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Huchuy Qosqo Hike to Machu Picchu 3 days

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Our Huchuy Qosqo Hike is one of the shortest and least demanding treks to Machu Picchu. We have designed a unique package jam packed with enticing surprises. Look forward to just one full day of trekking, with the rest being a relaxed affair of exploration by private transportation and train. The picturesque hike follows a path that hugs the mountains side with stunning views of snow covered mountain tops, exotic vegetation that grows abundantly in this regions fertile soil and a sweeping view of the entire Sacred Valley of the Incas. The first night´s accommodation is spent in an isolated village, so you can fully immerse yourself in an untainted indigenous culture of Peru. Our homestay is conveniently located close to the seldom visited Inca site of Huchuy Qosqo, “Little Cusco”.

Our specially designed trip, includes three of the most popular destinations in the Sacred Valley, the Archeological site of Ollantaytambo, home to the last and hardest fought battles between the Inca Empire and the Spanish conquistadors, the experimental farming archeological site of Moray and the even more impressive Pre-Inca Maras Salt  Mines. The tour culminates with a 2 hour guided tour of the iconic and incomparable Archeological site of Machu Picchu.

 

From

$477

/per person

3 Days / 2 Nights
Duration
Type
Cusco
Location
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Trip Details

Full Itinerary

Your guide will pick you up from your hotel at 6am and then continue on a picturesque route in our private van to the village of Patabamba (3,800m/12,467ft), located just 1 hour away from Cusco.

Once we arrive at the start point of our trek, we will begin an uphill climb. After 3 hours we will reach the highest point of the trek (4,200m/13,779ft). From there, we will have amazing views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains and valleys.

Drink in the view and marvel at your own accomplishments for a moment. Then we will continue hiking, eventually reaching the village of Pucamarca, where we will see our first set of Inca Ruins.

From here, we will join an original Inca Trail, hiking it for the rest of the day, before arriving to our homestay. The homestay is in a tiny pueblito deep in the mountains.

Once you have been introduced to your host family, they will show you to your room for the night. The accommodation is basic, as this is how families in rural areas really live. It will be a great opportunity to really experience authentic Peruvian culture- and to see the mountains in a way that tourists rarely do.

As sun begins to set, we will indulge in an impressive afternoon tea spread with snacks fit for the King. A little later, we will tuck into a scrumptious dinner prepared by our host family.

Be sure to head outside in the evening, where you will enjoy endless stars uninterrupted by light pollution. Our guide will teach us about the Inca constellations and the many things they were used for.

  • Meals: Picnic Lunch – Afternoon Tea – Dinner
  • Accommodation: Homestay at a local family’s home with a flushing toilet
  • Distance: 13kms/8 miles approximately
  • Difficulty: Moderate

We will share a final meal with our host family before heading off to Huchuy Qosqo, the Inca City hidden from view. We will explore incredible Inca buildings, sacred temples, farming terraces, storehouses and irrigation systems.

Once you have seen and learnt everything that you wish to learn, we will start the 2 hour downhill walk to the village of Lamay. In Lamay, we will meet our driver who whisks us away to Urubamba– our lunch spot.

After lunch we will head over to the archeological site of Moray. It is an interesting slice of history, thought to have been built for experimental farming. It has different terrace levels carved into a huge bowl, much like an amphitheater below ground.

After you have explored Moray, we continue driving towards the colonial town of Maras and to the Pre-Inca Salt Mines (Salineras). Where thousands of saltpans have been used for salt extraction, dating back to pre-Incan times.

A hot spring at the top of the valley discharges a small stream of heavily salt laden water, which flows into over 3,000 ponds and after the water evaporates a pure salt is produced. This is one of the few places in the world where you can find naturally pink salt!

We will continue to Ollantaytambo, where we will explore the quaint and authentic Inca City of Ollantaytambo. In the afternoon, we will take the train to Aguas Calientes and spend the night in our hotel.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • 2* Accommodation: Inti Punku Tambo or Wiracocha Inn Hotel
  • Distance: 7kms/4.3 miles approximately
  • Difficulty: Easy

We will have an early start today, so grab some breakfast in your hotel and get ready to catch the 5:30am bus up to Machu Picchu. This gives you time to watch the sunrise in the magical citadel- the perfect way to start your Machu Picchu tour.

If you have an advanced booking for one of the peaks in the citadel (either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain) you will have time to complete the hike after the conclusion of your guided tour. Once you have had your fill of the citadel (either up the mountains or on the ground) you are free to head back down to Aguas Calientes using the shuttle bus.

Once you arrive in Aguas Calientes you are free to explore as you wish, grab some lunch at one of the many restaurants (not included), visit the market for some souvenirs, or if there’s time, take a dip in the natural hot springs that gave the town its name.

