly to your hotel in Cusco. Arrival around 7:00 p.m.
Meal: breakfast
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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 (guides, cooks, porters, muleteers) and our equipment make “MACHUPICCHU PERU TRAVEL” stand out among our competitors. On our adventure hikes, we include:
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.
Yes, completely. You arrive the night before, sleep in Aguas Calientes, and enter Machu Picchu with the first buses the next morning. You have the complete 2-hour guided tour plus several hours of free time before returning to Cusco the same evening. Most travelers find it perfect.
The trek is classified as moderate. The longest day is 16 km with a pass at 4,200 m. If you walk regularly and spend at least 2 days in Cusco before starting, almost everyone finishes without problems. We always carry oxygen.
Our guides are trained to recognize and treat altitude symptoms. We carry portable oxygen and can arrange quick evacuation to lower altitude if necessary. Spending 2-3 days in Cusco beforehand greatly reduces the risk.
Yes. You can upgrade to Vistadome (panoramic windows and onboard service) for the return or both directions. The cost is extra and must be requested at the time of booking.
No. Huchuy Qosqo receives very few visitors compared to the Inca Trail, so you will almost have the archaeological site to yourself.
No. You spend the night in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes. Only a small daypack is needed for the hike.
We provide boiled and filtered water during the hike. Bring your own reusable bottle (minimum 1.5 liters).
Yes. All hotels have electricity and most have Wi-Fi (signal can be slow).
Between 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., depending on the train schedule. We always use the earliest possible trains to give you maximum time in Machu Picchu.
Yes, we offer private service any day with a minimum of 2 people. Price on request.
They help a lot on the descent, especially if it has rained. You can rent good quality ones from us for a small fee.
Yes, just let us know when booking and we will adapt all meals without problem.
Yes, it is mandatory to enter Machu Picchu and to board the train. It must be the same passport you used for booking.
The trek operates every day of the year except February when Huchuy Qosqo trail is closed for maintenance. We provide rain ponchos if needed.
Yes, from approximately 10 years old if they are used to walking. Younger children can do a private version with fewer hours of hiking.
Climate
Cusco region has two clear seasons: dry (May–October) cool nights, sunny days; wet (November–April) possible afternoon rain. Temperature at 4,200 m can drop to 0 °C at night even in dry season. Always bring layers.
How local people are
People in the communities along the route are Quechua farmers, friendly but reserved. A simple “alli ancha” (good morning in Quechua) and a smile go a long way.
Typical food on the route
Breakfast: quinoa porridge, fresh bread, eggs. Lunch: quinoa soup, trout or chicken, rice, potatoes. Dinner in town: pizza, pasta, alpaca steak, or traditional lomo saltado. Everything is prepared with local ingredients.
Places you can visit for free in Aguas Calientes
The hot springs (small entrance fee), the butterfly house, main square, and the short walk to the Mandor waterfall (30 minutes, no cost).
Where to eat cheap in Aguas Calientes
The municipal market (2nd floor) has full menus for 15-20 soles. Many small restaurants on the main avenue offer “menu del día” for 25-35 soles.
How to dress all year round
Physical effort and health requirements
You walk 16 km the first day with 700 m ascent and 1,200 m descent. No technical climbing. The only requirement is to be in reasonable health and have spent at least 2 days above 3,000 m before starting. Travel insurance with evacuation coverage is mandatory.
I’ve done this route several times, and the quiet of Huchuy Qosqo at sunset with the Vilcabamba range behind is one of my favorite moments in the entire Cusco area. You won’t regret choosing this less-traveled path.
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.
Machu Picchu Peru Travel it’s the people who make a difference. Our travel experts craft the perfect trip for every traveler through our award-winning customer service. Real people helping real people. Beside you every step of the way.
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