Embark on an unforgettable 3-day journey through the heart of the Sacred Valley on this spectacular trek to the ancient Inca site of Huchuy Qosqo, meaning "Little Cusco." This moderate adventure takes you through stunning Andean landscapes, past the mystical Lake Qoricocha, and along ancient Inca trails to reach one of the region's most impressive and least-visited archaeological sites. After exploring the remarkably preserved ruins with their distinctive multi-story buildings and agricultural terraces, descend through the Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo and continue to Aguas Calientes for your guided tour of Machu Picchu. This trek offers the perfect combination of cultural immersion, natural beauty, and world-class archaeology for adventurers seeking an authentic Peruvian experience away from the crowds.
Discover "Little Cusco" and Machu Picchu
The Huchuy Qosqo & Machu Picchu 3 Days / 2 Nights trek is a captivating journey through the heart of the Sacred Valley. This moderate adventure combines the mystical beauty of Lake Qoricocha, the archaeological wonders of Huchuy Qosqo, and the iconic splendor of Machu Picchu.
Experience dramatic Andean landscapes, traverse ancient Inca trails, camp under pristine mountain skies, and explore two magnificent archaeological sites that showcase the ingenuity of the Inca civilization. This trek offers an authentic off-the-beaten-path experience with the perfect culmination at the world-famous Machu Picchu.
Your adventure begins with an informative briefing at 5:00 p.m. the evening before departure at our Cusco office. Meet your guide, review the itinerary, and get all your questions answered about the trek ahead.
We pick you up from your hotel in Cusco and drive to Tambomachay (3,700m), an impressive Inca site known for its sophisticated water fountains and channels. Here we begin our trek.
After a brief exploration of Tambomachay's sacred water temples, we begin our trek ascending through beautiful Andean landscapes. The trail offers stunning views of the Cusco valley below as we climb higher.
We reach the highest point of our trek at the mystical Lake Qoricocha, a stunning turquoise alpine lake surrounded by dramatic peaks. This sacred lake was revered by the Incas. We take a break here to enjoy the panoramic views and a snack before continuing.
From the lake, we begin a scenic descent along ancient Inca trails, passing through traditional Andean communities and enjoying spectacular views of the Sacred Valley unfolding below us.
We arrive at the magnificent Huchuy Qosqo ("Little Cusco"), an impressive Inca administrative center featuring remarkably preserved multi-story buildings, agricultural terraces, and ceremonial areas. Your guide will provide a comprehensive tour of this rarely-visited site.
After exploring the ruins, we continue our descent through eucalyptus forests and traditional villages, eventually reaching the Sacred Valley floor at the town of Lamay (2,950m).
We set up camp near Lamay in the Sacred Valley. Enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by our chef while reflecting on an incredible first day of trekking. Rest well in preparation for tomorrow's journey to Machu Picchu.
Wake up to a hearty breakfast in the Sacred Valley with stunning mountain views. Our team will pack up the campsite while you enjoy your morning meal and prepare for the day ahead.
We drive through the beautiful Sacred Valley to the charming town of Ollantaytambo, one of the last living Inca towns. You'll have time to explore the impressive fortress and temple complex, including the famous Sun Temple with its massive stone walls.
Enjoy a guided tour of this fascinating Inca site with its impressive terraces, ceremonial fountains, and the Temple of the Sun. Wander through the narrow cobblestone streets of the town below, which maintains its original Inca urban layout.
Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant in Ollantaytambo, sampling traditional Peruvian cuisine while relaxing before the scenic train journey ahead.
Board the spectacular train that winds through the Urubamba River canyon, passing through dramatic landscapes as we descend into the cloud forest. The journey offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, lush vegetation, and the rushing river below.
Arrive in the charming town of Aguas Calientes, gateway to Machu Picchu. Check into your comfortable hotel and freshen up after the journey.
Enjoy dinner in town and receive a briefing about tomorrow's early morning visit to Machu Picchu. Your guide will explain the logistics and what to expect at the legendary citadel. Get a good night's rest for the exciting day ahead!
Start your day with an early breakfast at your hotel, fueling up for the amazing experience ahead at Machu Picchu.
Take the bus from Aguas Calientes up the winding road to Machu Picchu. The 25-minute journey climbs 400 meters through the cloud forest, building anticipation for your first glimpse of the citadel.
