Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu 2 Days and 1 Night
Join our 2 day Huchuy Qosqo trek to Machu Picchu!
Of course, the main purpose of many visitors to Peru is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see the famous ruins of Machu Picchu. But since culture is what you are after, what would you say if seeing the popular Inca ruins comes with the chance to appreciate even more of the rich Inca remains, which means Huchuy Qosqo Peru.
The name “Huchuy” means “little”, therefore Chinchero Huchuy Qosqo can be translated as “little Cusco”. These intriguing remains are located north from Cusco, overlooking the Sacred Valley. Thus, after you enjoy walking through a canyon, you will be able to admire the Sacred Valley from a beautiful viewpoint, after passing through the Inca gate.
This would be another enriching experience, which just adds to the thrill of all the cultural discoveries you will make on this occasion.
In case you have never heard about these lovely Inca remains, we can tell you they were built as a royal estate for the Inca emperor Viracocha, in 1420.
It was a way of portraying his wealth. Later on, when he was dethroned by his son and a revolt was started against him, he retreated on this property. This is where he lived until his death, when he was mummified and put to rest. There is no way to see his remains though, as the Spanish conquistador burned them.
One of the most important parts of the ruins is a Kallanka (great hall), which is about 40 meters long.
What makes visiting Huchuy Qosqo more adventurous is the fact that it is not accessible by vehicle, but only by a undemanding hike, which makes seeing it even more rewarding.
Also, if you enjoy a peaceful and serene place, this is for you, as you will not find big groups of tourists around here. Further on, we explain our adventure from Huchuy Qosqo ruins to Machu Picchu, which will include 2 days and 1 night. This is an excellent alternative to the well known Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
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Day 1: Cusco – Patabamba – Huchuy Qosqo – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
Day one of the Huchuy Qosqo Hike to Machu Picchu starts by being picked up at your hotel at 6:30 am and go on a 1-and-a-half-hour ride out of Cusco to the Huchuy Qosqo trailhead, through a mountainous region towards Sihuas village. After leaving the village, we will do a one – hour hike to the pass, located at an altitude of 4070 meters/13350 feet.
Once we reach the pass, we will take the opportunity to fill our batteries by having a snack and also enjoy the amazing views that this place has to offer. Afterwards, we will begin a 20-minute descent to a well– preserved Inca trail. This lovely path will lead us to a canyon, where you will be pleasantly surprised by a rushing stream flowing at the bottom.
Once here, we can already start taking in the remains of the Inca culture, as you will be able to appreciate the typical Inca architecture and terraces and, last but not least, an Inca gate.
Then we will go deeper in the canyon until we reach an astonishing viewpoint of the Sacred Valley. As we go along this path around the mountain, we will begin to see the Huchuy Qosqo terraces.
We will experience the eerie feeling of passing through the Inca gate, in order to reach the ruins of Huchuy Qosqo, located at an altitude of 3865 meters/12,680 feet.
By this time, it will be lunchtime, so we will find a comfortable spot to rest and have the lunchbox lunch, and then we will have the chance to hear the guide talk about this site that was where the Inca king found refuge from his enemies, during the Cusco attacks.
Once we finish our food, the guide will take us on a full Huchuy Qosqo Tour ruins while he gives us more details and you will be able to take pictures of the most important spots on the site.
Once we are all ready to go, we will begin our descent to the bottom of the valley to Lamay situated at 2990 meters/9800 feet which will see us walking through a dirt road for a total of about 1 and a half hours.
As we reach the end of our Huchuy Qosqo day hike, the vehicle will be waiting to take us to Ollantaytambo. There we will start a train ride of 1 and a half hours with the final destination being Aguas Calientes.
- Distance: 14 km/ 9 miles
- Meals: 1 box lunch and 1 dinner
- Approximate walking time: 5 to 6 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
In the morning, you will have breakfast at the hotel, before taking the bus on a curvy fascinating ride towards Machu Picchu. As we make our way up to the historical sacred site of Machu Picchu, we will be blessed to see the sun rising over this special place, towered by the Andes Mountains.
Our local specialist guides are extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic about sharing this knowledge with you. You will hear a lot about the history and legends of Machu Picchu. This way, the tour of 2 hours will make you relive the exciting and fascinating Inca times and feel the city as it once was.
Surely, you will have plenty of time to take photos of the most interesting parts of the site and of the llamas that usually roam in the background.
But the guide will not be talking all the time and you will have the chance to take photos on your own, before you will get back to Aguas Calientes by bus.
Once we arrive in Aguas Calientes, we will hop on the train to Poroy or Ollantaytambo. From Poroy or Ollantaytambo we will take you in our vehicle to your hotel in Cusco. The time of your arrival back in Cusco depends on your train ticket time, but will generally be between 8– 9pm.
- Meals: Breakfast
What is Included:
- Professional English-speaking guide. Additional guide for groups over 8 people
- Pre-trek briefing at your hotel in Cusco.
- Transportation from your hotel to the trailhead
- Train from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
- Round trip bus ticket from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu on day 2.
- Expedition train from Aguas Calientes to Poroy or to Ollantaytambo.
- Transport by private vehicle from Ollantaytambo or Poroy train station to Cusco.
- Admission Ticket to Huchuy Qosqo and Machu Picchu Archaeological site.
