Huchuy Qosqo plus Short Inca Trail and Machupicchu is designed for travelers who want that remains off the beaten path. This is an excellent 4-day alternative to the Inca Trail and offers the chance to see a lovely Inca complex and little traveled parts of the Andes and the Sacred Valley. Finally, the way leads us to Ollantaytambo, from where we take the train to km104 to start hiking the Inca trail to Machupicchu.
Departure & Return Location:
Hotel Cusco.
Departure Time:
Pick up from your hotel (4:00 am – 4:30 am).
Return Time:
Hotel Cusco (7:00 pm – 8:00 pm)
Huchuy Qosqo plus Short Inca Trail – 4 Days highlights:
Huchuy Qosqo (pronounced Oh-chee Cusco), which means ‘Small Cusco’ or ‘Little Cusco’ in Quechua, is an Inca archaeological site located 3,600m above sea level, north of Cusco and above the town of Lamay (3,000m) in the Sacred Valley.
Huchuy Qosqo is situated in the Andes Mountain range north of Cusco. The royal estate is situated above the Sacred Valley, also known as the Urubamba Valley. Lamay, about an hour’s drive from Cusco, is a favorite starting location for many Huchuy Qosqo hikes.
The site is said to have been created during the time of the eighth Incan ruler, Viracocha, and was initially known as Kakya Qawani. It was just Huchuy Qosqo who survived in the twentieth century.
Like many Inca sites in the Cusco area, the monument was severely destroyed during the 1500s. Today, one can still see the various terraces surrounding the site and traces of a kallanka (great hall) that would have been 40m long and an Incan irrigation canal that would have brought natural spring water to the site.
The site is only accessible by foot or horseback; however, there is a dirt road that extends from Lamay to a viewpoint approximately 150m from ruins that may be accessed by automobile.
Moderate
You’ll have the opportunity to feel like a true explorer as you explore Peru’s massive landscapes. Stopping to capture all of the beautiful sights, the climb will most likely take up the majority of your day. The landscape will take your breath away on a sunny day, and We guarantee this experience will be worthwhile.
The dry season is the best time to go on a Huchuy Qosqo trip (May- November). However, you may hike to Huchuy Qosqo all year. However, we recommend that you avoid the wet months of January to March.
A non-refundable deposit (varies depending on tour) is payable from the Client to Huaynas Expeditions when reserving any Product. If the reservation is made 7 days or fewer before departure, full payment is required at the time of booking. Depending on the original booking method, the client should send the non-refundable deposit to Huaynas Expeditions or the authorized Agent through whom they made their reservation.
A pre-tour briefing is given to you, ideally two days before the start of the trek. This is comprehensive information on the tour schedule, required gear, altitude, weather, etc. Questions and concerns will be clarified so that you fully comprehend the tour schedule.
It is strongly suggested to be progressively acclimatized; thus, you should arrive in Cusco 2 days previous to trek departure. Altitude sickness causes you a headache, stomache, hands tingling, etc. There is certain medicine you may take to avoid altitude sickness, for instance acetazalomide; moreover, it is helpful to have coca tea; and hot liquids to not become dehydrated. You must descend as the ultimate emergency if you develop serious altitude sickness.
If your hotel is located in the Historical Center of Cusco, Huaynas Expeditions will pick you up there. Although your guide will schedule the pickup time during the briefing, please be aware that the pickup time could change by up to 20 minutes due to traffic.
Cusco is an ancient city, and there are lots of winding cobblestone streets there. It may be challenging to move luggage to some hotels and Airbnbs because they are situated on car-free streets or long, including inclines. Booking lodging with adequate access is something we strongly advise.
You’ll be given a canvas case or duffel bag during your briefing. Our horses will transport them, and the horsemen will hand them to you as you arrive at each camp. They are 60 x 24 x 22 centimetres (23.6 x 9.45 x 8.66 in).
Each duffel bag can only contain a maximum of 7 kilogrammes (15.4 lb), which includes the weight of your clothing, sleeping bag, and other personal belongings.
Strikes and demonstrations are frequent in Peru, which may stop some of our tours. Roads can be stopped, and train tracks can be taken over. However, we will attempt to keep your vacation as initially planned, even if it means leaving the night before the scheduled date. Under these conditions, trips may potentially be cancelled. In case of changes or cancellations, our operations department will manage everything with you. Your safety is our priority, and our decisions will be taken to protect it.
Because group trips are made up of various persons, physical states and ages may differ. You acknowledge that some persons may be faster or slower than you if you choose to participate in a group trip. As a result, everyone on the road may proceed at their own speed.
