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Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu 3 Days / 2 Nights
The Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu 3 Days 2 Nights is an ideal choice for those looking for a more relaxed alternative to the traditional Machu Picchu hike. Over two days, you’ll walk through the serene Urubamba Mountain Range, with stunning views of the Andes and the chance to spot diverse wildlife.
During your trek, you’ll explore the salt mines of Maras, which have been used since Inca times, and the intriguing terraces of Moray, believed to have served as an agricultural laboratory. The final leg of the journey leads you to Machu Picchu, where you can enjoy a peaceful and less crowded visit to this world-renowned site.
This trek is perfect for those who want to experience the beauty and history of the Sacred Valley without the hustle and bustle of the Inca Trail.
Overview
The Huchuy Qosqo Trek is an excellent alternative for those seeking a scenic and less crowded route to Machu Picchu. Over two days, you’ll hike through the beautiful Urubamba Mountain Range, taking in spectacular Andean views and discovering significant Incan sites along the way.
Scenic Trek: Enjoy breathtaking views of the Urubamba Mountain Range and the chance to spot wildlife native to the Andes.
Quieter Route to Machu Picchu: This trek offers a peaceful and less crowded path to Machu Picchu, allowing for a more intimate visit.
Cultural Immersion: Experience the Sacred Valley’s rich cultural history and breathtaking landscapes.
The Huchuy Qosqo Trek offers an unforgettable way to experience Machu Picchu, combining stunning scenery, rich Incan history, and a quieter, more personal journey. It’s perfect for those seeking adventure, culture, and peace away from the crowds.
Itinerary
Itinerary
Pre-trek briefing:
You’ll have a briefing with your guide 1 or 2 days before the Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu 3 Days 2 Nights. Your guide will meet you at your hotel to go over the details and give you a chance to ask any questions before the trek.
Day 1: Cusco – Patabamba – Huchuy Qosqo.
Your Andean adventure begins early at 6:00 am when we pick you up from your hotel and drive you to the village of Patabamba (3,800m/12,467ft), located just an hour from Cusco. Once there, we’ll prepare for a leisurely 3-hour uphill hike, reaching the trek’s highest point at 4,200m/13,779ft.
From this vantage point, enjoy sweeping views of snow-capped mountains and valleys. Afterward, we’ll descend into the village of Pucamarca, where we’ll take time to explore the ancient Inca ruins.
Continuing on, we’ll follow a section of the original Inca Trail, which will lead us to the historical Huchuy Qosqo ruins. Here, we’ll have time to explore the site before heading to our homestay for the night. You’ll be welcomed by a local family, who will guide you to your room and the bathroom, which features a proper toilet. From the homestay, enjoy stunning views of the surrounding valleys and the Inca city itself.
Later in the day, unwind with afternoon tea before joining the family for a traditional dinner. Afterward, step outside to enjoy a sky full of stars, free from city light pollution, and learn about the Inca constellations from your guide.
Day 2: Huchuy Qosqo – Ollantaytambo – Aguas calientes.
We’ll start the day bright and early with a delicious breakfast at our family homestay. You’ll be amazed by the incredible food prepared by the chef, right in the heart of the mountains! After breakfast, your expert guide will lead you on a fascinating tour of the Huchuy Qosqo archaeological site. As you explore, your guide will share the rich history of the site while you take in stunning views of the surrounding valleys.
Next, we’ll embark on a 2-hour descent towards the town of Lamay (2,941m/9,649ft) in the Sacred Valley, where we’ll stop for a satisfying lunch. Once we’re well-nourished, our private transport will be ready to take us to Ollantaytambo (2,792m/9,160ft). Here, we’ll have a brief yet enriching tour of this magical, mysterious town, known as the last intact Inca town that still exists today. Wander through its cobbled streets and marvel at its ancient structures.
After exploring Ollantaytambo, you’ll board the train bound for Aguas Calientes. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the afternoon at your leisure. You can visit the relaxing hot springs or stroll through the charming town before savoring a delicious dinner at the best local restaurant. Be sure to rest up early, as tomorrow promises another exciting day, with an early start to catch the first rays of the sun at Machu Picchu.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: hotel
Maximum Altitude: 3500m
Minimum Altitude: 2040m
walking distance: 8km approx.
Difficulty: Easy.
Day 3: Aguas calientes – MachuPicchu – Ollantaytambo – Cusco.
On the final day of your adventure, you’ll wake up early to visit one of the Seven Wonders of the World: Machu Picchu. At 5:30 am, we will head directly to the line to catch the first buses to the site.
We will arrive at the entrance as the sky begins to brighten, then ascend to the top of Machu Picchu, soaking in the breathtaking views of the ancient city. On a clear morning, the sunrise over Machu Picchu is truly magnificent, making for an unforgettable moment.