- One-night accommodation in a comfortable hotel in Aguas Calientes (double occupancy)
- 1 box lunch, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast
- Private guided walking tour of Machu Picchu
What is not included:
- Hiking poles (can be rented from us)
- Breakfast on day 1 and lunch on day 2
- Tip for your guide
- Huayna Picchu Mountain permit
- Travel insurance
We recommend that you bring:
- Backpack (if not waterproof bring waterproof backpack cover or a poncho that will cover your backpack)
- Original passport
- Sturdy Hiking boots
- Sun protection: sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Rain poncho or a good rain jacket
- Toiletries / small towel
- Bathing clothes for the hot springs (optional)
PRICE PER PERSON IN USD:
Group: $500
Private: $560
DURATION:
2 Days / 1 Night
AVAILABLE ADD-ONS
- Hiking Pole (pair) – USD: $10 per person
- Return Vistadome Train per person – USD: $60 per person
- Return Hiram Bingham train per person – USD: $400 per person
- Sumaq Machu Picchu hotel (5-star hotel) – USD: $245 per person per night (double occupancy)
- El Mapi Hotel by Inkaterra (4 star hotel) – USD: $115 Per person per night (double occupancy)
- Tierra viva Machu Picchu (3+ star hotel) – USD: $50 per person per night (double occupancy)
- Huayna Picchu Permit – USD: $75 per person
- Single Hotel Room – USD $45 per person
OVERVIEW
- Duration: 2 Days, 1 Night
- Day 1: Cusco – Patabamba – Huchuy Qosqo – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
- Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
- Maximum Altitude: 4,070 m / 13,350 ft
- Hike Total Distance: 14 km / 9 miles
- Overall Trek Difficulty: Moderate
INQUIRE ABOUT THIS EXPERIENCE
WHY WE'RE DIFFERENT
Your Full Satisfaction or Your Money Back
We understand planning a big trip like ours at EAT takes a lot of trust, and we’re here to make sure that trust pays off from the moment you book to the day your adventure wraps up. We’re fully committed to making your experience unforgettable. If something doesn’t go as planned—whether it’s an issue with the service or something unexpected along the way—we’ll step in to fix it.
That even includes offering a refund if needed so you can book with total peace of mind.
Your Peruvian adventure means the world to us, and we’ll go the extra mile to make sure it not only meets but exceeds your expectations. With our satisfaction guarantee, you can relax and focus on taking in all the incredible beauty and culture Peru has to offer.
We Help You Experience Peru Through The Eyes of a Local
We’re 100% locally owned and operated, with guides, porters, and chefs who grew up in the Cusco region. Fluent in Spanish, English, and Quechua, our team brings unmatched cultural and historical knowledge to share with you. Traveling with us means gaining insight into Peru’s traditions, landscapes, and stories from those who know them best.
We Work With Professional Guides Who Provide Exceptional Service
Our guides are the best of the best. Truly skilled experts with at least 5 years of experience, every guide we employ is ready to share their expertise on Peru’s trails, culture, and history. Our porters are no exception. They work hard to make your journey one for the books, while our chefs will prepare you delicious meals along the way. With a 99% recommendation rate, we’re dedicated to making every detail of your trip unforgettable.
We’re Committed to Our Team
Our porters and horsemen are easily the backbone of every trek. That’s why we are fully committed to prioritizing their well-being. We ensure they’re paid above-average wages—higher than those offered by most tour companies—recognizing their hard work and dedication to the team. Beyond fair pay, we truly care for their well-being, providing proper gear, meals, and working conditions so they’re not just safe but comfortable, too.
We Look Out for Our Community
A portion of every trek we sell supports local projects, like helping fund a much-needed school roof in Sacsayhuaman, where many of our team live. For years, children in the area had no nearby school and faced grueling four-hour walks in harsh conditions to get an education. Today, thanks to these contributions, they have a local school, and we continue to donate to its upkeep—because making an impact goes beyond the trek.
We Customize Our Adventures to Suit Your Travel Style
We want every trip to feel like it was made just for you. Whether you’re keen on hiking the famous Inca Trail, exploring lesser-known spots in the Sacred Valley, or tackling our one-of-a-kind Ancashcocha + Inca Trail trek, we’ll plan your adventure to fit your travel style. To keep things personal, we keep group sizes small—and if your group is larger than eight, we’ll bring in an extra guide so no one misses out on the experience.
We Travel with Purpose – Serving the Women, Children, & Men of Peru
Every journey with us has a ripple effect. Your adventure supports ethical tourism, fair wages for porters, and opportunities for female trekkers–many of whom are breaking barriers on the Inca Trail–and children. We’re passionate about creating opportunities for local children to grow up healthy and learn about everything their heart desires. Through initiatives like repairing schools, donating educational materials, and funding projects, we make it a mission to build a brighter future for kids in the Cusco region. Every trek you take with us contributes to this mission. When you book with us, you’re not just exploring Peru; you’re investing in it and setting a standard for all other tourism companies and tourists.
Our Reputation is Built on Trust
Year after year, Eco Andes Trekking has earned top ratings on TripAdvisor and the prestigious Certificate of Excellence. We’ve worked hard for these awards and are proud to see our hard work recognized. Even prouder to know our travelers leave with unforgettable memories and stories worth sharing.
We Travel Sustainably & Responsibly
Peru’s landscapes are magnificent. That’s why we work so hard to protect them. We prioritize sustainable traveling by working with our local communities and employing indigenous guides––thus promoting economic empowerment and preserving cultural heritage. Along the journey, we’ll always encourage travelers to embrace responsible practices as advocates for the environment.
