3 Days
Daily Tour
9 people
English, Espanol, Francais
Huchuy Qosqo, an Incan archaeological site located approximately 50 km north of Cusco, Peru, sits at an altitude of 3,600 meters, overlooking the town of Lamay in the district of Calca, within the renowned Sacred Valley of the Incas, where the Vilcanota River flows. This mysterious site, known in the early 20th century by the name “Huchuy Qosqo,” was originally called “Kakya Qawani.”
The site’s history is steeped in the lore of the Inca civilization. According to 16th-century chronicler Pedro Cieza de León, the Incan palaces and kallancas (large halls used for rest) found here were constructed by Inca Wiracocha, the eighth ruler of the Inca Empire and father of the famous Inca Pachacutec. Among the numerous structures, a 40-meter-long kallanka stands out, built from a combination of stone and adobe. The site’s intricate irrigation system, a channel constructed by the Incas and filled with stones, stretches approximately 800 meters.
The Huchuy Qosqo Tour kicks off with a 6:00 AM pick-up from your hotel in Cusco. From there, you’ll embark on a brief 30-minute drive in private transport to the trailhead at the archaeological site of Tambomachay, situated at an altitude of 3,700 meters (12,138 feet). Your morning hike will take you through the rugged Andean grasslands, where you’ll gradually ascend 300 meters to reach the Soccllaccasa Pass at 4,020 meters (13,186 feet). Continuing along the trail, you’ll explore the archaeological remains nestled in the Cauca Ravine, a region known for its wild crops, including tarwi and cochineal, as well as a variety of cacti. As you climb higher, you’ll arrive at the Queullococha Pass, standing at 4,185 meters (13,727 feet), where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the towering snow-capped peaks of Veronica, Pitusiray, and Chicon. Lunch will be enjoyed beside the tranquil Queullococha Lagoon, where you might encounter the Huallata, a local Andean bird, along with families of native ducks and small freshwater fish. After a refreshing break, your guide will lead you to the Challu Challu Pass, at 4,220 meters (13,842 feet), offering panoramic views of the Chinchero plains and the lagoons of Piuray and Qoricocha. The day’s final ascent will take you to the Rumicruz Pass, the highest point of the trek at 4,230 meters (13,874 feet). From here, you’ll descend along an ancient Inca Trail that leads to an Incan quarry, where stones were once extracted for the construction of the Huchuy Qosqo archaeological site. The trail then takes you down 200 meters in elevation to the community of Pucamarca, at 4,010 meters (13,153 feet). Arriving by late afternoon, you’ll set up camp, enjoy a hearty dinner, and drift off to sleep beneath the starlit Andean sky.
After a hearty breakfast, you’ll leave camp at 7:00 AM to begin your journey to Huchuy Qosqo. The day starts with a descent along an ancient Incan trail leading into the Leon Punku Ravine, a canyon rich in history. This area features impressive geological formations and the remnants of an old Incan bridge and footpath. The ravine is flanked by majestic rocks and boulders, which channel the river towards Huchuy Qosqo. Huchuy Qosqo is perched at an altitude of 3,650 meters (11,975 feet) on a fertile agricultural plateau surrounded by stepped terraces. This Incan archaeological site is renowned for its imposing architecture, including a large open ceremonial center. From this vantage point, you’ll be treated to sweeping panoramic views of the Sacred Valley and the Vilcanota River flowing below. Your guide will immerse you in the rich history of the site, allowing you to explore key features like the King’s palace, the temple of water, and ceremonial altars before continuing with the trek. For the next two hours, you’ll descend the mountain trail until you reach the quaint community of Tauca, situated at 3,762 meters (12,343 feet). Here, you’ll pause for lunch before taking private transport to the Ollantaytambo train station. From there, you’ll board a train for a 1 hour 45-minute journey to Aguas Calientes, the gateway to Machu Picchu. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning views of snow-capped mountains, ancient Incan farming terraces, and more remarkable Incan ruins. Upon arrival, your guide will be waiting to escort you to your hotel in Aguas Calientes, the town nestled at the base of Machu Picchu.
After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, your personal guide will meet you at the reception and escort you to the bus station. From there, you'll board the tourist bus for a 30-minute scenic ride up the mountainside to the entrance of the Machu Picchu Inca citadel. Once you arrive, you’ll embark on a 3-hour guided tour of Machu Picchu. Your guide will lead you through the rich history of the Incan city, showcasing iconic sites such as the Temple of the Sun, the central plaza, and the stepped terraces. You'll also have ample opportunity to capture stunning bucket-list photos from the panoramic viewpoint of Machu Picchu. After the guided portion, you’ll have some time to independently explore the sanctuary and delve into its mysteries before taking the bus back down the mountain. Upon returning to Aguas Calientes, you’ll have the option to enjoy lunch at one of the town's many restaurants (this is an optional extra). Afterward, you'll board the train back to Ollantaytambo, where you’ll be met by your guide and private transport for the 2-hour drive back to Cusco. You are expected to arrive in Cusco around 6:30 PM.
The tour includes hotel pick-up in Cusco, private transport to Tambomachay and from Tauca to Ollantaytambo, a bilingual guide, entrance tickets to Huchuy Qosqo and Machu Picchu, meals (2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 2 dinners) with vegetarian/vegan options available, camping equipment (3-person tents, dining and cooking tents with tables and chairs), muleteers and horses for carrying equipment and supplies, round-trip train tickets from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes, round-trip bus tickets from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu, a one-night hotel stay in Aguas Calientes with private bathroom, Wi-Fi, TV, and buffet breakfast, and an oxygen bottle and first aid kit for safety.
You should bring comfortable hiking clothes and sturdy boots, a sleeping bag (available for rent in Cusco if needed), a waterproof jacket, layers for varying weather conditions, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses for sun protection, personal toiletries, a small daypack for personal items, a camera, and trekking poles (available for rent in Cusco).
Additional costs include optional tips for the tour staff, meals in Aguas Calientes (optional extra), and the Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain hike, which costs $35 USD per person and involves an extra 2 hours of hiking, resulting in a later train return to Cusco.
The trek involves challenging terrain with significant altitude changes and is recommended for individuals with a moderate level of fitness. Daily hikes include ascents and descents at high altitudes.
The weather can vary greatly, with warm days and cold nights. It is advisable to prepare for all conditions, including rain and sunshine. Layered clothing and a waterproof jacket are essential.
There is no strict age limit, but the trek is best suited for individuals who are in good health and able to handle strenuous physical activity. Children and older adults should consult with a doctor before participating.
Yes, you can rent sleeping bags, trekking poles, and other necessary gear in Cusco. It is recommended to arrange these rentals in advance to ensure availability.
Reservations can be made through our website or by contacting us directly via email or phone. It is advisable to book as early as possible to secure your preferred dates and ensure availability.
Cancellation and change policies vary. Please refer to our terms and conditions or contact us directly for information on cancellation fees and rescheduling options.
The best time to undertake the Huchuy Qosqo and Machu Picchu trek is during the dry season, which runs from May to September. This period offers the most stable weather and clear views of the stunning landscapes.
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