Your guide will take you on a 2-3 hour tour, where you’ll explore highlights such as the Temple of the Sun, the Royal Palace, the Main Temple, the Temple of the Three Windows. This will be an unforgettable experience.
If you’ve booked a hike to Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain, you’ll need to coordinate with your guide based on your scheduled mountain entry time. For those not hiking the mountains, there are other optional activities you can enjoy (not included in the price).
In the afternoon, you’ll head to the Aguas Calientes train station for your return journey to Ollantaytambo. Once there, you’ll be transferred by car back to your hotel in Cusco.
Meals: Breakfast.
Lowest Elevation: 2,040 m/ 6,691 ft.
Highest Elevation: 2,440 m/ 8,052 ft.
Difficulty: Easy.
Includes
Included
Briefing at our office the night before the trek
Pick up from your hotel on the morning of the trek
Entry fee to Machu Picchu
Entry to Huchuy Qosqo
Guided tour of Machu Picchu
Homestay with a local family
English-speaking professional tour guide
Meals as indicated in the itinerary (vegetarian options upon request)
2 Bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu and return
Round-trip train ticket (Expedition service) from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes
Private transport from Ollantaytambo to your hotel in Cusco
Hotel in Aguas Calientes with private bathroom, hot shower, phone, storage, Wi-Fi, and breakfast included
Snack pack for the trek
Water for the trek
Local Andean music and entertainment during homestay
Support staff (porters and cooks, if applicable)
First Aid kit including emergency oxygen bottle
Emergency communication system (satellite phone) for safety.
Not Included:
Flighs.
Hotel before/after trek
Lunch and dinner on the last day
Sleeping bags.
Walking Stick.
Entrance to hot springs
Machu Picchu or Huayna Picchu Mountain.
Travel Insurance (required).
Tip for your Guide and Horseman.
What you need to take:
Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu 3Days 2 Nights is like any other high altitude trek, so it is essential to be well prepared. As it begins in the dead of night morning, consider to pack the following Items:
Original passport
Light day pack with a change of clothes for the entire trek
Rain gear (jacket and pants or rain poncho)
Sturdy, waterproof trekking boots
Sandals or slip-on shoes for camp
Warm clothing for cold evenings and mornings
Headlamp or flashlight
Hat or cap (for sun, rain, and cold)
Sunblock (SPF 30 or higher) and insect repellent (20% DEET)
After-sun or hydrating cream
Toilet paper (pack in, pack out)
Snacks (energy bars, biscuits, chocolate, raw fruits, muesli, etc.)
Water sterilizing tablets
Personal medical kit
Bathers/swimsuit (if swimming in hot springs)
Cash for tips, souvenirs, drinks, or snacks
Walking sticks/poles
Camera or smartphone for photos
Extra zip-lock bags for trash
Tissues or wet wipes
Extra pair of socks
Travel insurance
Lightweight, quick-dry towel
Sunglasses with UV protection
Prices
The Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu 3 Days 2 Nights is available to depart any day of the week, from March through January. Please note that we do not operate this itinerary in February due to the rainy season and necessary maintenance of the route.
Group Price:$479USDPer person
*** This tour requires a minimum of 2 participants to operate, with a maximum group size of 8 to ensure a more personalized and enjoyable experience..
Important: Price includes up to 6 kilos of your personal belongings to be carried by the mules (NO need of extra Porter hire!).
Discounts:
18 to 25 years old: $25 USD Information required on student card: name of university, student name, photo of student, expiration date etc. A copy of the card is required at booking for government approval for discount.
Under 18 years old: $25 USD Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
Under 11 years old: $30 USD Please send us a copy of your passport at the time of booking.
Optional Extras (Need to Book in Advance):
Machu Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 75.00 (Need to book in advance).
Huayna Picchu Mountain climbing: USD 75.00 (Need to book in advance).
Upgrades:
Hotel Upgrades:
Inka terra (5 star hotel) – US $480 per person per night (double occupancy).
Hotel el Mapi (4 star hotel) – US $145 per person per night (double occupancy).
Santuario Hotel (3+ star hotel) – US $65 per person per night (double occupancy).
Train Upgrades:
Vistadome train -US $65 for trip from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo.
Hiram Bingham train (deluxe) -US $585 for trip from Aguas Calientes to Poroy.
Rentals:
Hiking poles – US$15.00.
Terms & Conditions
By booking or participating in a tour and any related products or services (a “Tour”) with Cusco Journeys, you agree to these Terms & Conditions.
Booking:
Your booking is confirmed and a contract exists when the Tour Operator or your travel agent issues a written confirmation after receipt of the applicable deposit amount. Please check your confirmation carefully and report any incorrect or incomplete information to the Tour Operator or authorized agent immediately. Please ensure that names are exactly as stated in the relevant passport.
You will pay a deposit which is completely non-refundable in any situation. There are no exceptions.
