Huchuy Qosqo Trek to Machu Picchu: The Hidden Gem (2 Days)

We will pick you up at your hotel/hostel at 5:00AM and drive to the small Village of Tauca (3750m), where your trek starts. The beginning of your trek will be on level terrain and the landscape will be that of typical Andean valleys rich in corn, potatoes, barley, quinoa, and other Andean tubers. As you ascend towards the Huchuy Qosqo pass at 4050m, the landscape begins to change dramatically to that classic of high Andean savannah or Puna, with scant vegetation, mainly “ichu” or high altitude grass. The views of the Cordillera Vilcabamba peaks are spectacular: Veronica, Pitusiray, Chicon, and the San Juan snow peaks can be seen. Soon after the pass you will start your descent toward the Huchuy Qosqo plains, hiking along a path that leads to the Ccauca ravine, where you will be able to see archaeological remains and wild crops, such as tarwi, and a large quantity of cacti. You will walk downhill towards the Leon Punku ravine, where you will find remains of an Inca bridge and trail. This canyon boasts impressive geological formations surrounded by majestic rocks and boulders that direct the river to Huchuy Qosqo at 3650 m. Huchuy Qosqo (“Little Cusco”) is a noteworthy Inca complex. It boasts very fine stonework in a large Kallanka (rectangular hall), as well as some residential and defensive quarters and interesting two-story buildings in stone and adobe. Huchuy Qosqo is located on a plateau, surrounded by Inca agricultural terracing and commanding superb views of the Vilcabamba range. Afterwards, you’ll go downhill to Lamay at 2900m where we’ll be transferred to Ollantaytambo. From there you catch our train to Aguas Calientes. Overnight in hotel.

Around 4:00 AM you will get ready to go to the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, taking one of the first buses to be able to get very early to the gate. After registering in the control center of the park at 6:00 AM we will be able to see the sunrise if the weather is nice, then continue the visit within the Inca citadel together with our professional guides who will share with us their knowledge for two hours. After this tour, the guide will then leave the group and there will be free time to visit and walk inside the citadel, or to climb the mountain (Machu Picchu – best viewpoint to the citadel & highest peak in Machu Picchu). Once you are done, you will go down to Aguas Calientes.

You will take the train from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo where you will be met by the driver who will guide you to the vehicle that will transport you to the city of Cusco, reaching the end of our services. (The drop-off will be at your hotel/hostel).