It is conceivable that a group may want to change the itinerary; however, after discussing with all participants, the guide will determine if such changes are allowed.
We highly advise you to buy comprehensive travel insurance before departing. A comprehensive travel insurance coverage that covers everything from high-altitude treks to unforeseen trip adjustments is a must-have travel gear. Please remember that your standard medical insurance plan will not cover some possibilities in your own country. We suggest searching for a plan that covers the following coverage:
While we try to be understanding when situations arise, the fact is that Trip Changes and Trip Cancellation incur penalties.
To book the below things in your name, we require a photo of your passport’s bio page (Peruvian Government Requirement). Please keep in mind that each traveler must be aware of the re-entry laws for their place of residence/citizenship. Some nations require a passport valid for 6 months beyond the travel date. Please confirm that your passport is current and meets your country’s and residency standards. We can purchase your flights with an expired passport, but we will require a copy of the current passport as soon as you receive it in order to update your tickets.
Most countries are permitted to obtain a visa at the point of arrival. Only a few nations require visas to be obtained in advance. Please remember that each tourist is responsible for determining whether or not a visa is required before admission. Please remember that tourist visas are usually valid for 90 days or less and require proof of return travel.
Please be aware of where you leave your belongings, and remember to take everything with you once you leave our transportation, tents, or restaurants. You are solely responsible for your items throughout the trip.
Our objective is to provide great treks, tours, and adventure experiences while adhering to environmental, sustainable, ethical, and socially conscious travel practices. We make every effort throughout our excursions to avoid negative affects and enhance benefits to the local people and natural ecosystems we visit. We pay fair, livable rates to ensure that we employ and retain the best guides and support workers. We follow worldwide sustainable tourism criteria and have continuous community projects and charity activities that benefit four or more local Andean villages.
We take pleasure in offering five-star service before, during, and after your vacation. Huaynas Expeditions is committed to providing exceptional customer service and adventure experiences.
When walking over tough mountain terrain at high altitudes in unpredictable weather, it is critical to have the best equipment possible. We supply Mountain Hardwear 4-season tents (3 seasons for Inca Trail because of warmer weather), extra thick mattress mats, dry bags for your overnight gear, and other amenities to ensure a safe and enjoyable trek.
Any hike or tour can be tailored to your travel, fitness, financial, and time constraints. Do you need a journey or tour for a business or work event, a charity organization, or any significant occasion? Get in touch; we can handle everything!
As it should be, our journeys leave nothing but smiles and footprints.
We care about the environment, which is why we reduce, reuse, and recycle. Our equipment is reusable (no paper or plastic plates/cups/utensils), we buy locally and avoid paper/plastic packaging, and we recycle anything we can. This is not the norm in Peru, but we intend to make it so one day soon!
All of our staff are enthusiastic about their jobs. Who wouldn’t want to work in an office surrounded by gorgeous mountains and endless vistas? We are happy to provide our guides and employees with the highest rates in the industry.
We will pick you up early from your hotel and transport you to Tambomachay (3,700 m/ 12,139 ft). Just a short 25-minute drive from Cusco in the Sacsayhuaman National Park, this is where we will meet the horsemen and horses that will accompany us for the first half of our trek.
Our trek begins with a gentle ascent through grassy highlands. Along the route, we will see the Inca site of Tambomachay (“Temple of the Water”). Built by the ancient Incas, it is one of the most spectacular Inca sites around Cusco. Its centerpiece is a beautiful water fountain where the Incas would take a spiritual bath before beginning their religious ceremonies.
A more demanding uphill stretch for 2 ½ hours brings us to the first pass of the day. At an altitude of 4,100 m/13,451 ft you will have an uninterrupted bird’s-eye view of several Inca sites in the area and the city of Cusco far below, so make sure you have your camera at the ready.
We will reach the crystal waters of Lake Qoricocha (Golden Water) by early afternoon, and this is where we will stop for a delicious lunch and even a short siesta if you’d like. After lunch, we continue upwards for just 30 minutes to the next pass on the north side of Qoriquocha at an elevation of 4,200 m/13,779 ft. From here, we begin our descent through spectacular valleys to a beautiful canyon where we will find the picturesque village of Pucamarca (3,980 m/ 13,054 ft).
At the end of the day’s trekking, we will be privileged to camp at one of the Inca ruins at Huchuy Qosqo (3,600 m/ 11,808 ft). As well as having a spectacular view of the Sacred Valley, you will also be able to lay back and star-gaze, as the night skies in the Andes are a wonder all their own!
