Huchuy Qosqo to Machu Picchu Tour 2026
Huchuy Qosqo to Machu Picchu Tour 2026
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Distance: 66 km / 41 miles
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Duration: 2 days 1 night
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Departure: From Cusco
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Destination: Machu Picchu
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Considered: Moderate
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Type: Adventure – Cultural – Hiking
Huchuy Qosqo's archaeological zone seen from above.[/caption]
If you have limited time for other journeys in Cusco due to time constraints, we provide a convenient two-day option.
This is a great alternative where you travel for a full day without a crowd during your tour and easily appreciate the places and magic of Huchuy Qosqo. Tour Gallery
Tour Plan
DAY 1: CUSCO - HUCHUY QOSQO (SMALL QOSQO) - OLLANTAYTAMBO
For this tour, visitors will be heading to Patabamba's village by bus, we'll be beginning with the pick-ups very early (around 5:30 AM). After reaching the mentioned location, the hiking activity will begin at an altitude of 12.500 ft, so we expect and recommend for the ones interested in this tour to go by the typical aclimation process since this tour goes through the Mountain range that separates Cusco from the Sacred Valley on an uphill walk.
Our next stop to rest will be at the village of Sihuas. After passing through this village we will hike up for about an hour to a pass which is at 13,350 feet. We will descend for about 20 minutes until we reach one of the numerous paths that conform the Qhapaq Ñan or Inca Trail.
We follow this path into a small canyon with a rushing stream at the bottom. Here we will start seeing Inca architecture and terraces as well as a large Inca gate.
We will continue through the canyon until we reach a lookout point of the Sacred Valley below. We will follow this path around the mountain and the see the first impressive terraces of Huchuy Qosqo.
We then pass through the Inca entrance gate and will arrive at the ruins of Huchuy Qosqo where the altitude is 3,865 meters (12,680 feet). We will find a place to rest and eat our box lunches, talking about this site that was used as a refuge for the Inca king when his enemy was attacking Cuzco followed by a photo session as a souvenir for this experience while exploring Cuzco.
Right in fron of the archaeological complex, visitors are able to appreciate the village of Lamay in the Sacred Valley. The road from here goes by a mountain's descent, it will take us a bit more than one hour and a half to reach Lamay, which is close to the main road of the region. A bus will pick us up from this point to continue to Ollantaytambo's town, the last Inca urbanization complex that is still inhabited to this day at the feet of the archaeological complex that shares the name with this town.
Dinner will be served here and we'll get to spend a night in this magic location, so you'll be able to explore the surroundings a bit more before heading to Machu Picchu on the following day.
- A choice hotel in the Sacred Valley.
- Meals Included: Box Lunch/Dinner.
DAY 2: OLLANTAYTAMBO - AGUAS CALIENTES - MACHU PICCHU
After breakfast at your hotel, we will go to the train station to catch the train to Aguas Calientes 2000 meters (6561.68 feets). Visit Machu Picchu, South America’s most iconic attraction. Located at the top of a steep, forested hill overlooking the Urubamba River,
Machu Picchu was hidden by thick cloud forest vegetation for centuries until the American explorer Hiram Bingham began to clear the site after its rediscovery in 1911.
Today the city has been extensively restored, creating an unforgettable sight for visitors like you who arrive from all over the world. At afternoon, we'll board our train back to Ollantaytambo or Poroy Train Station and bus ride to Cusco.
- Meals Included: Breakfast
Important Information:
- Please note that it is not possible to climb Huayna Picchu Mountain or Machu Picchu Mountain with this tour since these mountains can only be climbed in the morning and on this tour we visit Machu Picchu in the afternoon. If you would like to climb one of these mountains, we recommend our 2-Day Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu Package.
- Vistadome or upgrade Train: Our price includes a ticket from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes and a return train ticket from Aguas Calientes to Ollantaytambo in the Expedition train. However, if you would like to upgrade your return train from Aguas Calientes to Cusco to the Vistadome train or have and upgrade the price is an additional $50 USD per person. Contact us
What's Included
- Professionally guided tour
- 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch (Lunch box) and 1 Dinner
- Trip from Ollantaytambo and to return
- Shuttle bus to return to Cusco
Not Included
- Meals, unless expressly states
- Personal expenses
- Services not specifically stated in the itinerary
Travel Info
Destination:
- Destination: Peru
- Style: Alternative Trek
- Theme: Adventure
- Code: SCTM
- Physical level: Standard
- Recommended Age: Min 10
- Group size: Min 2, Max 8
Why would you like to choose this Trip?
- This machu picchu 2 day tour is great for those who are short on time but still want to do some hiking before or after Machu Picchu, and also is especially good for older couples or families with children.
- Travelers looking for a short, challenging hike in a remote area of Cusco Province.
- Take your time to Photograph the spectacular scenery of the Sacred Valley and surrounding peaks.
Is this Trip exactly for me?
- It is perfect for everyone, special for kind of people who likes to know more about Incas culture and visit the Inca Palaces.
- Spend your holidays through 2 day machu picchu tour from cusco to know one of the 7 Wonder of the World
How many days to spend in cusco for acclimatization?
Remember altitude sickness it doesn’t have to be a problem, with couple of days acclimatization you should be ok. Ask for Hotels located at the Sacred Valley to acclimatize quick.
What to Bring:
- Original passport.
- Water.
- A small day backpack to carry your personal belongings.
- Trekking shoes or light hiking boots.
- Comfortable clothes.
- Rain gear.
- Camera.
- Money to buy souvenirs, tips and meals.
- Insect repellent.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs
Q: How difficult is the Huchuy Qosqo trail?
A: It's challenging to provide a definitive answer, but if you are reasonably fit, the trek is moderate and not overly demanding. Most routes are designed for you to walk a comfortable distance each day, ensuring you have enough energy for the next stretch. Acclimatizing to the altitude is very important.
Q: Is it possible to request vegetarian, vegan, or special dietary meals?
A: We provide both standard and vegetarian meal options. Simply inform us of your preference for vegetarian meals when making your hiking reservation.
Q: Is a permit necessary for Huchuy Qosqo?
A: Unlike the Inca Trail, Huchuy Qosqo doesn't demand permits. However, advance booking is crucial due to the limited availability of train tickets and entry to Machu Picchu.
Q: How many days will I need to acclimate to the altitude before Huchuy Qosqo?
A: It's crucial to be well acclimated before embarking on a hike. That's why we require everyone to be in Cusco for a minimum of 1 day before regular hikes like the Inca Trail and Inca Jungle, including Huchuy Qosqo.