You will be required to show the original passport (not a copy) that you booked with, at the checkpoint to enter the Inca Trail. If you originally booked with an old passport and then renewed your passport, you must also bring your expired passport along with your new, valid passport to permit entry or they will refuse your entrance to the trail.
The only acceptable ID to receive a Student Discount is your University Card with a clear expiration date that must be the same year as trek. IDs with expiry dates the following year, even though clearly valid, will not be accepted by the Peruvian government. You must submit a copy of this card at time of booking.
Cancellations:
Cancellations: In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 40% is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing (we do not accept medical notes of any kind) as our out of pocket expenses are non-refundable to us.. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
ONCE BOOKED, DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. CHART BELOW OUTLINES WHAT FURTHER FEES WILL BE DUE.
Cancellation By
Terms
91 days or more before departure
we will retain 50% of your deposit.
90 – 30 days before departure
we will retain 75% of the total tour cost.
29 – 0 days before departure
we will retain 100% of the total tour cost.
Inca Trail Tours:
Permits: Permits for the Inca Trail are in your name and can not be transferred to anyone else under any circumstances. Change of dates is also not possible once a permit has been purchased. Permits are non-refundable and non-transferable. The deposit will be forfeited. Please note that this is a regulation of the Peruvian government and not Cusco Journeys (or any agency).
In extreme cases when the “Inca Trail to Machu Picchu” is declared closed for safety reasons, Cusco Journeys will replace your trek with an alternative trek.
Those who booked PERMITS with a Student ID must bring that ID with them on the trek. If they fail to show this card to the Park Rangers, they will not be allowed entry onto the trail.
Medical Information:
You must advise Cusco Journeys of any medical problems or allergies you may have. You need to be in good physical health, and if your health is questionable, then you should consult a doctor. If you are over the age of 70 years old, then you will need to present us with a current good health medical certificate.
You are responsible for assessing whether a Tour is suitable for you. You should consult your physician to confirm your fitness for travel and participation in any planned activities. You should seek your physician’s advice on vaccinations and medical precautions. The Tour Operator does not provide medical advice. It is your responsibility to assess the risks and requirements of each aspect of the Tour based on your own unique circumstances, limitations, fitness level and medical requirements.
Cusco Journeys reserves the right to deny you permission to travel or participate in any aspect of a Tour at any time and at your own risk and expense where the Tour Operator determines that your physical or mental condition renders you unfit for travel or you represent a danger to yourself or others.
Pregnancy is considered a medical condition and must be disclosed to the Tour Operator at the time of booking. The Tour Operator may refuse to carry pregnant women over 24 weeks. The Tour Operator may refuse to carry anyone with certain medical conditions if reasonable accommodation or alternatives cannot be arranged.
It is strongly encouraged to purchase Travel Insurance to protect you in case of medical emergency or any tour cancellations.
Tours and Treks:
All balances need to be paid in either cash, Western Union, Transfer Bank or PayPal (in full) prior to the briefing which will be held the night before your tour. Visa incurs a 5% service fee and if you need to use another card, it must be through PayPal which incurs a 5.5% service fee. You must advise your guide if you wish to leave the group or the camping area for independent walks or sightseeing. If you are experiencing any problems with the services of the guide or tour, please advise the guide in that moment, so that he can resolve any problems.
All Adventure Treks include transportation to Cusco. The return train route depends on train availability.
If you become ill or injured on the trail and are unable to continue, a porter will be provided to accompany you back to an area with emergency assistance capabilities. Helicopter air lifts and medical assistance are at the expense of the trekker. If you are unable to complete the tour due to illness, we will assist you in meeting your group at Machu Picchu to recommence your tour at that point. There will be no refund of the original payment. However, we will prepare a document to certify illness which can be presented for your travel insurance.
Cusco Journeys will take all reasonable care in providing to our clients avoidance of accident, illness, and loss of personal property, and will only employ suitably qualified staff. We accept responsibility for the actions of our own employees. Cusco Journeys cannot, however, be responsible for any action of third parties. You are totally responsible for your own personal property and rented equipment.
Cusco Journeys does not take responsibility for unfavorable weather conditions, natural catastrophe, strikes, accidents, illness, injury, loss of personal ítems, etc. It is the client’s responsibility to carry insurance to cover these types of events. We reserve the right to modify or cancel the program due to any of the unforeseen conditions listed above.
Cusco Journeys may modify your itinerary where reasonably required in its sole discretion.
Group tours might be as large as 16 participants. Groups are open to everyone no matter skill or age. By accepting a Group Tour you acknowledge that others might change the speed and timing of the tour.
All tours are done in English.
Delays:
Any costs, whether direct or incidental, incurred by the Customer as the result of delays caused by bad weather, trail conditions, river levels, road conditions, transportation delays, sickness, government intervention or other contingencies which are beyond the control of southern explorations will not be reimbursed.
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