Huchuy Qosqo & Inca Trail 4 Days 3 Nights

Pick-up from your hotel at 6:00 am, private transfer to the Tambomachay archaeological site. The hike begins here and continues through high-altitude puna landscapes and over the Sicllaccasa Pass (4020 m/13,186 ft). We hike along an Inca trail leading to the Ccauca ravine, where we encounter archaeological remains and wild crops such as tarwi and a variety of cacti. We continue to the Queullococha Pass (4185 m/13,727 ft), circling the area with spectacular views of the snow-capped peaks of Verónica, Pitusiray, and Chicón. We hike past Lake Queullococha, where we may see Andean geese, ducks, and small fish, before ascending to the Challu Challu Pass (4220 m/13,842 ft). From this point, we observe the Chinchero plains and the Piuray and Qoricocha lagoons. Then we ascend to the fourth pass at Rumicruz (4230 m/13,874 ft). Afterward, we make our way to the Inca quarry (4220 m/13,842 ft), the site from which the stones were extracted to build Huchuy Qosqo. We descend to the Pumamarca canyon (4010 m/13,153 ft), where we will arrive in the afternoon. Here we will have dinner and camp for the night.

After breakfast, we depart at 7:00 am from our campsite to continue towards Huchuy Qosqo. We hike downhill to the León Punku canyon, where we find the remains of an Inca bridge and trails. This canyon features geological formations surrounded by rocks that channel the river towards Huchuy Qosqo (3,600 m/11,808 ft). Huchuy Qosqo is an Inca archaeological complex with architecture that includes a ceremonial center, from where we will have a panoramic view of the Sacred Valley and the Vilcanota River. After an explanation, we begin a two-hour hike to Taucca, where we will have lunch. From there, we take our private transport to the Inca town of Ollantaytambo, where we will spend the night.

Hotel night in Ollantaytambo.

At 7:00 am we will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the train station in Ollantaytambo, a journey of approximately one hour. During the trip, you will be able to see the Sacred Valley of the Incas, farmlands, and snow-capped mountains. In Ollantaytambo, we will board the train that will take you to kilometer 104; the journey is approximately one hour.

It is here at kilometer 104 (2200 m/7217 ft) that we will begin the Short Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. We will cross the bridge over the Urubamba River, also known as Willkamayuc, which, translated from Quechua, means Sacred River, a river of great importance to the Inca. Upon reaching the checkpoint, you must show your identification documents: passport, foreign resident card, or national identity document. A 15-minute walk away is the archaeological site of Chachabamba, hidden in the semi-tropical forest. After visiting it, we will begin our ascent along a series of steps to reach the next site. Along the way, we will observe the Sacred Valley, waterfalls, and various types of orchids native to the semi-tropical forest. After a 3-hour hike, we will arrive at Wiñay Wayna (2650 m/8694 ft), a perfect example of Inca agriculture. A large number of circular terraces lie along its slopes, where the Incas cultivated various crops. The name Wiñay Wayna comes from a beautiful orchid that grows abundantly in the area and means “Eternally Young” in Spanish. The site has more than 20 buildings. The visit will last approximately 1 hour; afterwards, we will enjoy a boxed lunch to replenish our energy before continuing to the Wiñay Wayna checkpoint.

In this second part of the tour, we’ll hike for two hours across Andean plains, over stone staircases, and past tambos (“resting places”) until we reach Inti Punku – the Sun Gate (2720 m/8923 ft), which in Inca times served as the entrance to the citadel of Machu Picchu. From here, you’ll have a breathtaking panoramic view of Machu Picchu and the entire surrounding valley. We’ll then descend for approximately 30 minutes to the wonder of the world, Machu Picchu (2490 m/8169 ft), and finally take the bus to Aguas Calientes – Machu Picchu Pueblo (2160 m/7086 ft); the ride takes 25 minutes. We’ll spend the night in a hotel here. If you’re not too tired, you have the option of visiting the hot springs located 10 minutes from town; the cost is 10 soles. For those who enjoy dancing or having drinks at a bar, we’d like to inform you that Aguas Calientes has a wide variety of bars and restaurants, including an ATM should you wish to withdraw cash. We also have à la carte dining available at a restaurant in town.

Hotel night in the town of Aguas Calientes.

Today we will begin our tour to Machu Picchu very early. After breakfast, we will head to the bus station for a 30-minute ride to the Citadel of Machu Picchu. We will then have a 2-hour guided tour to explore the most important sites of Machu Picchu according to the chosen circuit. (The optional climb to Huayna Picchu mountain costs an additional $70 USD per person.)

At the appropriate time, we will descend from Machu Picchu to Aguas Calientes, where you can have lunch at one of the many restaurants in town. In the afternoon, we will take the train back to Cusco (please arrive at the station 30 minutes before departure). Upon arrival at the Ollantaytambo train station, a representative from our company will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in Cusco (a 1 hour and 30 minute drive).

End of services.