Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu 2 Days
Activity Level : Moderate
Overview
A journey through history and Andean scenery. Our Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu offers a mix of archeological sites, mountain passes, stunning landscapes and a guided visit to Machu Picchu.
What to Expect
- A compact itinerary: Day 1 features hike to Huchuy Qosqo ruins and a guided visit. Day 2 will be spend discovering Machu Picchu.
- Moderate difficulty: Despite it only has 1 day hiking, the altitude along the trail is challenging.
- Small group experience, less crowded trails, more cultural immersion compared to other treks.
Main Challenges
- The altitude: peaking at 4050 m (13287 ft)
- Long and steep sections on the trail.
- Weather rapid shifts.
Highlights
- Huchuy Qosqo archaeological site.
- Scenic views from the high Andean puna.
- Scenic train rides in the Urubamba Canyon.
- Guided tour in Machu Picchu.
Who Is This Trek For?
This trek is perfect for you, if you have limited time but want to make the most of it. It packs an immersive experience into the Andean culture, Inca archeological sites, and stunning nature. Join the Huchuy Qosqo to Machu Picchu trek to experience the least crowded trek to Machu Picchu.
Looking for something less adventurous, check our Machu Picchu Tours.
Day 1 Cusco – Tauca – Huchuy Qosqo – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
Welcome to our Huchuy Qosqo to Machu Picchu Trek! The first day will start with an early morning pick up from your hotel in Cusco, at 6 am. Then we will drive to Tauca, our trailhead at 3750 m (12303 ft)
Hiking in the Puna.
The first segment of the day will take us to a mountain pass at 4050 m (13287 ft), from here we will admire the beauty of the Vilcabamba mountain range and the Andean Puna. This ecosystem features rolling hills and highlands straw or “Ichu”.
From the mountain pass we will start descending to Huchuy Qosqo. This segment will follow the Cauca ravine, where we will see some archeological sites and some wild plants. Then we will continue along the Leon Punku ravine, which will take us to an Inca Bridge to access Huchuy Qosqo.
Huchuy Qosqo.
Huchuy Qosqo is an impressive archeological complex, located on a plateau with privileged views. At this site our guide will share his knowledge about the history and purpose of the complex during the Inca times.
After delving into the relevance and history of this archeological complex, we will continue our descent all the way to Lamay, a village in the Sacred Valley. There our driver will be waiting for us, ready to shuttle us to Ollantaytambo. Once in Ollantaytambo we will enjoy a well-deserved dinner, followed by a scenic train ride to Aguas Calientes.
Evening in Aguas Calientes.
Once settled, the evening will be yours to meander through the charming streets of Aguas Calientes. You might indulge in some shopping, or simply relax, reflecting on the day’s journey and anticipating the wonders that tomorrow holds on the Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu.
Statistics for the first day include:
- Level of difficulty: Moderate.
- Distance covered: Approximately 17 kilometers (10.5 miles)
- Highest altitude: 4050 m (13287 ft)
- Lowest altitude: 2900 m (9514 ft)
Day 2 Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
Machu Picchu exploration.
Finally! our time to explore Machu Picchu has arrived.
This day we will start early, again, to get on time to the Citadel to enjoy the sunrise. Our guide will take us on a 2-hour guided tour around Machu Picchu, sharing with us all his knowledge about the buildings, plazas, temples and different rooms.
After, if you booked ahead, there will be time to hike to Machu Picchu Mountain or Huayna Picchu Mountain. This will be on your own, but if you want a guide for this extra, you can book it as an add-on.
After our exploration if the Hidden Inca City, we will go back to Aguas Calientes. There, you will have time for lunch (not included), souvenir shopping, visiting the local Hot Springs or just rest.
Back to Cusco.
Our way back to Cusco will start with the 2:55pm or 3:20pm train to Ollantaytambo. This train ride takes us along the Urubamba canyon, where we will have the chance to spot Wiñay Wayna high in the slopes.
Once at Ollantaytambo, our driver will be waiting for us, ready to drive us back. We will drop you at your hotel around 7pm, wrapping up an adventure of a lifetime.
Statistics for the second day include:
- Level of difficulty: Easy: focused on exploration & sightseeing
- Lowest altitude: 2040 m (6690 ft): Aguas Calientes
- Highest altitude: 2430 m (7972 ft): Machu Picchu
Included
- Transportation
- Professional Guides
- Machu Picchu Entrance Fee
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Train Tickets
- Briefing
- Entry to Huchuy Qosqo
Excludes
- Lunches and Some Dinners.
- Travel Insurance.
- Sleeping Bags and Hiking Poles.
- Tips for Guides and Staff.
- Personal Gear and Clothing.
- Snacks and Water.
- Additional Activities.
- Single Supplement.
- Extra Night in Aguas Calientes.
- Train Upgrades.
Packing list
- Clothing
- Waterproof jacket/rain poncho.
- Warm jacket (down or similar for cold nights).
- Hiking pants and casual pants for evenings.
- Moisture-wicking T-shirts and long-sleeved shirts.
- Thermal underwear.
- Sun hat and woolen hat for cold nights.
- Gloves, especially for the higher, colder altitudes.
- Footwear
- Sturdy hiking boots (waterproof and broken-in).
- Comfortable shoes or sandals for camp.
- Backpack and Daypack
- Backpack (if not using porter service).
- Lightweight daypack for personal items.
- Hydration and Snacks: minimum 2 liters.
- Health and Personal Items
- Personal medication.
- High SPF sunscreen, lip balm with SPF.
- Insect repellent.
- Hand sanitizer.
- Toilet paper and small shovel (if needed for nature calls).
- Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, small soap).
- Accessories
- Trekking poles (optional but recommended).
- Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries.
- Camera with extra batteries and memory card.
- Portable power bank.
- Lightweight, quick-dry towel.
- Documents.
FAQS
Why choose our tour services
Small groups
Join a small group of like-minded travellers that, like you, are eager to safely and confidently experience all the things that make our world worth exploring.
Philosophy & values
We are experts in the field of making dreams come true! With a unique experience in all of Cusco, wherever you want to go, we can take you there
Locally based guides
At Hotel Andenes del Inca, we have experienced tour guides. And they are all locals, which means they know the area you are exploring like the back of their hand.