Enter the legendary citadel and begin your comprehensive guided tour. Your expert guide will lead you through the main temples, royal quarters, agricultural terraces, and sacred spaces, explaining the history, architecture, and mysteries of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After the guided tour, enjoy free time to explore at your own pace, take photographs, and soak in the magical atmosphere of this wonder of the world. Wander through the terraces and imagine life in this ancient Inca city.
Take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes. You'll have time for a final lunch in town and perhaps browse the local artisan markets for souvenirs.
Board the train for the scenic return journey through the Urubamba Valley to Ollantaytambo. Relax and enjoy the stunning landscapes one more time.
Our private transport awaits in Ollantaytambo for the scenic drive back to Cusco through the Sacred Valley.
We drop you off at your hotel in Cusco, concluding an unforgettable 3-day adventure through ancient Inca sites and the stunning Andean landscapes. You'll return with incredible memories of Huchuy Qosqo and Machu Picchu!
This trek is classified as Moderate. While it involves hiking at high altitude (up to 4,050m at Lake Qoricocha), the distances are manageable. Day 1 is the most challenging with about 5-6 hours of trekking including the ascent to the lake and descent to Lamay. Days 2 and 3 involve less hiking. Good physical fitness and some prior hiking experience are recommended, but this trek is suitable for most active travelers.
Huchuy Qosqo means "Little Cusco" in Quechua and was an important Inca administrative center and royal estate. The site features remarkably preserved multi-story buildings (unusual for Inca architecture), agricultural terraces, and ceremonial areas overlooking the Sacred Valley. Unlike crowded tourist sites, Huchuy Qosqo receives very few visitors, offering an authentic and intimate experience of Inca history.
The main trekking occurs on Day 1, covering approximately 14-16 kilometers from Tambomachay to Lamay via Lake Qoricocha and Huchuy Qosqo. Days 2 and 3 involve primarily transportation with walking only at the archaeological sites. The total elevation gain on Day 1 is about 350 meters (to the lake), followed by a descent of about 1,100 meters to Lamay.
This trek features 1 night camping in the Sacred Valley near Lamay in quality 4-season tents with comfortable sleeping mats, followed by 1 night in a hotel in Aguas Calientes. The combination gives you both an authentic camping experience and hotel comfort before your Machu Picchu visit. You can rent a sleeping bag or bring your own for the camping night.
The trek includes 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners. Our chef prepares fresh, nutritious meals during the camping night, and meals at restaurants are included in Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available with advance notice. Breakfast on Day 1 before pickup is not included.
You only need to carry a daypack (20-30 liters) with your daily essentials: water, snacks, camera, rain gear, warm layer, and personal items. Our horses transport all camping gear, cooking equipment, and your main luggage. Each participant receives a duffel bag allowance of up to 7kg for the horses to carry.
Yes, we strongly recommend it. Arrive in Cusco at least 2-3 days before your trek to acclimatize to the altitude (3,400m). The trek reaches 4,050m at Lake Qoricocha, so being well-acclimatized is important. Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and take it easy before the trek. Consider visiting the Sacred Valley first as a gentler introduction to altitude.
The standard package includes the Expedition train (formerly Vistadome Basic) from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and back. This is a comfortable train with large windows to enjoy the scenery. You can upgrade to the Vistadome train for an additional $50, which offers panoramic windows, onboard entertainment, and a more luxurious experience.
You'll have approximately 4-5 hours at Machu Picchu, including a comprehensive 2-hour guided tour followed by free time to explore independently. This gives you ample opportunity to visit all the main areas, take photos, and absorb the incredible atmosphere of this wonder of the world. Entry time is typically early morning for the best experience.
These optional hikes are not included in the standard package but can be added for an additional fee (subject to availability). Huayna Picchu and Machu Picchu Mountain tickets are limited and sell out months in advance. If you're interested, please let us know when booking so we can check availability and add it to your package.
Our shared group departures have a maximum of 12 participants to ensure a quality experience and personal attention from guides. Small groups allow for better interaction, more flexibility on the trail, and a more intimate experience at the archaeological sites. Private tours can be arranged for any group size with customized services.
This is a summary of our key terms. For complete details and full legal terms, please review our complete Terms and Conditions document.
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