Huchuy Qosqo Trek And Inca Trail 4D/3N
Duration
4 Days/3 Nights
Tour Type
Daily Tour
Group Size
10 people
Languages
English, Spanish
ITINERARY
DAY 01: CUSCO – TAMBOMACHAY – PUMAMARCA.
Your adventure begins early in the morning with pickup from your hotel at 6:00 a.m. in our private vehicle. We will drive to the archaeological site of Tambomachay, where our trek officially starts.
From Tambomachay, we begin hiking through typical puna landscapes, ascending gradually toward the Sicllaccasa Pass (4,020 m / 13,186 ft). Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the surrounding highlands and spot wild crops such as tarwi and various species of cacti.
The trail continues through the Ccauca ravine, where we’ll encounter archaeological remains. From here, we head toward the Queullococha Pass (4,185 m / 13,727 ft), offering spectacular panoramic views of snow-capped peaks including Veronica, Pitusiray, and Chicon.
We then follow the trail alongside Lake Queullococha, a tranquil spot where you may see huallatas (Andean geese), ducks, and small native fish. The ascent continues toward the Challu Challu Pass (4,220 m / 13,842 ft), from where you’ll be rewarded with views over the Chinchero plains and the beautiful Piuray and Qoricocha lagoons.
Next, we reach the highest point of the day: the Rumicruz Pass (4,230 m / 13,874 ft). From here, the trail descends toward the Inca quarry (4,220 m / 13,842 ft), believed to be the site where stones were extracted for the construction of Huchuy Qosqo.
Finally, we descend to the community of Pucamarca (4,010 m / 13,153 ft), where we’ll set up camp for the night. After a hearty dinner, you’ll have time to relax under the stars before resting.
DAY 02: HUCHUY QOSQO – OLLANTAYTAMBO.
After an early breakfast, we depart from our campsite at 7:00 a.m. to continue our trek toward the impressive archaeological site of Huchuy Qosqo.
We begin with a descent through the León Punku Canyon, where we’ll encounter Inca bridges and original stone trails. This narrow canyon, shaped by natural geological formations, is flanked by towering rocks that guide the river’s flow toward Huchuy Qosqo.
Upon arriving at Huchuy Qosqo (3,600 m / 11,808 ft), your guide will give you a full explanation of this Inca ceremonial center, known for its imposing architecture, ceremonial platforms, and agricultural terraces. From this vantage point, you’ll enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Sacred Valley and the Vilcanota River below.
After exploring the site, we begin a two-hour hike toward the community of Taucca, where a freshly prepared lunch awaits.
Following lunch, we’ll meet our private transport and head to the charming Inca town of Ollantaytambo, where you’ll spend the night in a comfortable hotel.
DAY 03: OLLANTAYTAMBO – WIÑAYWAYNA – MACHUPICCHU.
At 7:00 a.m., we’ll pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the Ollantaytambo train station. From here, you’ll board the train for approximately one hour until reaching Km 104 (2,200 m / 7,217 ft.), the official starting point of the Short Inca Trail.
After crossing the bridge over the Urubamba River (known in Quechua as Willkamayuc, meaning “Sacred River”), we’ll arrive at the checkpoint, where you must present your passport or ID. A short walk takes us to the first archaeological site, Chachabamba, nestled within the semi-tropical forest. After exploring this site, we’ll begin a gradual uphill hike through the lush landscape, passing orchids, waterfalls, and stunning views of the Sacred Valley.
After approximately 4 hours of hiking, we’ll reach Wiñaywayna (2,650 m / 8,694 ft.), an impressive Inca archaeological site featuring expansive agricultural terraces and ceremonial structures. Its name means “Forever Young,” inspired by a native orchid that thrives in this region. Your guide will explain the history and function of the site before you enjoy your lunchbox and rest.
