Huchuy Qosqo Hike to Machu Picchu 3 days

From $477

OVERVIEW

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 a single 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.

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Service Level: Standard-comfortable mid-tier to luxury accommodation. Exclusive modern vehicles with private driver. Homestay with an indigenous family.

Physical Rating: Hike up an incline with moderate difficulty on Day 1. The rest of the days are pretty laid back.

Travel Style: Hiking, trekking, experiential tourism, mid-tier hotel stay (option to upgrade) and private modern vehicles with a chauffeur.

Group Size: Small group experience; Max 12, Avg 5.

huchuy qosqo to machu picchu - Orange Nation Peru

ITINERARY

Your guide will pick you up from your hotel at 6am and we continue on a picturesque route in our private transportation to the village of Patabamba (3,800m/12,467ft), only 1 hour from Cusco. Once we arrive, we start our first hike uphill for the next 3 hours to get to the highest point of the trek (4,200m/13,779ft). From there, we have amazing views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains and valleys. We head down to the village of Pucamarca and spend time at the Inca ruins there. Then, we follow the original Inca trail into the Inca city of Huchuy Qosqo where we have time to explore before hiking to our homestay. Our guide will introduce you to your host family who will show us your room for the night. Enjoy the incredible views of the surrounding areas and the Huchuy Cusco Inca city. As sun begins to set, enjoy an impressive afternoon tea spread with snacks fit for the Queen. Later, we tuck into a scrumptious dinner prepared by our host family! This evening, 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 have a nice breakfast before our guided tour of the Huchuy Qosqo Inca City where you will explore incredible Inca buildings, sacred temples, farming terraces, storehouses and irrigation systems. After you have had time to see everything, we walk downhill for 2 hours to Lamay. Our private van will take us to Urubamba, where we will have lunch.

Next, we head to the ancient site of MORAY, which is a unique site, built prior to the Incas reign for experimental farming. It has different levels of terraces carved into a huge bowl, much like an amphitheater below ground. Each terrace has a different temperature, depending on how deep it is in the basin. Archeologists theorize that here the Inca researched the optimal growing conditions for their crops. After you have time to explore the site, we continue driving towards the colonial town of Maras and to the Pre-Inca Salt Mines (Salineras). Thousands of saltpans have been used for salt extraction since before Inca 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! It is a quite beautiful the array of salt ponds carved into the mountainside.

Then, we 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

After an early breakfast at your hotel, we are ready to get an early bus at 5:30am up to Machu Picchu just in time to witness the sunrise. It is a truly mystical site out of history and not something you’ll want to miss! After enjoying the sunrise your guide will provide a guided tour of Machu Picchu, which takes around two hours. You will see many of the most important parts of Machu Picchu Citadel during your tour.

After the tour, those people that have booked in advance for the extra hike up Huayna Picchu will have time to hike it on their own. When they have had their fill of the incredible views of Machu Picchu, a bus back down to Aguas Calientes will be waiting. Upon arriving at Aguas Calientes lunch is waiting with numerous restaurants to choose from (lunch not included). Depending on your train departure time, there may be some time for shopping, or sightseeing.

The Expedition train will take you back to Ollantaytambo at 2:55pm or 3:20pm, following the spectacular Urubamba River. Close to Aguas Calientes, the canyon is narrow and the river has many beautiful sections of whitewater. Back at 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 Mountain Hike depends on availability and let us know about it at booking time.

Prices

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

Inclusions

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

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)

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.

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EXPERT GUIDES : Our expedition staff are experienced, enthusiastic and among the best in the industry - they are our secret to success

SMALL GROUPS: Travelling with us will always feel like going with friends and not with a group of strangers in an organized tour.

OUR EXPERIENCE: With fifteen years’ experience and over 25 Packages to Machu Picchu alone, our team knows how to deliver a successful expedition.

ENVIRONMENTAL: ENVIRONMENTAL: Education and conservation are our passion. We aim to create lifelong ambassadors for the protection of all wilderness areas.

Travelers' Choice Awards 2022

Excellent based on 280 reviews based on 280 reviews

Triadvisor

Letty C

Excellent worker

Jun. 2023

Joaquín excellent 👍 Very Caballero helped me with my 🎒 offered me oxygen does very well His work ⁇ in singing to Subme to the 🐎 And what a beautiful mountain it cost me to Climb but with the Joaquín's help I did!

Mariana D

A great adventure!

May. 2023

We made 4D / 3N of the Inka Trail. The experience was challenging, but it was worth it. Chef Fortunato's meals and explanations of Jony and David's places were very complete. Tmb the patience to make sure we all get there on time.

malala08

Fast and friendly service

Dec. 2022

We did not get to specify the service due to the political situation in the country, however the company quickly and carefully proceeded with the return. Very good service and when the situation calms down we will resume service with them.

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