HUCHUY QOSQO TO MACHUPICCHU 2 DAYS/ 1 NIGHT

This hike is ideal for travelers who want to hike away from the crowds and surrounded by nature and beautiful scenery, combined with the highlights of Peru, Machu Picchu. Huchuy Qosqo, or Little Cusco, is located above the Urubamba Valley and offers a great view of the Vilcanota mountain range. In this unique area, you will rarely see other tourists, only local residents working in their fields and children playing outside their adobe houses. It will be a wonderful cultural experience as well as a pleasant hike. It is also a good warm-up for the traditional Inca Trail or other alternative hikes.

Day 1: CUSCO – TAUCA– HUCHUY QOSQO – HUCHUY QOSQO – LAMAY – OLLANTAYTAMBO– AGUAS CALIENTES 

We will pick you up from your hotel very early to head to the village of Tauca (3,750 m.a.s.l.), where our hike will begin. During the hike, we will see many fields of crops such as corn, potatoes, barley, quinoa, etc. As we ascend, the view will become increasingly impressive, with the green fields giving way to the puna covered with Andean grass or ichu. Our highest point is at 4050 meters above sea level, known as the “Paso.” From here, you will be able to see the most beautiful and exceptional snow-capped mountains, such as Pitusiray, Chicon, and Sahuasiray, which are over 5,000 meters above sea level. Shortly after reaching the highest point, we will begin to descend through the Ccauca gorge to the archaeological center of Huchuy Qosqo. On the way, we will also find small archaeological remains such as León Punku, an Inca bridge, and part of the original Inca trail. The landscape changes as we encounter different types of crops such as tarwi (lupins), other varieties of potatoes, and many cacti.

 This canyon has geological formations surrounded by majestic naturally carved rocks that direct the river towards Huchuy Qosqo (3,650 meters above sea level). Huchuy Qosqo (Little Cusco) is a remarkable Inca complex. It has fine stonework on the walls (rectangular walls), some of which are residential and defensive areas with two-story buildings made of stone and adobe. Huchuy Qosqo is located on a plateau surrounded by Inca agricultural terraces and with impressive views of the Vilcabamba mountain range. Next, we will descend towards the village of Lamay (2,900 meters above sea level) where we will take our bus transfer to the village of Ollantaytambo and from here we will continue our journey by train to the town of Aguas Calientes for dinner and a night at the hotel.

DAY 2: AGUAS CALIENTES – MACHU PICCHU – CUSCO

It’s time to get up very early for breakfast at the hotel. The best time to visit Machu Picchu is at sunrise. You can choose to go up by bus or on foot. The first bus leaves at 5:30 a.m. and takes 25 minutes to reach the citadel of Machu Picchu, which is open from 5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. First, you will have a guided tour of approximately two hours where the guide will explain and show you the history, architecture, temples, palaces, farmlands, etc. Afterward, you will have free time to visit other optional mountains such as Huaynapicchu and Machu Picchu Mountain (if you book in advance), as well as the Inca bridge, the Sun Gate, or enjoy the citadel itself. In the afternoon, we will organize your return train from the town of Aguas Calientes to the Ollantaytambo train station, and from there, you will take the bus back to the city of Cusco and be dropped off at hotel.