Continuing the journey, we’ll hike for about 2 more hours along stone stairways and scenic paths until we reach Inti Punku (Sun Gate, 2,720 m / 8,923 ft), once the main entrance to Machu Picchu during Inca times. From here, enjoy your first panoramic view of the magnificent Machu Picchu Citadel, a breathtaking reward after your trek.
After soaking in the view, we’ll descend for around 30 minutes to the Machu Picchu entry area, from where we’ll take the bus down to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Town) – a 25-minute ride.
In Aguas Calientes, you’ll settle into your comfortable hotel. In the evening, you’ll enjoy a delicious à la carte dinner at a local restaurant. For those with energy left, optional activities include visiting the thermal baths (10 soles per person) or exploring the lively town, which offers a variety of bars, restaurants, shops, and ATMs.
Overnight in Aguas Calientes.
DAY 04: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHUPICCHU – CUSCO.
After an early breakfast at your hotel, your guide will meet you in the lobby to escort you to the bus station. We’ll take a 30-minute scenic bus ride up the mountain to the entrance of Machu Picchu Citadel. At the control gate, you’ll need to present your passport and entrance ticket.
Enjoy a private, guided tour of approximately 2.5 hours, where your guide will explain the history and significance of the most iconic areas, including:
- The Main Plaza
- The Sun Temple
- The Sacred Sundial (Intihuatana)
- The Royal Quarters
- The Temple of the Three Windows
- The ceremonial fountains
- And more hidden corners of the Inca city.
After the tour, you’ll have free time to explore the site on your own. Optional activities include:
- Hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain (advance booking required – $35 USD per person).
- Visit the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) or the Inka Bridge – both available at no additional cost.
At the scheduled time, we’ll take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes. Depending on your train schedule, you’ll have time for lunch or shopping in town before boarding the train to Ollantaytambo. Upon arrival, our private transport will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Cusco (approximately 2-hour drive).
Overnight at your hotel in Cusco.
End of our services.
Included / Excluded
INCLUDED
- Pick up from your hotel in Cusco.
- Private transportation from Cusco to Tambomachay (starting point of the trek).
- Private transportation from Taucca to Ollantaytambo train station.
- Professional bilingual guide.
- Lunch 2 breakfast / 2 lunches / 2 dinners.
- Equipment for cooking and cook.
- Arriero and horses (to load stores, food and cooking equipment).
- Transfers from the hotel to the train station.
- Ollanta train ticket to Km. 104.
- Professional bilingual guide (English-Spanish).
- Entrance to the Inca Trail and Machupicchu.
- Food (1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner).
- Bus Ticket Machupicchu – Aguas Calientes (round trip).
- 1 Night Hotel in Aguas Calientes.
- First aid kit, oxygen balloon.
- Return train ticket Aguas Calientes – Ollantaytambo.
- Transportation Ollantaytambo – Cusco.
- Transfer to the hotel.
EXCLUDED
- First breakfast and last lunch.
- Sleeping bag (you can rent in our office $ 10 for the entire trip).
- Trekking poles, you can rent in our office (the pair $ 15.00 USD for the entire trip).
- Lunch on the last day: after the guided visit to Machu Picchu.
- Entrance to Huaynapicchu or Machu Picchu Mountain ($ 35 USD optional).
reviews
RELATED TOURS
El Valle Sagrado es un territorio que se desarrolla a lo largo del río Vilcanota–Urubamba y unió los pueblos de Pisac y Ollantaytambo.
El Tour Laguna Humantay es una mágica experiencia donde se reencontrará con la naturaleza en lo alto de los Andes Peruanos, ademas de apreciar paisajes realmente hermosos cerca al segundo pico más alto
El Valle Sagrado es un territorio que se desarrolla a lo largo del río Vilcanota–Urubamba y unió los pueblos de Pisac y Ollantaytambo.
Se trata de una formación montañosa teñida de varias tonalidades producto de la compleja combinación de minerales. Las laderas y la cumbre están teñidas..
