Inca Heritage Holiday: From Huchuy Qosqo to Machu Picchu

Difficulty

Moderate

Comfort

Midscale

The Trek leads you to captivating Inca ruins, charming rural villages, stunning snow-capped peaks, exotic flora, and remarkable ecological diversity. This trek takes you over high mountain passes in the Andes and through the Sacred Valley of the Incas, offering breathtaking views of the incredible landscape, culminating at one of the New 7 Wonders of the World: Machu Picchu.

This adventure trekking package is uniquely crafted! You will hike through the Andes Mountains, passing by Andean communities, engaging with locals, and discovering amazing remote Inca villages. On the second day, you'll have the opportunity to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site, the magnificent Citadel of Machu Picchu, with a guided tour lasting two hours!

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

Inca Ruins and Cultural Interaction

Explore fascinating Inca ruins and interact with local Andean communities

Visit Machu Picchu

Behold the history and beauty of this iconic location

Route details

At 6am, leave the hotel and travel to the small Village of Tauca (3,750m/12,303ft), which is the beginning of your trek. We will be on level terrain and the landscape will be that of typical Andean Valleys, rich in corn, quinoa and potatoes. As you ascend towards the pass at (4,050m/13,287ft), the landscape begins to change dramatically to the classic of High Andean Savannah or Puna, with scant vegetation, mainly “ichu” or high altitude grass. The views of the Vilcabamba Mountain range are spectacular, see the snow covered peaks of Veronica, Pitusiray, Chicon and San Juan.

Soon after the pass, start your descent toward the Huchuy Qosqo plains, hiking along a path that leads to the Cauca Ravine, where you will be able to see archeological sites. You will also notice fascinating wild plants, which the Inca gathered for food and which local people still eat today, such as tarwi, and a large quantity of cactus.

Walk downhill towards the Leon Punku ravine, where you will find remains of an Inca bridge and trail. This canyon boasts geological formations surrounded by majestic rocks and boulders that direct the small river to Huchuy Qosqo at (3,650m/11,975ft). Huchuy Qosqo (Little Cusco in Quechua) is a noteworthy Inca complex. It boasts sophisticated stonework in a large Kallanka (rectangular Hall), some residential and defensive quarters and interesting two-story buildings in stone and adobe. Huchuy Qosqo is located on a plateau, surrounded by Inca agricultural terraces and allows superb views of the Vilcabamba range. Your guide will tell you about its fascinating history.

Afterwards, we will go downhill to Lamay at (2,900m/9,514ft), where we will catch our transport to drive to Ollantaytambo. We will have dinner together in a restaurant, continue by train to Aguas Calientes. We arrive in Aguas Calientes and check into to your hotel. You may want to explore this small but beautiful town and do some shopping, or just relax after such an exciting day.

Meals included: Picnic Lunch & Dinner
Hiking time: 7 hours
Distance: 16kms/10 miles
3* Accommodations: Hotel Ferre´ Machu Picchu

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 16 kms/10mi hike through the Andes in the Cusco region. The maximum altitude reached is (4,200m/13,779ft). The trail is easy to moderate difficulty 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) or the Sacred Valley prior to starting the trek.

Accommodation

Comfort

Midscale

Hotel

1 night

Optional hotel upgrade.

Hotel single supplement -$30 USD 2* for single travelers

Hot shower, bathroom, private room and breakfast included.

Other options: Intipunku Machu Picchu or Wiracocha Inn Hotel.

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

private transportation from and to your hotel;
all meals as indicated in the itinerary;
professional bilingual guide (Spanish and English);
entrance fee to Huchuy Qosqo;
entrance fee to Machu Picchu;
2 Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and return to Aguas Calientes;
hotel in Aguas Calientes: Intipunku Machu Picchu or Wiracocha Inn Hotel.

Extras

flights;
entrance to Huayna Picchu –$75 USD;
walking poles -$15 USD;
first breakfast and last lunch;
upgrade to Vistadome Train -$67 USD (Return only);
optional upgrade for your hotel;
tips for the crew, guide, cook and porters.

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

2 days

1 night

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
Camera with extra film and batteries
Sun protection: sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses
Insect repellent
Extra plastic bags, especially in the wet season
Waterproof clothing or a rain poncho
Water bottles
Personal medical kit
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. Please note that the train will not allow more than a carry on sized duffel or suitcase.

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 DATE AFTER THE TICKETS HAVE BEEN BOUGHT?
Unfortunately the answer is No. Once the tickets have been bought for Machu Picchu, the Peruvian 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 TREK?
Yes! You have to bring your original passport and it is very important that it is the same passport copy 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?
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.

WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS?
In general, if you exercise regularly and spend a couple of days in Cusco or the Sacred Valley, you will be able to acclimatize normally. It usually take between 24 hours to 2 days.

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

HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE THERE PER GROUP?
The maximum group size is 8 persons. Our groups are usually between 2-6 persons.

HIKING TREK
The evening before you start your trek, you will be given a small duffel bag to pack your clothes for the next day at Machu Picchu. It’s important to be aware that the train will only allow you to bring a carry on sized duffel or suitcase. 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?
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.

HOW MUCH IS THE VISTADOME UPGRADE?
The Vistadome train service has nicer seats, panoramic windows and ceiling. You will be offered snacks and a dance show will take place on board. You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for $67 USD. These trains run from Aguas Calientes to Poroy. We will pick you up in Poroy and drive you back to Cusco, which takes about 25 minutes. Please request in advance.

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.