And of course, our talented kitchen team will prepare a sumptuous dinner for us to share as we sit and reflect on the sights and sounds of the day.
After an early breakfast, our Guide will provide a tour of Huchuy Qosqo. Experts in the local area and the Inca culture, why not take this opportunity to try and catch our guides out with some tricky questions! After the tour, we take a path downhill for 2 to 3 hours until we reach Lamay (3,000 m/ 9,840 ft), where lunch will be waiting.
After lunch, we travel by local van to the bustling town of Ollantaytambo. After checking in to the comfortable hotel that we have booked for you, you may want to stroll around the town, soaking up the atmosphere of the Artesian markets and local street traders who ply their wares.
We will dine together at one of the best restaurants in town (drinks not included) before retiring for the night, ahead of our early start for the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
You will be picked up from your Ollantaytambo hotel at around 5:30 am and taken to the train station. Traveling by train for 2 hours along the most picturesque of routes, you will have the opportunity to see the valley and the mountains from a whole new perspective (and from the comfort of your seat!).
The train journey brings us to KM104 and the start of the Short Inca Trail. Our hike begins with a 3-hour climb to the Inca site of Wiñay Wayna (‘Forever Young’). Located at 2,680m (8,792ft) and overlooking the Urubamba River, the site has several well-preserved house complexes, fountain structures, and agricultural terraces.
Joining the main path to Machu Picchu, another gentle climb brings us to the spectacular ‘Inti Punku’ (or Sun gate). Be prepared to be amazed, as it is from here, that you will get your first breathtaking views of Machu Picchu! (new profile picture anyone?)
We then take the final section of the trail to reach the ancient city itself. Once at Machu Picchu, there will be plenty of time to take photographs (there will be many more opportunities to come!) before we take a side path off the trail to catch the bus down to Aguas Calientes leaving the visit to Machu Picchu for the next day.
In Aguas Calientes, we once again dine together in a superb local restaurant before retiring for a well-deserved rest to feel rested and ready for our grand finale.
The hotel will provide either an early buffet or boxed breakfast to ensure we can take one of the first buses to Machu Picchu. It is a journey of around an hour, and if the weather is in our favor, you may even see the spectacular sunrise over the Andes.
As we enter Machu Picchu, your first up-close views of this new world wonder are guaranteed to be unforgettable! Your guide will give a full 2-hour walking tour of the site, ensuring you get to all of the iconic photo spots. After the tour, you can climb either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountains for more spectacular views (tickets not included) or spend more time exploring the site or finding a quiet spot to reflect on the spiritual nature of this ancient wonder.
Finally, taking the bus back to Aguas Calientes in the afternoon, you will board the expedition train to Poroy or Ollantaytambo. You will travel by private van to Cusco and back to your hotel. Your arrival time in Cusco will depend on traffic and connections but should be around 8 pm.
Note on Itinerary: Please keep in mind that itinerary changes are possible for various reasons (safety, weather, natural phenomena, strikes, etc.). For example, if the weather is extremely bad, the trail may be unsafe, and we may be forced to cancel or change the schedule, or we may be able to substitute another trek/tour instead, depending on the conditions. And we will make it an unforgettable experience!
We also offer a special service only for you or your group, you have the power to choose the size of your group and the date of departure, we will never add other people since it will be organized only for you.
Our Huchuy Qosqo plus Short Inca Trail – 4 Days private service, includes additional items such as:
Our prices for the Huchuy Qosqo plus Short Inca Trail – 4 Days are reasonable and are in different packages with the prices that are handled in the city of Cusco, and discounts will apply automatically for groups of over 5 people when booking this tour together at the same time.
We are a local tour operator that never shares service with any other company in Cusco, most agencies in Cusco share their service to save operating costs with poor quality. We guarantee to make the trip even if there are only 02 people in your group.
Our booking process is simple and you can secure your trip with only a 40% deposit and pay the rest at the destination.
Adult: | USD 800 |
Student: | USD 770 |
Child: | USD 760 |
Infant: | Free |
Adult: | USD 850 |
Student: | USD 820 |
Child: | USD 810 |
Infant: | Free |
Adult: | USD 1120 |
Student: | USD 1090 |
Child: | USD 1080 |
Infant: | Free |
Adult: | USD 880 |
Student: | USD 850 |
Child: | USD 840 |
Infant: | Free |
Adult: | USD 1450 |
Student: | Not available |
Child: | Not available |
Infant: | Not available |
Adult: | USD 1850 |
Student: | Not available |
Child: | Not available |
Infant: | Not available |
*Remember that age is considered at the time of completion of the trip.