The Expedition train will take you back to Ollantaytambo at 2:55pm or 3:20pm. Be sure to watch the mountains and the Urubamba river from out the window. When you arrive in Ollantaytambo, your driver will meet you at the exit from the train station to take you back to your hotel in Cusco in our private van. You can expect to arrive at your hotel about 7:00pm.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Difficulty: Easy

***IMPORTANT:

  • You can upgrade to the Vistadome Train for the same times, 2:55pm or 3:20pm, 4:22pm, or 4:43pm. The cost is $57 USD.
  • Early trains can be organized by requested and it has to be done by booking time.
  • The Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain hikes are subject to availability. Please advise us at the time of booking.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE HUCHUY QOSQO HIKE TO MACHU PICCHU?

  • Transfer from the airport to your hotel
  • Briefing at our office the night before the trek
  • Transfer to and from your hotel for the trek
  • All transfers in our van only for Orange Nation Peru clients
  • Entry ticket 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 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
  • Celebration dinner in Ollantaytambo
  • Hotel in Aguas Calientes with private bathroom and room, hot shower, phone, storage, wifi and breakfast included

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE HUCHUY QOSQO TREK TO MACHU PICCHU?

  • Entrance to Huayna Picchu –$75 USD
  • Walking Poles –$15 USD
  • First breakfast and last lunch
  • Hotels before and after the trek
  • Travel insurance
  • Flight tickets
  • Upgrade to Vista Dome Train –$57 USD (For the return to Cusco (Poroy) at 4:43pm).
  • Optional upgrade – Hotel in Aguas Calientes
  • Tips for the crew, and guide of ORANGE NATION

The Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu can be done any day that is best for you, as long as we have a minimum of 2 trekkers!

No. OF PEOPLE PRICE
2 to 12 people $ 477 USD per person

All-inclusive package, hiking, cultural tour, homestay in the community with locals, plus Machu Picchu. We include all of the entrance tickets!

DISCOUNTS

  • Under 18 years old: $30 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
  • Under 11 years old: $40 USD. Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
  • Group of 5 or more: $30 USD. – All you need is to book the trek together at the same time.

EXTRAS

  • Optional Hotel upgrade
  • Upgrade to Vistadome train for the way back: $57 USD per person. (For the return to Poroy at 4:43pm )
  • Entrance to Huayna Picchu –$75 USD
  • Walking Poles –$15 USD
  • Hotel single supplement –$35 USD  solo traveler

ADDED VALUES FOR FREE

  • OXYGEN TANK will be available along the trek
  • SMALL GROUP up to 12 people, usually around 2 to 6 hikers
  • ENGLISH SPEAKING guide
  • EARLY TRAIN for the way back to Cusco
  • TOURS OF MORAY, SALT MINES AND OLLANTAYTAMBO ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE

WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING THE HUCHUY QOSQO TREK TO MACHU PICCHU?

  • 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
  • Wool socks, gloves, scarf, wool hat for cold nights
  • Insect repellent
  • Waterproof clothing or a rain poncho
  • Reusable water bottles (please do not bring disposable ones)
  • 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)
Huchuy Qosqo Hike to Machu Picchu 3 days
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Why travel with Orange Nation Peru?

We have become the leaders in small group adventure travel over the past three decades by consistently listening to our travelers and delivering what they desire: adaptable itineraries, the freedom to explore, smaller group sizes, safety and peace of mind, and knowledgeable local guides who provide unique insights into the destination that would be missed through any other means of travel.

Authentic and personalized experiences

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Forget generic tours. With Orange Nation, you can create a tailor-made itinerary with the level of adventure, culture, or relaxation you choose.

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Travelers' Choice
2025

5.0

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Jaffet hasan c

The guys were very efficient throughout the trip and attentive when we arrived at the campsite. The kitchen service was super delicious , the food quality and healthy, dishes suitable for people (vegans) and a buffet that has nothing to envy others.
Their kindness and efficiency are greatly appreciated for this journey to the Inca Way.

Written June 22, 2025

Friends

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Glen

We had a great experience doing the 4d3n Inca Trail. Our porters were so hard working and made sure our tents and equipment were always ready for us. The chef Mario was outstanding and prepared restaurant quality vegetarian food everyday. Our guide Carlos made the trip exceptional, always making sure we were informed and making sure we were all enjoying the trail. He went above and beyond to encourage me when I was unwell. He made the trip the best ever. A beautiful and wonderful trek.

Written July 14, 2025

Family

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Kendall C

Hiking the Short Inca Trail was hands-down one of the highlights of my entire trip to Peru. This trek is the perfect option if you want a taste of the iconic Inca Trail without committing to the full 4-day hike.

From the moment we started the hike at KM 104 Carlos our guide was amazing and patient. we were surrounded by breathtaking mountain views, lush cloud forests, and fascinating Inca ruins. The trail itself is moderately challenging—expect a steady incline, stone steps, and a bit of cardio—but it’s absolutely doable for anyone with a decent fitness level. The sense of accomplishment when you reach the Sun Gate (Inti Punku) and get your first glimpse of Machu Picchu is

Written July 8, 2025

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