Huchuy Qosqo Mystical Holiday

Difficulty

Moderate

Comfort

Basic+

Midscale

We offer a unique 3-day trek to Huchuy Qosqo, which takes you to captivating Inca ruins, charming rural villages, stunning snow-covered mountains, and diverse plant life. This trail veers off the typical path, traversing high Andean passes and the Sacred Valley of the Incas, showcasing breathtaking views along the way. You'll also visit Moray, known as 'the Green House of the Incas,' and the Maras Salt Mines. The journey concludes at one of the Wonders of the World: Machu Picchu. No other trekking agency offers this experience!

Hiking and Trekking

Saul M. is the provider of this trip

The provider speaks: English, Spanish

Before I became the owner and founder of our travel company, I spent a couple of years working as a porter. Then, over the next four years, I transitioned into being a guide. I've had the privilege of conducting more than 200 Inca Trail treks and exploring other alternative routes throughout the Andes. I've also traveled with groups all over Peru. My passion for the Andes mountains, Incan culture, and my knowledge of local plants has always resonated with tourists, and their appreciation fuels my enthusiasm. Realizing my childhood dream of owning a tour and trekking agency has been incredibly fulfilling. I’m committed to giving back to the communities that surround me, aiming to improve their lives and living conditions by employing locals and supporting various service projects. My experiences as a porter and guide have taught me a lot about what works—and what doesn’t—in tourism and on treks.

Tour highlights

Unique Sites of Moray and Maras

Visit Moray, known as “the Green House of the Incas” and the Salt Mines of Maras, where you can see traditional salt harvesting practices

Explorу Inca Ruins

Discover the rich history and architectural marvels of the Inca civilization

Machu Picchu Sunrise

Behold the history and beauty of this iconic location

Route details

Your Andean adventure begins at 6 am when we pick you up at the hotel and then we drive in our private transport to the village of Patabamba (3,800m/12,467ft), only 1 hour from Cusco. Once arrival, we put our backpacks on and get ready to start a gentle hike uphill for the next 3 hours to get to the highest point of the trek (4,200m/13,779ft). Here, we have fantastic views of the surrounding snow capped mountains and valleys. We descend towards the village of Pucamarca and spend time at the Inca ruins.

Later, we follow a section of the original Inca trail into the Inca city of Huchuy Qosqo. There, we have time to explore the city and head to our homestay. The guide will introduce you to the local family who will show you to your room for the night and the bathroom with a proper toilet. You will see all the amazing views of the surrounding areas and the Inca city. By late afternoon, you will enjoy your tea, and later have dinner with your local family! In the evening, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the sky full of brilliant stars, far from the light pollution of any city and see the Inca constellations which your guide will show you.

Meals included: Picnic lunch – Afternoon Tea Time – Dinner
Accommodation: Homestay at a local family’s home with a proper toilet
Distance: 13kms/8 miles approximately
Difficulty: Moderate

Difficulty

Moderate

Does not require physical training but involves moderate physical activity

Tour provider's comments

Max Altitude: 3750 m.s.n.m.

The Trek is a 20 km/12mi hike through the Andes in the Cusco region. The maximum altitude reached is (4,200m/13,779ft). The trail is an easy to moderately difficult trek. You have to be moderately fit and be used to regular exercise.
In preparation: try walking 15kms a day or go to the fitness club in the months leading up to the trek. It is also important to be well acclimatized to the altitude. Try to spend at least 2 or 3 days in Cusco (3,350m/11,047ft) prior to starting the trek.

Accommodation

Comfort

Basic+

Midscale

Guest House

1 night

Hotel

1 night

Tickets to group meeting place

Group meeting place

Departamento de Cusco, Provincia del Cusco, Aeropuerto Alejandro Velasco Astete

Calculate tour price with tickets from your city

Partnered with

Weather during the tour

Weather conditions along the route

You will get a weather forecast for this tour’s route based on

the forecasts for this season
the statistics from previous years’ trips

Tour conditions

Included

transfer from the airport to your hotel;
briefing at our office the night before the trekking departure;
pick up from your hotel in the morning of the trek departure;
all transfers in our van only for our clients;
entry fee to Machu Picchu;
entrance tickets to Moray, Salt Mines and Ollantaytambo;
entry to Huchuy Qosqo;
guided tour of Machu Picchu;
homestay with local family;
English speaking experienced professional tour guide;
meals as indicated in the itinerary (optional vegetarian food with prior request);
2 bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and return to Aguas Calientes;
First Aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle;
round trip train ticket (Expedition service) from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes;
private transport from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco;
hotel in Aguas Calientes with private bathroom and room, hot shower, phone, storage, wifi and breakfast included!

Extras

flights;
entrance to Huayna Picchu –$75 USD;
walking poles -$15 USD;
first breakfast and last lunch;
upgrade to Vista Dome Train -$67 USD (Return only);
optional upgrade for your hotel in Aguas Calientes;
tips for your guide and the crew of SAM TRAVEL PERU.

