The Huchuy Qosqo Trek offers a path through Inca sites and Andean areas. Travelers move across high areas in the Andes, seeing local ways of life and natural settings. This trip ends at Machu Picchu, a major Inca location.
People on this trek pass by small communities where residents grow crops like corn and potatoes. The route includes high points with views of snow-covered mountains. Guides explain the history of these places.
This adventure lasts 2 days and 1 night. It suits groups of up to 8 individuals. The highest point reaches 3750 meters above sea level. Transportation involves vans, private vehicles, and trains.
Participants experience moderate physical demands. The trek covers about 16 kilometers on the first day. It combines walking with rides to different spots.
The journey starts from Cusco and heads to various locations. It includes stops at Huchuy Qosqo, the Sun Gate, Ollantaytambo, Aguas Calientes, and Machu Picchu. The order can vary slightly for each group.
Expert guides lead the way, speaking multiple languages. They share details about Andean traditions and geography. Our agency owns the private transportation, driven by trained professionals.
A representative from Peru Qantu Adventures monitors the entire schedule. This ensures smooth progress. Foods provided use local organic ingredients from natural sources. Options for international dishes exist, but may add costs; consult our reservations team for details.
Day 1: Cusco – Tauca – Huchuy Qosqo – Ollantaytambo – Aguas Calientes
Day 2: Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu – Cusco
The tour starts at 6:00 a.m. with pickup from your hotel in Cusco using our agency-owned private transportation driven by highly trained professionals. You travel to Tauca at 3750 meters, where the hike begins on flat ground through valleys with crops like corn, quinoa, and potatoes.
As you climb to the pass at 4050 meters, the area shifts to high Andean grass lands. Views include snow peaks such as Veronica, Pitusiray, Chicon, and San Juan. Our expert guide, experienced in leading travelers from around the world in several languages, points out these features.
After the pass, descend toward the Cauca Ravine. Here, you see Inca sites and wild plants used in Andean traditions for food, still eaten by locals today, like tarwi, along with many cacti. The path leads downhill.
Next, head to the Leon Punku ravine with remains of an Inca bridge and trail. Geological formations surround the area with large rocks guiding a small river to Huchuy Qosqo at 3650 meters. This Inca site features fine stonework, a large rectangular hall, living areas, and two-story buildings in stone and adobe.
Surrounded by agricultural terraces, it offers views of the Vilcabamba range. Your guide, with wide knowledge of tourist routes, provides a detailed explanation of its history. A Peru Qantu Adventures representative stays aware of your progress throughout.
Then, proceed downhill to Lamay at 2900 meters. Catch our private transportation to Ollantaytambo. Enjoy dinner at a restaurant. Board the train to Aguas Calientes; passengers can choose PeruRail (with Expedition service for standard comfort) or Inca Rail (for similar views but different schedules). Check into the hotel, perhaps explore the town or rest.
Meals: Picnic lunch and dinner. Hiking: 7 hours, 16 kilometers. Accommodation: Hotel Ferre Machu Picchu or similar 3-star.
Begin with breakfast at the hotel. Take an early bus to Machu Picchu to see the sunrise. This Inca site amazes with its structure. The guide, expert in directing global visitors in multiple languages, leads a 2-hour tour covering agricultural, residential, and religious sectors, with thorough details on the routes.
After the tour, enjoy the views. Then, bus back to Aguas Calientes for lunch (not provided). Depending on train time, shop, sightsee, or visit the museum or hot springs. For extra hikes like Huayna Picchu, done without guide unless requested.
The train departs at 2:55 p.m. or 3:20 p.m., following the Urubamba River through narrow canyons with whitewater sections. Look for Wiñay Wayna on the canyon wall. Passengers select PeruRail (Expedition for basic ride, or upgrade to Vistadome for panoramic windows and snacks) or Inca Rail (standard service with river views).
At Ollantaytambo, our driver meets you for private transportation back to Cusco in agency-owned vehicle. Expect arrival at your hotel by 7:00 p.m. A representative from Peru Qantu Adventures tracks the itinerary at all times.
Meals: Breakfast. Entrance: Machu Picchu tickets.
6:00 a.m. hotel pickup → 1 h 45 min scenic drive → Tauca village (3,750 m). You step out onto a sun-lit plateau where Quechua farmers wave from cornfields. Your guide hands you a walking pole, snaps the group photo, and boom—boots on ancient soil. Zero crowds, 100 % goosebumps.
7 hours, 16 km, 300 m net climb → pure postcard overload.
You wander a 600-year-old “hidden” Inca palace at 3,650 m.
YES—Ollantaytambo’s best organic restaurant, linen napkins, zero camping plates.
Pick your vibe at booking:
5:00 a.m. breakfast → 5:25 a.m. first bus → 5:50 a.m. gate. Golden light spills over the citadel while cruise-ship crowds are still snoring. Your guide whispers “turn around” → postcard moment forever burned in your camera.
YES—$75 add-on, 200 spots/day.
100 % your choice in Aguas Calientes:
2:55 p.m. or 3:20 p.m.—you pick.
Private van, leather seats, Wi-Fi, cold water.
72 h pre-game + trail ninja kit:
FREE secure storage at our Cusco office (24 h guard + CCTV).
Snap a photo → send → save:
YES—moderate spice, not extreme.
Andean mood swings 101:
Weather Patterns
In Cusco and along the trek, days start cool around 5-10 degrees Celsius in mornings, warming to 15-20 in afternoons. Rain occurs more from November to March, with dry conditions May to September. I once got caught in a sudden shower near Huchuy Qosqo, so always carry a poncho.
| Month | Average High (°C) | Average Low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
| January | 19 | 7 | 160 |
| July | 18 | 0 | 10 |
Local People and Culture
People in Andean communities are welcoming, often speaking Quechua alongside Spanish. They farm terraces and weave textiles. Respect by asking before photos. A local shared stories of Inca traditions during a stop, making the trip feel connected.
Typical Foods
Meals feature potatoes, quinoa, and corn from local fields. Try aji de gallina or lomo saltado. Organic veggies are common. For cheap eats, visit markets in Ollantaytambo for empanadas at $2-3. International spots in Aguas Calientes cost more, around $10-15.
Free Places to Visit
In Aguas Calientes, walk the river paths without fees. The Manuel Chavez Ballon Museum near Machu Picchu entrance is free with ticket, showing artifacts. In Cusco, explore plazas like San Blas for views.
Affordable Eating Spots
Look for set menus in local eateries in Ollantaytambo, offering soup and main for $5. In Aguas Calientes, street vendors sell fresh fruits cheaply. Avoid tourist traps; ask guides for spots with home-cooked Andean dishes.
Dressing Year-Round
Wear layers: thermal base, fleece, waterproof jacket. Sturdy boots for paths. In summer (December-March), lighter pants; winter (June-August), add gloves and hat for nights below freezing. Sunglasses and hat protect from sun all year.
Physical Effort and Health Needs
The trek demands moderate fitness for 7 hours walking, with ascents to 4050 meters. Train by hiking hills. Health-wise, no major issues if acclimatized; check for heart conditions. Drink water, use sunscreen. I felt tired on descents but recovered with rests.
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