Huchuy Qosqo to Machupicchu – 3D/2N
Tour Overview
The 3 day/2 night Huchuy Qosco trek is a really enjoyable and not too challenging option that combines spectacular mountain views, the original Inca trails, a community visit and a guided visit to the little known Inca site of Huchuy Qosco which is located in the heart of the Sacred Valley of the Incas. By getting off the beaten path, you get away from all the crowds of the more well-known treks, but still get to enjoy all the amazing things Peru has to offer. The Huchuy Qosco trek is perfect for those on a short time frame or looking for an easier hiking route.
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Cusco - Tambomachay - Qenqo
Pick up from the hotel at 05:00 am, we will begin our hike in Tambomachay, just outside of Cusco, our path takes us through high passes, valleys and small communities. With large expanses of grasslands and small lakes (dry in some seasons), the area is home to a wide variety of birds, including Andean geese, partridges and lapwings, as well as a variety of birds or prey, all of which are regularly seen throughout the country.
Our target for today are the Andean villages of Patabamba and Siwas located near a small lake (it dries up in some seasons). Patabamba is a traditional Andean community with a small school and a small plaza; located high above the Sacred Valley, the people here still maintain the customs and traditions of times past and most villagers earn their income from farming and herding llamas and alpacas. As only a few tourists come here, the people are always intrigued to see who has come to visit their village and welcome them with open arms.
Day 2: Qenqo - Huchuy Qosco - Lamay - Aguas Calientes
Today has two main focuses, learning about the customs and culture of the Andean people and a visit to the Inca site of Huchuy Qosqo. Waking up early, our guide will take us to one of the houses where we will meet a local family. The people are incredibly welcoming and as eager to learn about you as you are about them, they don’t get many visitors to this area and are always interested in meeting you.
After the visit we will head to Huchuy Qosqo. The route follows an original Inca Trail that leads us through a beautiful isolated valley that is full of native plants, flowers and birds. It really feels like another world compared to the high grasslands we have left behind. In total, it takes approx. 2.5 hours to reach Huchuy Qosqo and after a rest and enjoy the views of the Sacred Valley, you will have a guided tour of the site to learn about the Inca people and their culture. In the afternoon we drive into the Sacred Valley to the village of Lamay where we take a bus to Ollantaytambo and then a train to Aguas Calientes.
Day 3: Aguas Calientes - Machu Picchu - Cusco
Upon waking up early, we will take the first bus back to Machu Picchu to enter the site when it opens. We will have a 2-hour guided tour of the site during which you will learn about the Incas and visit all the most important areas of the citadel. After your tour, you will have free time to explore the site yourself and if you have permits to climb Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu mountain. In the afternoon, you will take the train back to Ollantaytambo from where you will continue by bus back to Cusco.
Inclusions
Included
- Professional bilingual guide (spanish – english).
- Pick up from the hotel.
- Transportation (Cusco – Patabamba and Ollantaytambo – Cusco).
- Horsemen and mules to transport equipment, food and personal luggage (7 kilos per person).
- A cook to prepare all meals.
- Meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners.
- Kitchen equipment: dining tent, kitchen with table and chairs.
- Camping tent.
- Therma-rest air mattress.
- 01 night hotel accommodation in Aguas Calientes.
- Entrance fees to Machu Picchu.
- Bus up (Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu).
- First aid kit.
Not Included
- Last dinner.
- Sleeping bag.
- Trekking sticks.
- Additional horse to ride.
- Entrance fees to Huayna Picchu.
What to bring
- Original passport and student card (ISIC) green card.
- Essential insurance card.
- Walking boots (with ankle protectors).
- Waterproof jacket / rain poncho.
- Warm jacket, hat and gloves.
- Comfortable shirts and pants.
- Sun protection cream (factor 35 is recommended).
- Insect repellent minimum 30% DEET.
- Toiletries.
- Personal medications.
- Camera.
- Flashlight with spare batteries.
- Water purification tablets (Micropur recommended).
- Toilet paper.
- Suggested extra contribution.
Pricing & Dates
FAQs
1️⃣ What makes this trek unique?
Walk alongside llamas and alpacas along ancient Inca trails, immerse in local communities, and experience authentic Andean culture.
Packing Guide
Essential Documents
- Original passport (required to enter the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu)
- Valid Inca Trail permit and travel documents (provided by your tour operator)
- Travel insurance information (recommended)
- Student ID (if you booked with a student discount)
Trekking Essentials
- Daypack (20–30L)
- Reusable water bottles or hydration bladder (2–3 liters capacity)
- Comfortable, broken-in hiking boots with good ankle support
- Trekking poles with rubber tips (optional, but highly recommended)
- Waterproof rain jacket or poncho
- Warm thermal base layers
- Fleece or insulated jacket
- Hiking pants and moisture-wicking shirts
- Hat or beanie for cold mornings
- Sun hat or cap for daytime hiking
- Lightweight gloves
Personal Items
- High-SPF sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Lip balm with SPF
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Personal toiletries
- Personal medications
- Basic first-aid essentials (blister treatment, pain relief, bandages)
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
- Toilet paper or travel tissues
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