Huayna Picchu is an optional trek within Machu Picchu Citadel which does not include a guide. The climb is usually done on your own after your tour of Machu Picchu Citadel. If you would like the extra hike to be guided, please request in advance. There is an extra cost for this extra guided tour.

Group size

From 2 to 8 tourists

Duration

3 days

2 nights

It's important to know

A lightweight, waterproof day pack with change of clothes (about a 30 liter size)
Sturdy hiking boots
Warm clothes and trekking pants (trousers)
Layers of clothes, include thermals, for variable temperatures especially at night
Head lamp with spare batteries
Camera with extra film and batteries
Sun protection: sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses
Woollen socks, gloves, scarf, woollen hat for cold nights
Insect repellent
Extra plastic bags, especially in the wet season
Waterproof clothing or a rain poncho
Water bottles
Personal medical kit with a simple whistle
Extra money for souvenirs, drinks, tips
Walking poles (rentable)
Favorite snacks
Toilet paper
Sandals or flip-flop
Swimming suit (optional for hot springs in Aguas Calientes)
Original passport and university card if is applicable

THE BRIEFING
The briefing will take place the night before the trek at 6pm in our office.

CAN I STORE MY LUGGAGE AT YOUR OFFICE?
Of course! During the trek your main luggage can be stored at our office or at your hotel, whichever is more convenient for you.

WHAT ABOUT THE BALANCE?
If you would like to avoid the high credit card fees in Peru, you may pay in cash at our office (US dollars or Peruvian soles) here in Cusco.

MAY I CHANGE THE DEPARTURE DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?
Unfortunately the answer is No. Once the tickets for Machu Picchu have been bought the government does not allow any changes, so we can’t change any departure dates. Tickets are not transferable nor refundable. Please contact the office as soon as possible if you need to change your date. If you cancel your Trek, the deposit is not refundable at all!

DO I NEED MY ORIGINAL PASSPORT ON HUCHUY QOSQO TREK TO MACHU PICCHU?
Yes! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport number you sent to us to book your Trek, other entrances and reservations. In case you are renewing your passport or changing your name, go ahead and send us your old passport information to secure your permit, and we can change it when you get your new passport number or updated your name for a fee of $25 USD per person. We must have a copy of your old and new passport to make the change. Before you change your passport keep a copy of your old one.

If you do not wish to pay this fee you will need to bring both passports to Peru with you. You can enter Peru with your new passport but you will need to show both passports, old and new to be to enter the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu or the train. If you do not have both you will not be allowed to enter the Inca Trail, Machu Picchu or get on the train.

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON THE HUCHUY QOSQO TREK TO MACHU PICCHU ?
The weather is very unpredictable and it’s difficult to foresee. We recommend that you plan to always dress in layers to facilitate adjusting to the quickly changing weather conditions. We highly recommend you bring some warm clothes and good rain gear in your day backpack.

WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS ON HUCHUY QOSQO TREK TO MACHU PICCHU?
In general if you exercise regularly and spend 2 to 3 days in Cusco, or in the Sacred Valley for acclimatization to the altitude, you may be just fine.

The recommended medicine for altitude sickness is WATER, COCA TEA and OXYGEN IF NEEDED; our guides are trained to treat you for Altitude Sickness.

We offer the Cusco City Tour and Sacred Valley tours that you can book while you are acclimatizing.

HIKING TREK
The evening before you start your trek, you will be given a SMALL DUFFEL BAG to pack your clothes for the next three days. Your weight allowance is up to 7kg/14lbs. Your team of porters will carry your duffel bag for you, together with the food and camping gear. It’s important to be aware, that you will not have access to your items in the duffel bag until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group. During the trek, you need a day backpack big enough to carry your personal belongings such as a warm jacket, a rain jacket, your camera, sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. A 30L backpack is usually sufficient.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I AM UNABLE TO FINISH THE HUCHUY QOSQO TREK TO MACHU PICCHU?
In the unlikely scenario that you are unable to finish the trek due to a health issue, we will assist you to the nearest town for help with transportation. We always carry oxygen on the trek for any respiratory problems In extreme cases, a helicopter pick up can be arranged at your own expense. (Travel insurance required). There are no refunds in the unlikely situation that you are unable to finish the trek.
Generally, those who have to be assisted off the trail are taken to Ollantaytambo and if they recover quickly, they then continue the journey to Aguas Calientes (cost incurred by trekker) and visit Machu Picchu according to original plan.

AT WHAT TIME IS THE TRAIN DEPARTURE?
It will depend on the train availability (high season it could book out) but the idea is to give you as much time as possible in Machu Picchu and enjoy the amazing views on the way back to Cusco from the train. Therefore, you we usually book the train at 14:55 or 15:20.

TIPPING

If you’re happy with the services provided, a tip – though not compulsory – is appreciated. While it may not be customary in your country, it’s of great significance for the people who will take care of you during the trek. It inspires them to give excellent service and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many our destinations. Of course, you are free to tip as much as you feel appropriate, depending on your perception of the quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

ARE WE SUSTAINABLE?
Yes, we are a local, sustainable & responsible tourism operator for that we incorporate the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our local staff to know and understand, respect the places and the local people.