Overview

The Huchuy Qosqo hike, which means “Little Cusco”, provides a unique experience to explore this ancient fortified citadel and enjoy breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley, the Urubamba River and the Vilcanota mountain range. During this 2-day tour, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the history and nature of this region as you venture along ancient Inca trails.

The package includes the entrance ticket to Machu Picchu, with options for circuits 1 or 2, depending on availability at the time of booking. If these circuits are full, we guarantee entrance to circuit 3 so you can fully enjoy your Machu Picchu experience.

It is important to keep in mind that in your group during the Huchuy Qosqo trek there will be tourists with different trekking rhythms and speaking different languages. Our highly experienced guides are trained to meet the needs of all participants in a safe and friendly manner.

However, if you prefer to hike in a private group with friends or family of a similar fitness level, contact us today to book a private and personalized service for your Huchuy Qosqo to Machu Picchu trekking adventure. We are here to make your experience unforgettable!

Huchuy Qosqo Machu Picchu Tour 3D/2N

Huchuy Qosqo Trek takes you to one of the most important archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley. Explore the impressive terraces, courtyards, esplanades, plazas, pedestrian paths, three-story buildings and the advanced hydraulic system of Huchuy Qosqo, and end the tour at the Inca site of Machu Picchu.

Highlights:

Trek from Cusco to the Sacred Valley using an ancient Inca Trail.

Explore local villages, lakes, the land of llamas and alpacas.

Visit the Inca site Huchuy Qosqo and its natural wonders.

Enjoy a Pachamanca barbecue at the end of the hike.

Beat the crowds to Machu Picchu before dawn

Support and visit our Social Projects

Book with confidence and flexibility

Itinerary

DAY 1:

Cusco – Tambomachay – Pukamarca

Our team will be happy to pick you up at your hotel around 7:00 a.m. and take you the short distance to Tambomachay, located just 20 minutes outside the city of Cusco. This is where your exciting trek to Machu Picchu will begin.

The first part of the trek will consist of a 4-hour uphill hike until we reach our lunch spot at Lake Koricocha, which is located at an altitude of 3700 m / 12130 ft. During this part of the trek, you will have the opportunity to enjoy breathtaking landscapes, pass by beautiful lakes and local communities, and admire numerous llamas, alpacas and birds along the way. Lunch will be served on the shores of the lake, offering you a revitalizing break.

Then, you will continue for another 3 hours, alternating between ascents and descents gradually, until you reach the charming village of Pukamarca, located at an altitude of 3800 m / 12,467 ft, in the middle of the majestic Peruvian Andes. This is where you will spend the night.

Pukamarca is a small town with few inhabitants, whose main source of livelihood is agriculture. Here they grow potatoes, beans, and raise llamas, alpacas and sheep. At the camp, you will have access to hot water to wash up, enjoy tea time, a delicious dinner and spend the night in comfortable tents, providing you with the necessary rest to continue your adventure the next day.

Altitude of the campsite: 3800 m / 12,467ft
Distance: 13 km / 8.1 miles
Duration: 7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, snack, lunch, dinner.
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty level: Moderate

DAY 2:

Pukamarca – Huchuy Qosqo – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes

A relatively comfortable and relaxing day awaits you today. After breakfast, you will have the opportunity to interact with the local children or visit their homes, allowing you to immerse yourself even more in the culture and daily life of the community.

The hike begins with a pleasant 2-hour walk to the Inca site of Huchuy Qosco, located at an altitude of 3650 m / 11975 ft. This spectacular archaeological complex is located high in the Sacred Valley and was built by the Inca Empire over 500 years ago. The ancient citadel features impressive agricultural terraces, temples, storehouses, water canals, wide plazas and panoramic views overlooking the Sacred Valley, the Urubamba River and the majestic Peruvian Andes. You will have plenty of time to explore and marvel at the beauty and energy of this magnificent Inca site.

After exploring Huchuy Qosco, you will descend for about an hour to Lamay, where our trekking chef will teach you how to prepare a Peruvian specialty: a subway barbecue known as Pachamanca, which is cooked with hot stones. You will have the opportunity to try guinea pig, one of Peru’s most famous delicacies. After lunch, our private bus will take you to Ollantaytambo, known as “The Last Living Inca City” and considered the “Native American Capital of the World”. Here you will explore the ancient streets of this Inca city that has been continuously inhabited since the 14th century. After dinner at a local restaurant in Ollantaytambo, you will take the 7:00 p.m. train to Aguas Calientes, where you will spend the night in a hotel.

Aguas Calientes Altitude: 2000 m / 6560 ft
Hiking Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
Duration: 7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, snacks, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Hotel
Difficulty: Easy

DAY 3:

Machu Picchu – Cusco

On our last day, it will be necessary to get up very early to prepare for the highlight of your trek: the visit to Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, you will take a 30-minute bus ride to Machu Picchu, where you will explore the fabulous Inca city accompanied by our expert guides.

The guided tour will begin with a short walk to the Sun Gate or the Inca Bridge, then you will follow your tour guide to discover the ancient stone walls, temples, palaces and streets of the citadel. You will also have time to explore on your own and immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of this archaeological site.

After the guided tour, which generally lasts between 3 and 4 hours, you will have the option of an additional hike to Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain (tickets must be booked as far in advance as possible and you can only choose one of them).

Once you have finished your experience in the Inca citadel, you will take the bus back to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not included). In the afternoon, you will board the Vistadome Panoramic Train to return to Ollantaytambo.

There, our team will be waiting for you to transfer you back to Cusco. It is estimated that you will arrive at your hotel around 7:30 p.m., culminating your unforgettable adventure in Machu Picchu.

Guide tour duration: 3 – 4 hours
Meals: Breakfast (hotel)
Difficulty: Easy

Inclusions

Included

Free airport transfers on request.

Pre-departure safety briefing held at our office

Professional native tour guides

Second tour guide for groups of 9+

Pick up from your hotel on the day of the tour.

All transportation included during the three days.

Trekking chefs, porters and horsemen

Emergency horse in case you run into problems

Horses to carry food, equipment.

Duffel bags where you can put up to 7 kilos of your stuff

A night camping under a million stars

One night in a 3-star hotel in Aguas Calientes

Two breakfasts, two lunches and two dinners

Boiled water to drink during the 1st and 2nd day.

Snacks, snacks, hot water during the hike.

Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available.

Eureka tents for four men for every two travelers

Foam sleeping mattress, pillows, hot water bottles, warm blankets, warm blankets

Comfortable camping equipment (tents, tables, chairs, portable toilets)

First aid kit, oxygen tank, satellite telephones, etc.

Entrance ticket to Huchuy Qosco and Machu Picchu.

Bus ticket to Machu Picchu (round trip)

Vistadome scenic trains back to Cusco.

No Included

Sleeping bag, trekking poles, air mattresses (can be rented with us)

Breakfast on the first day

Lunch on the last day after the Machu Picchu tour.

Entrance ticket to Huayna Picchu mountain.

Entrance ticket to Machu Picchu mountain (other than Machu Picchu citadel)

Gratuities (optional)

Inquiry now

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