We want your vacation to Peru to be as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. This section contains answers to any inquiries regarding going with Huaynas Expeditions. Please read the following information; it will assist you if you have any queries regarding our services.
We have the best and easy booking system; learn here how to book any tour with Huaynas Expeditions.
You’ll pay your remaining balance once you arrive in Cusco and in cash in US dollars or soles (Peruvian currency) to the change of the day. If you prefer payment through PayPal, you’ll be charged an additional 6% due to bank commissions. It is better to pay us with cash because there is no transaction fee.
Of course! During the tour to Machu Picchu, your main luggage can be stored in our office or at your hotel. Both of them are free.
Usually, it is not accepted since the permits, and the train tickets are not allowed to change the date or transfer to another name.
But if you need it, we’ll need to buy new permits and train tickets and the cost you’ll pay for it.
Yes! You must bring your original passport, which must be the same one you sent us at the booking time. Your passport will be checked at Machu Picchu checkpoint and when you board the train.
Updating passport numbers: If you are renewing your passport, go ahead and email us a copy of your old passport to book your Machu Picchu ticket. If you no longer have your old passport, any government issue ID will be accepted, as long as the name is the same. Once you receive your new passport, please email us a copy of your new passport ASAP to change the information about your permits and train tickets.
Yes, you can book your hotel. It will decrease the price of $30 per person. If you decide to book your own hotel, don’t forget to tell us where you plan to stay so our guide will take you there safely.
We receive reservations at least 1 week in advance. However, seats are limited and are always subject to availability. Both the permits for Machu Picchu and the train ticket and permits for the mountains of Machu Picchu and Huayna Picchu are in high demand, sometimes selling out months in advance. For this reason, we recommend that you make your reservation as far in advance recommendable 2 or 3 months in advance.
The Expedition and Vistadome categories offer comfortable leather seats and include a snack and hot or cold drink per person. The first and main difference between both categories is that the Vistadome train has windows on the roof of the cars, which allows a panoramic view of the outside. The second difference is that the Vistadome train offers entertainment services on board, such as typical dances and parades.
If you want to get the student discount, the following requirements must be met:
The university card must meet the following requirements:
If you meet the requirements above, you will get the following discount:
All students have to send a copy of their passport and student card at the time of booking to get the student discount.
Tipping is not required, but it is appreciated if you are satisfied with the services. Even though it might not be familiar in your country, the people who will look after you during the tour place a lot of importance on it. Many Huaynas Expeditions’ destinations encourage top-notch service and are a foundational aspect of the travel and tourism sector. It’s up to you how much to tip based on how well you thought out the tour and how long it lasted. Remember that leaving a tip is optional and should only be done if you receive first-class service.
Yes, Huaynas Expeditions is a local sustainable & responsible tourism operator; for that, we incorporate the universal principles of tourism: protect the environment and benefit the local communities by respecting their culture and religion. With this in mind, we have trained all our staff to know, understand and appreciate the local places and their people.
Our guides make us so happy! Their English is excellent, and they are extremely professional. They have a great deal of knowledge and love for the history and heritage of the Incas. Constant professional and personal growth is a priority for our tour guides. They conduct research to make sure that the Inca and Andean cultural theories you are given are accurate and widely accepted. Our team members are smart, athletic, and fun-loving. All of them have academic backgrounds in archaeology, tourism, botany, history, or anthropology.
You should have at least 48 hours or more in Cusco. It’s recommended to enjoy these days in the city of Cusco and in the Sacred Valley.
When making plans for a long-awaited dream journey, choosing the right travel agency or tour operator is the most crucial option you will make. Initially, some businesses might appear more affordable. But if you dig a bit further, you’ll discover why booking with Huaynas Expeditions ensures that your trip will be as remarkable as it can be.
All our Tours & Treks are provided only by Huaynas Expeditions staff and professional guides. That means Huaynas Expeditions will never pass you on to another company or 3rd Party.
Our staff comprises tourism industry veterans eager to share their expertise and serve the passenger. They are prepared to show you the best of Cusco and Peru with their extensive knowledge.
We are a travel agency committed to providing the best tourism services and are eager to help you explore the numerous natural and archaeological treasures found in every region of the nation.
Find excursions and activities that astonish you, then reserve them. You’ll be overjoyed when the tour is over and eager to tell your friends about your fantastic trip to Peru. Choose us for your ideal vacation.